Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1889-07-06

began preparing Tor the call sue n
tended to make on Signor Bertonl, tn
greatest singing-master in the city.
She started forth with SO mucl
eagerness in her manner that 1t at
tracted the attention of the people sh
met, and many turned to look ate
her; but Madge needed them not. Sh
thought of but one thing desire o
her heart.
Upon reaching the house OF tn
great maestro, it was with fear ant
trembling that she walked up the step
and rang the bell. A servant admitted
her. and as she was ushered into thu
presence of Signor Bertoni she coult
scarcely control herself sufficiently t.
| utter word.
The kind-hearted old man, seeing
her discontinue, said:
pray be seated, and tell me what
can do for you, my girl.
please, sir," said Madge, 81 won
dered if l could sing, and 1 knew you
could tell me-"
"Why, yes, my dear, certainly, GER
tainly; We will try"
Madge, treasured by his kind man
ner, brought out song she had with
her, and the very one she had heard
sung at Miss Marlboro's the night be
fore. She stood at his side as he
played it through, and then told her
to sing it. She sang, softly at first,
and then, gaining confidence as she
went along, her voice rang out in
clear, sweet tones that made the old
masters eyes sparkle.
"Well, we'll! My dear, what is your
name?" said he, when the song was
ended.
''Madge Bronson, sir"
Observation-Disclosures" said he. ''Were
you any relation to Ralph Bronson,
who met with such a sad death some
years ago."
HE was my father, sir" said
Madge.
'.lour father, Ell? Well, my dear,
let me tell you that you have inherited
from your father great genius and a
wonderful voice."
ooh, sir, is it true? Can I really
sing? am poor. How can I pay for
lessons ?"
"Do not let that trouble you, my
child. Many favor has Ralph Bron-
son done for me. It will afford me the
greatest pleasure to instruct you free
Of charge. Come to me three times a
week, and 1 shall consider myself well
paid by being allowed to present to the
world one of the most beautiful singers
it has known in many day. You
have fortune in your voice, my girl.
Madge could scarcely believe she
was herself, as she left the house. She
seemed to be walking on air, SO bright
and beautiful did everything appear to
her. She could work now-yes, gladly,
oyfully -for every stitch would carry
l song, and thus the little room that
was but yesterday the home of Madge
Bronson, the seamstress, became in
,ne night the abode of one who was
destined to soon startle the world by
her great and wonderful talent.
Two years rolled away, and Madge
was preparing to make her debut. The
social season was at its height when
he announcement was made that on a
certain evening there was to be pre-
'ented to the world new star. Faint
JUNIORS of poor girl, pupil of Ber-
oni, filled the air, and the rich and
fashionable world prepared to do hon.
'ge to our poor little seamstress.
When the night arrived, the great |
heater was filed with eager listeners.
How those wonderful tones rang
through the building! She forgot her
self and where she was, and only knew
Ter song. 1t swelled forth grandly,
hen died away like some distant bell.
For moment not a sound was heard.
The people seemed afraid to stir. Then
applause shook the build
ng; handkerchiefs and fans were
waved; flowers flew through the air,
md nearly all stood, so intense was
heir excitement. She came to the |
ront and stood there, a veritable queen
If song. Her triumph was complete.
But while hundreds of eyes were
urned upon her, one pair watched her
With curious interest. In box at the |
light sat George Courtney gazing at |
he singer with strange fascination.
Gould he be mistaken? The face so |
ndelibly stamped upon his mind was
he same, and yet how could it be pos
ible that this great and gifted lady
vas the girl he had seen on the stairs
It Miss Marlboro's, two years ago? To
'e sure he had heard the report that
lad gained circulation of the former
poverty of this beautiful songstress.
He could not rest till he found out. He
would go to Bertoni and ask for her
history. For two years her face had
haunted him, and although he scarcely
acknowledged it to himself, feeling of
onglng and unrest had taken hold of
us heart. Wealthy and cultured, many
aid siege to that heart, which, SO far,
lad remained impenetrable; but he
'as on the verge of losing it now; and
ladge, all unconscious of the commo-
ion she was causing in one breast, sang
ersef more and more into his heart.
IS she finished, she saw thrown from
ne of the boxes little bud which fell
t her feet. She glanced up, smiled,
owed, and withdrew.
The papers next day rang with her
/