The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1895-12-28
KATIEANDTHETENORI
"A BIT OF elRLisH ROMANCE WITH AN
i UNROMANTiC ENDING.

Who Had Seen Much of the World-She
Got tho 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 60 on like this
without having confidant SO she &C.
lected school friend and told her all.
There wasn't much "aIl" to It, but
the friend thought it was delightfully."-
romantic.
Has he ever noticed you, Katies"
4 ANOb hCPhiCo AAgi0p uOu Guluh
that he has. There was one time that
thought he was looking at me over the
Ifootlights, and, oh, Laura, became SO
faint that was afraid I'd fall off my
seat. But think he was looking at the
conductor"
eyes, they look ut the, conductor a
good deal. dear. 1 wonder whyi''
oh, suppose they're fond of him. I"
Well. they went TO three more per.
formances, and by this time Katie was
case Of "clean gone''
Laura, dear, if I could Just take his
hand and look into his eyes and ask
him for his autograph, think I'd be
willing to die right therel''
Il don't see any harm in that. :"
In my dying?"
mo, goosiel III 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
we'll go, nfter 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 n kind Of dream, and when
it was over rose in white heat Of ex.
citement.
"We must give him time to dress, :"
said the practical Laura $50 we'll 20
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 I dc
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 havo an up.
pointment with him.
Then Laura the brazen told whop.
per.
"Wo have, 1" she said, pining. 81 don't
know how we missed him."
well, he's dining ut the h
House." said tho doorkeeper HE said
some people might call for him. You
can 60 there and send in your card"
So this they decided to do, and to the
hotel they went
They sat all a-tremble III the gayly
decorated reception room after they had
launched their cards, and presently they
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 napkin in
his hand instead Of a truncheon or q
sword-but still the tenor
He advanced courteously and bowed
as he looked at them and ut their cards.
81 do not think I have the pleas
ure'- he began.
Then Laura burst in with what they
wanted. He frowned a little and then
smiled YEARLY.
II nm ut dinner" he said, "and T
have friends dining with me, but will
do what You desire.
So they produced the pictures. There
were tour instead Of one, and he signed
them i'll o bold hand.
"Will you pardon me?" he queried
but am pressed for time. I nm glad
to have met you.
Then he turned to go, and Katie
found her voice.
will you-will you-l-let me shake
hands with your" she stammered.
He smiled.
Certainly" he said, and he gave
her strong hand clasp.
The poor, silly child bent forward
kissed his hand and half fell upon her
knees.