Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1895-08-15
"A yIoLINIST'S ROMANCE.

On bright starlight night in jan
uary the Acade NY Of Music was filled
from pit to dome. The great yiolinist
Signor Salvati was to appear. He was
very young, and vet he had reached
the zenith of his fame. With Il soft,
caressing motion ne drew his bow
across the strings. The house held its
breath to listen. In one of the lower
proscenium boxes sat a girl of nine
teen. Behind her, leaning on the back
of her chair, was young man whose
gaze of rlpt admiration never with
drew itself-a man of superb form,
and with eyes and hair as dark as the
night-eyes which glowed with feeling
as they dwelt upon her face.
She turned to him, as the music
died, with quick indrawing Of the
breath.
'gTell me-" she whispered was it
not perfect?"
81 did not hear it; was thinking
but Of you"
A vivid flush, almost Of annoyance,
rose on her brow. hut at that moment
the young musician, recalled by the
laundering plaudits of the people, re-
appeared.
His gaze now wandered over the
house, finally resting on the exquisite
face. He gave a sudden start. OF
what, of whom did ii remind him!
For few seconds their eyes met; then
with q sudden inspiration he drew his
bow.
What was he playing? 1t was a ca
denee no man had ever heard before.
1t began in storm of grief; then fol-
lowed a lull, sudden CLEAN of sun
shine never quite hidden by the clouds
overhead: then came a burst Of tri-
umph, a song of victory, transport
of passion, and then peace.
The young musician was the hon of
the hour. Fashionable ladies sought
him out; Invitations to fetes and re
eeptions and dinners rained upon him.
1t was at one of the latter that he and
Miss Laurence met.
you played? 1t has haunted me ever
since" she asked him
"Some time" he replied, Il will tell
YOU Now, you shall know only that
you were its inspiration"
"You do not teaeh?" she said to him
one day.
"No,n he answered, "but if you will
be my pupil 1t win indeed be pleas
ure."
"And your termsY
81 need no gold" he answered. at
is that some day you shall hear my
story"
81 see nothing of you, Selma" said
Fairfax Farley, during the time. "Are
you not ready to give me your answer,
dear?" the man continued, "Why do
you hold me in suspense?'
"True," she said. you have been
very patient. But be so yet little
longer. Let me be sure of myself. 1t
is only for this assurance, Fairfax.
that | wait"
Two weeks later he waited outside
Of Miss Laurences home until Signor
Salvati stood on The steps in the moon
light. An hour before Mr.. Farley had
made his adieu.
.Signor Salvatir' 1t was his voice
addressing the musician.
yes he responded, his surprise
showing in his tone.
al have waited for you" continued
Mr. Farley, lin order to ask you
favor. 1t il a great favor, but money
need he no object between us. l am
willing to pay you any price, however
fabulous, and although | know it is
out of your line / want very much
that you should play one solo at my
wedding"
You are to be married! May in
quire to whomf"
Miss Laurence is my betrothed.
Had YOU not heard?"
Tomorrow night at this hour You
shall have my decision" Salvati said,
and rapidly strobe away.
Refo-- noon the following day Miss
Laurence received Salvati's card. Pen
ciled on 1t were these words:
pardon my intrusion, and grant me
half an hours interview to bid you
farewell"
Then schooling herself to be calm,
she sat awaiting him.
You asked me once, Miss Laurence,
he began, "the story my violin told on
the night we met. answered you
that sometime you should know.
Would II weary you to hear II now?