Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-12-12
BY T. W. WINDhAM.

She was speaking TO a young man. like
herself a musician
You don't realize what il means to
me. Mr.. Tolstoy. This is my last turn
here and the concert tomorrow my
only opportunity Of playing publicly in
the Conservatoire."
"But the circumstances are excep-
uonal." he urged. lit happens that
Professor Meyerhaus is In Leipzig re-
crniting Niolinists for his American
tour. and II occurred to me that per-
chestra as solo PIANIST
by engaging me Meyerhaus would
save the huge fees demanded by must
clans who have made q name. and for
me'--a pause gave additional weight
To his words-"it means possibly the
opening OF career l should come
before the public at once and without
expense instead Of returning to Amer
lea TO drudge at teaching, because
do not possess the means to make an
imposing debut"
But you forget" she added I'm
self vindication. "I have rehearsed
with the orchestra throughout the
term, and the conductor will not APP
prove OF n change mt the last mo.
ment."
Il have already obtained his permis-
sion he began.
"Thep If he is willing for you to
play why does he allow the decision
TO rest with mef" she broke in.
The tension Of momentary silence
tried him beyond endurance. Rising,
he walked To the door. pausing at the
threshold.
Forgive the intrusion. Unfortu-
nately misled myself with the belief
that you would willingly cede chance
to professional, being yourself an
amateur and independent. / can only
hope that your triumph tomorrow'-he
fingered on the word in conscious
irony-"will atone for the vexation of
my visit"
A large cosmopolitan audience filed
the Conservative hall for the final
concert OF the season.
An attendant opened the piano I'm
readiness for the concerto rs the plan
list came forward. escorted by the mas
ter under whom she had studied.
She seated herself at the instrument.
and little ripple of applause broke
from the balcony. CHANGING upward In
shy acknowledgment, she met the
steadfast gaze OF Il man seated imme-
dlately facing her. who Vouchsa fed but
the merest glance Of recognition and
resumed the study of music score
lying on his knees.
The players lowered their bow hands
FOR several bars rest. In the lull pre-
ceding the excerpt for the solo instru-
nent the sound Of sharp indrawn
breath struck downward through the
silence.
The baton beat on steadily-three-
four
One
No answering chord from the plan
ist. The conductor glared Mt her
aghast, the orchestra in undisguised
urprise. She started slightly, and the
color famed into her cheeks.
The baton swooped down again.
'One. frauleinr' The conductor
!caned forward, half frantic. Have
YOU forgotten" he Kissed.
soft, level voice prompted sudden
~ from the balcony, THE allegro
movement, key A fat minor, extended
chord"
She glanced swiftly forward with
little impulsive gesture and rose in
her seat. faced the conductor. flashed
glance OF swift defiance and passed
with head erect through rows of thun-
derstruck musicians TO the platform
exit
Bewildered comments were eXchang-
cd throughout the hall, and the nota-
bility In the stalls adjusted its spec
tacles rather irritably and awaited de.
velopments.
THESE Americans. These Ameri-
cans chafSl the conductor, beside
himself with rage: then he hurled an
order at the doOrkceper, pointing to
the balcony.
Herr Tolstoy! Fetch him immedi-
ately."
The man at the end had already DIS.
appeared. and In the passage connect
ing the platform with the cloakrooms
he encountered the retiring pianist.
Quick she whispered. THE con
ductor called for you"
His face glowed with trembling.
exultant gratitude. He seized her
hand and started backward conscience
stricken rs a tear fell gllstening on her
sleeve.
She rushed past him Disconnected,
paced the step or two down the pas
sage and turned abruptly TO avenge
her nomentaG loss Of self control I'm
an outbreak Of rcproacb.
why don't you go? My failure
gives you your opportunity. Pray don't
hesitate TO avail yourself"
Tn sorry, so sorry be began.
do gor' she reiterated less harshly.
They will continue the program. It
will be too late In another moment"
Though his hope OF the future de.
nannad on tint runrnay,k ho eftII gfnoI