Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1907-09-13

LOuCo VI ShN o. 60
and the mellow, wonderful voice OF
the musician rose, until the dim'
quaint old church was filled with the
exquisite harmony.
Slowly and cautiously one of the
heavy outer doors was partly opened
and a dark, lovely face looked timid-
ly in. as the music swelled upward in
all its sublime sweetness the door was
pushed farther open by little brown
hand and slight, childish figure en-
tered and crept softly, hesitadngly
up the aisle.
Presently the music stopped, but
the child remained kneeling as If in a
trance. The door leading from the
organ loft opened and the musician
came slowly down, humming softly
to himself. AS he came forward his
eyes fell on the kneeling child with
her rapt, exquisite face and her won
drous, lifted eyes. and he stopped
short in astonishment.
'Liebe Himmel!" he muttered. 1t
is the face of an angel"
A tide OF crimson flooded the love-
ly olive face as the child sprang up
and shrank back timidly.
Pardon. sir-a thousand pardons"
sbe stammered, in a soft, musical
voice, tremulous with fright.
The look of wonder and astonish-
ment on the good professors face
changed to one of gentleness and
pity at the little ones evident fear.
"Pfui, little one, thou hast naught
to fear; am l then so great mon
ster that thou shouldst run from me?
Come. maitchen, let US see thee
closer
The child came shyly forward and
stood before the great master, who
took her small hands in his own and
gazed with kindly curiosity into her
face.
"Thou art puzzle, little one" he
said, smiling. Who art thou?
find thee in this quiet English town,
and the tongue is English, too, but
the face and voice they do not belong
to an English maid. How is it, leib-
chem"
Il am Gabrielle" said the child,
simply. MY father keeps the music
shop near by. He is English, but
Il am like my mother who is with
the angels. She was born over the
sea, in Italy"
"Ah! that accounts for thy soft
voice and dark face, my lovely one.
] thought there was southern blood
in thy veins. And thou vert listen
ing to the music? Perhaps thou
wouldst like to learn, thyself?"
The child drew in her breath quick
ly and clasped her hands spasmod-
ically in the emotion that suddenly
swept over her.
"Ah! if l might" she cried, IF
only might! But there is none to
teach, and can do nothing but sing,
and that not at home, for it makes
my father sad. My mother sang, and
he is always remembering.
$50 you sing. then, little one; let us
hear you. Come, do not be afraid;
sing something you know we'll"
He had, somehow, expected to hear
an unusual voice. but nothing like
what he did hear; as the child threw
back her head proudly and her sweet,
clear voice swelled upward, the -pur-
ity and richness of its exquisite tones
thrilled the great master. and filled
him with wondering establishment.
ut is wonderful" he exclaimed, as
the sweet voice died away, and Cab
rielle stood flushed and trembling be-
fore him. MY child, you are blest
of the saints! your voice is perfect
You will have the world at your
feet"
II want only to be able to play the
great organ and sing as you do. Shall
ever be able to sing the song you
sang just now?"
Certainly, and many much more
difficult than that"
But who would teach me, sir?"
faltered Gabrielle. MY father has
no money"
I'VE shall see to that, little one;
we shall see to all that-such a voice
must not be lost to the world. Tell
me where you live and / will see
the father about it,"
Gabrielle directed him, and then
with the impulsiveness born of her
hot, southern blood, she raised his
hand to her lips and covered H. with
kisses.
fThe great German master had come
to this little out-of-the-way English
town some weeks before, for the pur-
pose of resting. He had steered clear
of hotels and boarding houses, though
they were of very quiet, primitive
order in this country place, and had
secured lodgings with one of his own
countrymen, Karl Hansel q music
teacher who soon ascertained who
his guest was, and was not little
proud of the distinction of having
the famous Herr Professor" to use
his own words, under his roof He
became great favorite with the sim
pie town folk, who always spoke of
him aftnr Karl Hansal,s nc.