St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1893-09-14
Selettrh Story.
AN UNFORGOTTEN SINGER.

civ stands house that excites the
interest of every one who sees it Tor
the first time. Many who know it's
story look upon it with love and
veneration.
The house was built, many years
ago. in the midst of the first growth
Of oak and white birch. For
years it was nearly surrounded with
dense woods. No dwelling was near
it. The winds in the trees and the
breaking of the waves on the shore
near by were the sounds which luled
its inmates to sleep.
All its surroundings have changed.
Railroad trains pass not far away
every few moments. A great boule-
ward extends to the city. Elegant
homes stand near by, with green
lawns and stone walks. Though the
scenes Of the modern city life now
surround this plain farmhouse, it is
by no means blot on the newer life.
1t makes restful picture there with
its suggestion of peaceful country
life.
1t has an old, implanted barn sur
rounded by large oaks, and a de-
lightfully irregular woodpile, re-
minding many a hard-worked bust
ness man of his early home. Two
COWS and an old horse feed in strip
of grass which is all that is now left
of pasture. Spreading branches of
great trees shade the yard; few
rude seats give it an air of comfort
and hospitality.
The whole place tells of a life not
in sympathy with the struggle for
wealth or the mad rush for social
prominence in the vast city near at
hand. The peace of contentment
broods over the scene, which almost
rebukes, by its repose, the neighbour
ing evidences OF desire for display.
When the house was built it shell
tered plain family from New Eng
land, one of whom was dark-eyed,
dark-haired girl. The parents were
strangely unambitious both for
themselves and their children. But
in the heart of this girl burned a
concentrated fire of enthusiasm. She
inherited from an excellent ancestry
a strength of mind and a singleness
ofpurpose which was revealed even
in her childhood; and she joined
with these qualities modesty and
sweetness of character.
She had passion for music; but she
received little encouragement at
home in the development of her am
bition. This lack of sympathy was
not due to want of love, for her
parents were devotedly attached to
this quiet maiden. But as has hap
pened in many cases, they did not
see deeply into a life so closely knit
to their own. And even if they had
been aware of her talent, they would
not have been able to help her in the
studies she so longed to pursue. 1t
became matter of jest in the family
that Mary went to the piano when
ever an interval could be found in
the house work.
At first she gave herself, with some
little assistance, wholly to piano
music; but one day Mary Lane dis
covered that she had a voice.
To be sure, she had always sung
about the house and in church-sung
with all her heart. But the discov-
cry she now made was a revelation
to her. She found that she could ex-
press in song that hitherto unexpress-
ed longing to be and do something
in the world.
The accumulated energy of gener-
ations seemed to struggle in her
mind; and on this day she poured
out her misunderstood desire in
passionate song.
In the years that followed, this
young girl, so much alone in her in
ner life, walked long distances to
school, and practised and worked as
few girls do today. Her hard house
hold toll was all done quietly
and cheertully. Her ambition,
though it appeared to be so hopeless,
did not embitter her life. Her heart
was true to every womanly instinct,
and her soul was kept pure and un-
soiled. She was content with the
plainest dress, because it was neces-
sary; but she had all girls love OF
the beautiful. She moved with un-
conscious grace among those who
had abundance, nor was she ever
troubled by the contrast.
All these years she was training
her voice as best she might; but ex.
cept at school and in church she
never sang in pubic.
Meantime piece of what seemed
TO her a great good fortune fell to
ner An excellent vocal teacher
heard her sing at church, and offered
to instruct her for very little money
Tor the pittance she received for sing
ing in church, Already her voice
mad taken hold of many hearts.
But it did not occur to any one
mat Mary Lane was becoming a
great singer. She could not be that,
IN their estimation, because she was
the simple, modest country girl
whom they had known from her