The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1904-06-11
MAJoRIE.

written for The Intermountain Cathohc)
She sat at the piano listlessly going up and
down the scale. "Oh, why was there ever such a
thing made III never get this scale Of E smooth" "
The little head with its wealth of chestnut curls
tossed impatiently and there was a culver about
the rosebud mouth as she placed her piece be
fore her. She went carefully every note of
the base, slowly counting the time, "One, two,
three-one, two, three" and then succeeded fairly
well with the treble But alas when she tried them
together it was with the result she had expected
She tried again. but the base and the treble simply
would not out together.
By this time the large brown eyes had filled
with tears and the notes of the music were blurred
A deep sob shook the little frame. Its no use
trying. / can play, and papa SAID that ne
would be so proud of me if I'd learn to play few
pretty pieces Teacher says that she had to learn
the scales and had to work hard but | guess her
hands were bigger or her brain bigger or-Or some
thing
Turning to pick up her handkerchief in order to
wipe her tear-stained face she happened to her
little black and white kitten at the other end OF
the room, where it unsuccessfully trying to
climb up the dainty lace curtains at the large bay
window In moment her music was forgotten
and she had taken her pet kitty in her arms to
plain to it why it should not make ladder of the
curtain. But as she did so shadow darkened the
window
~Why, who is that! l didn't hear any ono
knock. Did you, kitty!
She opened the door and saw with surprise
tall awkward boy standing with cap in hand before
her.
why, who are your she asked. "Do you want
to see some one! I'm here alone this afternoon
Mamma won't be home for hour"
No said the boy looking at her with his frank
blue ewes. Il don't want to see any one. You must
excuse me. | was just listening.
"LsteningT' she exclaimed. listening to
what p
your music 1t was very pretty" he answered.
My musc!. Why, it wasn't music. ! was Just
practicing And you think it was pretty" She
laughed bright. sivery laugh and her curls be
gan to shake that the kitten III her arms tired
to catch them.
Maybe it wouldn't sound pretty to grand peo-
pie but | hardly ever hear any music. Won't you
let me sit on the porch while you play it again."
he asked.
'eWhy. if you really want to hear me in
side she said.
whats your name.' she asked when he had
seated himself near the piano.
"Walter Dennis" he said "Now, what's
yours Z"
Marjorie Bell Don't you think that's pretty
ramel And I'm almost eleven years Old"
They made an odd picture dainty little MaJorle
in her light blue dress and the great, awkward
country lad whose sunburned face and rough, red
hands showed plainly that he was accustomed to
hard labor.
where do you live." asked Majorle.
II don't live anywhere now" he said. Il used
to have home. but now | stay anywhere L can get
work to do. You look so pretty" he continued,
gazing admiringy at her. 81 used to have a little
sister who looked so much like you, and she loved
music Oh she would have given anything for a
piano. but we couldn't afford to buy her one And
before she died she said that the most beautiful
thing in heaven for her would be the music
Maiore had been listening intently and
+I,o,,rb+fu1 look car1e into her soft brown ewes.
S'Your little sister wanted piano and couldn't
have one 2" she said. ooh, She must have felt SO
bad guess you like music, too | wish could
play something real pretty for you, but haven't
been practicing long. I've been so discouraged to-
day"
ooh. wouldn't worry" said the boy. "Td be
glad to know how to play little"
"WeIl" said Majorie, seating herself at the p-
ano "I'll try my piece for you, but can t get
it right It's the Evergreen Waltz.
o her great surprise this attempt was success
full and she finished without mistake.
The boy listened with bcaning eyes. hats
fine" he said
"po YOU really like it p asked Majorie, her face
flushing with pleasure. Then she event through her
little reperory of pieces and when she had finished
there was such look of gratitude in#the boys eyes
that she felt amply rewarded.
4 must go now" he said, II thank you so much.
Don't worry if your music is hard to learn now.
Just keep on and maybe day we'll hear that
Miss Majorie Bell is a fine pianist. Goodbye"
Goodbye" said Maiorie, 'I'm so glad you
liked my pieces"
The boy cast last glance around the pretty
room and at sweet Majorie and left, his lonely
heart cheered by the music which he thought so
beautiful and the kindness of the little girl.
Gust think" said Majorie to her kitten, which
had curled itself up the lounge II played every
one fthe pieces that teacher wanted me to review
And he thought they we're pretty. Isn't it nice to
know that some one likes to hear you play"
Years after when Majorie had become one of the
leading musicians of her town, she often thought
with pleasure of the boy whose kind words had
given her so much encouragement.
CARRIE CRADDOCK.
Salt Lake City.
HE TOLD THE TRUTH.
NJ