Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1890-01-18
fro BE CONTINUED
MUSIC HATH CHARMS.

I did not approve of my mothers idea
Of taking city boarders; still, as she said,
rs there were only two Of them, 1t would
not make much difference In our home
life.
They were an aunt, Mrs. Morton, and
her niece, Miss Emily Ives, and a strange
contrast they made In both appearance
and demeanor. Miss Ives was shrouded
In the deepest of mourning costumes.
and heavy black Grape veil completely
concealed her features. She was not
widow. That knew, because In writ
ing to engage the rooms Mrs. Morton
had called her niece "Miss," and had
furthermore added that she had sustained
the loss of friend which had thrown
her into state of almost hopeless mel
ancholia; that Mrs. Morton's object In
seeking country place SO far from New
York a. the Genesee valley was In the
hope of effecting an entire change OF
scene and thought for her afflicted niece.
Mrs. Morton joined us at our little rus
tic board, but Miss Ives took her meals
In her room, refusing to cross the sill OF
her door.
My curiosity was piqued.
ais she HIP inquired of mother one
day.
'Oh, no." said mother, ''she is In per.
feet health; but when Mrs. Morton urges
her to come out with her and see the
beautiful scenery, she says that the sight
Of nature, no matter how lovely, is hate.
full to her."
MRS. Morton says that. unless some
thing is done to arouse Miss Ives from
her lethargy, she is afraid that she will
go melancholy mad-and. Godfrey, I've
been thinking that you may be able to
do something to arouse her."
II, motherl' I exclaimed, starting.
"What could possibly do to arouse
her, as you call it?'
Ny mother replied TO my Qresf'na
"What could you do? why, you could
play and sing"
This was O startling proposition, even
though was conceded to be the est tat.
stefan and TO have the finest ten. -
In all the Genesee valley.
'But, mother" said, show i.
who am nothing but an uncy .A,I,a
country pumpkin, sing before al ;,crnu-
plished musician. as am sure Nj ! Ives
must be-"
Before she sank into this III and
dreadful state of dependency, l.iss Irs
was passionately fond OF musi .--cslle-
cially sacred music, but she wi never
listen to note now If she can he. L,
Mrs. Morton and have talked it ali ore;.
told her that you have the ki'Hl 81 d
sympathetic voice that would III the
heart Of n stone, and she is very anxious
that you should try the experiment.
II don't ask you to sing before herr
but this afternoon Mrs. Morton and / are
going out. When we are gone, you sit
down to the piano and sing some of those
touching things you know 30 well how tc
sing"
When the ladies were well out Of the
way sat down to the piano, and very
softly began singing some quaint, old
fashioned and plaintive hymns. Between
each one Ipaused awhile, fully expecting
a peremptory message from Miss Ives
for me to stop. None came, and after 9
while fancied that heard light foot
step overheard.
Evidently Miss Ives had risen from the
sofa upon which she lay constantly. Was
she coming in person TO rebuke me foI
my temerity? My heart beat high with
fear-and hope.
With my whole soul in my task rap
idly glided into the old, old hymn OF
Jordan"
AS the last words, "There is rest for
me-" died away, the door slowly opened