The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-06-24

tion Of every listener. An appreciativs
audience is always inspiring. The
Soprano caught the spirit and sang
with rare sympathy and power.
But alas for the Organistl just
when the accompaniment was most
needed to sustain the harmony his fin.
gers slipped on the keys. Crash!
There was a heavy, hideous discord.
The beautiful voice hesitated for a mo.
ment, then went on smoothly enou-1.
but the effect was spoiled.
When the Soprano resumed her seat
all the bright color had left her cheeks,
and her eyes had a curious. unmistak.
able CLEAN in them which was only
there when she was very angry.
After service the Organist fingered
tlmidly, hoping for an opportunity to
speak to her and make an humble
apology for his carelessness. But
none presented itself, and he saw her
leave the gallery and pass down the
stairs in company with the Basso,
whom he cordially detested.
This was the drop too much. He
knew she was angry with him; he
could have borne that, hoping that
time would make sil right but to see
her 90 deliberately off with the Basso.
great coarse, hulking fellow who
openly admired her, and who openly,
also, saw great deal of amusement
in his lthe Organlst's) silent adora.
toni
Ah. that was worst of all! The poor
fellow. his heart bursting with an
agony Of remorse, jealousy and love,
stumbled out into the street, where the
snow was still falling softly, pityingly,
as it always faus IL the streets of q
great city.
who entered the choir last OF ALL look
ing very pale and miserable. The So
prano watched him out of the corner
Of her eye while he unrolled his mu-
sic. placed 1t on the rack and adjusted
the stops Of tine organ. She was in her
gayest mood, and the choir soon
warmed under the influence of her
merriment. Even the Tenor permitted
his melancholy features to become dis
torted in a smile.
After service the choir leisurely dis
persed, laughing aud chatting good-na-
turedly. Only the Organist fingered,
and he apparently was engaged in
gathering up his music. The soprano
went out with the Second Soprano, of
whom she was especially fond, there
by openly snubbing the over-confident
Basso.
But at the door she stopped with a
sudden exclamation.
My gloves-I must have dropped
them somewhere. will just run back
after them"
She slipped noiselessly up the stairs
and into the choir. deserted now save
for the Organist who was leaning
against the organ with his face hid
den. His very attitude was so sug-
gestive of depression that the So
prano's warm little heart melted at
once. She went up to him and touched
him softly on the arm.
He started. and turned to see q pale.
earnest face and eyes big and bright
II came back" she faltered hurried
ly. Il want to say lam sorry l lost
my temper this morning. IL don't
want you to feel hurt"
She paused abruptly.
As for the Organist, after the first
dazed look of bewiiderment had passed
from his face he grew positively radi-
ant. He was no, SO stupid that he
could not define something In her face
and manner that I'D never been there
before. All her caucy audacity was
gone, and she was just tender, peni-
tent woman-yes, and a loving one as
well.
You came backr' he said, when at
last he found words and voice with
which to utter them. Then you do
really care something about me, after
ALL.
"Somethingr' she echoed with q
smile and vivid blush.
His arm stole around her.
"A great deal?" he whispered.
"A very great deal!' the Soprano an.
swered. hiding her happy face on his
shoulder.