El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1899-11-04


sound health, was conscious of great
powers as singer and knew that if she
went out into public life she could
make great deal of money and become
well known. 1t is doubtful if she over
estimated her ability to accomplish all
she thought herself capable of. And
Virginia-what she had just said smote
Rachel with great force because of the
similar position in which the two
friends found themselves.
Lunch was announced, and they
went out and were joined by Virginia s
grandmother. Mime. Page, handsome,
stately woman of 60, and Virginia s
brother, Rollin, a young man who
spent most Of his time at one of the
clubs and had no particular ambition
for anything but a growing admiration
for Rachel Winslow, and whenever she
dined or lunched at the Page mansion,
if he knew of it, he always planned to
be at home. e.
These three made up the Page fam
ily Virginia's father had been bank
er and grain speculator. Her mother
had died ten years before, her father
within the past year. The grandmother
a southern woman in birth and train
that accompany the possession of wealth
and social standing that have never
been disturbed. She was a shrewd. care
full business woman of more than aver
age ability. The family property and
wealth were invested, in large measure
under her personal care. Virginia S por-
ton was, without any restriction, her
own. She had been trained by her ia
Their to understand the ways of the
business world. and even the grand
mother had been compelled to acknowl-
edge the girls capacity for taking care
of her own money.
Perhaps two persons could not be
found anywhere less capable of under
standing girl like Virginia than Nine.
Page and Rollin. Rachel, who had
known the family since she was girl
playmate of Virginia s, could not help
thinking of what confronted Virginia
in her own home when she once decided
on the course which she honestly be-
ieved Jesus would take Today at
lunch, as she recalled Virginia's out
break in the front room, she tried to
picture the scene that would at some
time occur between Nine. Page and her
granddaughter.
81 understand that you are going on
the stage, Miss Winslow. We shall all
be delighted. I'm sure" said Rollin
during one of the pauses in the CONVEX
ration, which had not been animated
Rachel colored and felt annoyed.
"Who told your she asked, while
Virginia, who had been very silent and
reserved, suddenly reused herself and
appeared ready to join in the talk
''Oh, we hear thing or two on the
street, Besides, every one saw Gran
dali, the manager, at church two weeks
ago. He doesn't go to church to hear
the preaching. In fact, I know other
people who don't either, not when
there's something better to hear
Rachel did not color this time, but
she answered quietly:
''You re mistaken. I'm not going on
the stage
''It's great pity. You d make hit
Everybody is talking about your sing
ing"
This time Rachel flushed with genu-
inc anger.
Before she could say anything Vir-
ginia broke in.
Whom do you mean by EVERY
body2' -
''Whom2 1 mean all the people who
hear Miss Winslow on Sunday. What
other time do they hear her? It's
great pity, 1 say, that the general pub
lie outside of Raymond cannot hear her
voice
'sLet us tax about something else, -
said Rachel little sharply. Nine Page |
glanced at her and spoke with gentle |
My dear, Rollin never could pay an |
indirect compliment. He is like his IA |
her in that. But we are all curious to |
know something of your plans. We |
claim the right from old acquaintance
7ou know And Virginia had already
old us of your concert company offer -
81 supposed, of course, that was pub
ic property" said Virginia, smiling
lcross the table. cit was in The News
Eyes, yes replied Rachel hastily.
L understand that, Nine. Page. Well, |
Virginia and I have been talking about
t. 1 have decided not to accept. and
hat is as far as have gone yet
Rachel was conscious of the fact that
he conversation had up to this point
'een narrowing her hesitation concern
ng the company's offer down to de-
ision that would absolutely satisfy her
wn Judgment of Jesus probable &C
ion. 1t had been the last thing in the
World, however, that she had desired to
ave her decision made in any way so
ubl1c as this. Somehow what Rollin
age had said and his manner in say
ng it had fastened her Judgment in
he matter.
''Would you mind telling us, Rachel,
our reasons for refusing the offer? 1t
'oks like a good opportunity for ;
Dung girl like you. Don't you think ,