The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-08-11
Choosing a Soprano
Drawing by Plenske.

Drawing by Penske.
THEY were trying sopranos for the vacancy in the
quartet choir. So ;,
/ The members Of the music committee sat in
the last pew and the choir loft at the other end
of the edice high up the pulpit The only light
in the church there and the rest of the interior
was shrouded in darkness In the middle gloom were
the four candidates. generally miserable and expectant
No had finished and evidently listening to sug-
gestions by the organist @T -
ttDou you remember that picture Of incident in
the French revolution?' asked No. 2, unroling her
music nervously rwhere the bunch is in a dungeon,
waiting to 60 the guotine soldier stands at the
door and reads off the names Of the victims
No 8 hummng her solo hurriedly, but
she resumed her humming. y - ..@s $50! .
well, said No. Hmy head is to go next, and
you u may Judge how feel
list. His form silhouetted against the gaslight
the organ bench. .:.0 49,.
"Yes'' said No. 8, with just little tremor in her
voice. o~.. ~.
II do hope she will do WE'LL" said No. 4. .tBe-
tween you and me- girls she needs it than do.
It is certain that none Of us is in her class and if you
knew her do-her privations, her sufferings and
how she won out in spite Of an-you would-but
listen" : '.. .. .--..-
Miss Dodson sung unaffectedly, beautifully, sim
pie setting of wellknown hymn.
- ''That brought lump into my throat,'' said No.
4, as she applied her handkerchief to her eyes,
F*she WINS" sighed No. !, starting to put on her
.''Let's wait and If there is. going to be any
chance for the rest Of said No. 4 "Gracious, I'd
forgotten that had to sing. Well I'll 20 thru the
tons, anyway. He Is calling me. Yes, I'm ready"
Down in the darkness Of that last pew the music
ington jones' Of the of society Mrs Stiles
who played the piano beautifully and, In the opinion
of her friends critic of the highest order Miss
Cuthbert who sung herself In very thin and sharp
voice and had written song; Mr.. Flint who cash
Ter for prominent firm Of organ builders, and Mr..
Lawrence, capitalist and patron of the arts.
a a ton
Jones, after No. had finished
"a tendency to slurring, which is most objection
able, said Mrs. Stiles, sententiously.
"a most distressing vibrato," said Miss outhbert,
with decision.
'tWhat do you think of her, Mr. Flints" asked Mrs.
t'Eh-whats' said Mr. Flint, starting up He had
been doing. ''Charming, ism she?'
'We don't think So replied Mrs. Stiles, severely.
"sDodsona Dodsonq" said Mrs. Jones, reminis-
Gently, after No had sung "oh, we simply coudn't
have her, you KNOW
"Why prays'' asked Mrs: Stiles.
ooh, never, never'' said Mrs Jones, as If that
settled it. 'In tell you later"
No. sung next.
"Now, there, " said Mrs. Jones, "is young woman
who would grace any Choir
eyes, quite agree with you,,' said Mrs. Stiles,
with sarcasm "provided she be and not heard. -
''she is Of most excellent famiy,' said Mrs Jones,
SHARPLY R3+ .. snae, .n. :. most .,omronn,.,. ~.
ooh, most commonplace" echoed Miss cuthbert.
"Positively ordinary.''
"Mr Flint, what do you Think" asked Mrs Jones.
"Eh! WHAT" inquired Flint, starting up again
and rubbing his eyes, "Wonderful voice-perfectly
won-'' 49, .....-.
And now, my dear Mrs. Jones'" said Mrs Stiles,
quickly awe await your disclosures. Unless you have
good reasons my mind Is quite made up In Miss Dod
sons favor.' ~ = s,.~@ -
INV reasons are of the BEST, said Mrs. Jones'
t'We must consider not only the musical ability of
these applicants but their social standing must be
above reproach Every connected with this church
in any capacity must be, ought to be, Of at least
respectable antecedents and I that you will
agree with refusing to entertain for moment
Miss Dodsons application when I tell you that hel
father is circus rider her brother is variety actor
and her sister is chorus girl.''.
Mrs Stiles said 'fBoshl', under her breath.
'ttMr Lawrence" continued Mrs. Jones in tone
that plainly asked for and expected corroborativt
reply eve would like to hear from you this
point -".r
,s'Frankly,' said MI. Lawrence, II think your con
tention Is absurd. know Miss Dodson to be young
Of lovely character anda most accomplished