The Newtown bee., 1888-10-19
OUR DICK.

remember the morning so well. Kath- arine Vanness was sitting with us in the little back room we call our sewing-room and we were discussing the trimming to be used on the cream-colored silk my mother was making for her, when we heard the front door open and shut nois- fly; quick step in the entry and on the staircase followed, accompanied by so- norous but musical whistle and a moment later whistle and step were heard in the room over our heads. There the whistle ceased and strong tenor voice took up the air, which was that of barcarole in an opera at that time new and fashion able.
 s'What a fine voice! Who is that?" asked Miss Vanness; and with some pride answered:
 ''Only our Dick; my brother, you know."
 ''No, l did not know; I had forgotten that you had brother. He is older than you, is he not?''
 "Three years older. He attends the University, but it is closed for the Sum- mer now and we have him about the house at all hours; always audible, too, whenever he Is about"
 ''IIe has splendid voice, and with what taste and feeling he sings' con- tinued the young lady, listening with flattering attention to the mellow strains which came to us in interrupted snatches from above. "I remember, Anne, you used to sing right prettily yourself; l suppose that you and your brother sing together good dealp'
 ssYes, after fashion; have not much voice, but with what have and the pi- ano can manage to help Dick through duet once in n while."
 After that Miss Vanness reverted to the topic of mantau-making, which occupied the remaining few moments of her stay. She rose to go about the same time the door of the room overhead opened and ,as she and I reached the front hall,we con fronted Dick descending the front stairs. He would have passed into the back room without stopping, but Katharine made such a decided pause that he could not avoid saluting her. He said nothing, but the quick, graceful motion of his hand toward his uncovered head served the purpose of bow and was most gra- ciously returned by the young lady. After that I, of course, had to introduce them.
 My brother Richard, Miss Vanness." frhara xyas a 1ittIa p,tiya, of alat;n, ;,, my voice, for l was extremely proud of Dick and l could not altogether help showing it. How bright and handsome and manly he looked as he stood there confronting us in his lordly, courteous fashion! Kate Vanness was a tall girl, but Dick overtopped her bya whole head.
 ''You have been delightfully."- audible for some time, Mir Stanley, though invis- ible," said Katharine, in her most graci- ous manner: and she could be very win ming and attractive when she chose.
 Dick looked his admiration as he re- piled, laughing,
 ''It must be a relief to you then to have ocular demonstration that I am not n disembodied voice. If I had known 1 had other auditors than my much-endur- ing mother and sister, should have talk en the advice of the damsel in the ballad and whispered what l was 'feeling.''
 ''I am glad you did not know it then,' said Kate, smiling, ''for enjoyed the lit tie I could hear of your barcarole amaz- ingly. heard Signor Yoghel give the same song at party attended, last night and 1 assure you your rendering was much more spirited.n
 "Talking of parties reminds me, Anne dear" and she turned to me somewhat abruptly, "actually, Ihad almost forgot ten the chief purpose of my visit here this morning; am going to entertain a few friends, next Thursday evening and l want you to be one of them. Mir Stan ley, shall be pleased to have your com pany, also. Don't hesitate, either of you, for l will not take no for an answer. There will not be a crowd, only 8 or 40 guests. Thursday, remember, the 18th l shall expect you both."
 Without waiting for any positive an swer, which we had been taken too un- awares to have ready, Miss Vanness bow cd, smiled and was gone.
 ''So that is yonr great friend, Kate Vaunessiv cried Dick soon as the dooi closed behind her .sShe is a sumner sure enough. What handsome black eyes she has and how well they contrast with her auburn hair and fair complex ion! Thoroughbred manners, too; she included me in her invitation very pret tily and graciously."
 ''I won't go step," said I, red witt vexation. ''I don't believe she evel meant to invite me at all when she came here this morning. It's just you and you voice she wants, Dick, to help entertain her fine friends. She has never invited me to her house before since we Jeff school. won't go step"
 "Oh yes, you will," said Dick, com posedly. "9Take the goods the God provide you,' Nancy, without demur you have been very graciously invited and you will be very graciously treated when you go; you will see plenty of fin, folks and can take notes of the fashions thus having an eye to business as well al to pleasure. As for the singing, if thu company want to listen to me, will b, happy toaccord them the privilege, ,whicl I shall enjoy, probably, more than the, will. We'll get to work tonight, Nal and have a good practice, to be in readi ness."