Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-04-08

LIB s TIE Ii
~ the Author of ''The Rose Shamrock" Etc
AasSSSS@9$SSSS SSSS$$

y
possess the gift of song, there must SIRE
ly be some satisfaction to yourself in
exercising it,"
There is-there is!'' she answered en-
Enthusiastically. Sometimes I sing for
myself more than for my audience. Mr.
Lesmere," she went on, blushing. and
faltering, and clasping her hands as IL
entreatlng some great favor, 81 should
very much like to sing to you"
lie was Enthusiastically gratified, for. in
dependent Of natural desire to hear the
renowned songstress, he inherited from
MS mother delicate sense of harmony
which made him an approaching hearer.
L shall be delighted" he said, follow
ing her to the piano, at which she hast
ened to seat herself, and began the al
ways beautiful air known as "Grama-
chree Molly"
Report had not done more than JUS
tice to the voice of Lestelle. It possessed
that sympathetic charm and purity which
distinguished the singing of Jenny Lind !;
and Darcy listened entranced. Percy,
and the errand that had brought him to
the house were awhile forgotten; yet the
only witchery she exercised over him
lurked in the mellow tones warbling so
charmingly the songs she loved best One
succeeded another till an hour had pass
ed away, and still Lestele sang on; and
Darcy Lesmere leaned on the piano.
shading his eyes with his hand, his
thoughts carried back to earlier days by
the Scotch and Irish ballads. Lestele
never glanced towards him. Had she
done so, the spell would have been brok-
en-. His silence told her that he was
rapt nearer, and she was content.
How much longer he would have lin
gered and listened, it is impossible to say
for the footman came in to announce
Mr.. Pnulton; and Lestelle, the happy
light fading out of her eyes, hastily rose
from the instrument
at is the manager of the theater at
which | am engaged" she said, in a rapid
whisper. He comes to arrange with
me about my part in new opera, and
canot deny myself to him, for he is
here by appointment.
Darcy redeemed, and bit his lip. What
madness had possessed him to loiter here
until the opportunity for speaking with
her alone had passed away? How hui
initiating to find himself so ductile in
the hands of the siren whom he had con-
tcmned Percy for loving. And last, and
most annoying consideration of all, what
should he tell Gen. Glenaughton?
BY this time Mr., Paulton was in the
room. The manager was a tall, portly
man, with enormous, well-dyed whiskers
and mustache. and quick, fiery eyes that
struck Darcy as strangely familiar. But
his further scrutiny of this man was pre-
vented by Lestelle, who said. in low
tones, "You came here to speak to me
on some business of Importance. To-mor-
row 1 shall be disengaged at this hour"
The hint relieved Darcy from his en-
barrassment; he bowed over the hand she
extended. Tomorrow, then, madam,
will call upon you again. Till then,
adieu."
AS he was leaving the room, his gaze
trevaled towards the face Of the man
ager Again the conviction that this man
was no stranger came over him, and he
made an involuntary pause, asking HIM
self where and when he had known him.
The pause was seen, and understood.
After a moments hesitation, Mr.. Paul
ton smoothed his brow, and came for
ward, bowling low to the perplexed gem
tleman.
Darcy Lesmere to remember such a
humble parsonage as myself. My own
memory, however. wildly recalls the
time when had the honor of being use
full to him"
"The voice, the eyes, are Wyetts"
muttered Darcy; and the managers lips
parted in another smile.
"Time has been kind to me- he said,
carressing his whiskers and gazing com
pacently at his portly form; and, the
beuuest of a generous relative has given
me the means of embarking in dramatic
speculations. l hope my honored patron,
Gen. Glenaughton, is well. Kindly make
my respectful compliments to him. l do
not forget that l once had the honor Of
brushing his clothes"
There was an undertone of mockery
lurking in Mr.. Paulton's smoothly spok-
en- sentences; and the piercing hazel eyes
"This fellow dislikes me-" Darcy in
stantly concluded. But, with brief
though courteous reply, he went away,
for ne was too much troubled about his
approaching meeting with his uncle to
feel interested in the quondam valet, or
care to know in what way he had evoked
his hatred.