The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-12-14
SINGER AND SOLDIER
YOUNG GIRLS SONG REACHES
 HEART OF A REGULAR
As She Sang "Dolly Grey" on the Sidewalk He Broke Down and Wept Like
 Little Child.

A pair of strolling musicians have been entertaining Montgomery's populace for the past week; one an old woman witn an accordeon, the other beautiful young girl with a sweet soprano voice. botn dressed in deep black and they have been Judged to be mother and daughter py those who have observed them at the edge of the sidewalks appealing for help with the divine clement, music.
 Last night in front of hotel on com merce Street, the two musicians were part of an entertainment outside Of their ordinary routine; an incident whicn struck the crowd of onlookers as altogether unique and somewhat pathetic.
 The young singer was caroling the in- spring melody and words of Dolly Grey"
 Good bye Dolly, I must leave-ah you
 Though 1t breaks my heart to go!'
 Suddenly the circle of listeners was broken and into the clear space in front of the young singer. directly under the glare of an arc light, stepped a stalwar' soldier. He was soiled and disheyeled Coatless, his broad shoulders were covered with the blue flannel shirt oi the United States regular. He wore thu regulation army trousers and battered campaign hat. A glance at the swoHei features and swaying figure. as the Tel low stood there, in the circle or whits light was enough to convince the crowt that the stalwart soldier had lately in dulged in the flowing bowl.
 Neither the singer nor the woman with the accordeon seemed to notice the sol dier. The young girl merely turned her glance upwards and continued the song:
 See! the boys in blue are maching,
 can no longer stay-y-yP
 Ar,,n ua1dfor ltfFched forward and brought up again with a quick halt within three feet of e>girl. He was seemingly fascinated, either by the clear notes of the pure young voice, which rang out on the still night air like a clarion, or by the unusual beauty of the singer as she stood there with head thrown we'll back and lips parted to pour forth the song.f
 As she lifted her tones higher in ap- preaching the climax of the chorus the soldier leaned forward and appeared about to fall, but he recovered his equilibrium and raised his right hand tremblingly as if to catch the melody as 1t hoated towards him. He began to breathe heavily and his figure gradually stopped swaying and assumed an erect, soldierly attitude.
 The crowd was struck into silence by the tableau. Not man in the circle moved. All eyes were fastened on the central figure, the soldier and the singer. No one noticed the old woman. She was automatically pulling the accordeon at intervals and apparently did not observe the little drama in which her companion was a principal
 The girl brought her glance down as she came to the last lines of the song. She saw the fascinated figure before her. Her dark eyes flashed and she drew herself up as if for an extraordinary effort. A deep breath she drew in and then continued:
 "Hark! I hear the bugles blowingl'
 The soldiers lip quivered and a great sob shook his frame. He attempted to step forward once more, but his feet seemed glued to the pavement. Ills right hand came up still higher until 1t rested over his heart, while with his left he reached up and removed his battered hat.
 Good Bye, Dol-lee Grey"
 The song stopped abruptly.
 The soldier reeled and fell against an awning post, sobbing like a child. his hat crushed in both hands and pressed against his face.
 The young singer stopped down to pick up the coins the crowd showered upon her and then the old woman suddenly came to a realization of the whole scene. A surprised look flashed over her face.
 Come, Maria!" she exclaimed, taking the girl by the sleeve. We have sung enough tonight"
 They joined the dispersing crowd and soon the weeping soldier against the post was solitary and alone.