The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1876-06-28

Suddenly there was a hush in the
vast building, and eyes grew bright
with eager anticipation as from the
wing came the de6utante.
A tall, graceful girl, with cleaning
shoulders, and white, perfectly shaped
arms, with a crown of purple black
hair upon the regal head, with great
dark eyes scanning the crowd, and
then, with almost childish shyness,
yelling them beneath the long lashes
a mouth, soft, tender and beautiful,
and a cheek MS fair as the pure white
satin of her sweeping robe; and they
had seen the long talked of and high
ly praised beauty. ai
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 splen.
dor of the footlights, her beautiful
head erect, her eyes glowing with ex-
citement, her beauty enhanced by the
elegance of her costume, Camilla, the
poor little wait, the child of poor old
Paul Smith, the protege of proud Rich
ard Clavering, received the homage of
the assembled crowd.
When the acclamatious had ceased,
the orchestra began soft symphony,
and then through the building echoed
the clear, pure notes of voice that
sounded far away, dreamy, mystic
voice, full Of hope, of doubt, of pain.
Nearer, still nearer it sounded, and
hope. had drowned the doubts, but a
plaintive sorrow seemed to remain. 1t
came nearer, and the sorrow was
half-expectant, trembling glimpse of
something better; and then suddenly
the strange voice broke forth in tri-
umphal strain, and listeners held their
breath as the wondrous notes rang out
upon the air, and then died away.
For a moment deathly silence
reigned, but it was for a moment only,
and then the building vibratej With a
crash of enthusiasm that came from
the music-crazed audience. Men arose
in their seats, and hundreds flung their
floral tributes at her feet.
In one Of the boxes, above the one
where the music. master and manager
sat, and old, odd.looking man waved
his handkerchief and cheered, with
great tears falling down his wrinkled
cheeks; and Camilla looked up to
that one box, and gave him the only
smile that crossed her lips during the
night.
But at length the curtain fell, and
Camilla, weary and worn, went up to
the dressing Some one stood
in the shadow of q side-scene, and
when she asked permission to pass,
caught her by the hands and drew her
out into the light.
Camilla, little Camilla, is it you |?
Have / been listening to my little girl
all this glorious evening? Speak to
me. l am bewildered and blind"
"Mr. Clavering, when did you come?
Oh! / am SO glad, so very happy"
she exclaimed.
"Are you glad? Are you happy?
Oh is this my welcome? Have you
waited for me, my love, my darling?"
She put her hands over her eyes,
mourning.
"You do not mean your words! /
am dreaming / am mad !"
"You are here, wide awake, Camilla.
and l am asking you to love me, and
to be my wife"
She drew him away for brief mo-
ment, and laid her weary head within
his arms. Then she passed on to her
dressing-room, and when she returned,
she put out her hands, saying:
"Oh, Richard, take me away! I am
soul sick of. all this"
"And YOU will only sing
'In your nest. Come, we must not
forget Uncle Paul. He is waiting in
the box for me-"
The box was near at hand, and in a
moment they stood near the door. 1t
was ajar, and Richard pushed it open
to allow Camilla to enter, and saw the
old man sitting 10 one of the luxu-
rious chairs, his head lying back upon
the soft cushions, and his hands peace
fully folded.
"Uncle Paulp cried Camilla.
"Why, you naughty boy, you are fast
asleep! Come, it is time to go home.
Ahw
She started back with cry, for the
hand she touched was icy cold, and
fell back, stiff and helpless.
Camilla, darling, come away; l
will attend to him."
ooh, Richard %
"Hush, love; he is Beyond us now
Those strains Of music have carried
him to heaven, from whence they
oapna -