The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1895-12-19
NATURALIZATION
A BIT OF GlRLiSH ROMANCE WITH AN
UNROMANTIC ENDING.

An Impressionabie Maiden and the Singer
Who Had Seen Much of the World-she
Got the Autograph, but After 1t Was
All Over Felt Very Foolish.
have heard this about a romantic
young girl who became infatuated with
a certain famous tenor last winter
She saw him in favorite role, and
his dashing appearance and superb sing
ing made such an impression upon her
that she became "opera mad, as she
| told her friends, but tenor mad would
| be nearer the mark.
All her pin money she saved and
turned into seats for the different per
| formances.
She bought every photograph of her
favorite that she could find and grew
wildly jealous of the sopranos and con-
traltos who sang the opposite roles to
him.
OF course she couldn't go on like this
| without having confdant so she Sc
/ lected school friend and told her all
/ There wasn't much ALI to it, but
the friend thought it was delightfully."-
romantic.
Has be ever noticed you, Katiei'
mo" replied Katie, Il don't think
! that he has There was one time that
i thought he was looking at me over the
footlights, and, oh, Laura, | became so
! faint that | was afraid I'd fall off my
seat But l think he was looking at the
conductor. "
Eyes, they look at the conductor
good deal dear. wonder Why"
"Oh, suppose they re fond of him. "
Well. they went to three more per
formances, and by this time Katie was
case of "clean gone.
Laura, dear, if l could just take his
] hand and look into his eyes and ask
him for his autograph, l think I'd be
willing to die right there"
II don't see any harm in that. "
I'm my dying?"
"No, goosie In your just shaking
hands with him and asking him for his
autograph. You take his best photo
graph, and I'll get fountain pen, and
J we'll go. after the matinee tomorrow.
ITO the theater?"
why, yes. You couldn't go to his
hotel. "
So this plan was agreed on, and a
nice furry poor Katie was in.
She went and heard the opera the
next day in a kind of dream, and when
it was over rose in white heat Of ex-
/ element
ave must give him time to dress,
said the practical Laura. 80 We'll go
and have a cup Of chocolate. "
They dawdled over this refreshment
for 20 minutes, and then started for the
stage door A stout, coarse man barred
their passage here, and asked:
well, young ladies, what can | do
for you?"
Katie was simply speechless, so Laura
spoke up.
1--WE wish to see Mr.. -"
He won't see you. He's gone to his
dinner, anyway. But he's got no time
to see anybody unless you have an ap-
pointment with him.
Then Laura the brazen told whop-
per.
eve have, she said, pining 81 don't
! know now we missed MIN.
well he's dining at the H
House, said the doorkeeper. HE said
some people might call for him. You
can go there and send in your card. "
So this they decided to do, and to the
hotel they went,
They sat all a-tremble in the gayly
decorated reception room after they had
! 10 IL,
heard manly tread.
Nearer nearer, nearer
Katie seized Laura by the hand and
shook with emotion.
Then tall form appeared in the door
way, and the tenor stood before them.
A little older looking, not so romantic
in appearance. and holding a napkin in
his hand instead If a truncheon or a
sword-but still the tenor.
He advanced courteously and bowed
as he looked at them and at their cards,
Il do not think | have the pleas
ure'- he began.
Then Laura burst in with what they
wanted. He frowned little and then
smiled YEARLY.
81 am at dinner" he said, land I
have friends dining with me, but will
do what you desire. "
So they produced the pictures. There
were four instead of one, and he signed
them in bold hand
"Will you pardon me?" he queried.
but l am pressed for time. l am glad
to have met you.
Then he turned to so, and Katie
found her voice.
"Will you-will you--llet me shake
hands with your" she stammered,
He smiled.
Certainly" he said, and he gave
her a strong hand clasp.
The poor, silly child bent forward,
kissed his hand and half fell upon her
knees.
He raised her instantly and said
Il thank you for this tribute to the
artist. 1t is not for the man. My dear
young lady, l am So years old, and
have seen too much of the world to en-
courage the impulses of young girls like
you, who are often not in their right
minds regarding stage people. Goodby
and good luck to you.