Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-09

Gretchen, undetermined whether she
was waking or dreaniings followed. the
princess She was serenely unafraid. To
her own great wonder. Who could de-
scribe her sensations as she passed
through marble halls up marble stair
cases. over great rugs so soft that her
step faltered? Her wooden shoes made
a clatter whenever they left the rugs, but
she stepped as lightly as she could. She
heard music and voices presently and
the former she recognized. As her high
ness entered the Bijou Theater the herr
direktoG stopped the music. In the :httle
gallery which served as the royal box
sat several ladies and gentlemen of the
court the grand duke being among them
Her highness nodded at them brightly.
Good morning, herr dlrektor
Good morning, your highnesS.
Il have brought you prifna donna,
touching Gretchen with her whip.
'Fhe herr direktor- showed his teeth: her
highness was always playing some jest
What Shall she sing in your highness !?
We are rehearsing The Bohemian Girl :
The chorus and singers on the little
stage exchanged smiles.
II want your first VIOLIN said her
highness.
Anton"
A youth stood up in the orchestral pit.
Now. your highness?'' said the herr
direkor
TRY her. voice"
And the herr direktor saw that she was
not smiling. He babe the Nl0lHlSt TO
draw his bow over single note.
Initiate It, Gretchen" commanded her
highness, and don't be afraid of the herr
direktor or of the ladies and gentlemen
in the gallery.
Gretchen lifted her voice. II was
sweeter and mellower than the violin.
Again" the herr dfrektor cried, no
longer curious.
Without apparent effort Gretchen pass
ed from one note to another, now high.
now low, or strong or soft; trill. run
The violinist. of his own accord. began
the jewel song from Faust Gretchen
did not know the words, but she carried
the melody without mishap. And then
II Dreamt l Dwelt in Marble Halls.
This song she knew word for word. and
ah, she sang it with strange and haunt
ing tenderness, One by one the must
clans dropped their instruments to their
knees. The grand duke in the gallery
leaned over the velvet-buffered railing.
All realized that a great voice was being
+ tried before them. The herr direktor
Struck his music stand sharply. 1t was
enough.
Your highness has played a fine jest
this day. Where does madame your
guest sing. in Berlin or VIENNA
In neither answered her highness
nightly gratified with Gretchen's sue
/
morning | doubt if | ever saw her be
fore"
The herr direktor stared blankly from
her highness to Gretchen. and back to
her highness again. Then he grasped il.
Here was one of those moments when the
gods make gifts to mortals.
"Can you read music?'' he asked.
No herr" said Gretchen.
That is bad. You have great voice.
fraulein. Well. l shall toach YOU. |
shall make you great singer. 1t lis
hard work.
II have always worked hard"
Good, Your highness. a thousand
thanks. What is your name?" TO Crotch
en-. She told him. 1T is a good name,
Come to me Monday at the opera and |
shall put you into good hands, Some day
you will be rich, and r shall become
great because | found you
Then, with the artists positive indiffer-
,rice to the presence of exalted blood, he
turned HIS b4ck upon the two young
women and reused his men from the
trance. ~
so, Gretchen. said her highness.
when the two came out again into the
garden, you are to be rich and famous
That will be fine
Thanks, highness. thanks! God grant
the day to come when | may be of serv-
ice to you. Gretchen kissed the hands
of her benefactress.
Whenever you wish TO see the gar
dens.'' added the princess, "the gates will
be open for you" -
veg her wooden shoes were golden slip