The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-11-22

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"I don't mind going with you for
short time, If you can use the liberty of
introducing me to your friends" said
Herder.
Mrs. Norcott entertained a sufficient
number of guests that evening to fill her
drawing-rooms comfortably, without
crowding. Music, conversation and
cards for the more elderly of the compa-
ny, formed the staple of the evenings
amusements. The host and hostess re-
ceived Herder with agreeable geniality;
but as the people about him were all en-
tire strangers, it could hardly he other
wise than that George should every now
and then feel somewhat at loss what
to do with himself. He had exchanged
a few commonplaces with an old Indian
officer to whom he had been introduced,
and was standing in a corner of the
room gazing rather aimlessly about him,
when Hammond came up and said:
"I'm afraid this isn't very lively for
you, but think we need not stay any
longer. I've explained matters to Mrs.
Norcott 1 just want you to hear this
lady play, and then We'll go. She is one
of the best amateur pianoforte- players 1
know, and always consider it treat to
hear her. You used to be fond of music;
1 think you'll like this.''
The piano stood at the opposite end of
the room. While Hammond was speak
ing, lady seated herself at it and began
playing. AS Herder looked at her he
started so evidently that it did not es-
cape his companions notice. Was it
possible that he knew that face and
figure. The lady was middle-aged, of
rather small and slight figure, with
face not regularly moulded, but soft, re-
fined and expressive; brown hair, with
ripple in it, and brown eyes. The face
had lost the rounded curves of girlhood
and all the color that once mantled in
it; the eye had somewhat faded, and
there were not wanting lines upon the
brow; but surely George could not be
mistaken. The light from bracket
above the piano fell upon the player and
revealed her ace and figure in clear out
line. She played an arrangement of
Irish melodies, old and familiar airs all
of them, but SO delicately and sympa.
thetically played that the whole room
was hushed to listen. Conversation
ceased for the time, and several of the
card players from the adjoining room,
abandoning their game, came forward
and stood at the doors while the music
continued. 1t was evident that the skill
of the performer was well known to
many of the company. Herder listened
with rapt ears. The music was stirring
old memories in his heart, reviving
them with strange power. If any,
thing had been needed to confirm him
In his recognition of the performer, the
music she had happened to choose would
have done so. Were not some of these
old airs once his chief favorites-airs
that used to haunt him for days together,
and that still came back upon him now
and then The music ceased; murmur
of applause went around the room, and
the performer rose and left the piano.
"That lady plays admirably" observed
Herder to his companion, with an effort
to appear calmer than he really felt.
"Ah 1 thought you would like her."
answered Hammond. "The music is
simple enough, but whatever Mrs. Val
lance plays is played in way you don't
often meet with"
"Vallance Are you sure that is the
name ?" asked George, and the disap-
pointment in his voice was evident.
Perfectly" replied Hammond, lit
tie surprised. 81 know her very well.
Why do you donbt it?"
"Oh, it's of no consequence; sup
pose 1 was mistaken but it's very
strange" The last partof Herder's SEN
tence was spoken in an absent, half
musing way, as though the speaker had
grown suddenly unconscious of his COM
panion's presence.
"What is strange 2" said Hammond.
"You seem greatly interested in Mrs.
Valance, George. What is the mys-
terry ?''
"Have you known Mrs. Valance long,
Fred 7"
"Yes, and have the pleasure Of
knowing her pretty intimately There
is somewhat Of little history connected
with her."
'Is there2 Would you mind telling
1t to me if 1t is not private matter 2"