Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-11-23
Continued from first page. ]

amateur pianoforte players ! know, and
always consider it treat to hear her.
You used 10 be fond Of music; think
you'll like this
The piano stood at the opposite end OF
the room. While Hammond was speak
ing, a lady seated herself at it and began
playing. As Herder looked at her be
started so evidently that it did not escape
his companions notice. Was ii possible
that he knew that face and figure lhe
lady was middle aged, OF rather stnau
and slight figure. with face not resuist'
liz moulded. Int soft. refined and expires.
siye; brown hair. with a ripple IN u, aad
brown ewes The face had los, the g(se9d
ed curves of girlhood and all iha tvset
that once manfled in it: the eyes had
somewhat faded and there were NOT want
ing lines upon the. brow; huI surely
George could not be mistaken.
The light from a bracket above the pi-
ano fell upon the player and revealed her
face and figure in clear outline. she
played an arrangement of Irish melodies,
old and familiar airs all OF them. but so
delicately and alphabetically played that
the whole room was hushed to listen.
Conversation ceased for the time, and sew
eral of the card players from the adjoining
room, abandoning their game. came
toward and stood at the doors while the
music continued. 1t was evident that the
skill of the performer was well-known TO
many OF the company. llerder listened
with rapt ears The music was stirring
old memories in his heart, reviving them
with strange power. If anything had
been needed to confirm him in his recog-
milton of the performer, the music she had
happened 10 choose would have done so.
Were not some of these old airs once his
chief favorites, airs that used to haunt him
tor days together and that still came back
upon him now and then? The music
ceased murmur of applause went round
the room, and the performer rose and leif
the piano ,.,
That lady plays admirably, observed
Herder to his companion. with an effort to
appear calmer than he really felt.
'.Ah! l thought you would like her,
answered Hammond. 1.-The music is sim
pie enough but whatever Mrs. Valance
plays is played in way you don't often
meet with
"Vallance Are you sure that is the
name p asked George, and the ,lisap-
pointment in his voice was evident.
Perfectly" replied Hammond, little
surprised. Il know her very well. Why
do you doubt ftp
'.Oh, it's of no consequence; | suppose
was mistaken but it's very strange
The last part of Herder's. sentence was
spoken in an absent, half-musing way, as
though the speaker had grown suddenly
unconscious of his companions presence.
.sWhat is stranger" said Hammond.
You seem greatly interested in Mrs. Val
lance, George. What is the mystery?"
"Have you known Mrs. Valance long,
Fred?''
Yes; and have the pleasure Of know
ing her pretty intimately. There is some
what of little history connected with
her.
SIS there Would you mind telling it
TO me, if it is not private matter?'
Certainly, if You wish; it is no secret.
But we can't talk here. Let MS find Mrs.
Norcott, and make our adieus."
II can tell you what | know OF Mrs.
Valance began Hammond, when the
two men had reached their lodgings and
were again seated, each in an easy chair,
at the open window, for it was summer
time, "in a few sentences, for it is, after
all. simple enough story. When Mrs.
Valance was girl of twenty, she was
engaged at Plymouth, where she resided,
to young fellow a few years older than
herself. Unfortunately, however, he had
not the. wherewithal to keep wife. and,
with the hope of increasing his worldly
circumstances more rapidly Than he was
doing in England, he resolved to emigrate
to Australia. He was to return in shor
time and take the girl out with him. In
Australia he started sheep-farniing. be.
lieve hut his success was by no means so
rapid as he had hoped for.
CONTINUED TOMORROW.