The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1897-03-10

was not single book that Beatrix could
have brought herself to read, and the
main object of his endeavors was. appar-
emily, to make all the rest of the world
think and live like himself. Moreover,
though he approved Of music, he neither
knew nor cared anything about it.
Mr.. Vinal began his operations by
private interview with Mr.. Randolph,
from which he came forth with u coun-
tenance whose serenity made Beatrix's
heart sink The dialogue which followed
was Of extreme interest to both of them.
"Have you made any plans regarding
your immediate future?" the minister
began, in an unembarrased and bust
nesslike tone. 1--WE cannot doubt, you
know, that providence, in bringing this
affiiction upon you, has had some wise
and merciful end in view. You have
talents; perhaps but for this you might
have kept them folded in the napkin.
Adversely forces us out of our natural
idleness, and stimulates us to use what
means we hare to win our own way in
the world. Have you thought of any
thing to dor
Beatrix's spirits rose again; he was not
thinking Of marrying her after all. "rve
been thinking might give lessons on
the piano." she said. She happened to
be seated at that instrument, and as she
spoke she let her white fingers drift down
the keyboard from bass to treble, from
depression to hope, from gloom to light.
winding up with sort of interrogative
accent, as much rs to say, ,"Why shouldn't
I be good for something?"
VERY right" said Mr.. Vinal; II have
nothing TO object to in that; indeed
had intended to propose it. You could
also; unless the instructions Of the late
Professor Dorimar were wholly value
less"-
"What? interrupted Beatrix, in
voice which, supported as it was by u
chord sharply struck, made the minister.
start in his chair. After q moment
pause she said, her eyes still bright with
indignation: Professor Dorimar, who IL
now in heaven, taught me more ant
better things than you have ever dreame}
Of! He showed me that have q soulr'
''Surely have done as much as that
faltered Mr.. Vinal, who was confused
by this sudden outburst.
mo, for you know nothing about it,"
said Beatrix loftily. "You have only
been told that it is so-you have read it
in books-and you repeat what you have
been told, and no doubt you think you
believe it. But you can never know it!''
continued the young lady, with a fierv
emphasis on the verb, "because YOU
can't understand music"
~ intended nothing against Professor
Dorimsr," protested the minister, who
was amazed and daunted by the passion
and pride that he had unawares caused
to kindle in her lovely face. 1t was
perhaps the first time he had occasion
to observe that the spirit Of the old Vir-
ginia Randolphs--the descendants of the
cavaliers-was as naughty and untamed
In this tender hearted American girl as
In that terrible ancestor of hers who
rode with Prince Rupert.
Beatrix made no reply, but sat with
her head erect and flushed cheeks, and
one hand still on the piano keys, as II
ready once more to smite terror into the
soul of her visitor should he again step
smiss. A piano. 1t seems, can be used
~ weapon Of defense even against one
who has NO comprehension OF music.
"What I was about to remark was
that you might teach singing As well as
playing" sid Mr.. Vinal circumspectly
There are, believe, q number Of per-
sans In the village who would be willing
undsr the circumstances to place their
children under your instruction"
ut u no favor TO be taught music un-
der any circumstances" returned Bea.
ttx, hndling again. "Whoever thinks