The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1900-11-02
SHORT STORIES.
cE1RsyTE.

-
Beverly Browning was hurrying thro
the streets OF New York in the earl,
dawn Of a short December day A
crowd arrested his steps, and suddenl,
a voice wa1 lifted above the sounds o,
the street, Beverly pushed his way te
the fronb and looked upon a delicate
girl OF rs, who sang with unusua,
strenst1 and sweetness one Of the bet.
ter sopks Of the day. At the close OF
the sohg he stepped to the girls side
WHAT IL your name?" he asked.
Celeste Devon" she replied.
Who taught you to sing?"
my mother. She died three weeks
ago" and her eyee filled with tears.
Tell me where you live." he urged.
II 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 won
derful voice he had heard that after
noon must be saved for the world. but
what could he do with the girl?
Then he thought of two old German
friends, music-mad, both of them. Herr
Helfen played in the orchestra of a
down town 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-
8 al Co1oo$o u,o q 1a%o hJfcIal ~ tna C1r-
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 York,
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 h public.
His German friends agreed to accom-
pany her, and one day on the deck Of a
great ocean steamer he babe them all
good-by.
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 he got Celeste val 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 q
ranch In Texas and was supervising
the management OF 1t himself.
Beverly accepted eagerly.
Many q hard days riding he did with
his friend; often they camped beneath
the open sky.
Many a night Beverly lay looking up
at the stars and thinking Of Celese-
what a bright spot the care Of her had
made in his life. But Celeste was no
longer a child. Some time some one
else would want to take care Of her and
he would lose her. Then, beneath the
shining stars, he learned that his heart
was no more his own.
But could she think Of him1 He was
twenty years her elder. probably an old
man In her sight. But. ah. how ten
derly he would teach her to love him.
He would walt 90 patiently; she must
never marry him from gratitude. but
Tor real love.
Then came q letter. The party abroad
we're to sail. A date for Celeste's debut
Ia New York had been liked. Would he
spe therei
AZ tho concert Beverly sat Impatient
~ through the orchestral numbers. but
neld his breath, AZ Celeste. In sweeping
xhite3 robes, with superb beauty Of form
ana face, stood before the footlights.
And how che sang! The audience lis
tened spellbound. and Numbered ap-
CLAUSE as she left the stage with her
arms full Of lowers. In 1--WE minutes
Beverly was at her dressing room door.
Celeste gave him both hands In greet
lng.
II win call In the morning" he said
n he left her. y,
Hair an hour later. 20 celeste's rar-
dage drove on. Beverly. turning away.
was Joined ~ an old Stsslrhd.
aF1ne singer" lid. Eyes" replied
Beverly. .DasNx]Su zee that chap at
the carrie.ff" continued the other.
.sThst..x derard;; he's hard hit, and II Z
sho6id guess / should say the. girl was
h,,x %herasn x