The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-06-23
to be useful this time. I've found a
music teacher for Annie"

y
MIR. Delorme?h asked my mother.
.'But he hasn't suited you" said.
"You complain every time he gives
Annie her lesson. This girl whom l
have seen is coming here tomorrow.
when, if you like her, you can engage
her directly; and, ifyou please, mother,
/ wish her TO live here in the house
like lady, too, for she is one" con-
cluded, emphatlcally.
"Who is she? What is her namel
She has recommendations SUPPOSE
81 don't know who she Isl and you
will not be particular about references. "
"Oh, shall not!' cried my mother,
little scornfully. 81 must then solicit
this unknown to become an inmate OF
our house, and be very grateful If she
consents"
'Oh, no!' I exclaimed; lit is she
who will be grateful. Be your own
kind self, mother, and give this girl a
trial. 1t can do us no harm, and can
not fail Of doing her good"
'But, how am to know what influ-
ence she may have upon Annie! She
may be one of those excessively low
people," responded my mother in q
half yielding tone.
mo, indeed-for, as the story books
say, she has seen better days. "
"Ah! in that case will see her. Had
you not better 60 to church with me
this afternoon, and wear tina. exquisite
new bonnet?. Varens will be there,
and so much depends on first impress
sion."
I went to service with my mother.
but, unfortunately, Varens was not
present, and consequently the execu-
ton my new bonnet would have effect
ed was reserved for future time, or
forever.
In my hurry had forgotten to ap-
point an hour for the stranger to call,
and as | was obliged to go out, l was
in continual fear lest she should come
while l was away. hurried my
mother through her shopping, at the
risk of making her out of humor at her
interview with the expected music
teacher. Fortunately, however, my
mother had been to lunch, and was in
her boudoir indolently discussing our
purchases when the bell rang, and a
servant came up to say that there was
lady below who wished to see Miss
Romano.
"Did she say what her business wasp
inquired my mother, as rose to de-
scend to the drawing-room.
ssSpn of HIM a ouf rviuinn yo,ucin los.
sons, ma am was the answer.
ut is she, then!' exclaimed, NOV.
ing toward the door, but was arrested
by my mothers saying:
"Show her up here"
l stood waiting to receive her, feel
ing almost as anxious, l thought, as the
stranger herself. The girl paused al
the door, her face tightening up as she
saw me into brilliance which was the
most exquisite compliment that could
have been offered.
"This is the lady Of whom I told you
mother" l said.
knew that my mother would notice
the quiet, perfect good breeding with
which the girl responded to her greet
ing.
'.Please be seated, Miss" sale
my mother, with as much suavitysE,
though she were addressing one Of h
own circle. However vain and friv
olous my mother was, she was Away
polite, with that genuine kindness o
heart which is the soul of politeness.
my name is Kent" she said. "You
daughter has probably told you that
am in search of situation as music
teacher.
The light of her face had died away
she was mechanically repeating the oil
story.
"Yes; l wish to engage teacher TO
my little girl. You could teach on tn
} organ and piano, presumed"
"Yes; and harp and guitar, Also"
".And vocal mnsic?"
Eyes, madam"
would you mind playing a little Il
us on the piano therep"
Miss Kent rose and went to tn
piano. She glanced at the music lynn
there, then sat down and played. He
/ playing was perfection, it seemed t
me, but l knew instantly that she wa
, not in the mood; that to play thus o.
: trial did not summon the soul to he
music. Her knowledge, her touch
were Incompatible, and hoped som
day to feel the thrill Of enthusiasm i
that touch.
"Delorme can not play like that, ca
r he, Mabelp" asked my mother, turnin
with pleased face to me.
! Al that moment servant entere
with some cards. My mother locke
at them, and exclaimed:
: "The Chapmans and Mr.. Varens! Com
down, Mabel, as quickly as possible
\ Engage Miss Kent, and ask her
8 make her home here, as you WISHED
l l would like to have you come to-mol
8 row, Miss Kent. For the presen
good-bye;" and she hurried from tn
4 room.
t l did Is my mother requested.
D had only to look in Miss Kent's face
, be assured of her gratitude. l kne
g the obstacle her pride would be to OF
a attempts to make her entirely OF
equal, one of our family! My motht
l liked her; my little sister Annie was {
l enthusiastic in her affection as possible
: Insensibly Miss Kent grew less r.
served, her face had more color, mol
the animation of happiness. She lie
!. the parlors when company was al
!, nounced. and disliked to return unle
: requested to furnish music; then 81
!. regarded it as duty, and always con
!. piled.
"You have avery peculiar governes
Miss Romaine," said the elder MI;
Chairman. as she stood bY my sic