Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-01-14
A MUSICAL ROMANCE.
4 Warbt;ng Wfdoyv-A Man who Fell
in z1oVe with His Own Wife.


in Love with His Own Wife.
N. 2. Cor. Cincinnati Enquirer.
The other day had pleasant chat with one
OF the professors of our principal musical col
lege in regard TO the new Conservative to be
built with the money the late Mr.. Wood left for
that purpose. 1t was hardly strange that his
heirs-at-iaw contested this will, for the funny
old gentleman did not know one note from an
other, could not distinguish the difference be-
tween
4 C0STRiLTO AND SOPRANO
despised the title OF prima-donna, and never
patrOnized any form Of musical entertainment
except that ground out upon the street by wan
dering Italian. Knowing this superb indifrer-
ence to sweet sounds, naturally those who ex-
pected to step into his shoes were profoundly
astonisbed on finding he had left 81, 500. 900 for
the founding Of q musical college which should
rival that OF Paris.
Fortunately for that portion of the coming
generation who feel their souls tunefully in
ciincd and themselves destined TO shed luster
upon the stage. Mr. Woods impugned sanity
was proved by two of his intimate friends to
whom he had confided his reasons for the leg
acy. One OF the most common human weak
nesses had governed him in the matter-peF-
soma! vanity and an inordinate desire that his
name should
GO DOWN TO PosrERITY.
He rejected the Idea Of any charitable insti-
tuition, because he was afraid of being con-
founded with other philanthropists, and he
yearned to distinguish himself from them by
founding some new institution.
He consulted his old friend and physician
and that gentleman, n usical enthusiast, sug-
gested the establishment OF a school for music
that would obvate the necessity Of young
students going abroad to acquire musical ed
ucation The idea was novel 1t pleased Mr..
Wood, and, as nothing that would give his name
greater notOrety was suggested, he made his
will accordingly.
OF course it is grand thing for the CITY, and
indeed, fer the country at large, that such an
institution should be established here but it
must be confessed that the beautiful reverence
and gratitude that struggling young aspirants
would naturally feel 10 generous sympathzcr
and benefaetor viii be chilled, if 1t exists at all
by the thought that
THE MAGNIFICENT CONSERVATORY
was founded, not for love OF art and compassion
for those who embrace it, bit merely as the self
built monument of a selfish man.
In the course of my chat with the musician
referred to the conversation drifted on to the
romance which music is so rich in. and / was
told such charming little story in this connec-
llCn that make no apology for giving it in full
~ year AGO last fall, began nv informant
. a card was brought into my MUSHROOM, bear
ing the name OF a well-knOwn and fashionable
married lady. Wien she was usfered in was
surprised TO see so young looking woman
though, to be sure, she is not yet forty and
fair complexion and clear blue eyes make her
look younger. She seemed a little embarrassed
out asked me to try her voice. / did SO, and
found 1t uncultiyated, but
SINGULARLY FRESH AND SWEET,
in quality light soprano. told her so and her
face flushed eagerly, as she asked: Professor,
could you teach me to sing?' Yes / replied.
If you choose to apply yourself earnestly
4 WILL and if you can manage it 60 that
need not be seen, and that no one knows Of
it, will take lesson every day. We made
the best arrangements we could. and the lady
never failed to appear promptly at the hour.
she was so anxious and SO perseverin9 that she
made the most extraordinary progress, and
when spring came her voice had so strength
ened aud developed as TO be almost beyond re-
cOgnitiOn.
beyond mention in the society papers of her
being at Saratoga, bat about month ago she
called upon me. and taking both nv hands in
hers shook them earnestly, as she said PRO
lessor have come to thank you for making me
the happiest woman alive Sne then told me.
what l had already
FAINT SUSPICION OF.
tached, was passionately fond of vocal music.
and had always regretted that she could not
sing TO him.
''She had never cultivated her voice before
marriage. and afterwarl the coming of children
and the claims Of society had prevented her at
tempting it, but the unlucky day came when
Ir. II. made the acquaintance of charming
widow vita a charming voice, who was ALWAYS
ready and willing to sing sweet SONGS to him,
and ne gradually fell into the way of spending
many OF his evenings with her.
at heart devoted to his wife he was uncon-
scIouS OF bis Gradual neglect OF her and wou,d
nave been astouISted had she resented his en-
joyment Of these musical tete-a-tctes About
the Widow ain not prepared to speak. Mrs
H., like
NICE WOMAN
did not resent il, but undermined the enemy.
as you will see. Her music lessons she kept a
profound secret from her family In the sum-
mer they weat, as usual, to Saratoga, and took
possession Of one Of the pretty cottages at the
United States Hotel.
The morning after their arrival the local
newspaper contained a notice that the leading
soprano of the Episcopal Church was i'll with a
throat affection. and the congregation was asked
to make due allowance for the disabled choir
The next morning, Sunday. Mr.. r., with two of
the children, wended his way to the church of
plea of a headache.
AFTER the opening service the minister an
nounced that a lady from New York had kindly
volunteered to sing in place of the sick soprano
and in consequence the musical service would
be the same as usual.'=- Il few moments later a
clear. sweet voice rang through the church. and
touched the hearts Of the people, perhaps, even
more through
THE EXQUISITE EXPRESSION
and feeling with which the music was rendered
than the qualities Of the voice itself Mr. R.
was fascinated, de lighted, and inwardly made
comparisons between it and the witching widow
not flattering to the latter. After the services
were over he eagerly sought the minister tn
ascertain the name Of the charming soprano.
whose face he had not been able TO see from his
seat.
"'Come with me and will introduce YOU
said the minister. who knew Mr. H. by reputa-
ton. They entered the choir together, and the
good man began, Miss Brown permit me to
Introduce when he was interrupted by Mr.. T..
calculating, Great heavens. it is my wife!' And
place and company Notwithstanding. he gave her
hearty embrace in his delight and surprise
To cut the story short,
HE FELL IN LOVE WITH HER
all over again, the singing siren was forgotten,
and 1 don't believe You could find happier
couple in this great CITY. To mark the occasion