Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-10-01
NUMBER 40.

caused the man to murmur his renewed
regret, but he was sternly told to go.
Philips own reward from Miss Ather-
ley was a warm handshake and
grateful smile.
He drove homeward, wondering how
he could best help her in her career.
And she, after kissing her mother
good night" went to her room to won-
der also, but her wonderment was mix
ed with regret. For such a nice young
man as Philip Anson must have troops
of friends. He must be rich. He
must be far removed from the orbit Of
a girl who, whatever her birth and
breeding, was driven in the flower Of
her youth to earn her living on the
concert platform.
Jowkucsy won his laurels with su-
perb ease Philip. listening to the Pol.
ish genius, found himself hoping that
the fair English girl might achieve
some measure of the rapturous ap-
plause bestowed on the long haired
enthusiast. He murmured the thought
in guarded commonplace to his musical
friend.
Impossible, my dear fellow" was
the instant verdict She is mediocre;
just an average singer and no more.
Music is divine, but its exploiters SUI.
fer from the petty jealousies Of house
maids. Jowkacsy can have no rivals
tonight. Eckstein Is master, Of course,
but necessary evil as an accompa-
mist. The other artists are mere hll
ups-good or they would not be here,
but not in the front rank. Listen. l
am connected with choral society In
my county, and we once engaged
leading tenor and second rate BARI
tone The tenor had Il name with four
teen letters, and the baritone only own.
ed four. The unfortunate local printer
selected his type to I'LL the lines on the
bills by size and not by merit. The
| moment the tenor saw the four letter
man looming large across the poster he
absolutely refused to sing a note un-
less fresh bills were printed with his
fourteen letters in larger type. And
we were compelled to humor him. That
is music from the agents point Of
view"
When Miss Evelyn Atherley adyanc-
ed to the front Of the platform Philip
thought he had never seen woman so
beautiful. She had the grace Of q per-
feet figure and the style Of an arlsto-
crat. She was dressed In light blue
chiffon, with spray Of forgetmenots
the color Of her eyes arranged across
the front Of her bodice. Anson expert
enced a thrill Of pleasure when he saw
that the bouquet he caused to be for
warded to her contained flowers Of Il
kindred hue. The skill Of the florist had
correctly interpreted his description,
| which. indeed was largely guesswork
on his part.
A high forehead and mouth and
chin of patriclan mold gave an air OF
caste to an otherwise sweetly pretty
face.
"By Jove," whispered the critic, III
she sings as well US she looks, may
be mistaken
Her first song was Goring Thomas
a Summer Night" Instantly it was
perceptible that her voice was true.
the outpouring Of Il soul. In volume II
was in no way remarkable. but its me-
| lodous cadence was fresh, innocent,
virginia. The notes were those OF
| joyous bird.
Anson, biased by other sentiments.
thought hc hid never heard her equal,
but his friend. after joining in his Wig
orous applause, gave him douche OF
accurate Judgment.
"The old story" he growled-"a fine
artist retarded. perhaps spoiled. by the
need to make too early an appearance.
She wants year in Milan, another
year with Randegger or Leonl. and she
might. If Ill went well, be n star"
His hearer chafed inwardly. but only
hazarded the opinion thut she was nj
ready n singer Of rare intensity, while
as for appearance
"Ah, there you are right" was the
ready rejolnder. "The Gayety Is her
right place. She would be admirable
In light opera"
The conversation languished The
suggestion that Miss Atherley was
best fitted for the stage was displeas-
| ing to Philip. He scarce knew why.
The girl was given hearty encore,
and her next song was simple hui
morous little ballad about miller and
a maid. 1t was charmingly sung and
acted. The critic leaned back In his
chair and smiled at Philip with the In
| dulgent air OF the man who says:
IL told you So"
Soon Philip rose to go.
"Good heavens. man, you do not In
tend to leave before Jowkacsy plays
| the suite In + minorW quered his
amazed acquaintance.
"Sorry. | have an engagement
He quilted the hall. his tall figure
riveting a good many eyes as he made
his way toward an exit. One man.
watching from the gallery, smiled Gym
ically and rose at the same time.
Philip found the foyer to be practical
ly deserted He asked a policeman on
| duty to call Mr.. Anson's carriage from
| the ranks, and footman came, quick
ly running lest he hHI incurred a repri-
mand for not being on the lookout for
his master at the entrance.