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

hnty HhS hhtButs
Marry her? Not for the world!
There was time when | might have
done 40. but never now!
You know, presume, the circum-
stances under which she appeared before
the public-that such life Is rcpugnant
to her. Her father failed and suddenly
died; her mother was
Yes, yes, know repeated his COM
panion, impatcntly. Let US go from
here
Just then came so clear, heavily. mu-
sical a strain, that the fault finder pau
sed. At the close, magnificent bou-
quet, amid whose bright colors could be
seen the flashing links Of some costly
Gift. either bracelet or Ornecklace, fell at
her feet. The man who had Just spo-
ken, turned his gaz1 towards one of the
boxes, where sat young man exceed
ingly fragile In appearance, but preeml-
ncntly handsome.
A title and great beauty hardly COM
pensated for a permanent deformity.
The young Count was deformed in one
of his limbs he Nas lame. He was the
soul ofhonor, and loved the sweet En-
glish singer, whose beautiful strains and
pale intellectual face had charmed all
the lookers.on in Venice.
1t was in that fair city that Florence
Lonnon had soiourned for some months
past. The beginning OF her career as
singer had dated only the year previous.
when, discouraged and heart sick, she
knew not which way to turn in order TO
support her invalid mother.
One day she dressed herself. took a
roll of music in her hand, and wended
her way TO one of the masters of sweet
sounds. The professor was at home.
He rose as Florence threw aside her vail,
charmed with her sweet face.
want you to hear me sing; l want
you to pass judgement on my voice.
was all she said.
The professor smiled, bowed with
tautless grace, and led the way to his
grand piano. He was amused with her
navivete, and prepared to hear murder
done to music. How was he enchanted,
when, smoothing out difficult oria, she
ran through the prelude with light fin
gers. and then IN sweet entranclng clear
ness. q most musical volume OF sound
rolled out.
Upon my'honor, you astonlsh me,
madame, he said. You need but lit
tie instruction. But you had motive
for calling upon me-
Yes, sir said Florence, as calmly
as she had played and sung. My father
is dead, my mother sich, my sisters are
Younger than myself, and want educa-
ting. In a word, can supply the place
that death left yacant?'
You have glorious voice, but what
| is that without interest.'
He stood and mused a moment, then,
going towards a pile Of music, he selec~
ted several gems, aud, sitting himself
down to the piano, wished her TO sing
them. She triumphed.
Admirable most admirable, young
miss. Will..you pat yourself under my
training for one month";
Gladly, sir. What are your terms'
You shall know at the end of that
time. They will be reasonable ] assure
you.'
MY first trial tonight, mother. How
do | look:'
oh. Florence, so beautiful cried
Kate, girl Of fifteen. 1t seems like
old times to see you dressed in that
manner
L might show you an empty PURSE
said Florance gravely.
'Oh' you'll it before long! l predict
for you q splendid fortune. Mother and
were talking about IL to-day, and al
though she laughed at my wild notions,
they pleased her. I said you would
travel with her and with me; We could
leave sis with Aunt Mary, you know.
You are to go abroad. count is to fall
in love With you and what lady you'll
be =
Have you forgotten Willis, Kitty?
asked Florance, blushing little.
You know never liked HIM y
exclaimed Kate. And | know he won't
speak to us when he finds out you sing
in public.
Florence sighed. The implied doubt
made her sigh, though she could not be-
leye il of HIM. who had won her young
heart, and she had chosen to believe
him all that mortal man could be.
WELL she said slowly, ii may be so;
and perhaps lfhe were here to counsel
me-
I'm glad he isn't said Kitty, halt
pettishly.'
4 alrays wanted you to sing in pub
lie, when you used 10 call forth so much
admiration among papa's friends
Thank you, my dear sister. haye
in you, one ardent friend and admircr,
at least. III succeed IN winning the
golden opinions o.
That countv exclaimed Kitty.
Nonsense, Kitty; / wouldn't look at
a count
Nor |, either, unless he was better
than other men, of course. The title
won't make bit of difference 10 you
but il will make an immense one to our