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


she darted through a doorway.
Her -companion followed, stopped a
second. and his lips scared her cheeks.
In the next the platform door closed
behind him.
An echo reached her Of the allegro
ripping, tightening, swirling across the
keys, subdued at Intervals TO the tu-
multi OF orchestral accompaniment.
then ringing again, triumphant. quiv-
ering at the last with the rapt, exalted
passion OF love song. followed by the
silence That Is greater than applause.
The pianist himself broke the spell,
rising from his seat. The hall shook
with a burst OF enthusiasm. He passed
unheeded through the platform exit. :
The white haired notability removed
his glasses with sigh OF satisfied en-
joyment and turned to his colleague,
his rugged Teutonic features softening
into a smile.
Your American young ladies-do
they often take stage fright? Rut her
compatriot. He is magnificent, TO
play that most difficult concerto with
out notes, without rehearsai-touch,
technique perfect, Consider also his
youth
The director broke In with adroit OK.
PLANTATION aud suggestion. The pro-
lessor beamed with delighted recol-
lection.
1t is the same, then, who offered his
services: You are right, my friend.
that | should change my mind. that
the world should hear OF him. lie
shall go with me on tour"
twilight in the park, the sharp, gray
twilight of late autumn. A smart cleo
trio runabout, with lady at the lever
and chauffeur at her side. Joined the
stream of vehicles entering the park
at the Plaza. Her features were only
partially visible through her automo-
bile veil, but an involuntary exclama-
ton broke from n man pacing aimless-
ly along the walk
Miss Trcnthamr'
"Mr. Toistoy"'
With the answering cry OF recogni-
ton she drew up close TO the walk,
needless of the rules OF the road.
Half hesitating, Tolstoy went for
ward.
$50 you are back In America. Mr..
TolstoyT
Yes" He muttered the monosylla-
bic without raising his eyes.
"And / see from the papers that your
European tour was great success"
He blurted out second affirmative.
For the moment she was slightly
nonplused; then with infinite tact she
once more took the initiative.
You are soon appearing In New
York;"
Tomorrow at Carnegie hail." he re-
piled shortly.
Boardmen were parading Broadway
with notices of the professors concert
1t humbled him that she had not no
ticed the large type at the foot of the
boards-"Solo pianoforte. Mr.. Alfred
Tolstoy."
"A matinee?"
He nodded stifily.
or course | shall 90. II will he n
great pleasure To me to be present ut
your debut" she continued
1T happens 10 be the last concert of
the series,'' he said Jelly.
II had no idea" she began i'm n tone
Of eager explanation. But. then. |
have been travelling abroad II GOOD
deal with my parents since l saw you
last. We only returned from Switzer-
land couple of days ago"
The fact accounted for her apparent
indifference. and his expression soften
ed, but he stared mOodily before him
to avoid her eyes, and the handsome
turnout In which she was seated with
her livcricd chauffeur somehow forced
ON him Il sense OF social disparity
When she spoke again her voice had a
Shy. hesitating ring.
81 need scarcely ask If your are sue
ceSsful?
He produced memorandum and
read out yome detais-no trace of
pleasure or enthusiasm i'm his tone. only
cynical sort Of triumph in the sense
Of achievement.
Tomorrow is my final appearance
i'm New York with Professor Meyer
haus for the present | am booked
subsequently for various musical re.
ceptiOns; also the principal concert
agents have made me very nattering
Offers
Shall congratulate you?" she ask
cd slowly
IF you hCd congratulated me that
night at the Conservative. he broke
out resentfully. and given me the OPP
portunity 90 thank you
You could not expect me to wait,
to face every one after my failure.
Besides she turned away her eyes
to hide n sudden confusion "you-
you had already thanked me"
ut was not only 10 thank you He
was confused now struggling with an
Increasing desire to make his hopeless
avowal
Il owe my subsequent success to
you he continued pedantically.
mo indeed" she broke i'm eagerly.
But am glad-more than | can