The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1897-08-05
BLIND LOVE.

WIS hIott 70 i'FlN. no tnuTcn Ihu I''n
transformed into concert hall. Drapcrics
Of rcd silk covered the walls. The ultars had
been removed and under n large canopy,
supported by columns Of antique wood,
the platform was placed upon which 40
musicians, nll blind from birth, had just
taken their places.
In the first row only two seats remained
unoccupied.
"The Princess Gozin is late, as usual"
remarked one of the pretty guests, look
ing toward the empty places.
A movement more pronounced was
made in the crowd at the door and several
ushers hurried there. An old lady came
bustling in, bowling and smiling. She
was without doubt one of the great pa
irons of the institution.
Behind her, leaning on the arm Of dis
tinguishCG looking man, walked tie pref
test of Parisiuns. Her nationality was
evident, from the blond hair, prettily
curled, to the tips of her small, highly
polished shoes.
"My friend, the Countess Germaine de
Prefaille,' said the old lady, presenting
her to two or three authorities present.
There were murmur OF voices and the
sound of scraping chairs; then the voices
were lowered as the players began to tune
their Instruments. The concert was about
to begin.
81 am SO sorry to tell YOU" said Prince
Gozia, who had been talking to the leader
of the orchestra, "Gaetano will not be able
to play his variations of Rubinstein's ro-
nance. The young blind girl who plays
it with him was taken sick this morning,
and no one else plays the violin well
enough to take her place.
"Oh, what "a shamel The concert will
be spoiled. Guetano is on the programme,
and every one has come to hear him."
The Countess Germaine since her ar
rival had regarded pityipgly the strange
group before her-all these eyes without
sight
Art as they played, absorbed by their
music, they moved their heads softly,
smilingly, and their checks Redeemed with
pleasure, while Gaetano, his large, blank
eyes fixed before him, moved his bow
dreamily across his violin.
"They say that you must play" whis-
pered Prince Gozia, coming close to him
during an intermission.
"But it is impossible The variations
are difficult, and no one could play them
without much practice"
A movement was produced among the
girls at the response of the artist, and then
one of them stepped forward.
II will play with you, If you will let
me, " she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Gaetano recognized her voice.
"You, AnitaY Your But you have lost
your senses We ara before a public audi
ence."
"But know l can do it; l am sure OF
myself, " replied the girl with more firm
ness in her tone, but as he turned his
sghtless eyes toward her, as though con-
scious of his distlain, her checks flushed
hotly.
"All right, then; we'll Begin said he.
"There is no use drawing attention by de
lay. am much afraid tho whole thing
will be complete iiasco."
Anita seemed not to have heard Al
the first chords from the piano which GC
companied them she raised her violin anC
waited while Gaetano attacked the 70
nance.
1t was now Anita's turn. The bow
crossed the strings and there was II sount
of wings and murmur which passed
She was playing timidly, almost regret
fully, when suddenly, raising her head
inspired by an intense emotion, Anita
TRANSPORTED commenced the song
1t was strange, trembling with trutl
and passion. The notes came plaintively il
long, vibrating accents. 1t was rs though
sigh of sadness came from the little nerv
GUS fingers, while the violin sang sons
or love-of love unrequited, disdained
with it's sufferings, its jealousies, its hopes
From the first Gaetano listened will
bowed head to this song of revelation
This mysterious love-what was it, and OF
whom had it fallenp Who was it she love,
soY He must know. He raised his violiI
ready to speak in his turn when the swec
notes should cease to thrill.
He commenced with an imperiou
rhythm. The phrases were hard, arrogant
One felt the master who'was determined
to know, who intended penetrating tn
secret of the heart which palpitated befor
him.
But suddenly, as though overcome wit
sorrow, he paused, wishing to tell of tn
sadness of his life, without light, withou
warmth. In soft, minor tones he told Q
his childhood, u sad childhood, where h
heard others talk of the bright days, of tn
, beautiful flowers, of the trees and gree
fields, while he stretched his hands towar
unknown things, trying to solve by touc
their mystery
Then one day his life had changed. Al
had come to his aid, music transporte
bright and clear, and he had given it
part of his heart, but for the other anothe
god had been waiting, who had just show
himself in his power, his strength, his III
oonquerab leness.
He had never dared listen before, bu
now he must know all Anita-is it tru
this happiness-is it realp Then NOR
! solitude, more sadness, and then-Anitt
who is 1t that you love-
The phrase ended in this supreme que'
ton, and Gaetano paused, leaning towar
the young girl, breathless, waiting. Thel
was a moments silence, and then not
full of hope full of joy, full of love, mad
itself heard. Anita had confessed all hi
secret.
The two now played together due
The world did not exist for them. Th
past, full of agony, was drowned in I'll
new sentiment which possessed them.
There was an instant's silence before I'll
applause broke out, and with it came eric
Of "encore." They did not understan
that such n scene could not be Dlaye