The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-07-14
WESTMINSTER MD, SATURDAY, JULY a. 1894

|
his own personal in6rmity, he added hast
| lily;
"But, when the first pang of such pain
is over, there remains the comfort of being
a listener At first one does not think it
a comfort; but, as time goes on, there Is
no resisting its magic influence. And
Lowell said rightly that one of Gods great
charities is music
II did not know you were musical, Mr..
Keith" said an English lady. You have
never before spoken of music"
| "Perhaps not, madam" he answered.
Gone does not often speak of what one
cares for most of all. But when am in
London l rarely miss hearing our best
players"
At this point others Joined in, and the
various merits of eminent pianists were
warmly discussed.
"What wonderful name that little
English lady has made for herself !" said
the Major, who was considered an author
ity on all subjects. ~ would go anywhere
to hear Miss Thyra Flowerdew. We all
ought to be very proud of her. She has
taken even the German musical world by
storm, and they say her recitals at Paris
have been brilliantly successful. have
heard her at New York, Leipsic, London,
Berlin, and even Chicago"
The little girl stirred uneasily in her
chair.
"I don't think Miss Flowerdew has ever
been to Chicago" she said.
There was dead silence. The admirer
of Miss Thyra Flowerdew looked much
annoyed and twiddled his watch chain.
He had meant to say Philadelphia, but he
did not think it necessary to own to his
mistake.
"What impertinence !' said one of the
ladies' to Miss Blake. "What can she
know about it? Is she not the young per-
son who turned the piano ?"
"Perhaps she tunes Miss Thyra Flower
dew's pianoT suggested Miss Blake in a
loud whisper.
"You are right" said the little girl
quietly. II have often tuned Miss Flow
erdews piano.
There was another embarrassing silence;
and then lovely old lady, whom every
one reverenced, came to the rescue.
81 think her playing is simply superb,
she said. "NothiDg that ever hear salts
fes me so entirely. She has all the ten
derness of an angels touch.
Listening to her, said the Major, who
had now recovered from his annoyance at
being interrupted, "one becomes uncon-
scus of her presence, for she is the music
itself. And that is rare. 1t is but seldom
nowadays that we are allowed to forget the
personality of the player. And yet her
personality is an unusual one. Having
once seen her, it would not be easy to for
get her. should recognize her any
where"
AS he spoke he glanced at the little
tuner, and could not help admiring her
dignifed composure under circumstances
which might have been distressing to any
one; and when she rose with the others he
followed her, and said stifay
81 regret that was the indirect cause of
putting you in an awkward position" :"
''It is really of no consequence" she
said, brightly. eff you think I was i'm
pertinent 1 ask your forgiveness. l did
not mean to be oficious The words were
spoken before 1 was aware of them.
She passed into the salon, where she
found quiet corner for herself, and read
some of the newspapers. No one took the
slightest notice of her, not a word was
spoken to her; but when she relieved the
company Of her presence her impertinence
was commented on.
Il am sorry that she heard what | said, "
remarked Miss Blake. "But she did not
seem to mind. These young women who
go out into the world lose the edge of their
sensitiseness and femininity. 1 have al
ways observed that"
"HOw much they are spared then l'' an
swered some one.
Meanwhile the little girl slept soundly.
She had merry dreams, and finally woke
up laughing. She hurried over her break
fast, and then stood ready to go for but
terAy hunt. She looked thoroughly happy,
and evidently had found and was holding
tightly the key to life's enjoyment.
Oswald Everard was waiting on the bal
cony, and he reminded her that he intended
to 60 with her.
"Come along, then, she answered; 'we
must not lose moment"
They caught butterflies, they picked
flowers, they ran; they fingered by the
wayside, they sang; they climbed, and he
marvelled at her easy speed Nothing
seemed to tire her, and everything seemed
to delight her-the flowers, the birds, the
clouds, the grasses, and the fragrance of
the pine woods,
"Is it not good to live? she cried, as
it not splendid to take in this scented air
Draw in as many long breaths as you can.
Isn't it good? Don't you feel now as
though you were ready to move mountains2
do. What dear old nurse Nature is
How she pets us, and gives us the best of
her treasures r.
uar honn;naas invaded 0swal1 Evo.