, 1889-01-03
RESULT OF A MISTAKE.


Lena Hazieton sat in the diuly lighted
church, where she sang leading soprano,
in the third row from the organ.
The or9anist, with no book before him,
was playing the most beautiful music she
had ever heard.
"Can this be Jack ?" she asked herself.
"He seems to be pouring out his very
soul"
''She sank back into her seat, drinking
in the inspiring tones, wondering in an
indistinct way ii he had ever played as
we'll and why she had never been affected
so before.
When the last thrilling notes had died
away she slowly approached him and said.
softly:
.You have surprised yourself tonight.
Jack. | have been listening spell.bound."
Instead of turning around and greeting
her in his usual frank way he started IN
surprise, then hesitated, and finally said:
III am glad you like my music" and his
fingers strayed on over the keys.
Lena marveled at his manner and after
moments silence, said:
"! wonder the others are not here. 1t is
surely time
At this he turned slowly around saying:
"Do not be frightened. Your compli-
ment was intended tor some one else,
though my name is Jack"
Lena blushed and stammerej:
81 beg Your pardon!"
Then, at the thought of having been
half an hour in an almost unli2hted
church with stranger, she plucked up
courage and demanded:
But why are you herep"
He smiled indugently and answered:
because am very fond of playing on
church organs. and, having Mr.. James
consent, saw no reason for not gratifying
my wish to try this magnificent instru-
ment: am sorry to have inconvenienced
you"
mot at ALL" said she, oravely. "But
! don't see why the others are not here"
IF you refer to the choir, Mr.. james
told me that it does not rehearse until to-
morrow evening""
why, how odd" said Lena. 1--WE al.
ways meet on Thursday evening""
But this ia only Wednesday evening""
said the unknown with winning smile.
"Only Wednesday eveninR!" she re-
peated. hardly believing her ears. "Are
you certain?'
Yes, quite" he replied
"1es, Lena" interposed MIR. James,
who had approached unobserved, ON as
sure you it is Wednesday. An. Morton,
there you are! Miss Hazleton. this is Mr.
Morton. And, by the way, Lena, Mrs
james has some company and sent me for
you"
81 should like to go, but fear auntie
will worry"
mo. ] have seen her and explained.
She told me you were here"
"Then | shall be delighted"
Morton, will you not come toor" be
asked
Thank you, but fear should in
trude."
Not at all. know my wife will be
delighted"
! Jack besitated minute; but at that
moment his eye met Lenh's, and not only
was his decision made, but he knew that
the current of his whole life had been
changed
! Durins the evening Lena sang, and
Jack Morton PLAYED the accompaniment.
| He played so W ell that she was seized with
desire TO distinguish herself.
| When she had sung few tunes her
friends were surprised; and Jack, who
had heard much good singing WAS aston
ished at the purity and sweetness OF her
tones
As she finished, her face glowing with
enthusiasm, they all pleaded for another
song, and RlancinQ to Jack, she read the
lame request in his eyes and complied.
Later in the evening she was sitting near
Mr. James.
How do you like Mr.. Morton?" he
asked.
VERY well" she replied, with trihe
more feeling than was necessary. He IL
TO escort me home. Have you known him
long?"
HE is business acquaintance of mine
from Chicago. I've met him so often that
consider him true friend"
At ii o'clock Lena and Jack were walk
ing homeward, her dainty hand resting
ooDhiipgly on his arm
Before parting he had permission ia
call, as his stay was to be short, and
her next evening was devoted to the re.
hearsal. it was arranged that he should
escort her home.
At breakfast her aunt asked
LENA, how did you enjoy yourself las'
nightp" :.
"Very we'll, auntie."
"Did Mr.. James bring you home?'
mo; Mr.. Morton came with me-"
At this the elder lady laid down .heI
fork, and looking directly at Lena said:
"Aud who may Mr.. Morton be?"
"A gentleman from Chicago who wa'
there. answered Lena, ignoring the 70
, mantle meeting in the dimly lit church.
"A gentleman from Chicago" repeated
ner aunt, with an ominous tap of her foot
"That is rather indefinite.
! "Yes; but he's nice, auntie."
D "Of COURSE" said her aunt "Curly
o golden hair. brown eyes and wonderfu
/, mustache."
1 ''Iudeed he hasn't. His hair 10 darl
i. and couldn't aav THAT color HIS ewes are,