Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-11-18


picked expression of countanence.
May / inqrire what has procured
me this honor"
Maria blushed. stammered. and at
length succeeded In faltering out the
words:
II am sorry to interrupt you. sir. but
called to give a music lesson, ac-
cording to appointment. Will you
please introduce me to my pupil?"
you are"
II am the person. sir. who advertised
under the initials M. c."
The gentlemen's turn for embarrass-
ment had come now. II seemed, for he
colored scarlet up to the very roots of
his hair.
II thought understood-that NJ.
E. was man."
mo, SIR" faltered Maria; "but I as
sure you can produce the very best
testimonials of my ability to teach
music. II you will summon my pu-
| pill"
Mr.. Harvey laughed aud loked even
more embarrassed than before.
There are Misunderstanding all
round" he said; lat least, 1t would
seem so. The truth isl hope it will
make no difference. but-well, may
as well speak out at once-I am the
pupil
"You, sir?'
I Maria stood dismayed, her soft, hazel
eyes fixed wonderingly on the tall six
footer who lowered above her, as he
stood leaning against the mantel-
| piece.
The fact is said he. speaking rap
idly, to cover this embarrassment, my
life has nearly all been spent in India.
and now, on my return, | am anxious
to acquire some of the accomplish
ments, which have always coveted.
And But you are weeping"
1t was too true. The disappointment
had been too keen for Maria's self-con-
troll, and the tears had begun to drop
noiselessly on her bonnet ribbon. She
brushed them nervously away.
1T is nothing" she faltered; "only
the-the disappointment. We are poor,
and had so counted on music scholar,
and"
Poor little Maria! she fairly broke
down here, and hid her face behind
her Grape veil.
But | do not see why we should
both be disappointed l in a teacher,
and you in a pupil" said the gentle
man. earnestly "Ofcourse, you will not
care to come here to give an old bache-
Tor his lessons, but is there any good
reason why an old bachelor shouldn't
come to your residence? assure you
I'm ready to be convinced that you will
make an excellent teacher"
Maria smiled through her tears.
There was something very ridiculous
in the idea of that stalwait, hand
some fellow calling himself an old
bachelor.
May I Gomez" persisted he, as he
moved toward the door.
II will see If mamma considers 1t
proper" she said.
Il should like to state the question
to mamma myself" said the gentle
man. MAY l not accompany you
home, and perhaps-take my first
lesson?"
Maria was half uncertain whether
she was doing right or wrong, but the
bright, frank eyes of the stranger
pleaded powerfully in his behalf so
she said. a little ungraciously:
Eyes, il you choose"
Mrs. Cooper was considerably aston
ished to see her daughter return with
red eyes and tall escort, but after
mature elaboration. she decided that
Mr.. Harvey might, with propriety, re.
ceive lessons from her daughter, pro-
vided that she presided over the piano.
And So
But what is the use of spinning q
story into endless length when our
whole purpose will be answered pre-
cisely as well by peep into the hand
some drawing-room in Fifth avenue
about three years subsequently,
A bright fire glowed in the crate,
and beside the window sat Mrs. Cooper
stately as ever, with baby grandson
growing on her knee and making vain
snatches at her gold spectacles. Mr..
Harvey was at his writing table. busily
engaged in letter-writing. The door
opened, and pretty, hazel-eyed young
wife came incur old friend Maria.
Harry, want to cut pattern" she
said, taking an old newspaper from
one of the compartments of the open
desk. May | have this paper? 1t is
about the right size"
He looked up into her brilliant eyes
with arch tenderness.
"My love, / would rather give you
almost anything else in my posses
sion"
"Why?" she asked, leaning over his
shoulder. as he unfolded the rescued
paper and glanced eagerly over it.
Because, dearest, IL 1t hadn't been
for this paper. should never have had
the sweetest wife in the world"
And he pointed smilingly to the tisy
little advertisement in an obscure cor
ner:
Wanted, few pupils on the piano,
at moderate prices. Apply by letter
to M. c., No. - = street."