The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-06-08
CELESTE.
[From the Chicago tribune

beverly Browning was hurrylnS
through the streets of New York in the
early dusk of a short December day.
A crowd arrested his steps, and sud
denly a voice was lifted above the
sounds of the street. Beverly pushed
his way to the front, and looked upon
delicate girl of 10, who sang with I'M
usual strength and sweetness one of
the better songs of the day. At the
close of the song he stepped to the
girls side. What is your name?" he
asked.
Celeste Devon she replied
who taught you to sing?"
MY mother. She died three weeks
ago" and her eyes filled with tears
Tell me where you live" he urged.
81 must see you again.
Quickly she gave him a street and
number, and Beverly, falling back with
the retreating crowd, returned to his
hotel.
That night for the first time he wish
ed he had a wife and a home. The
wonderful voice he had heard that af-
ternOOn must be saved for the world,
but what could he do with the girl?
Then he thought of the two old Ger
man friends, music mad, both of them.
Herr Helfen played in the orchestra
of a downtown theater, and his wife
was an ardent lover of music in every
form. He was sure they would receive
his prOtege.
In three days everything was arrang-
ed; Celeste was established in the Ger
man family, the best teachers in the
city procured for her and a sufficient
sum of money for her wardrobe placed
in the hands of the good wife.
Then Beverly Browning departed for
his Chicago home.
It was strange how short the road
grew between Chicago and New Y rk,
and how often it seemed necessary for
Beverly to make the trip.
Three years passed, the little girl had
grown to a beautiful woman, and the
masters spoke in unqualified praise of
the voice they were training.
Then Beverly decided that two years
of study abroad were necessary before
his ward could appear before the pub
lie.
His German friends agreed to ac-
company her, and one day on the deck
of a great ocean steamer he bade them
all goodbye.
During the next year he plunged into
the gayety of Chicago society, but moth
ing satisfied him. Sometimes he thought
he would follow his friends, but why
should be go? Celeste was well and
happy, and his coming might disturb
her studies. No, he would have more
control of himself
Just then an invitation came from an
old college friend, who had bought
ranch in Texas and was supervising
the management of it himself.
Beverly accepted eagerly
Many hard days riding he did with
his friend; often they camped beneath
the open sky.
Many a night Beverly lay looking up
a the stars and thinking of Celeste
what bright spot the care of her had
longer a child. Some time some one
else would want to take care of her ard
he would lose her. Then. beneath the
shining stars, he learned that his heart
was no more his own.
But could she think of him? He was
20 years her elder, probably an old
man in her sight. But, all how tender
ly he would teach her to love him He
he
er marry him from gratitude but for
real love
Then came a letter. The party abroad
were to sail. date for Celeste's debut
in New York had been fixed. Would he
be there?
At the concert Beverly sat inpatient
ly through the orchestral numbers, but
held his breath as Celeste. in sweeping
white robes with superb beauty of
form and face stood before the foot
lights.
tened spellbound. and Numbered ap-
pIause as she left the stage with her
arms full of flowers. In five minutes
Beverly was at her dressing room door
Celeste gave him both hands in
greeting
4 will call in the morning." he said
as he left her.
Half an hour later as Celeste's car
rage drove off. Beverly. turning away.
was Joined by an old friend
Fine singer" he said. Yes re-
piled Beverly. Did you see that chap
at the carriage2'' continued the other.
That's Gerard: he's hard hit, and if
should guess I should say the girl was
too. but there's guardian somewhere;
she never does anything without ask
ing him. Some old curuaB 3geon, I ex-
pect."
At his hotel that night Beverly de-
cided he could not see the girl next
day On the morning a letter to Celeste
said business called him to Chicago.
For two weeks Beverly Browning
fought the hardest battle of his life
and conquered. Celeste should have
her hearts desire; he would give it to
her freely. Then he went back
He fancied a little constraint in Ce-
leste's greeting
They talked of many things. Finally