The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-09-29

a PECULIAR charm in the stiety of this
woman, in her ready wit aAd gayety
manner.
Jtia guessed at the trth, ap@ even
exaggerated it; for shs beloved MN
faitfess. 1t was now tat an eTtraor-
dinay change took play in ner cnarac,
ter-{rom being gent, tlmid, resigned
and 'assive, she becaAe resolute' eher'
getiand decided.
sol" she exclailed. rapidly pacing
her Dartment, "tH woman whom ne
lovemust be admfed by many-yes-I
comprehend the clhrm-the crowd may
admn and worsbp-while he alone. IS
love, lam tolJthat l also have voice
of m ody and pbwer; that I also have
the earn of beauty; why then may L
not v with this woman? Why not dis
pute1e prize with herr"
It as on a beautiful evening OF the
sprir that Dupre repaired to the great
theat of Bordeaux. A concert was IN
prepation for the benefit OF the poor.
and twas known that several ladies OF
the fl distinction had volunteered their
servis, though their names by partlcu-
lar reuest had been concealed. Inc
clienbf Dupre was numbered among
the erformers and circumstance
doubd his interest in the affair. Julia
had a,lsual declined being present at
the p6ormances.
On ne day of the concert l met him
bv clnce in the street, and, after
friend shake of the hand, he proposed
that should pass the evening together
at the heater, and promised to 40 SO.
Thecrowd was immense; but Dupre
readl, found a convenient place for
both. The concert commenced with q
symppny from the whole orchestra;
next J. had piece OF sacred music
from he works of Cherubini. Then
cametle turn of Dupre's client; she was
much admired, as loud and repeated
plaudh testified. Ny companion was
one 4 those who most jealousy ex-
pressA their appreciation. The next
piece WAS to be executed by one of the
ladies who had so generously offered
their ervices for the occasion. At length
she al peared, and, advancing gracefully
acl osJt the stage, took her station near
the dchestra. She was woman OF
great beauty, dressed with much ele.
gance and taste, and, although her air
was Ct Elected and untroubled, yet every
featu1e and motion bore the impress OF
modety. What was my astonlshment
this wbman, so firm and assured, though
mode& and retiring, was Julia. The or
chesth preluded-a murmur OF admlra'
ton vas heard through the hall; Dupre
himsdf was strongly moved; selzlng my
arm, he whispered:
1T Ia strange, but she never appeared
so beautiful to me before
And now the accents of voice at once
soft, powerful and brilliant held every
one in breathless attention. AT the
slightest pause of the songstress {
thrilling murmur of delight arose from
the assembly, and when she ceased thu
vast crowd rose en- masse to honor he
talent. She would have retired, but wal
again and again recalled to receive thu
that were showered upon her
Dupre meanwhile had seemed riveted II
his seat, dumb, stupefied with astonish
ment and emotion. Extreme as were tn
feelings of every one, his far exceeded
all others.
"Paul." said he, "all my affection TO
her is renewed; will throw myself at he
feet and never wander from her again.
He rushed into the interior OF the the
alter, 1 followed, We inquired for Julia
she had retired to private apartment
where we found her reclining on coucl
pale. with her eyes half closed, ant
shuddering with con
vulsive movement. Dupre was spring
ing toward her, but those around signed
for us to wait moment, and restrained
my friend. Julia opened her eyes, ant
an expression of agony passed over he
"Ah,' said she, cit is all vain! NJ.
last hope is vanished. Where was he?
did not see him, but the thought that b.
might be listening was my inspiration
Oh, Ernest! have you utterly lost yon
heart? 1t must be so, or why am nov
alone?"
Dupre could control himself n
longer; he threw himself ut her feet, ex
Julia, 1 love and admire you as il
the DAYS of your early happiness.
Ernest! Ernesti' said she, "do
hear Alright? Do yeu indeed love me,
am so blessed?" and her excited feel
ings found relief in food Of tears.
My friend caughht her to his heart.
"Yes, Julia, this triumph will be NOR
precious to you for having recalled th
affection of your husband. hav
erred, Julia, but swear that l neve
loved You more than at this moment an
Won can offer me no reproaches SO bite
ss those which NV own heart inflicts."