The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1903-02-27

Never had there been such a perfec
holiday week at the capital as this sun
shine, flowers and music everywhere. New
| Years day itself was more a pageant thai
ever. To the president and his family, thu
diplomatic and social world paid theil
usual court, in their most dazzllng uni
forms and court dress.
Washington's loveliest homes were gay
with guests and entertainments, but tht
browning glory of the holiday week was
grand opera with Parepa Rosa.
General Sherman was a passionate lover
of good plays, and the theater was ms
| rest and amusement all his life. more
than operas, he loved great actors, but
Parepa was his warm personal friend IL
whose wondrous voice he gloried.
After dining with a party OF army
friends the general had accepted their in
| vttation to hear Martha They occu-
pied a lower box, and as usual, great APP
plause greeted the loved and distinguished
general as he took his seat.
Outside the private entrance to the
stage was a little girl, eagerly watching
the singers as they passed inside the mar
row dark passage. One and another
roughly pushed her aside, but she man
aged to keep her place, peering into each
carriage n face. She was thin and dark
and the little gold hoops in her ears shook
from under her Roman striped turban
wound about her black hair. The scarlet
petticoat was short and scant, but the
trim little figure was so erect; the Jacket
with gilt lacings SO odd, that many locked
twice as they hurried by.
Child, 90 go along" the doorkeeper
said Cant you see how you block up
the way"
But I can't go-the Signora said-stand
here"
1.-THE Signora! What are you talking
about, o little beggar! Better run to
your eanut stand. The Signora, indeed.'
He took her by the arm and pushed her
out on the sidewalk. She dropped down
on the carriage stone, and sobbed aloud.
AT last Carl Rosa's coupe drove to the
step, and a large. woman, wrapped to her
feet in a fur cloak, sprang to the ground.
Then was a scream of joy, and a little bit
Of a figure bounded into Parepa's arms.
"Oh, Signora! l am SO glad! so glad.
The mamie sent me o~ff-and'-Carl
Rosa laughed aloud at This small brownie
.-scrambling Into his wife's arms, but said
ut was like her,''-some of her wild
about her people and her craze
for little children
Hurry dear! we're late-Ill see to the
child"
Pass on Carl! I'm coming" answered
Parepa, her grand, sweet face shining with
tluIlloE. one SIulleu GOWN on lne mite,
clinging fast to her cloak, and taking the
slim fingers in ner own, hurriedly passed
into her dressing room. She knew which
box her dear general friend" was to oc-
cupy; SO with the child by the hand. her
self still in dark hat and cloak, she stepped
quietly in the box.
General" she said. may I leave my
little friend and countrywoman with you,
as your guest during the first act? 1 am
late; n Teresa will be very quiet"
General Sherman rose at sound of Par
voice, took Teresa's hand, but be-
fore he could reply Parepa was gone.
why to be sure Teresa! come beside
this lady, where you can see, and hear all
the beautiful music. How did you get to
the opera, my dear"
The great Signora, sir! she brought me
N. She ask me to come-and I-did-wait
.oh-long."
so you know her do you?"
oh, yes! she is our country. She love
our people. She buy many peanut today
and she like my father, and he love herr"
Did she visit you today??" asked the
in the box.
"oh-yes-My mother so sick-and the