The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1897-07-09
THE smoking concert of the staff of

THE smoking concert of the staff of
Mcssrs Cardew d Co., the great en-
Cineering firm in Westminster, was in
full swing at the Broad Street hotel,
and everything was going as smoothly
as the organizers could have wished.
Two of the non-professional per-
formers who assisted at that entertain
ment were Jack Langley and Arthur
Mayhem. Langley was one OF the most
popular men in the office. He had a
kind, unseifsh nature, which made him
liked on all sides; whilst, whenever the
firm had any festivity in progress, he
charmed everyone with his beautiful
baritone voice. His popularity and his
singing made him hated by one man.
and that man was Arthur Mayhem.
The two young men occupied rather
subordinate positions in the office.
Langley was one of the assistant book
keepers, whilst Mayhem, who was two
years his junior, was in the cores
pondence department. Mayhem had
always been the acknowledged singer
of the office until Langley came, and
then he had to take back seat, for he
knew that the newcomer could give
him any amount of points at the sing
ing business and beat him every time.
Thoroughly jealous by nature, May
hew conceived first of all violent Jeal-
ousy, and later an intense hatred of his
rival, and he resolved to do him an evil
turn when the first opportunity came.
Langley was in fine form tonight.
He sang the song noted on the pro-
cramme, and at the end of it received
an enthusiastic encore. He sang again,
receiving even greater reception than
before, and at the close, the excited au-
dience, greedy for more, called for him
afresh. The chairman. Mr., George
Cardew, then arose to his feet and an
nounced that Mr.. Langley would
oblige again later on" Then the noisy
Young men settled down and waited
calmly the next turn.
A little later in the evening Mayhem
came on. He sang his best, but his best
was not to be compared with Langley's
worst, and though the indulgent audi
ence applauded him moderately. he
knew in his heart of hearts that he did
not deserve one round of applause. And
yet, knowing this, he hated the man
who was winning praise which was
thoroughly deserved.
At length the end came, as it comes
to everything. In the cloak-room a
noisy band of riotous smokers demand
ed their hats and coats. and Langley
found himself beside Mayhem.
"FIalloa, Mayhew," he said cheerily.
Congratulate you, my boy. Your song
went all right, I'm sure"
He said this in all good nature, for he
felt sorry for the other man, and
wished 10 comfort him as far as possi-
BILE. But Mayhem, sick with jealousy,
and excited with the alcohol he had
been drinking, turned on him savagsly,
"Confound you and your congratu-
lations," he said; keep them to your
self. Goodnight"
Turning abruptly on his heel, he
made his way out of the cloak-room'
leaving Langley aghast at his behavior.
"Old Mayhew must be bit hurt, and
no mistake" remarked young fellew
who stood close by; "fancy his going
on like that"
Poor chap" said Langley; "after all.
/ don't wonder at his being upset. It's
awfully discouraging when you feel
that you haven't made a real success" !"
And all the way home he was think
ing of Mayhem. and saying to himself:
"Poor Mayhew-poor old chap"
Whilst Mayhem, as he walked homes
ward, was saying: 81 hate him-I hate
him-I hate him!"