Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-01-23
He Had Pity.

hau ilttle IN common with the rest OF
the world.
His faults were many and his virtues
few. His two redeeming points-call
them virtues if YOU will--were gener-
osity verging on weakness in individ-
ual cases ana a love for music.
Late one night he came out of ST.
James hall, buttoned his coat up
round his neck, dived his hands into
his pockets and made for home, On
his way he entered cafe and took
cup of coffee.
AS he slipped the beverage his ear,
ever on the alert for music, caught the
sounds of voice that was at once
rich and melodious
Jabez listened attentively for Ave
minutes, during which time the song
continued with short intervals of ST
lence. At length 1t stopped altogether.
Jabe2 asked the waiter attending him
to fetch in the person singing.
The waiter returned in less than a
minute, ushering in n young man of
a distinctly Italian cast, of counte-
nance, whom he introduced as Luigi
the bottle washer.
We'll, my man, YOU have an eX~
tremely fine voice. Did you know
that@ With due care and rigid train
ing there ought TO be both fame and
fortune in ii. You would like to be
something better than a hottie washer
all your life, eh. my man.
Luigi in wondering sort of way,
nodded
That's right that's right my man.
Here is my card. Come and see me nj
my house tomorrow at $50, want TO
have a serious talk with YOU. Can
YOU Gomez"
Yes, sir; that is, no, sir. Not to-
morrow. l work till II every night
during the week"
"Oh, oh! such is the irony of fate"
muttered Jabez Can you come on
Sunday?"
True to his word, Luigi, clothed in
his Sunday garments, found himself in
Mr.. Wilson's drawing-room, the follow
ing Sunday evening.
Luigi, you have most charming
term an embryo form. The foundation
is there in all its strength. and a
couple of years careful training will
place YOU without doubt as one of
the topmost branches of the vocal tree.
you must make a point of cultivat-
t,,,r
casion, Luigi. Avoid those articles Of
food which shall give you a list of,
that your vocal chords may retain the
sweetness, strength and fullness that
now marks them.
Your clothes, too, are unsuited to
the pupil of a vocal professor. You
must fit yourself out like a gentleman,
Luigi. You must exercise care, and
take a pride in your personal appear.
ance-in short, be in every respect
worthy of your profession"
AS Luigi's profession was that of
bottle washer at an Italian restaurant,
he naturally failed to see how he could
we'll give further evidence of his occu-
patton than by the suit in which he
appeared before this strange gentle
man. And he said so.
Dear me; of course | must explain
to you, Luigi. what propose to do.
| am too hasty. First and foremost,
do you like music?"
Il am AN Italian" was the modest
reply"
~ A w
we will come to business. Would you
like to give up your present mental
occupation and become first, the pupil
of a musician, and then master of the
art you excel in?"
THAT is beyond my hope, sir. |
have no money"
Jabez Wilson threw up his hands.
That's all right. ! will see to that
little matter. Give me the assurance
that YOU will put your whole heart in
TO the work | have cut out for you,
and will do your best. | ask for
nothing more
A few days later Luigi left his situa-
ton and became the protege of Mr..
Wilson. To say that Luigi was CRATE
full would be to put the feeling he
evinced toward his benefactor in very
mild terms He could find no way OF
expressing his gratitude beyond max
ing himself IS perfect in his art as
it became possible for him to do.
Luigi" said Mr.. Wilson one day.
/. am delighted to tell you that It
is now beyond the capabilities of Eng
lish masters TO teach you further. II
remains for the masters of your native
land to instil into you that little re-
quired to take you to Naples, where
we will spend the next year or two"
For the first time since their odd
acquaintance, Luigi failed to hail an
announcement for his benefit with any
sign Of pleasure or satisfaction He
looked gloomy and hesitated to speak
you have always been extremely
kind and good to me, Mr.. Wilson. |
cannot by any possible means express
my gratitude. But the suggestion you
have made. although entirely for my