Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1872-07-10

.peIQTe sAer. ,s.--s., "a
TIE great heart of the music loving
public was swayed with mingled joy
pride. astonishment and awe. A new
songstress had been criticised. pi ked
over piece meal ground Gown to the
finest point dissected, exclaimed through
the most perfect musical microscope, and
pronounced perfect ! And now the
manager of first class fashion patron
lied theatre had engaged her for. single
night at an almost fabulous sum, and the
world was to hear her voice
The night came. The theatre was
crowded from pit TO roof. The orches-
ira pealed forth grand overture, The
expectant crowd filed the air with per
fume and soft murmers of whispering
voices and rusiling silks arose in sub
dued sound and then the broad cur
tain rolled up and disclosed the elegant
ly fitted stage.
Suddenly there was crash in the
vast building, and eyes grew bright
with eager anticipation as from the
wing came the debutante
a tall. graceful girl, with cleaning
sho'.ld.rs. anil white. p-rf--tl v --h~ ped
arms with crown of purple black hair
upon the regal head witt, great. dark
eyes scanning the crowd, and then with
almost childish shyness yelling them
selves beneath the long lashes a mouth
soft. tender and beautiful, and a cheek as
fair as the pure white satin of her sweep
ing robe; and they had seen all the
talked Of and highly praised beauty.
a roar like the rushing of distant
waters sounded in her ears, and then
swelled into thunder of applause; and
coming slowly down in the splendor of
the foo,lights . her beautiful head erect,
her eyes glowing witn excitement. her
beauty enhanced by the elegance of
her costume, Camilla the poor little
waif the child Of poor old Paul Smith
the protcge of proud Richard Clavering
received the homage of the assembled
crowd
when the acclamaiions had ceased
the orchestra began soft symphony
and then through the building echoed
the Gear, pure notes of voice that
sounded far away, dreamy mystic
voice. full of hope. of doubt. of pain,
Nearer, still rearer it sounded, aud
hope half drowned The doubts but yet
a plaintive sorrow seemed to remain Ii
came nearer, and the ers0r was halt
expeciant trembling glimpse of some
thing better, and then suddenly the
straAge voice broke forth in triumphal
strain, and listeners held their breath as
the wonderou+ notes rang out upon the
air, and then died away.
For moment deathly silence reign
ed. but Il was for moment only and
tlen the building vibrate,i with crash
of enthusiasm that came from the music
crazrd audience. Men arose in their
seats, and hundreds flung their floral
tributes at her feet.
Ii one of the boxes, above the one
where the music master and manager
sat, an old. odd looking man waved his
handkerchief aud cheered. with great
tears fal ing down his wIinkled checks
and Camilla looked up to that one box,
and gave him The only smile that crossed
her lips during the night.
Bot Mt length the curtin fell and
Camilla, weary and worn, went on to
the dressing room. Some one stood III
the shadow of side scene, and when
she asked permission to pass. caught
her by the hands and drew her out Into
the light.
"Cauilla, little Camilla, is it you
Have been listening to my little CIR
all this glorious EVENING" Speak to me
| am bewildered and blind.
"hr. Clavering w en- did you come
Oh, am SO glad, SO happyr she ex
claimed. ....... ......
Are you glad Are You happy
Oh. is this my welcome Have you
waited for me, my love, my darling ?"
Size put her hands over her eyes
mourning
"You do not mean your words an
dreaming? IL am mad ?
You are here, wide awake, Camilla
and l am asking you to love ne. and Il
be my wife '
She drew him away for brief mo
ment and laid her weary head within
his arms. Then she passed on to he
dressing room, and when she put out he
hand saying, 'Oh, Richard, take M
away 4! am soul sick Of all this.
"And you will only sing
"In vour nest Come, we must no
forget Uncle Paul. lie is waiting ii
the box for mt"
The box was near at hand. and in
moment they stood at the door. 1t wa
aiar. and Richard pushed it open to ALLOW
Camilla to enter, and saw the old ma
sitting on one of the luxurious chairs
hi. head lying lack upon the cushions
and his hands peacefully folded.
"Uncle Paul 7" cried Camilla "Wh.