The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-01-22

third row, were Stlll VACANT, III splte vi bn
unprecedented rush for tickets and Mis-
Lathom took out her purse.
An elderly man, of seedy aspect ant
bibulous type of face, was putting violin
string in his pocket when the girl spoke
He turned and looked at her, as mos
people did, for she was very pretty, will
the pathetcally transtory beauty of peacl
bloom and dewy lips and softly rounded
outlines-the many-hued bubble tina
breaks at touch.
But the man looked at her with more
than the fleeing admiration due to bubbles
with something of the remorseful sur
prise of one who, having broken them,
sees another Unexpectedly.
cts rare thing for DR.. Lathom to &C
to concerts, - said Mrs. Brown, affably.
yes" replied the DOCTORS daughter,
because, you know, so few good things
come this way. But papa was very musi-
cal in his younger days. and he is going
tonight because he fances he shall hear
an old acquaintance in this wonderful
violinist. A very fine player papa's &C
quaintance was, twenty years ago, and he
ought to have been really great artist,
only he was so very cratic"
Mrs. Brown gave an uneasy glance to-
wards the shabby man. She knew he must
be one of the troupe that were to give a
-, Ion
that evening. But Miss Lathom did not
notice,
cts a terrible reverse for an artist, F"
she said, taking up her tickets and the
programme that was thrown in, 'to have
to join a minstrel troupe. This Second
Paganini, as they call him"
But here she caught the warning glance,
and, blushing extremely, turned from the
counter.
The shabby man appeared to have heard
nothing that could move him. He paid
for his Z string, and followed the girl, in a
moment. out of the music shop into the
street, where for short distance he
walked behind her. He saw her enter the
front door of espectahle-looking square
stone house, with brass plate on one side
Of the entrance, and he read the name,
CDR. Lathom," as he passed it, just as the
door closed.
Then he trudged on, drawing his old
coat closer, for the east wind penetrated to
his lungs and made them sting and ache
Flaming posters at the corner announced
that the 'Celebrated Allegany Minstrels'
would give their unrivaled variety enter
tainment at Atherley Town Hall for that
evening only, and in conspicuous type,
larger than that which advertised "the
Viviani Sisters, the Unique Pantomim-
ist and Clog-dancer Joe Blockley," and
the Kentucky Swan" stood out ''the
World-renowned Violinist, the Second Pag-
amin"
''And Lathom remembers me-" thought
the seedy man; 'and that's Lathom s
daughter!'
He took another glance at the square
house, turning round to DO so "He was
good fellow, and musical enthusiast
he said to himself. "And he believed in
me with all his heart and soul--believed
in me, in spite of all y
lie sighed and hurried on. At the corr
her he stopped. On one side of the street
stood a decent-looking country hotel, but
only the proprietor Of the show, with the
manager and the Kentucky Swan could
afford to stay there; the rest of the troupe
put up at smaller hotel Or found cheap
boarding houses. At one OF these the
Viviani Sisters and the VioIinist had
quarters.
The Niviani Sisters, soprano and con-
tralto, in private life were singularly UNI
like near relatives. The fascinating charms
they bore in common. before the fOotlights,
impaired the transtory resemblance that
pleased the public, bat which faded in the
light Of common day, like other illusions.
Still, if not veritable sisters by blood,
they were in affection, and the amity they
displayed on the stage WAS sincere re-
Election of their relations off it. Not often
did they disagree. Jessie, the soprano,
managed the business part of their trans
actions; and Nora, the contralto, generally
got her way about points of artistic mo-
ment; each respected the Others ability,
and knew her own limitations.
But for once point of disagreement
had arisen, and as "Paganini's" step was
heard shutting by their door, frown
crossed the fair face of the business part
her, who was mendng silk stocking by
the waning light, while her companion, on
her knees before the CRATE, made toast to
go with the tea they had ordered up. A
little table was set for three, and it was
over that third cup and saucer that the
Sisters Viviani had been having few
words. Nora was favorite with the old
musician, who recognized in her touch
OF the artist, uncultured in any real sense
as she was. She, good-natured and i'm.
pulsive, and seeing by sympathy some.
thing of his lost capabilities, was inclined
to like him in return, and Chen she saw
that he was ill, could not refrain from try.
ING to helm him in so far nc she cnuId c.