Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-06-13

the door, expecting TO find service
in progress; but the little church was
empty save where. at the right OF the
chancel, an oreanist was filling the
church with the notes Of an exultant
march. Cap In hand stole forward,
and sank down in one Of the pews.
A lamp over the organ keyboard
gave the only light In the chapel, and
made an aureole about her head
about the uncovered head of Olivia
Gladys Armstrong! smiled as | rec
ognized her and smiled, too, as l re-
membered her name. But the Joy she
brought to the music. the happiness in
her face as she raised it in the minor
harmonies, her isolation, marked by
the little isle of light against the dark
background OF the choir,--thesc things
touched and moved me, and bent for
ward, my arms upon the pew in 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
passed from one composition to an
other; now II was an august hymn,
now theme from Wagner, and finally
Mendelssohn's spring song won the
cold. dark chapel TO liant and warmth
with its exultant notes.
She ceased suddenly with a little
sigh and struck her hands together,
for the place was cold. As she reached
up to put out the lights stepped for
ward to the chancel steps.
please allow me to do that for
you?"
She turned toward me, gathering a
cape about her.
"Oh. it's you, Is It ?" she asked look.
ing about quickly Il don't remember
that you we're invited"
II didn't know l was coming N.Y.
SELF remarked truthfully, lifting my
hand to the lamp.
That is my opinion of you--that
you're rather unexpected person.
But thank you, very much"
She showed no disposition to pro-
! long the interview, but hurried toward
the door, and reached the vestibule be-
fore came up with her
You cant go any farther, Mr.. Glen.
{ arm" she said, and waited as though
to make sure l understood. Straight
before us through the wood and be-
yond the school buildings the sunset
faded sullenly. Night was following
fast upon the gray twilight and al.
ready the holder planets were afame
In the sky. The path led straight
ahead beneath the black boughs.
Il might perhaps walk 10 the dormi-
tory. or whatever YOU call it," said,
Thank you. no. I'm late and
haven't time to bother with you. It's
against the rules. you know, for US to
receive visitors
She stepped out upon the path.
But I'm not caller; I'm just a
neighbor! And I owe you several calls
anyhow"
She laughed but did not pause and
followed pace behind her.
Il hope you don think for n mo-
ment that / chased a rabbit on your
side Of the fence in the hope of meet
ing you, do you. Mr.. Glenarm2"
BE 1t far from me I'm glad came
though, for l liked your music i'm
mensely. I'm In earnest; l think il
quite wonderful, Miss Armstrong.'
She paid no heed to me.
And l hope | 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 sink a trife. She
was the only amusing person l had
met at 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 | was coming to church Sunday &c
hear you play and TO pray for snow
so you'd come over often to chase
rabbits"
This, | thought, sOftoned 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. he,
tone became confidential and her pace
slackened,-"we call you the squire, a
st. Agatha's, and the lord Of The
manor. and names like that! All The
girls are perfectly crazy about you
They'd be wild if they thought talked
with you, clandestinely,-is that thu
way you pronounce it?"
Anything you say and any way 20,
say 1t satisfies me" replied.
That's ever 50 nice Of you" sh'
said, mockingly again.
felt foolish and guilty. She woulC
probably get roundly scolded if thu
grave sisters learned Of her talks will
me, and very likely ! should win thei
hearty contempt. But | did not turn
back.
Il hope the reason you're leaving
isn't" | hesitated
I'll conduct? Oh, yes I'm terribl.