The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-08-06
"A S7AGE-S7RuCK
GIRL.

the song ceased. l went my way Thought
fully, not daring to pause before any more
windows, lest my bird might see its perse-
cutor and flee. However, time opens her
arms to all ambitions, and as fate pro-
longs all Joys, so what there was in delay
ing brought only reward; brief little
note asking an opening in my celebrated
troupe Of singers and dancers.
OF course l was surprised She who
lived in so much elegance to step from the
pedestal of luxury to adorn the rough
boards OF fame. Yet she did have an ex-
ouse-it was woman's plea, so tempting
no one could refuse the offer She was
simply stage struck and made up her mind
to ask hearing-just to see if she really
had any talent. Fire burns brightly in
quiet places, so thought to myself, per-
haps this girl might be the coming genius.
Who knows, but if refuse the W, rid may
be cheated out of its greatest pleasure.
Slowly, deemed it wise to beg her to
call. On the morrow there was to be re.
hearsal of my new troupe, and the oppor-
tunity she longed for would be open to her
ambitious ideas; if she had talent we
could work together and make name out
OF the little inexperienced.
Next day she came, accompanied by an
elderly lady, and in my overenjoyment to
hear her sing again, forgot her timidity,
the peace Of the chaperone-all seemed
whirling In dance Of light, and her young
face stood out so prominently as if beckon-
ing every thought to listen only to the
sound OF her voice
What would she sing Ask a girl to
show off her beauty and she will do some
thing that others praised, so asked her to
sing the light air she had sung while
paused before her window.
Did my new prima donna love the stage?
All ask the butterfly if it loved the gar
den! She was fascinated with the prospect
before her. When the rehearsal was over
called her aside. Believe me, l said can.
didly, but you sing so gracefully. Flat
terry is a cheap tonic and often the pres
cribed balm to lift shadows; might say it
is the world g easy touch, so much comfort
lies in the mere words, you do this and
that so charmingly She turned to me and
answered.
Truly, time seems to be an object OF
pity; it reminds me Of story | once read,
years ago, called the Valley OF Tears. ,
Everyone is pictured with bundle on his
back, rushing toward the setting sun.
Life is similar to that. Everyone is in
haste to get there before his ighbor-and
use little gifts. This sort of 'blarney stone
speech to win their way to the inner road
wonder if had no voice, no special gift,
would you admire, at least find charm in
the poor bird that had no plumage?'
you are asking me to condemn the gods
for making woman beautiful But it is not
always beauty that softens mems hearts.
No, not always beauty-not even pity.
have known homely faces who found as
much warmth in my affection as the gift OF
handsomeness Nature is like concerted
me where you find them dull and insignii-
can't. Now, | admire you for :" but here
came an interruption.
II say, said the little Englishman, who
was trying to raise tenor voice, ~ say,
what part do l play in the Chimes"
"Henry Grencheauxr answered, has
tily, meaning the title role.
20, no, you forget" sang out another
voice. 'lou promised that part for me. /"
Helen was pulling me with her smiles
Perhaps she felt that | was becoming the
bone of contention, and she said, some
what proudly: Leave that to me. Who
ever makes love the most naturally sail
have the part"
She herself was cast for Serpolette, hence
she would have good chance to decide.
lis a WONDER said one timid choris.
tor, why the manager does not play that
part himself"
20, no, ~ answered her companion. HE
has to Judge, instead of being judged. 1t
is 50 easy to do that. Besides, | don't
mink she cares to sing with him. either.
she has her eyes in another direction, and
it"
Weli,' shouted the pianist, angrily.
what do you take this for? A meeting
where you tell, all you know and invent
what you don't know" But Miss Gossi.
per switched her dress and she and her
companion were out of hearing.
He came up to me and said: "pardon
monsieur, but if you please we will now
begin" and at the nodding of my head he
raped with the baton on the piano. then
struck few bars. Silence, which long
since had changed to joyfulness. AGAIN
reigned.
"Opening chorus from the Chimes I,
Now, ready One, two, three! No, no.
no." she shouted, angrily "You must be
prompt on the third beat Now, again. ~
but the pianist shook his head THAT
will never, never do! Who ever heard Of
singing an opening chorus in a lullabyc
style? You must be lively-be dashing,
Just as if you had on your holiday clothes