Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-10-29

put him in the way of entering upon new life.
But Ebenezer argued with such skill and tact;
quoted so many examples OF artists. in almost
identical positions, having accepted the same
friendly aid. and turned out blessing and
credit; put the thing 80 carelessly in the light of
a mere trifng service. utterly unworthy Of even
thank-you, that Luigi was convinced at last
into uttering grateful consent. 1t was agreed
that he should quit his place with all poss bic
speed, take a lodging, and put himself at Mr..
BOnfg's disposal. At the end OF the interview,
a few five-pound notes filled the walters soul
cup to overlooking. In his widest dreams he
had never realized the possession of so much
money. He became positively speeches. through
gratitude.
By and by, Mr.. Bonf1g was able to congratu-
late himself upon his deed. Luigi proved to be
the steadiest and best of fellows, and did his
utmost to justify the confidence placed in him.
He was q Lombard, from the hilly districts of
Como. and had much of the mountaineers sim
plicity and rugged honesty Of thought coupled
with indOmitable industry and a fair amount OF
intelligence. His singing master grew raptur-
GUS on the subject of his voice, and announced
that it would be matter Of no great difficulty
to make an artist OF man endowed with a
quick and true musical ear, and an earnest
desire to make progress. The ex-waiter applied
the whole force of his intellect to mastering
the lntricaces of crOchets and Quayers, breves
and semi breves; and learned in few months,
by sheer dnt of application, to read the black
Time and tune came naturallyto him, like prose
to the Bourgeois Gentilhomme; and he displayed
an unexpected readiness in acquiring the sub
tie grace and finish, the faculty of imparting
light and shade to singing, which make good
artists. It was rather too late of course. to
would, with time and experience, know as
much as most operate singers are expected to
know, and his splendid voice would make up
for the rest
Mr.. Bonfg was in ecstacies. He often sat in
the room whilst his protege was taking his les
son. and listened with open mouth, his bosom
initiating with secret pride and joy. .'Spirto
gentl moved him beyond expression and
Luigi's singing of luna furtiva lagrima" did, in
fact, bring a hidden tear to good old Bonfg's
On one or two occasions Ebenezer linked his
arm in that of the Italian, and introduced him
boldly into society. The eX-waiter clean, well
nourished, and well dressed, looked a very diff
ferent parsonage, and his singing made him ex-
tremely welcome in drawing room. Besides,
there was quiet natural dignity about the man
which successfully fought against early habits
and early training Like an old cavalry horse.
harneSsed to q cab, and rearing at the sound of
street band, he might turn his head rather too
suddenly when q call for refreshments was made;
but he quickly remembered himself again. and
checked his impulse. He was also, it might be
thought, a little too Obsequious in his polite
neSs-but then, what won't modern ladies' and
gentlemen forgive In man who is ''sisnor, I"
and who sings?
One day Nj. Bonfg deemed the time had ar
rived to complete his plans for the education of
Luigi. He would take him to Italy, where Ger
tain finishing lessons from celebrated maestr,e.
and necessary course of dramatic ap6 stage in
structi0n, would render him fit 20 open his pro-
fessional campaign, and reveal to the theatrical
world new tenor. Mr.. Bonfig understood that
the maestro in question had the talent of push
q M at do
ton alone was sufficient to induce managers to
come forward with brilliant offers. He spoke
OF his intentions to his prOtege and then 1t was
that he learned for the first time that Luigi had
a sweetheart.
She was some little humble work-girl, whom
the Italian had known and kept company"
with, in the days when he was poor and friend
less. His change of fortune had not altered his
affections and the two were now anxious to
marry. Luigi would do nothing without the
sanction and consent Of his benefactor, but he
pointed out respectfully that he was very much
in love, that they had been waiting hopefully
for long while; and that now, with this jour
ney to Italy before him, he felt emb0ldened to
state his case, and to ask permission to be al
lowed to take her with him as his wife. She
would be no additional expense; the sum that
Mr.. BOnfg paid over to him was liberal enough
to maintain three wives, not to speak Of one.
This was Mr. Bonfig's first touch of grief, after
long and uninterrupted period of happiness.
He had never dreamed Of Luigi being, like
other young men, subject to the afiuence of
formed pet theories of his own on the score of
artists, and one of them was that celibacy was q
desirable qualification. He looked rather
grave, therefore, when his protege laid bare this
new phase of his character
You desire to marry, nay friend" he said.
1.-The feeling is natural, very natural at your
age, admit; but let me ask you, have you
given this matter serious considerations"
Luigi replied that his affection for the young
woman was the growth of years, and that one
1of the ambitions Of his life was to make her his
wife. -
''Well. well," said Mr.. Bonfig, 81 suppose I
ought not to be surprised. though I confess you
have given me something OF a shock. You see.
Luigi, my friend, your position is considerably
changed now; you are in fair way of becoming
exceedingly promising. Through your industry,
goodwill and natural capacities-which have
surpassed my most sanguine anticipations-you
are about to take a,place in the world superior,
far superior. l hope, to your past or present;
and, and-dont you think now, that tie of the
kind you mention wOuld-wouid-dear me! how
shall put it? hem! prejudice your future?"
Luigi, seeing that his patron scarcely ap-
proved OF the contemplated union, bowed his
head sadly, and looked the picture of misery.
.'Far be it for me-" continued Ebenezer, who
detested the thought Of seeming unkind, ''to
oCCh W AAucNCc JOu Ill ally way, OF 10 appear
to exert an authority to which distinctly wish
to have no claim. You are at liberty to act as
yen please; and II am merely Offering you the
counsel of a friend. This-ahem!-th young
person. most lovable girl in all other respects,
no doubt-is-is, l imagine, scarcely fit to take
her place in the world to which you will have =
right to belong; don't you think that if you
conld-if you could now, say, go to Italy alone,
and see how you bear absence from her for a
little while, come to better and calmer ex-
perience of this affection?"
Mr.. Bonfg was obviously getting little en-
tangled, and paused. relieved by the idea that
he had cOntrived to convey his meaning.
Luigi still hung his head very low. 81 love
her." he said simply. land she loves me; shall
always love her, and she will always love me"
eyes, yes, no doubt" said Ebenezer, trying
to smile; that is how lovers talk as rule. I
believe Well let US drop the subject for the
present, and consider that have said nothing
II don't wish to influence you in the matter
at all; you are free to dispose of yourself as
you please. The news has come upon me rather
suddenly, that's all, and that is why l have
spoken We can resume the conversation
another tme-another time. my friend.
In the evening Mr.. Bonfg's laundress entered
his sitting-room, and minated, with matronly
Indignation, that there was '!young person"
waiting in the hall who desired to see him.
Somebody wishing to see me 2" asked Eben-
eyer.