The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1882-01-27
ST. STEPHENS CHOIR.

- - SttOttt
Evening service was Just over and
lean over the balcony Of the organ lof
to watch the people passing out. Yer,
few are worth looking at, think, will
the intolerance of young and prett,
girl for less favored mortals. A gooc
many look up at me; but I have helt
the position of soprano at st. Sterden'
for three months and am rather hard
ened to the public gaze. Suddenly
meet the admiring eyes Of a tall, hand
some stranger, and coloring slightly
draw back out of sight. The next in
slant involuntarily bend forward tc
catch the last glimpse OF him, and as
my wrist strikos the railing the fragile
clasp OF my bracelet snaps ana it fall!
over into the throng.
1t is my poor dead mothers bracelet
almost my only ornament, and would
not lose it for the world. Just as am
about to send Jack Lewis, my sworr
knight, downstairs after it, the strange,
enters the organ loft and comes directly
to me. He is very handsome, certainly,
with the easy, gracious bearing of q
prince. But my loyal heart refuses tc
believe that he is SO noble and true as
Jacki ewis.
II think this bracelet is yours, Miss
Hastings" he said. II saw it dror
from your wrist and caught it before Il
struck the floor"
"Thank you ever go much" I say
gratefully, extending my hand; he
pinions it firmly in one of his own.
while with the other he replaces and
fastens the bracelet. The action is
deferential, yet so familiar that 1 stand
embarrassed, flushing all over. An
utter stranger to hold my hand go
Why, even Jack begin to think this
man is rude; can feel his bold ewes
resting on my carmine cheeks, my
mouth, my long, down-dropped lashes,
and for once in my life I wish 1 was not
quite so pretty.
81 heard there was rare voice up al
st. Stephens, and I was not misin
formed. I have been delighted with
your singing, Miss Hastings" he says
warmly.
"You are very kind" 1 say, dimpline
with pleasure.
"Therep handing me his card
Let me introduce myself, and you will
see that I am something of critic"
Ralph Arlington / recognize the
name Of wealthy amateur musician be
longing to the great world OF fashion il
which / have no part. thank hin
once more for the service he has done
me, and am turning away when he says
quite eagerly:
~ perceive you are unattended, Mis-!
Hastings. May escort you homer
Before I can reply to this audacioui
proposal Jack Lewis intervenes, almos
pushing Mr.. Arlington aside, and turn
ing his back full upon him.
"Olive, here's your ulster, let me
help you on with 1t. It's beginning Il
snow, and you have a long distance tt
co."
MIR. Arlington, thus supplanted, re
treats politely, and strolls over to thu
organ where Tom Thurstone is still sit
ling. Tom knows him, and greets hin
cordially; then introduces him to Susi,
Woodward, the alto, and Emil Mesmer
she basso. They are all chatting gayly
together when Jack and go down
stairs and out into the snowy night.
Jack, why didn't you let US alone ?
! begin, rather petulantly. "Mr. Ar
hngton was saying the kindest things
about my voice."
ooh, you'll SEQ him again, nevel
fear. You're far and away the pretties
girl he knows, and he will not be con
tent with one meeting"
"What? Does he do nothing bu
run after attractive young ladies 7"
ask, curiously.
"That's about where it lights" say
Jack, concisely; he understands tn,
full force and value of slang; though
the married ones are more in his line
I believe"
"How uncharitable you are WASH
1t odd about my bracelet |"
"He will think you dropped it OF
purpose at sight of him."
"Ah, well, l shall never see hin
again"
"I'll lay you five to one"
81 never bet; but think II he wer,
so unprincipled as you say he woult
have kept my bracelet"
Gas il Ralph Arlington would cor,
TO steal that little thin thing - Jacl
laughs.
This reflection on my cherished treas
ure mortally offends me, and l trudgt
on in sulky silence for block, but Jacl
is so contrite that am nollified Ions
before we reach Mrs. Babbitt's cheaI
boarding place, which is my only home
We stand few moments at the gate
The snow-1akes are falling thick ani
white on Jacks shoulders; one or tw,
drop like gentle kisses on my upliftet
face.
"It's more than polite, it's extremel,
kind Of you to come all this long Wa,
with me, jack" I say, earnestly
81 only wish there was something
could'do for you in return"
'There is something you can do. II
tell you all about it soon. Good night
DAZZLING" He presses my hand and
gone.
j enter the house, rush up to my Iii
tie carpetless room and fling mysel
down on my knees, my heart beatin
wildly to the music OF those last words
I forget that am friendless orphan
alone in q great strange city; I forge
the humiliating fact that am forced I
! give my voice In exchange for my dali