Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1882-02-02
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ST. STEPHENS CHOIR.

Verv few are worth looking at, / think,
with the intolerance Of q young and
pretty girl for less favored mortals. A
good many look up at me; but have
held the position of soprano at st.
Stephens for three months and am
rather hardened to the public gaze.
Suddenly / meet the admiring eyes
of tall, handsome stranger, and color
ing slightly draw back out of sight.
The next instant Involuntary bend
forward to catch the last glimpse of
him, and as my wrists strikes the rail-
ing the fragile clasp of my bracelet
snaps and it falls over into the throng.
1t is my poor dead mothers bracelet,
almost my only ornament, and | would
not loose it for the world. Just as i
am 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 bear
ing of a 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"
"Ihank you very much p | say
gratefully, extending my hands; he
pinions it firmly in one of his own,
while the other he replaces and fastens
the bracelet. The action is deferential
yet so familiar that stand embarrass-
ed, flushing all over. An utter strang-
er to hold my hand so Why, even
Jack-I began to think this man is
rude; | can feel his bold eyes resting on
my carmlne cheeks, my mouth, my
long, down-dropped lashes, and for once
in my life | wish | was not quite so
pretty.
81 heard there was rare voice up at
ed. l have been delighted with your
singing, Miss Hastings" he says, warm
ly.
"You are very kind" say, dimpling
with pleasure.
"There !" handing me his card.
"Let me introduce myself, and you
will see that am something of a crit
ic."
Ralph Arlington / recognize the
name of wealthy amateur musician
belonging TO the great world of fashion
in which | have no part. i thank him
once more for the service he has done
me, and am turning away when he says,
quite eagerly
81 perceive you are unattended, Miss
Hastings. May | escort you homer
Before | can reply TO this audacious
proposal Jack Lewis intervenes, almost
81, ,p,la
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 a long distance to
co."
Mr. Arlington, thus supplanted, re-
treats politely, and strolls over to the
organ where Tom Thurstone is still
sitting. Tom knows him, and greets
him cordially then introduces him to
Susie Woodward the alto, and Emil
Mesmer, the basso. They are all chat
ting gayly together when Jack and |
go downstairs and out into the snowy
night
Jack, why didn't you let us alone %
! begin, rather petulsntly. "Mr. Ar
lington was saying the kindest things
about my voice"
con, you'll see him again, never fear.
You're far and away the prettiest girl
he knows, and he will not be content
with one meeting"
what? Does he do nothing but run
after attractive young ladies ?" | ask,
curiousy.
That's about where it lights" says
Jack, cOucisely; he understands the
full force and value of slang; Though
the married ones are more i'll his line,
I believe"
"How uncharitable you are? Wasn't
it odd about my Bracelet
He will think you dropped il on
purpose at sight of him"
"Ah, well, shall never see him
again"
ON lay you five to one"
81 never bet: but think if he Were
so unprincipled as you say he would
have kept my bracelet"
'As if Ralph Arlington would care
to steal that little thin thing" Jack
laughs.
This reflection on my cherished trea-
sure MORALLY otlends me, and | trudge
on in sulky silence for block, but Jack
is so couttite that | am Modified long
before we reach Mrs Rabbits cheap
boarding place. which is my only home
We stand n few moments mt the gate
The snow-ilakes are falling thick and
white on Jacks shoulders; one or two
drop like geatle kisses on my uplifted
face.
'It's more than polite, it's extremely
kind of you to come all this long way
with me, jack" | say, earnestly. 81
only wish there was something l could
do for you in return"
''There is something you can do. III
tell you all about it soon. Good night