The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-09-29
Her Choice

Mother, dear, where are you?"
Constance Hayden exclaimed breath
lessly, as she rushed into the house
one cold January afternoon. Then, as
her mother appeared, she went on to
say. 20, could hardly wait to tell
you. Mr.. Wilbur heard me singing
this afternoon and is going to send
me abroad so that l may"
MY dear, my DEAR" her mother in
terrupted, talk slowly, for l don't
quite"
"Just minute, mother, and l will
tell you," Constance continued, eag-
erly. This afternoon Mr.. Wilbur
was obliged to go out for some impor-
tant documents and told me to do as
/ wished until his return. The family
were away, so there was no one in
the house but the servants and N.Y.
self. You know Mr.. Wilbur is very
Joins his office. l went in, sat down
at the piano and sang a few of my
songs, forgetting for the time where
was. He returned before I expected
and all at once 1 was startled by hear
ing his voice say, Very good, Miss
Hayden He had been listening in
the doorway and asked me to sing
something else. After finished my
song, he talked with me long time
and the result Of our conversation was
that while he thinks / make a good
private secretary, yet he declares my
voice should not be neglected and
says he will send me abroad to study.
o, mother, isn't it like a dream? 1t
seems almost too good to be true"
Mrs. Hayden, placing her hand on
the golden head, said with a sob in
her voice. "Your father and l shall
miss you greatly, Constance, but we
would be selfish to prevent you from
going. May God protect and guide
my little girl"
Constance Hayden had been a de-
voted lover of music from childhood
and possessed a voice of unusual
sweetness and strength. Her father,
DR.. Richard Hayden, the village physi-
clan, could not afford to give his
daughter the advantages of musical
education without decided sacrifice.
This, Constance would not permit, for
she realized that her fathers health
was failing and that there were two
younger brothers to be supported. AS
private secretary to Horace Wilbur,
wealthy citizen of the village, she
went each day to his magnificent resi-.
dence on the hill. cheerfully perform
ed the duties assigned to her and was
perfectly happy. Her bright face
clearly portrayed the sunny disposi-
ton of the girl, while the large gray
eyes were but a mirror of the true
soul beneath.
The following day the news of Hor-
ace Wilburs magnanimous offer went
broadcast through the village, and uni
versal gladness was expressed, for
Constance Hayden, was, indeed. a
general favorite.
After the younger members of the
family had retired that evening and
her father and mother had gone out,
Constance sat at the piano, allowing
her fingers to roam aimlessly over the
Keys. Her mind was filled with
thoughts Of the future-the new life
to be opened to her. All at once a
feeling akin to sadness came over her
1t the thought of leaving her dear
pnes-then a dull flush crept into her
lace as her thoughts turned to Jack
Thornton, who was now a rising young
lawyer. Jack and Constance had been
friends from childhood-all his hopes
and ambitions had been confided to
Constance, and every new song was
irst sung for Jack. No words of love
aad ever been spoken between them,
but now Constance began to think
how queer 1t would be without Jacks
words of praise.
At this juncture in her thoughts the
floor bell rang twice in quick sue
sessino-the'manner in which Jack al
ways rang. When she opened the
loor, Constance noticed his face
looked grave and troubled, but
made no mention of the fact, and
After the usual greetings were ex-
thanged he said, Sing my favorite
song, Constance, please" In compli-
ance with his wishes, she started to
b41Go III q 1O"J oIl Gill.
Sometimes / dream that days of old
are floating
Far from the haven where we bade
them rest,
And in the twi-"
"Never mind, Constance, don't
think want you to sing tonight"
Jack exclaimed. rising from his chair,
and going towards the piano Then
he added in sharp tone, els this true
that you are going away, Con-
Btance?"
Eyes, Jack, and am so happy" she
answered, but as she spoke there was
a queer tugging pain at her heart.
Then, gathering the two small hands
In his. he said, Constance, little
girl, don't go. love you and want
you to be my wife. II you go away
you may gain renown and perhaps
riches, but will you be happy? I can
only offer you a pure, undivided love
and true happiness, but does 1t not
mean more To vouf Answer me- dear