The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-08-21

the call-bell rang for the musicians
to take their places. Then Rudolph
and Frieda went again to the orches
ira.
When the opera was over, the mu.
sicians took their instruments, and
hastily left the opera house. Ru.
dolph went to hear what the director
had to say about his sisters PLAYING
Frieda remained alone in the audito-
rum. The audience that had sat all
the evening Immediately back of her
was gone. The large opera-house
had relapsed into silence. The walls
and high ceiling which had resound-
ed with the music of "Mignon" were
cold and blank and dumb. The little
violinist feltas much alone as though
she were in mountain glen. Ru-
dolph was gone only ten minutes,
but it seemed like an hour to Frieda.
When he returned, he announced,
III err Ziegler says he'll hire you,
Fritz"
30 Rudolph! what a good brother
you are" Frieda exclaimed, throw
ing both arms around his neck.
"Don't act like a girl, Fritz" Ru-
dolph said, gently unclasping her
arms.
When the mother heard that Herr
Ziegler had hired Frieda, she was
greatly surprised; but she did not
object to her playing in the orches-
ira. So, night after night Frieda
went with Rudolph to the opera
house. She soon got used to wearing
boys clothes, and walked fearlessly
through the streets, whistling snatch
es of the operas as Rudolph did.
During the day, at home and at
school, Frieda wore girls clothes
never forgetting to change them be-
fore going to the opera-house Every
thing went on smoothly for two
months. But one night Rudolph
and Frieda were late in starting, and
the little violinist forgot to change
her clothes. She put on her ulster,
and fastened away Rudolph did
not notice her skirts, either. The two
took their places in the orchestra,
and began playing the overture to
"The Queens Lace Handkerchief
All of sudden Rudolph jumped al
most out of his chair. Fritz" he
gasped, "you forgot your trousers!"
Frieda was too scared to speak.
She kept on playing, turning very
pale.
The musicians had seen the girl
playing with them. The director,
however, had not made the discovery.
But at the end of the first act, as the
musicians were going below, Herr
Ziegler spied Frieda's skirts.
He hurried after her, yelling: "Bahl
Zoundsl A girl in my orchestra!
What does it mean? Explainl ex-
plain, Rudolph Ulrich"
"It's-Frieda, my sister" Ru-
dolph stammered.
"Herr Professor, just wait a few
minutes; and I'll run home and put
on my trousers" Freda made bold to
say.
Trousers! What do you mean?"
the director asked Tuning with rage.
Il wore trousers, because Rudolph
said you would not listen to my play
ing if | wore SKIRTS" Frieda ex-
planned.
Herr Professor, forgive what I've
done! | was so anxious to have Fritz
play in the orchestral" pleaded Ru-
dolph.
The director did not answer. He
ragged with anger till the call-bell
rang. Then he went back to the or
chestra with the musicians. Frieda
remained below.
When the musicians went below at
the end of the second act, Frieda was
awaiting them, in boys clothes.
"Herr Professor, | went home and
put on my -breeches and coat
So now Pm ready to play the third
act of the opera" said the little vic.
linist, her face all aglow with mis-
chief.
The director glanced at Fieda
and his heavy frown changed to a
good -natured smile.
"Fritz,-or Miss Frieda, he ex-
claimed, Il forgive you, because
you're a genius"