Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-07-09


tie hesitation. She was somewhat con-
fused by the novelty Of her situation.
They came in crowd. Distinguished
amateurs, judges Of music, editors,
everything. Florence did we'll. She
called up her self.command, and not in
vain. Every tody was enchanted with
her.
Il never thought should behold such
glory! cried Kate, bounding 10Th the
room where sat her mother aud sister.
1t was a pretty, tasteful apartment,
furnished with hangings Of a pale rose
color. Come and look at the western
SKY. Such gold and amber!
Can't just now, Kitty dear said
Florence. My headdress did not suit
me, and have taken it to pieces. |
will come with you in few moments
Kate bounded out on the balcony, then
blck again.
Oh, Flory, guess-guess whom I've
seen just nowv
Florence paused from her work; her
fingers trembled she gazed inquiringly
into the face other sister.
Frank Willis! He came IN beanLl-
full gondola, and got out at the hotel.
| didn't see his face, but it was he.
Does he know that nm here Has
he followed me ? thought Florence.
We'll, thank Heaven, we're rich now !;
almost as rich as we were before father
failed, are we not, FlOry,' Kitty won't
on.
Yes, dear
That night Frank Willis heard the
new prima donna, and when spoken to
10 regard 10 his previous intimacy in hor
family, he had declared, with the indig-
nant t0ne aud manner Of one who feels
himself in some way wronged, that he
once should have felt honored by Miss
lemons regard, but now he would not
marry her for worlds.
Florence saw him, and he little knew
that the great efforts put forth were in
consequence OF his presence.
With palpitating heart she entered
the anteroom during the first integmis-
sion. She felt certain that he would
hasten there to greet her.
A door opened. She started nervous.
ly; it was handsome Count ORWELL
Florence was disappointed; nor de-
meauor was constrained, though she
thanked him for his magnificent gilt
The Count was very polite, very sad.
The Signorita is not i'll, l hope he SAID,
anxiously, when the silence grew awk-
ward.
II beg pardon! | am not myself
to-night-at least, do not feel as we'll
as usual
The Signorits never sang more su-
perbly,' returned the Count,
She raised her eyes, and let them fall
again IN confusion. -,.
She had no time, however, 10 anaiyze
her feelings. The orchestra struck up.
The Count led her TO the door. He did
not presume-he did not even press her
hand.
Florence was conscious OF thiill OF
pity, as she felt the Uneven motion Of his
gait; but she was forced 10 admire him.
She looked around for Frank Willis.
He was not there-had not even paid
her the compliment OF listening TO the
close.
Il told you = cried little Kitty, radiant
in blnc silk aud pearls. Il knew how 1t
would be with that Frank Willis. l
overheard him say
Don't. don't!' cried Florence, iu
tones OF anguish.
why, Floiy, what have done' Did
you love him =
Never mind, Kitty; don't ask any
questions, DEAR
Aud Florence wiped her streaming
eyes, kissed her sister good night, and
quietly prepared for rest.
The next evening Florence appeared,
serene and gentle as ever, at a party
given by the English consul. She was
talking with the wife Of celebrated
author, when the latter smiled. bowed
aud beckoned saying, Come here I
want to introduce you.'
Frank Willis came forward. and with
much grace was presented TO the sweet
singer.
a counlrywoMan OF yours added
the lady.
Florence smiled quietly. Frank Willis
lost his usual Dmp0sure, As he replied
that they had met before aud striving
to place himself at ease, he offered his
arm to Florence for promenade.
Perhaps you would prefer not to
promenade with an opera>singer, said
Florence, sarclsm yelling her voice.
Il wish to be seated 9'l. .I'"
lie led her to chair, sgitated, trem.
bling from head to foot. He felt that he
had acted ungenerously, and consterns-
ton painted his features when he saw
Florence in intimate conversation with
Count Orwell. ..- ~. f.
"A match, they say said friend,
pointing them out. .al..am .'if
He watched the Count narrowly
Jealousy crept into his heart.
The old love had come back, asserting
It's power pre-eminently. That night
there was an offer made OF heart, hand,
aud fortune to Florence lennon. The