Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-08-24
~ y Nhaul1y Ng1tN5aY

march. Cap Ia hand I stole forward,
and sank down In one Of the pews.
I lamp over the organ keyboard
! gave the only light in the chapel. and
made an aureoie about her head
/ about the uncovered head OF Olivia
/ Gladys Armstrong, I smiled as rec
I Ognized her and smiled. too. as re
membered her name. But the Joy she
I brought 70 the music. the happiness in
her face as she raised Il in the minor
harmonies her isolation. marked by
the little isle Of light against the dark
background Of the choir.-these things
touched and moved me. and bent for
ward. my arms upon the pew 20 front
OF me. watching and listening with a
kind Of awed wonder
There was no pause IN the outpour-
Ing OF the melody. She changed stops
and manuals with swift fingers and
f passed from one composition 20 an
other; now 10 was an august hymn,
now a theme from Wagner and finally
+ Aendolssohn's spring song won the
cold. dark chapel 20 light and warmth
with its exultant notes.
A She ceased suddenly with 4 little
sigh and struck her hands together.
FOR the place was cold AS She reached
/ up % put ont the iishts I stepped for
ward 90 the chancel steps.
Please allow me % do that for
your"
She turned toward me. gathering a
cape about her.
"Oh. it's you. IS IT, she asked. look
H~afr al
that you were invited"
Il didn't know ] was coming my
self" 7 remarked truthfuUy. lifting my
hand 20 the lamp.
That is my opinion OF you.-that
you're rather unexpected person.
But thank you. very much"
She showed no disposition 90 pro
long the interview. but hurried toward
the door. and reached the vestIbule be-
fore I came up with her.
You can't 60 any farther Mr. Glen
arm she said. and waited az though
Go make sure I understood. Straight
before as through the wood and be-
yond the school buildings the sunset
faded sunenly. Night was following
fast upon the gray twilight and al
ready the holder planets were afama
in the sky. The path led straight
ahead beneath the black boughs.
Il might perhaps walk to the dormi-
tory. or whatever you call e." said
Thank you. no, I'm late and
haven't time 20 bother with you. It's
against the rules. you know. for Us 20
receive visitors"
She stepped out upon the path
"But I'm not a caller; I'm just a
neighbor. And ] owe you several calls.
anyhow"
she laughed but did not pause and
followed a pace behind her
Il hope you don't think for a mo-
mcnt that ! chased a rabbit on your
side OF the fence IN the hope OF meet
ing you. do you. Mr.. Glcnarm?"
BE II Far from me- I'm glad I came.
though, for I liked your music i'm
mensely. I'm in earnest: think II
quite wonderful. Miss Armstrong"
She paid no heed 70 me.
And hope I may promise myself
the pleasure OF hearing you often"
You are very kind about my poor
music. Mr.. Glenarm; but as I'm going
away"
felt my heart stink trihe. She
was the only amusing person I had
met az Glenarm. and the thought OF
losing her gave a darker note to the
bleak landscape.
That's really too bad And Just
when we were getting acquainted!
And I was coming 10 church Sunday 90
hear you play and 10 pray for snow.
80 you'd come over often 10 chase
rabbitsi"
This. I thought. softened her heart.
At any rate her tone changed.
Il don't play for services; they're
afraid TO let me for fear I'd run comic
opera tunes INTO the TIE Deum!"
How shocking"
DO you know, Mr.. Glenarm, her
tone became confidential and her pace
slackened.-'we call you the squire. at
st. Agatha's. and the lord OF the
manor, and names like that! AL the
girls are perfectly crazy about you.
They'd be Wild II they thought talked
with you, clandestinely,-is that the
way you pronounce it?~
Anything you say and any way you
say 1t satisfies me- I replied.
That's ever so nice OF you" she
said, mockingly again.
/ felt foolish and guilty She would
probably get roundly scolded II the
grave sisters learned OF her talks with
me, and very likely l should win their
hearty contempt. But / did not turn
back
Il hope the reason you're leaving
isn't" / hesitated.
III conduct? Oh, yes; I'm terribly
-.