The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1884-06-04
INTERESTING STORY.
THE OPERA TICKETS.

Avis Benton was disappointed girl
1t was true that she had succeeded in
,ompassing that visit to she-city which had
for years been her hope and ambition. But,
as, is too often, the case, the reality had
fallen far short of the anticipation.
It's all very pleasant she admitted to
herself, land Cousin Rebecca and John are
as kind us they can be, but it isn't what ]
thought it was going to be-"
In truth and in fact, Avis had pictured TO
herself whirl of gay festivities prone
nades on Broadway by day, parties and
soirecs by night but it happened that John
Weldon, her second-cousin, was the fore
man in mammoth brass foundry, and after
days toll, naturally preferred the rest and
quiet of his own fireside, although he had
taken Avis to a'iecture OF two, at the Young
Mems Christian Association, and quiet
stroll through the galleries of the Academy
Of Design, Becky, his sister, was ono of
hose domestic, hum-drum little women,
who consider pudding-making and stocking
darning moro necessary than strolls along
the crowded thoroughfares, and endless
shopping excursions. No expedition to the
heatre had been proposed; and of the
opera, Avis one dream and aspiration, not
a word had been spoken until 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 q
seam.
1.-The opera ?'fsaid John. "But that's
very expensive place, Avis"
Nobody but rich people can afford the
OPERA" remarked Becky, resuming her
works. se
T" But just for once" pleaded Avis.
John shook his head
1t would hardly be consistent, /" said he
"But did You never go ~ she urged.
sNever, Avis !" he answered.
But you must have wanted to COP"
He smiled.
" / try not to want things that can't af-
sord, !" said he.
Nevertheless, the next morning he went
20 the box Office of the Academy of Music
and asked the price of seats for that even.
ing.
Five dollars !" the man indiferently
answered .8A
John Weldon stood amazed.
sHaye you no seats cheaper than that 2n
be asked
Nothing cheaper. Move ON, please
you're stopping the line" said the man, i'm
patiently.
And so John went back to the brass foun-
dry. A
2t Five dollars, for hearing lot of for
eigners screech and squall /" said John, who
was not nm adorer of music. Five dollars,
for getting into crowd of fashionable
people who care no more about you than If
you were cab-horse should like to
have gratified Avis fancy but it's quite
out of the question"
Avis listened silent to his recital of the
mornings adventure.
Yes," she said, when he paused for 8
reply, the seats are dear But Patti always
commands fancy prices"
"Pd deal sooner hear you sing Kath.
leen Mayourneen, said honest John.
THAT shows how little you know about
music, !" said Avis, with tinge of scorn in
her voice.
know what snits me,p said the invet-
erately-good- humored brass founder.
The next day Rebecca wanted some slate
colored ribbon for a hat which she was trim.
pniuo Quar- frr tho oaoc,,5 t;,,,a
1t must wait until afternoon she said.
+" 1 can't spare time to go out this morn
ing" .sr-
Let me go for it, Becky" said Avis.
: It's such bright beautiful day, and
am SO tired of sitting in the house
Rebecca looked irresolute. 4fI
:" Do you think you can find yonr way to
Massey's store?" said she. 81 don't think
you can match it anywhere else.
"Of course / can," said Avis. Haven't
been there half dozen times already
Give me the sample ~ f|A
And, with the narrow slip of slate-colored
ribbon in her purse, Avis set cheerfully
forth.
Soft and bland lay the spring sunshine
on the payements shrill sounded the voices
Of itinerant fower-vendors down the street
and Avis involuntarily hummed tune as
she moved lightly along.
For the first time 81 nee she had come te
New York she felt q longing to be in the
spring meadows at home, gathering yiolets
and dandelions, and watching the frolics Of
the lambs.
Early though it was, however, there was
the usual crush and crowd OF Massey's, and
1t was some time before she could get wait
ed on.
When at last the little parcel and the
change came back to her, penny rolled
away upon the floor. She stopped TO recover
it, and there, close to the counter, under
the feet of the throng, lay two tickets, fold.
ed together, with little coupon checks
doubled over.
Academy of Music-Grand italian
Opera," she read, as she picked them up
Did you find the penny, miss p said
the attentive shop-girl.
Yes, found it," said Avis, with hei
cheeks Redeemed, perhaps by STOPPING, as
she turned and hurried away.
Her heart beat triumphantly. Her feet
seemed winged. Some good fairy had sent
an answer to her hopes and longings at last.
What would John Weldon say
At all events he could scarcely refuse to
be her escort, now that reserved seats were
provided. And she purchased pair of
primrose -colored kid gloves, and new lace
frill for her neck, and came home with q
heart as light rs feather.
John was all amazement when Avis tri.
nmphantly showed him the tickets.
"Avis, You did not buy these ?" he en-
claimed.