The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-06-10

music, and she felt its vibrations to her
finger tips. Long ago, some one had
given her dolls piano mat had Den
her delight all through her childhood.
Now, as she grew older. she put II 70 Il
practical use, and had the resolution
TO sit before it. on the floor, and practice
entire family of dolls seated around for
inspiration This was TO get her myers
In good condition in case, by any happy
chance a piano should ever be hers. 1
must be ready for H., she said.
Their neighbor, Mrs. Adams, gave music
lessons. and MOllie had often watched
her play, and tried to initiate her hnger-
ing. -, .. ,,,,,o
noJIia and so afraid lest her father
should think her dtscontented, tnat ne
really had no idea how deeply the Iohg-
ing had taken root IN her soui. ne tes '
or 10 earn money for it. made his heart
ache. go, .,.,,,oh+ ohm,
boVT' SO closely must the dollars be
counted. that even renting a piano WAS
out of the question. 49, so,s
well, my May-Biossom,' ne said,
aloud. after silence, you snall nave
one in some way, l am determined. II
we had fairy godmothers nowadays,
sweetheart. you might have one Tor a
birthday present" he added, more nSht-
";.Its pretty nearly my Birthday" said
." III Nv we we were living in Boston now you
might at any rate, get May,oasiKSet. e.,
I'D love 10 get a May-basket, Sdiu
Monie. "'rell me about them. 49,
She had heard the story many times
before. How her father ana mother hau
lived next door to each other IN boston
when they were children; how, on May
list the children would have May baskets,
which papa would describe with great
unction' pretty tissue-paper affairs; gaily
twisted with gilt paper. and hlled win
candy and flowers. how the chiidren,
lust at dusk, would hang the dainty
hing on the door-knob of the favored
one, with her name on caro-, ued 10 n;
how they would pun the bell VIGOROUSLY
and then scamper away; how the FORUM
ate recipient would dart out to find the
merry donors. who were lurking around
corners and in dark places ana how
when they were all caught, they would
flock to the house Of the favored one Tor
"Oh. what Jolly times you used 70
have.' Moie would sigh, for very en-
j9yment Of p9pas raey descriptions
mean, of course, if / lived in Boston,
she added hastily, afraid Of hurting pa
pas feelings. 1T wouldn't be the same
II can't say. sweetheart. But ! do
know it's Q o'clock. Time honest folks
were in bed and rogues at work SO be-
off with you. little daughter, and call
obedient Mol.e slipped at once to
the floor.
PAPA" she whispered. wistfuny. with
her lips at his ear. do you think /
might pray about n piano.
''To be sure YOU may, darling" said
I papa heartily. praying and working to-
gother accomplish mighty results. and
Wen do both. BE very sure that If its
the right thing for u.s. II viii come.
An hour later, as Mr.. Dent sat driving
his pen, scratch, scratch over the paper.
n tap came at his door. He opened II
10 find Mrs. Adams. their reighh0r. there.
us the little maid asleep" she asked
cautiously. as she entered. Il don't want
her 20 hear what / have 10 say"
"She is safe in the land of Nod" an
swered Mr. Dent, wheeling forward
Adams"
Listen to what she has to say" res
ponded the lady smiling "DO you know
thar we have a musical genius in that
little daughter Of yours2' She BEGAN.
piunging directly into her subject she
has the keenest sensbility to music |
ever saw i'm a child ! have told her
10 come into my room and drum on my
piano when I am out. She rarely comes
though for she has such a dread OF OBJ
trUdiDg. Still rave overheard her
sometimes imprOVlsing the sweetest little
things. Yesterday | asked her where she
learned something she was playing. ana
she answered, surprised, Just out Of my
fingers And thiS morning | came in
here ana round her playing scales on mat
little do.l's piano. first with one hand.
then with the other. 1t was absolutely
pathetic Mr.. Dent, something must be
done about it,"
Indeed, you cannot feel more strong
ly about IL than | do. Mrs Adams" Mr..
Dent returned. his intense feeling giving
touch OF mpatience 10 his courteous
manner. Yet il Is most humihlting to
confess ones limitations. | am, at pres
ent, perfectly helpless about H. Later
l hope"
Mrs. Adams interrupted him, impulslye-
ly.
There is a way fortunately, II you
will accept OF it. Listen. To-day the mo-
ther of one OF my pupils todd me that they
were Unexpectedly going abroad for a
year. and perhaps indefinitely. They have
a fine new Chickering piano she Of
fered me the use OF il FOR It's storage
during the year. Now. | have a new
piano, but l Immediately thought Of
your Mollie. She can have IL ror the
year, and If they remain abroad IL can
be bought for low figure. Will you
have IT,? 1t will be simply the expense Of
moving it here"
Mr.. Dent grasped her hand and shook
1t warmly.
lyon are her fairy godmother," he
said. too much overcome for more. Mol
lie will think this is a direct answer to
her prayers" and he told her all the
! conversation Of the evening.
And 1 will agree with Mollie," Mrs