Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1900-09-23

dlned or lunched at the Page mansion, ii he knew of it. he always planned to be at home.
 These three made up the Page fam fly. Virginia's father had been bank CT 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 ing, had all the traditions and feelings that accompany the possession of wealth and social standing that have never been disturbed. She was shrewd, care l 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 DOT tion was, without any restriction, her l own. She had been trained by her fa- ther 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 Mme Page and Rollin. Rachel who had known the family since she was a girl 1 playmate of Virginia s. could not help thinking Of what confronted Virginia l in her own home when she once decided on the course which she honestly be- lieved Jesus would take. Today eat lunch. as she recalled Yirginia's s out break i'll the front room, she tried to picture the scene that would at some time occur between Mime. Page and her granddaughter.
 understand that you are going on the stage. Miss WinsloW. We shall all be delighted, I'm sure, said Rollin l during one of the pauses in the conver- eation, which had not been animated.
 Rachel coiored and felt annoyed
 'tWho told you ?'' she asked. while Virginia. who had been very silent ans reserved, suddenly reused herself and appeared ready to join in the talk.
 'sOh, We hear 8 thing or two on the street. Besides every one saw Cram dalI, the manager. at church two weeks ago. He doesn't go to church to hear the preaching. In faet ] know other people who don't either, not when there's something better to hear 2
 Rachel did not color this time but she answered quietly
 You re mistaken. I'm not going on the stage. .
 Its a great pity. You dnake d hit Everybody is talking about your sing ing
 This time Rachel flushed with genu- inc anger
 Before sic could say aryt1ing vir- ginia broke in.
 .'Whom do you mean by every bodv?' ?
 eWhom? I mean all the people who hear Miss Winslow on Sunday. What other time do they hear her? It's great pity, say. that the general pub lie outside of Raymond cannot hear her voice .
 .'Let us tssiz about something else, ; said Rachel little sharply. Mime. Page glanced at her and spoke with a gentle courtesy.
 My dear, Rollin never could pay an indirect compliment He is like his fa- ther in that. But we are all curious to know something of your plans. We claim the right from old acquaintance. you know. And Virginia had already told us of your concert company offer. ,
 q supposed, Of course, that was pub lie property, said Virginia, smiling across the table. .'It was in The News l yesterday
 
 .sYes yes" replied Rachel hastily. T understand that, Mme. Page. We'll, Virginia and have been talking about it. I have decided not to accept, and that is as far as I have gone yet.
 Rachel was conscious of the fact that the conversation had up to this point been narrowing her hesitation concern ing the company's offer down ro de- cision that would absolutely satisfy her own judgment of Jesus probable ac- tion. It had teen the last thing in the world, however. that she had desired to have her decision made in any way so public as this. Somehow what .Rollin Page had said and his manner in say ing it had hastened her judgment in the matter
 w ould you mlnd teil9hg us, hacnel, your reasons for refusing the offer? It looks like a good opportunity for a young girl like you Don't yon think the general public ought to hear you2 feel like Rollin about that. A voice like yours belongs to larger audience than Raymond and the First church. Rachel Winslow was naturally girl of great reserve. She shrank from mak ing her plans or her thoughts public. But with all her repression there was possible in her an occasional sudden breaking out that was simply an i'm pulsiye, thoughtful, frank, truthful ex- pression of her most inner personal feel ing. She spoke now in reply to Mme. Page in one of those rare moments of unreserve that added to the attractive 1 ness of her whole character. IT. x1.