Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-12-23

81 thank you for your friendly interest in me
at all events. You are always very thought
full and very kind"
She spoke in softened voice, and Cyril
was more than ever enchanted Ly her lowell
ness, which seemed thus to assume a ne"
phase. Hitherto he had felt her beauty, in
spite of the impression it had made upon him
to be little cold. Now it seemed to warm
into life and freshness which it had lacked
She dropped her reserved air, and spoke more
frankly and freely than she had done yet
He listened, and was entrapced by the melo
dy Of her tones.
Tea being over, Lady Hungerford rose
from the table and rang the bell. "Now
we'll have some music" she said, leading the
way. into the next apartment. This was the
music.room-a long, lofty room, admirably
adapted to its purpose. Two pianos, an up.
right and a magnificent grand, stood at one
end. Near by was harp, and music of all
sorts was piled up in racks and on the
floor.
Lady Hepburn, have never heard you
sing; but can tell by your face that you
know how" said the hostess, opening the large
piano.
a." said Miriam, startled. II have not
sung for ten whole years"
"But you can, if you try"
II can not, indeed, Lady Hungerford. 1t
would be absolute folly for me to try"
"But you used to sing?" persisted her friend.
eyes, ages ago-wLen I was mere child"
"You play, then"
"Indeed no. I never did play puch only
my own accompaniment"
"Mr. Hope" said Lady Hungerford, ap.
pealing to Cyril, "can't you prevail upon this
obstinate lady to crafty us?'
81 am sure," stammered Cyril, embarrassed,
"if Lady Hepburn knew the pleasure it would
afford"
81 can not sing, indeed" interrupted Miriam
quickly, with an earnestness and decision that
put stop 70 farther pressing.
Lady Hungerford shrugged her shoulders,
with disappointed gesture.
"And she won't, she won't, and there's end on't,'
she quoted. "Well, Mr. Hope, my last re-
source lies in your good nature. Come, play
or sing-which do you do?'
"Neither, on my honor" replied Cyril,
smiling. Rather say your last resource lies
in your own powers. With all these instru.
ments at your command, you surely must be
mistress of one of them"
"In one sense, l am the mistress of them
ALL In another, am far from being the mis-
tress Of any. l sing, however-after a fash
ion; and, of course I'll give you specimen
of my capabilities if you desire it."
She drew the harp toward her, and stri
king few preliminary chords, commenced
an operate selection in rich, strong contral
to voice. The performance was good, but
lacked expression; her style was brilliant,
forcible, bat wholly without softness or sym.
pathy.
"Hos do you like that?" she inquired,
when she had finished.
ut is fine piece" replied Cyril, little
hestatimgly. Miriam said nothing.
"Peraaps,' continued Lady Hungerford,
being clergyman, you disapprove of ope.
ratio music"
by no MEANS" he quickly rejoined.
81 have something here that may please
you better" she remarked, selecting another
sheet of music from the stand. With touch
so delicate and sweet that it seemed to come
from another hand, she played simple air,
then commenced to sing plaintive old-fash-
Toned bsllad-a brief story, pathetically told,
of love and regret, and new, holy love
springing from the ashes of the old. Cyril's
heart, keenly alive to the influence of true
music, was deeply stirred. He listened, as if
under spell, and when the last soft cadence
died away, eagerly exclaimed
"Thank you hundred times Lady Hun
gerford that was perfect" -.
She smiled, we'll pleased. "You have a
correct tas;e," said she. II think, myself,
that other screaming thing is horrid but so
many peope prefer loud, horid style of
singing. lnever indulge myself in this kind
of performance" pointing to the song she
had just sung, unless am alone, or have
an appreci,tive listener, like. yourself: I
don't inclrde you, my DEAR" she added, turn.
ing to Miri,m in an abrupt manner peculiar
to herself, because I haven't discovered vet
what your taste is"
ut coinvdes perfectly with yours, Lady
Hungerford, assure you"
"Good Then we are a harmonious party.
Now will play you a favorite sonata of
mine. don't generally affect sonatas; but
this one is OFT of the usual line-and then, l
think, you will have had enough of my per-
formance for once. -
She went through the sonata with much
taste and expression. Then rising abruptly
and closing the piano, asked her guests if
they would like to explore the picture gallery.
Miriam had done so before, and preferred re-
manning in the little parlor where they had
taken tea, while Lady Hungerford introduced
Cyril to the portraits of many generations of
Hungerfords, boxing down in various atti