Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1903-10-22


there was hushed pause. Thee the
Professor burst forth into torrent OF
6oiyglot superlatives. He embraced the
Reluctant pork butcher He demanded
pf me why such player did not devote
himself to the career Of virtuoso.
assured him that Mr.. Blunt was a fair
specimen Of the public to whom artists
had to appeal In America.
II don't know whether you are aware
OF IT," said Blunt. speaking to me, but
-FOUR two servants are capital hands at
the violin and cello. They come around
to my house for a trio sometimes when
they get Sunday of"
rang the bell, and Parkn again ap-
peared.
"Mr. Blunt tells me you play the vio-
lin, Parkin." l said. PLEASE ask VIII
liam to bring his cello and let us hear
trio"
Yes, sir" answered Parkin. as plac-
idly as If | had ordered whisky and
soda.
He returned almost Immediately,
bringing his violin. William followed
him. Apparently disturbed in the act
of backing boots, his hands and arms
bore unmistakabIe signs OF his employ
ment, this evidence being eked out by
large black smear down one side of
his nose He carried his violoncello in
one hand and his bow in the other
You did not tell me you played the
Cello | said to William. Il want
you to show this gentleman how three
Americans can play this trio of Sine
tana. DO you think you can manage
itT
handed him the music which I had
taken from the bookcase. He laid
down his bow and rubbed his hand
on his trousers before turning over the
leaves with a gingerly thumb and fore
finger.
1T looks rather stiff, but I'll have a
go at it, SIR
mantle work of Smetana are extreme.
even when they are familiar, but t.
render the composition at sight wila
the freedom and abandon which 1t de-
mands might fairly be deemed impos-
sible. Nevertheless on this occasion
the astoundcd professor heard a per-
Torrance wherein the complete mas
terry of the several instruments was
surpassed by the unanimity and poetry
of the rendering.
Trcpanowski declared he had never
heard such an ensemble. His admira-
ton was so frank and general that |
began TO have scruples of conscience.
1t was TOO late to 90 back, however l
pressed him to play. lie declined po-
litely, but firmly.
l dismissed the performers with
thanks for the exercise of their skill
the professor adding many compli-
ments both ineligible and otherwise
When we found ourselves alone Ire
panowski remained silent.
1T is mcrveilleuxw he CALCULATED at
length What then are your public
artists like?"
"You have heard D'Eugen?" l in
quired in turn
ia. in. He is magnifique"'
"Well, he left America. Why did he
i'dNt TliSitiiu' lou SlldIi answer tNe
question for yourself"
He gave another shrug
Il shall think; | shall write to you:
one thousand time thanks"
/ insisted on seeing him to the sta
ton. On the way he was wrapped in a
gloomy silence. Only when we arrived
on the platform did he recover little.
A harsh voiced porter was calling out
the various stopping places of the in
coming train. The professor touched
him on the shoulder.
'Aly friend, what instrument do you
blayT he asked sadly.
The porter looked at him in surprise.
Chicago express" he said from sheer
habit and passed on.
l parted from the professor with
mingled feelings. l had begun to like
him. When | returned home / found
my three friends, H S, F. H, and
t w Ian intelligent public will fill
the blanks, engaged on a Beethoven
trio.
/ heard from Trepanowski in due
time, but his letter was dated from Po-
land. lie had decided not to try his
fortune in America.