The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-05-26

have declared health is best preserved by al
ways rising from the table with an appetite,
] was never in fairer way to secure its
blessings than when enjoying the genteel in
suilicioncy of Mrs. Jones' hospitality.
About month after my arrival CONVEX
sation turned, at the dinner table, upon a
concert which was to be given the same
evening by Signora Fallalini have a poor
memory for Italian names, but this is the
name, to the best of my recollection.
81 wish I could go, ma," said the fair
Sophronia.
"So you could, my DEAR replied Mrs.
Jones, "if you had gentleman protec-
| tor"
Thereupon she began to disclaim against
the customs of society which preclude a
lady's attending place of amusement with
out gentleman, lamenting that Sophronia
had on this account been more than once de-
barred from gratifying her exquisite taste in
| music
OF course could not in politeness refrain
| from offering my escort, although | should
thereby be prevented from attending the
weekly meeting of the club of which was
a member.
Sophronia was in great confusion, and she
could not think of troubling me.
/ began to hope that she would not, but
the mother quickly silenced scruples by say
that she was a silly girl, (thirty-fve if shes
a day. and that she must not think of re-
fusng.
Sophronia made no further objections, and
[ had the pleasure of paying high price
for 4 couple Of tickets.
| Nature not having bestowed on me a
musical ear, | could enter but indinerenty
into the rapture of my companion, who pro-
nounced Signora Falfalini's singing divine,
although she considered her quite devoid of
personal attractions. The Signora being
built after the same model as Sophronia, |
quite agreed with her in this bit of criti-
cism.
'Do you know, ," "simpcrcd my companion,
conidingly, 81 have myself thought at times
that was designed by nature for Il prima
donna, or an opera singer, like Signora Fal-
falini?'
"rhen why do you not become one?" l
enquired.
because ma had such an objection to
anything of n public character. She felt
that | should be demeaned by so doing, and
advised me to content myself with con.
tributing to the qualification of my friend,
at home. You have never heard me sing !
think"
had, at times, heard shrll voice, in
a very high key, as sat in my room, which
had struck me as far from agreeable. !
thought it best, however, without mention
ing this, to utter a simple negative.
"You must not expect much," continued
Sophronia; "my voice is rough and unculti-
waited. Ma is always telling me that ought
to devote more attention to it; but | can
never sing except when inspiration seizes me.
fyou will come in tomorrow evening will
sing to you, if you would like"
Iexpressed my thanks for this dsinterested
kindness, and, as the concert was finished,
proceeded to escort the lady home.
As we were making our way through the
crowd it CHANGED that some one accidentally
or otherwise, jostled my companion.
She Immediately seized my arm con-
vulsvely and informed me that she had been
insulted.
"Who did it?" stammered /, for / con-
tess my courage is not of the highest
order
In reply Sophronia pointed out a small
man with fierce moustache, who was stand
ing at a little distance.
Mentally deciding that it might not be
prudent to have an alteration with such a
person, FASTENED to assure my companion
that it might have been an accident,
"No," said she, very decidedly. It was
not an accident. 1t was intentional. | wish
you to demand an apology in my name"
Don't you think it would be better" said
Lin great embarrassment, ito treat him with
silent contempt ?"
SOphronia was by no means of this opin-
ion. Accordingly | approached the gentle.
man, who appeared still more formidable on
Il nearer view, and asked, in what was in
tended to be n resolute tone, "What he
meant by insulting the lady under my
charger"
"Sir-r-rW he calculated, wheeling sharply
around.
repeated my request in fainter tone,
and suggested that trusted il was acciden-
tai on his part,
Sticking his moustache very fercely, he
informed me that he had no explanation to
make that if wished to hear from him at
any time, | should have an opportunity, and
forthwith presented his card. Without stop
ping to look at it, l skunk away in the crowd
and soon reached home.
My companion intimated that she sup
posed | should seek satisfaction in the usual
way.
said something indistinctly- | am not
sure exactly what-and very thankfully
took leave of the fair Sophronia in the
] entry