The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1882-01-25
ST. STEPHENS CHOIR.

GVenlnR service was Just over and
lean over the balcony OF the organ loft
to watch the people passing out. Very
few are worth looking at, l think, with
the intolerance of young and pretty
girl for less favored mortals. A good
many look up at me; but 1 have held
the position of soprano at st. Stephens
for three months and am rather hard
ened TO the public gaze. Suddenly ]
meet the admiring eyes of tall, band
some stranger, and coloring slightly
draw back out of sight. The next in
stant involuntarily bend forward TO
catch the last glimpse OF him, and o.
my wrist strikes the railing the fragile
clasp of my bracelet snaps and it fallt
over into the throng.
1t is my poor dead mothers bracelet
almost my only ornament, and I would
not lose it for the world. Just as an,
about to send Jack Lewis, my sworn
knight, downstairs after it, the stranger
enters the organ loft and comes directly
to me. He is very handsome, certainly,
with the easy, gracious bearing Of
prince. But my loyal heart refuses to
believe that he is so noble and true as
Jack Lewis.
81 think this bracelet is yours, Miss
Hastings" he said. 81 saw it drop
from your wrist and caught it before It
struck the floor"
"Thank you ever so muchI n 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 stand
embarrassed, flushing all over. An
utter stranger to hold my hand SO
Why, even Jack I begin to think this
man is rude; can feel bis bold ewes
Festing on my carmine cheeks, nv
mouth, my long, down-dropped lashes,
and for once in my life wish l was not
quito so pretty.
81 heard there was rare voice up at
st. Stephen 3, and 1 was not misin-
formed. 1 have been delighted with
your singing, Miss Hastings" he says,
warmly.
"You are very kind" say, dimpling
with pleasure.
"Therep handing me his card.
Let me introdhce myself, and you will
see that am something OF critic"
Ralph Arlington L recognize the
name OF wealthy amateur musician be-
longing to the great world of fashion in
which have no part. ] thank him
once more for the service he has done
me, and am turning away when he says,
quite eagerly:
l perceive you are unattended, Miss
Hastings. May l escort you home%
Before l can reply to this audacious
proposal Jack Lewis intervenes. almost
pushing MIR. Arlington aside, and turn
ing his back full upon him.
"Olive, here's your ulster; let me
help you on with it. It's beginning to
snow, and you have q long distance to
CO."
Mr.. Arlington, thus supplanted, re-
treats politely, and strolls over to the
organ where Tom Thurstone is still sit
ting. Tom knows him, and greets him
cordially; then introduces him to Susie
Woodward, the alto, and Emil Mesmer,
the basso. They are all chatting gayIy
together when Jack and I go down
stairs and out into the snowy night.
=" Jack, why didn't you let us alone p
/ begin, rather petulantly. "Mr. Ar.
ington was saying the kindest things
about my voice."
sob, you'll see him again, never
fear. You're far and away the prettiest
girl he knows, and he will not be con-
tent with one meeting"
"What? Does he do nothing but
run after attractive young ladies ?" 1
ask, curiously.
"That's about where it lights" says
Jack, concisely; he understands the
full for and value of slang; "though
the yied ones are more in his line,
1 bt D."
4" How uncharitable You are Wasn't
1t odd about my bracelet |"
Z" He will think you dropped it on
purpose at sight of him."
"Ah, we'll, 1 shall never sec him
again"
"Pll lay you five to one"
81 never bet; but l think if be were
so unprineipled as you say he would
have kept my bracelet"