The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1904-06-25
THE LITTLE SINGER.

cert hal. lhe applause was gradually subsiding
and the members of the large audience were plying
each other with eager questions.
Who Is she! Have you ever heard her before"
NO; but her appears on the program as
Little Grace Trenton. | wonder why we have never
heard of her."
This concert was important society event of
the season. The leading artists of the city had
been engaged to entertain very fashionable audi
ence and the surprise great when it learned
that the hrst number on the program was to be
solo by girl who unknown TO all in the audi
ence. When the curtain rose, little girl, appar-
emily about twelve thirteen years old, appeared
Dark, rich curls clustered round the white forehead
and long, slken lashes shaded the velvcty brown
eyes.
She stood with hands clasped behind her while
the orchestra played few opening bars and then
the audience charmed by voice of such
sweetness that breathless silence was maintained
until the end of the song. The full. clear tones
seemed to pour forth as naturally as from birds
throat. 1t only a simple melody but of
those which touch the hearts of the hearers rich
and poor alike, and the little singer retired amidst
simultaneous burst of applause.
As her appeared for three numbers the
program, the audience awaited impatienty the lit
tie singers temperance and received her second
and third numbers with the same enthusiasm the
first.
At the close of the concert, as the members of
the audience dispersed the little girls beautiful
''She is pretty as picture and her voice is
clear and sweet as birds. | must have her to en-
terrain my guests at my next reception was the
thought of more than one grand lady in that as
sembly
Meanwhile little Grace Trenton had hastily
donned her wraps and was leaving the concert hall
when she overheard gentleman remark, THAT
child has good voice. If it had the proper train
ing
She waited to hear no moro but sped swiftly
along the dark, deserted streets. It was a frosty
March night but she did not mind the cold She
very happy and scarcely felt the ground be-
meath her nmble feet. At last she stopped in front
of little cottage. The only objects plainly dis
cernible were a large bed, which some one was
lying; woman who watching by the bedside;
and table, which several glasses and bottles
of medicine were arranged. Grace advanced to the
bedside.
'Has she been sleeping?" she asked.
yes" said the woman. 'Shc has rested quietly
ever since you left and I believe the fever is not
quite so high. Did you enjoy yourself tUnightT
yes, indeed" replied Grace II am so glad
that l went. But it is getting very late now. You
must go. | thank you much. You so kind TO
us hope that it will not be long before repay
you"
Il am only too glad to help you, Grace said
the woman kindly. Good night"
Grace took off her wraps, lit large lamp that
on the table and was filling spoon with GER
tain liquid in one of the bottles when she was sud
denly startled by the words, "Why Oracle where
have you been Z"
Hush mamma" she said, turning to the bed
You know you must not excite yourself. 1t is
time to take this now. The doctor told me to be
to give it to you regularly"
As she replaced the glass on the table, her
mother noted the flushed cheeks and sparkling
eyes and the feeble voice heard again
And you are wearing your pretty blue dress,
Oracle. | did not"
wait mamma" said Grace drawing chair to
the bedside, land I'll tell you all about it. have
kept my secret from you because [ thought it was
best for you not to know until it was all over.
Look" she added, holding up to view bright ten
dollar gold-piece
She paused to note the look Of surprise and
pleasure In the wan face and continued.
"You know I told you about that kind, pretty
lady who seemed to be so pleased with when |
was singing for Mrs. Browns little crippled boy
l met her yesterday and she asked me if | would
not like to sing at grand concert that was to be
given tonight. / told her that | had never sung
In public but she made me promise TO come to the
concert hall at seven o'clock tonight. Mrs. Brown
stayed with you while / was away"
Grace paused for a moment to think in order
that she might not forget single event of the
evening and then with glowing checks told about
the concert
"The lady met me at the entrance and asked
me what was going to sing When | told her, she
said that she glad | had selected such pretty,
simple songs and then told me not to be afraid.
The lights da5zled at first but | got used to
them and the people were all SO quiet And oh,
mamma when finished the applause was so loud
| was almost frightened, The lady came to me
after the concert and told me ] had sung well and
gave me this Mamma, won't this buy of the
things the doctor was talking about|'
Yes Oracle, it will get number of things.
1t was brave thing for my little girl to do and
I'm that if her father were here tonight, he
would he very Droud q
YES" said Grace thoughtfully smoothing the
folds of her dainty, blue dress, IF papa were liv-
ing, / would ask him to let me learn to be great
singer | wonder if he knows. But you must go
to sleep new Are you ready! z"
eyes, Oracle I'm ready. Goodnight"
Grace smoothed the pillow and arranged the
covers and then, as was her CUSTOM sang in low,
sweet tones her mothers favorite song, The sun
shines bright on my old Kentucky home"
As soon as the weary eyes closed in slumber
Grace knclt down by the bed and poured out her
heart in gratitude to Him who had given her an
opportunity for helping her mother. She was soon
asleep experiencing the events of the happy even
ing again in her dreams.
X
1t was about ten years after that the paper an
nounced that the talented soprano. Miss Grace
Trenton, to sing in the city. They also had