The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1898-02-04

He placed himself where the light
streamed full upon him. took Of his
hat and stared at her.
He rushed out Of the room, while his
young wife murmured. amid her tearsI
perhaps he won't forgive me, but 1t
could not be helped"
The first part Of the programme was
over. During the pause the great con-
cert hall began TO fill. for now Richard
Andre was to play. His admirers
poured in and took their places in the
front row. As If by an electric shock
the thrill of expectation was commu-
nicated TO the rest OF the audience,
which so far had been somewhat apa-
thetic. only the pause lasted somewhat
too long. longer than usual.
At last the artist appeared on the
stage and was greeted by thunders Of
applause. Several bouquets few
through the air and fell at his feet.
But the enthusiasm soon died away.
The hands which had claPPed so madly
suddenly paused. A strange murmur
ran through the hall; people cast IN
quiring Chances at one another.
This was not the artist whose per
sonal beauty WIS so remarkable, but
n very ordinary man, nowise different
from thousands Of others. Why, he
looked almost ridiculous, for his clipped
hair stood up Ike bristles all over his
headl
Richard bowed his thanks for the en-
thusiastic reception, whose abrupt close
somewhat vexed him. Then, as he
again stood erect and placed the violin
on his breast, he made the movement
Of the head with which he had formerly
shaken his hair back from his brow.
During the first few bars Of the music
he noticed the uneasiness In the ball
and felt somewhat embarrassed by III
then he became absorbed in playing.
and heard only the exquisite notes
which he lured from his instrument
"He surpasses himselfl- the oonnois-
seurs and critics whispered, while the
orchestra and conductor gazed a.
though enchanted at the great mu-
stefan. who had forgotten himself and
his surroundings.
When the piece was over Richard
once more became conscious OF his sur
roundings and stood waiting for the
customary response from the audience.
Here and there were tokens OF approx
al, but the ma ority remained strangely
Indifferent. This state Of affairs con
tinued until the close OF the perform
ance.
HE looks not only hIdeous, but r.
diculous," whispered lady Just in
front Of the stage to her neighbor.
YES; what induced him TO do such
a thing! He looks Ike a convict or
clown, and those ears!-
He has forgotten his wig said a
third.
Andre heard the remarks, as the ex-
asPerated ladies probably intended
and. with his vanity deeply wounded,
heleft the scene of his former triumphA.
His music was no longer appreciated.
He had become an object Of ridicule.
And he owed all this TO Ely, bis fool
ish, Jealous wifel
Richard had not noticed that Ely
had entered the carriage with him. He
was thinking solely of the humiliation
he had suffered-he, who had played
like demigodl
Richard" sFe whispered, pleading.
ly, at last, forgive me. know have
been very wrong" He made no reply.
Just one word. Richard" she sobbed,
bitterly; @just one. You see
the notes you gave me to read
all asked for locks of hair. till at last
they drove me Wild"
ITO think that you should have been
there, Ely" he muttered. at this con-
certl"
~oh. how I suffered for youi" she
cried.
Richard again lapssd into silence.
But suddenly. before the carriage
stopped at the hotel, he threw his arm
around her, clasping her passionateiy
TO him. y
Ely" he gasped, you are rightt
have learned It now. The lesson hurts.
but II has cured me. Such external van
tiles are unworthy Of a true artist.
owe this recognition to you, my new
Delilah, and and from this
day my hair shall stay as II IL now
Again the light from a passing car
rage shone upon Elly's face, and Rich
ard saw that she was smiling roguishly
through her tears.
Listen. Richard she whispered;
1--WE will let it grow again. There is no
danger now, for you or me. and. with
your long hair. dearest you
certainly are a handsomer MAN.
Prom the German. In the international
Magazine, Chicago.