Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1910-10-07
= II m
Her Place
he Takes n and Wins Musical
tiOnori.
BY 7. W. wINDHAM.
Copyright, 1910. by American Press
Association.


stood In room In a German pension
She was speaking to young man, like
herself musician
you don't realize what It means to
me, Mr. Toistcy. THIS Is my last turn
here and the concert tomorrow my
only opportunity of playing publicly in
the Conservatives"
but the circumstances are excep-
tlonal," he urged. at happens that
Professor Meyerhaus is In Leipzig re-
cruiting viollnists for his American
tour. and 1t occurred to me that per-
haps he would include me in his Or
chestra as solo pianist
by engaging me Meyerhaus would
save the huge fees demanded by musi-
clans who have made name, and for
me"-a pause gave additional weight
TO his words-"lt means possibly the
opening Of a career. | 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 In
self yindicatlOn, 81 have rehearsed
with the orchestra throughout the
term, and the conductor will not APP
prove of change at the last mo-
ment."
81 have already obtained his permits
SION he began,
"Then II he Is willing for you to
play why does he allow the decision
to rest with mel" she broke in.
The tension Of n momentary silence
tried him beyond endurance. Rising,
he walked TO the door, pauslng at the
threshold.
Forgive the intrusion. Unfortu-
nately | mlsled myself with the belief
that you would willingly cede II chance
to II 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 vexatlon of
my visit"
A large cosmopolitan audience filed
AhN SVheVh huAi AVh NhO
concert of the season.
An attendant opened the piano in
readiness for the concerto as the plan
list came forward, escorted by the mas
ter under whom she had studied.
She seated herself at tho instrument,
and little ripple Of applause broke
from the balcony CHANGING upward In
shy acknowledgment, she met the
steadfast gaze Of a man seated imme-
dlately facing her, who vouchsafed 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 lnstru-
ment the sound Of sharp Indrawn
breath struck downward through the
silence.
The baton beat on steadily-three-
four
"Onew
No answering chord from the plan
list The conductor glared at her
aghast the orchestra In undisgulsed
surprise. She started slightly. and the
color famed into her cheeks.
The baton swooped down again.
zone. frauleinP' The conductor
leaned forward, half frantic. Have
you forgottenT he Kissed
A soft. level voice prompted sudden
ly from the balcony, "The allegro
IAu A Aat nvNanHnI
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.
Bewlldered comments were exchang-
ed throughout the hall, and the nota-
bllIty In the stalls adjusted its spec.
tacles rather lrritably and awaited dc.
yelOpments.
"These Americans These Ameri-
cans!' chafed the conductor, beside
himself with rage; then he hurled an
order at the doorkeeper, pointing to
the balcony.
Herr Tolstoyl Fetch him immedi-
atelyp
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 as tear fell glistening on her
sleeve.
She rushed past him disconnected,
paced the step or two down the pas
sage and turned abruptly 10 avenge
her momentay loss Of self control in
an outbreak Of reproach.
why don't you got My failure
gives you your opportunity. Pray don't
hesitate to avail yourself"
I'm sorry, 80 sorry he began
"Do co. she reiterated less harshly.
They will continue tho program. II
Will be too late In another moment"
Though his hope OF the future de-
pended on that moment, he still stood
irrcsOlute. gazing In sheer fascination
nj the tear stained, imperious face.
"D0 co. DO please gol IL won't
have been any RosAi II you don't, and
] shall never fOrp' myself