Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1892-04-15

would seem all the more wonderful in
her shaddy outfit. Little did they dream
Of the sensitive soul beneath her rags.
or the noble impulse that prompted her
TO sing before snch crowd.
| At length Betty's turn came. Her
first piece was "Jesus, Lover of NV
Soul" For moment the courage Of
her love for Ben, and what she could
do for him, overcame her despair, and
she went upon the stage amid many
whispers and sneers.
"Gracious goodness Did you ever
see such a rig for concert ?" said
girl who stood nearer Betty than the
rest.
"Barefooted, too said another. ITO
think Of itw
But why did she not sing? All! she
had heard those cruel words, aud not
one Of her superb notes would come.
She stood gazing at her audience for
moment, and then burst into tears.
Betty could not sing. The familiar
words, even the tune, had left her.
She grew deadly pale. The manager
Of the association called her from the
stage.
"You are sick. poor chid-Pm sorry.
You'd better 60 home at once. will
apologize for you"
The disappointed child heard no more.
All her visions Of what she could do for
Ben tonight quickly vanished. She
CROPPED for the door, while some Of the
more favored in dress took her place on
the stage; but they could not excel her
in voice the oasket was rough one,
perhaps, but the jewel within was the
rarsst one there that night
Out from the gorgeous concert room
and over the stairs our little singer
weat. Oh, what high hopes she had
built On she hurried, till she reached
q narrow alley, where she threw herself
on the ground in the darkest corner she
could find. There she groaned in very
agony as her great trouble rolled in
upon her.
Had the world suddenly come to an
end 7" she asked in her terrible dis
appointment. Betty's life, hard as 1t
was. had never known such grief. And
Benny, so patiently waiting for her re-
turn. What would he say?
II never can tell him in the world,
never It's too drstfully awful, II is,
but I'll have to somehow"
She arose slowly; oh, how old she
had grown in an hour She fairly stag
gered down the street.
''l'll do my best in telling him, so he
sha'n't DO Worried" she said.
But at the sight of bis dear, patient
face all her bravery left her, aud laying
her aching head beside him, she could
oaly moan
"Oh, me Oh. me r
"Why, Betty, you back SO soon I
What is il sister In paini"
Eyes, dear, great pain. Keep close
TO me, Benny; lay me down where
can't think. Oh, me p
Darling Bet, what is il 2" he asked.
rs he put bis arms around her.
"By-and-by Betty'll tell you ALL"
she whispered. And before midnight
he did.
When the daylight camc in Mt the
title window poor Betty was tossing
ipon the old straw bed In terrible
ever. She muttered constantly about
he concert, her shabby dress, and the
white ones she saw. If she
iad only had one, how much she could
rave done for Bonnvl
Benny was In despair--Betty was all
be world TO him. Day after day he sat
reside her. She rarely knew him now.
The people in the house we're kind, aud
cd from their own scanty fare, and at
ended as best they could TO the suffer
ng child. But Ben ate little, and never
lspt, and people whispered that if Betty
lied he would not long outlive his sister.
One day she startled him by calling
oftly.--
Benny dear. I've been dreaming n
cal dream. think they want me where
he Jesus man is to sing" pointing up
yard, "aud they've promised TO lot mo
ave such white dress. all my own. to
ing in-'robs' they call il there, tho ugh
hey say il won't make a bit Of odds
shat ! have on. You can't spare me,
Iarling--you're blind to leave oil alone.
! you could only go too, Benny dear /!
Vow get the old instrument, aud I'll
ing with you before go. I want to
'e sure my voice is 10 tune, cause,
fou see, ! mustn't break down there"
Poor Benny felt as il he we're in
lream He obeyed dsspairingly, aud
hen bis sisters weak voice began
Jesus. Lover Of My Soul" She did
lot finish il with Ben, but 10 that place
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