The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1886-03-17


the soul OF music1n every rapturous note.
Eyes that had not wept for years saw
the white-robed singer through a mist
women dropped their faces behind their
fans to hide from other eyes the tears
which filled their own. Fuller, clearer,
sweeter the marvellous voice rose and
scared through the vast hall with the
fresh ecstatic fullness Of a lark's silver
voice, then it died down to silence-the
silence which could be felt, and Mary
knew what is meant by winning ones
laurels.
She did not respond to the encore, but
later in the evening she again came for
ward to receive a perfect ovation.
Again she sang-an old English ballad.
As she finished, those nearest to her de-
tected rich rose flush rise to her face,
and saw that alook of recognition seemed
to flash from her eyes to the eyes of some
one in the audience.
Behind the scenes the ovations contin-
ued. With, sweet, shy lips she an
swered the words Of her admirers, the
rose still pulsing in her cheek-but she
cared for it so little, for few minutes
before she had seen across the sea of faces
the face of Alfred Temple.
Madame Arditi's brilliant playing
emptied the room of all save Mary and
Major Browning.
"You are satisfied that L was not mis-
taken" he said, exultingly.
''It has been too wonderful, she an
swered softly; straining her ears for the
sound of that well-known step.
"You are not afraid to occasion me a
terrible loss now, fancyg" he went on
smilingly. "The world shall see you
and hear you as Julia after all'-but she
was paying no heed to him, she was
across the room, her hands clasped in the
strong, brown hands of her lover
Very cold, very stern his face; his
voice quiet as if they had met after a
separation of a day instead of two years.
''You did not receive my letter2n he
asked. ''The letter in which announced
my intended return"
81 have been in London for a week, -
she answered, her heart beating violent
ly. II did not know you were coming
home so soon"
81 have had an excellent position Of
fered me in England, but" here a
quiver broke his voice-''it would have
been better for me had l not accepted it. y
why notl 1 do not understand
you"
'Nor" Then he broke out bitterly,
II come home to you, the Mary whom
left so short time a time ago, and what
do 1 tind2 Have you given me up, that
l find on the stage of a concert room the
woman who was my promised wifeW
Major Browning groaned audibly. He
only need to look from young Temples
set white face to Mary's fearful eyes to
know that he stood in great danger of
losing his young singer. He drew near
and bowed graciously to the young man.
Pardon me, " he said blandly. ''but
think have the pleasure of speaking to
Mr.. Temple?n
Alfred bowed stiffly.
''Allow me to explain the rather be-
wildering state of atfairs,n he said, smil-
ingly; and then in his own inimitable
manner he related the whole occurrence.
''But l knew it was all up with me, "
he said afterward to Colonel Forester.
- The momeat she turned to him and
asked in that low, sweet voice of hers,
what he thought of it all Thought of
\ it'-why, the fellow was black as thun-
der as he said, stiffly, thot he thought so
much of it that this was not the place to
discuss the matter"
''You are not angry?" she asked,
softly.
"Angry? With you?" Then he said,
very quietly, 'Is it your intention to ac-
cept this gentleman's terms TO become
an opera singer"
81 had thought so for a little while
You know did not expect you home so
soon"
Then for a last attempt Major Brown
ing said in his quick, decided way.
The whole affair can be easily settled
at once. Miss Percival, will you sign the
/ promised contracts Your success is as
sured, your fortune secured there is
nothing which you can desire the signing
of your name to this paper will not give
/ you. Fame, wealth
"On the other hand, " said Alfred, Il
can offer you very little; neither wealth
nor fame-only an honest name and a
mans true heart
Mary looked from one TO another, the
/ wild rose flush in her cheek, her soft
| bright eyes misty-and then she smiled
, divinely and put her hand in Alfred
I Temples strong clasp.
/ without a word, | assure you, Guy.
/ And my ship went down, down to the
/ bottomless ocean, and poor Julia still
waits for her breathing semblance.
What did I tell you!" laughed the
colonel, gaily.
III ~ 4 NM