The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1908-02-06


,e rich full tones of the great organ.
} the mellow, wonderful voice of
musician rose, until the dim,
4Gaint 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-
iy in, as the music swelled upward in
all its sublime sweetness, the door was
pushed farther open by little brown
hand and a slight, childish figure en-
tered and crept softly, hcsitatingly
up the aisle.
Presently the music stopped, but
the child remained knecling as if in a
trance. The door leading from the
organ loft opened and the musician
came slowly down, humming softly
70 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 establishment.
Liebe Himmel," he muttered. 1t
IS the face of an angel"
A tide of crimson flooded the love
~ olive face as the child sprang up
and shrank back timidly.
Pardon, SRA thousand pardons,"
she 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 a 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 heI
face.
Thou art a 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
70 an English maid How is it. Ieib-
chem"
Il am Gabrielle" said the child
simply. Ny father keeps the music
shop near by. He is English but
i am like my mother who is with
he angels She was born over the
sea, in Italy.
All, that accounts for thy soft
voice and dark face, my lovely one
thought there was southern blood
Il Thy veins And thou vert listen
n<setU she music? Perhaps thou
rouldst like to learn tbysef?"
( The child drew in her breath quick
Ily and clasped her hands spasmod
ically in the emotion that suddenly
swept over her
"Ah if might" she cried. IF I
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.
SO you sing, then, little one, let us
near you. Come, do not be afraid:
sing something yuu know well
He had, somehow, expected to hear
an unusual voice, hut nothing like
what he did hear: as the child threw
back her head proudly and her sweet
clear voice swelled upward. the pur-
ty and richness of its exquisite tones
hrilled the great master. and filled
him with wondering establishment
1t is wonderful" he exclaimed. as
he sweet voice died away, and Cab
ielle stood flushed and trembling be
fore him MY child. you are blest
Of The saints, your voice is perfect
You viii have the world at vour
feet.
Il want only to be able to play the
great organ and sing as Won do. Shall
/ ever be able TO sing the song Won
sang just now"
Certainly. and many much more
difficult than that"
But who would teach me siro"
faltered Gabrielle. Ny father has
no money"
we shall see 70 that LITTLE ono.
we shall see to an tbat-sucb a voica
must not be los 10 the world Tel
me where YOU live ana will SEQ