The Press., 1884-10-23
THE OPERA TICKETS.
wis Benton was a disappointed g1rl.

had fallen far short of the anticipation.
 'sIts all very pleasant, she admitted to herself, ssand Cousin Rebecca and John are as kind as they can be, but 1t isn't what thought it was going to be.
 In truth and ill fact, Avis had pictured to herself 9 whirl of gay festivities prom enades O., Broadway by day, parties and soirees by night; but it happened that John Welden, her second-cousin, was the foreman in a mammoth brass foundry, and after day's toll, naturally preferred the rest and quiet of his own tireside, although he had taken Avis to a lecture or two at the Young Mems Christian Association, and quiet stroll through the galleries of the academy of design. Becky, his sister, was one of those domestic, hum-drum lit tie women, who consider pudding making and stocking alarming more necessary than strolls along the crowded thoroughfares, and endless shopping excursions. No ex- petition to the theater had been proposed and of the opera, Avis one dream and as- piration, not word had been spoken un- til one evening she herself spoke out.
 "I should so like to go to the opera P said she, abruptly.
 John looked mildly up from his news paper. Becky paused in the middle of a seam. luo opera SalQ COlll. Out tIasl a very expensive place, Avis. Nobody but rich people can afford the opera" remarked, Becky, resuming her ! work.
 ''But just for once,'' pleaded Avis. | John shook his head
 ''It would hardly be consistent, " said he. "But did you never go?' she urged. "Neyer, Avis p he answered. ''But you must have wanted to go?" He smiled ->ett II try not to want things that I can't l afford said he
 ! Nevertheless, the next morning he went to the box office of the academy of music and asked the price of seats for that even- 1 ing.
 ''Five dollars p the man indiferently answered. @....
 John Weldon stood amazed. l ''Have you no seats cheaper than that ?'' he asked. ...
 Nothing cheaper Move on, please you're stopping the line," said the man, impatiently. :f-.
 And so John went back to the brass l foundry.
 "Five dollars, for hearing lot of for ! eigners screech and squall !' said John, | who was not an adorer of music. "Five ' lonable people who care no more about you than if you werea cab-horse Ishould like to have gratifed AVIS fancy, but its quite out of the question:"
 Avis listened to his recital of the morn ling's adventure.
 "Yes,' she said, when he paused for a reply, ''the seats are dear, but Patti al ways commands fancy prices"
 "Id deal sooner hear you sing 'Kath- leen Mavoureen,'" said honest John.
 s'That shows how little you know about music, said Avis, with 8 tinge of scorn in her voice.
 'I know what suits me- said the invet. erately-good- -humored brass-founder.
 The next day Rebecca wanted some slate. eolored ribbon for hat which she was trimming over for the second time.
 ''I must wait until afternoon" she said. l F'I can't spare time to go out this morn. ing" ''Its such bright, beautiful day, and am so tired of sitting in the house."
 Rebecoa looked irresolute.
 ''Do you think you can find your way tc Massey's store ?" said she. s'I don't think
 "Of course caL, said Avis. ''I have been there half dozen times already Give me the sample P ar2c+r And, with the narrow slip of slate-color- ed ribbon in her purse, Avis set cheerfully forth.
 Soft and bland lay the spring sunshine on the pavements; shrill sounded the voices of itinerant fower-venders down the street; and Avis involuntarily hummed g tune as she moved lightly along. l For the first time since she had come tc New York she felt 8 longing to be in the spring meadows at home, gathering vio lets and dandelions, and watching the frol ics of the lambs. r
 Early though it was, however, there was the usual crush and crowd at Massey's and 1t was some time before she could gel waited on. m a ,....-s .-.-.= ....
 When at last the little parcel and the change came back to he1, penny rolled away upon the foor She stopped to re cover it, and there, close to the counter under the feet of the throng, lay two tick cts, folded together, with little coupo1 checks doubled over.
 Academy of Music-Grand Italian Op e1a,' she read, as she picked them up.
 Ibid you find the penny. miss ?'' asked the attentive shop-girI.
 :.sYes, I found it, said Avis, with he cheeks reddened, perhaps by stopping, a she turned and hurried away.
 Her heart beat triumphantly. Her fee seemed winged. Some good fairy ha. sent anaaanswer to her hopes and longing at last What would John Weldon say
 At all events he could scarcely refuse t be her escort, now that reserved seats wer provided. And she purchased a pair 0 primrose -colored kid gloves, and ney lace frill for her neck, and came home witt a heart as light as feather.
 John was all amazement when Avis trj umphantly showed him the tickets.
 Avis, you did not buy these ?'' he ez { claimed. No I didn't buy them," said she ''Yonll take me, John, won't you ?"
 ''Ihenwhere did they come from? ?'
 They present r said Ayls, witt burning cheeks. ........ .....
 John looked gravely at her.
 s'And, she added, s'I shull take if yer, unkind of you, John, if you refuse to es eort mel a5H f6e a 1
 .'Oh, I'll escort you fast enough, sait John, simply. T can't say approve o opera-going for people in our rank of life.
 Our rank of life, indeed P flashed Avis II consider myself as good as anybody ]"
 E''As good-yes P assented J John. ''Bu there is fitness in all things, Avis. It only rich people that can indulge them selves with so expensive an amusement as