The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-08-01

W uAN uO you pAopN'oC " w Will yOu1
famous pupil?" asked her soft voice.
MADAME, Camilla is capable of doing
anything in musical way. She will be
songstress of whom this country will
be proud. All, here she ISL
"You have improved wonderfully, my
child" said the lady, holding
out her gloved hand. I came to bring
you Richards farewell. He leaves Lon
don tonight. and will remain abroad
many years. Here is gift as token Of
remembrance"
She did not understand that Mrs.
Clavering had placed a pretty necklace
OF coral in her hand, and then gathered
up her shawl and departed, but, when
her teacher spoke, she cried as if in NOR.
tai pain, and without word, flew down
the street towards home. As she turned
the corner she rushed pcll-mell into the
arms Of q gentleman, who. on seeing her
pale and fearful said, "Why, little Camilla !!
What is the matter2'
"Ob, Mr.. Clavering, you are going
away!'
Richard Clavering's fine face grew sad
and expressive, as the fearful eyes looked
into his own, and for the first time, he
comprehended that he was young man,
and that his protege was stealing from
childhood into beautiful girlhood, and
was an undeniable beauty
"Camilla, I am going away, but will
you wait for nv return2''
swat for you2 am not going to run
away
"You do not comprehend me. Well, it
is better so. Perhaps two years later you
may understand me. Good. bye, Camilla
Kiss me good bye"
1t was very quiet street, and so Ca
milla lifted her head and kissed him.
In all probability the child would have
kissed him in the main thoroughfare as
readily as there, and only mention the
fact Of the street being quiet one, to
silence the startled propriety Of those
who are shocked at the publicity oft.
Well, they are parted. He to go over
the sea, she to remain at home and i'm
prove the opportunities he had placed be-
fore her.
The great heart of the music-loving
public was aeitated with mingled emo
tons of joy, pride, establishment, and
awe. A new songstress had been c1iti-
cised, picked over piecemeal, ground
down to the finest point, dissectcd, exam
ined through the most perfect micro
scope, and pronounced perfect And
now the manager of first class fashion
patronized theater had engaged her for
az almost fabulous sum, as the world was
to hear her voice.
The light came. The theater was
crowded from pit to roof. The orchestra
pealed forth a grand overture, the ex-
pectant crowd filled the air with per
fume, and soft murmurs Of whispering
voices and rustling silks arose in sub
dued sound; and then the broad curtain
rolled up and displayed the elegantly
fitted stage.
Suddenly there was hush in the vast
building, and eyes grew bright with
eager anticipation as frcm the wing
came the debutante.
A tall, graceful girl, with cleaning
shoulders and white, perfectly shaped
arms; with crown of purple black hair
upon the regal head; with great eyes
scanning the crowd, and then with almost
childish shyness yelling themselves be-
meath the long lastes; mouth, soft,
en- der and beautiful, and cheek as fair
as the pure white satin of her sweep robe
and they had seen the long talked of and
highly praised beauty.
A roar like the rushing of distant
waters sounded in Ter cars, and then
swelled into thunder; and coming slow
~ down the splendor of the foot lights,
| er beautiful head erect, her eyes glow
ny with excitement, her beauty enhanced
by the elegance Of her costume, Camilla,
the poor little waif, the child of poor old
Paul Smith. the protegc Of the proud
Richard Clavering, received the homage
OF the assembled crowd.
When the reclamation had ceased, the
orchestra began soft symphony; and
then through the bui!did!. echoed the
clear, pure notes Of voice that sounded
tar away-a dreamy, mystic voice, full of
hope, Of doubt, Of pain. Nearer, still
nearer it sounded. and hope half drowned
the doubts, and yet p!aintivc sorrow
seemed to remain. It came near,
and the sorrow was half ex-
pectant, trembling glimpse of
something better; and then suddenly
the strange voice broke forth in trium-
phal strain; the listeners held their breath
as the wondrous notes rang out upon the
air and then died away.
| For a moment deadly silence rcigred
but it was for moment only; :hen the
building vlbrated with crash of enthu-
siasm that came from the music. erased
audience. Men rose in their seats ana
hundreds flung the floral tributes at her
feet.
In one Of the boxes, above the one
where the music master and manager sat
an old, odd-lookiDg man waved hi
handkerchief and cheered with grea
tears falling down his wrinkied checklist
and Camilla looked up to that one box,
and give him the only smile that crossed
her lips during the night.
But at last the curtain fell. and Ca
milla, weary and worn, went off to the
dressing-rcom. Some one stood in the
shadow of the 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
I been listening to my little girl all this
glorious EVENING" Speak to me am be-
wildered and blind"
Mr.. Clavering! When did you comes
oh, am SO glad,so happy" she exciaim-
ed.
care you glade Are you happy9 Oh,
is this my welcomed Have you waited
for me, my love, my darling?"
She put her hands over her eyes muir.
muring:
You do not mean your words. I am
dreaming! am mad!"
You are here wide awake, Camilla
and am asking you to love me and to
! be my WIFE"
She drew him away for brief momen,
and laid her bead within his arms. Then
she passed into her dressing.room, and
she put out her hand, saying,
"Oh, Richard, take me away. am
soul sick c. all this.'
"And you will only sing"
"ln your nest. Come, we must not for.
get Uncle Paul he ia waifiucr in tl,n hov