Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-01-07

stance was allowed TO remain nome HUH
school all day. so that she might be
thoroughly rested and in good trim for
the evening
In all the fifteen years OF her life there was
nothing that Constance Hobrough had ever looked
forward to with so much mingled anticipation and
fear as that recital. She had been taking lessons
on the piano from Madame de Chanwix for four
years but till had she attained the dignity
OF being allowed to take part n the annual recital
of the great Madams older and more advanced
pupils
And Constance was proud OF that honor. She
had really remarkable musical talent; she was by
Tar the youngest of>an the performers that season.
and she was to render Ions and exceedingly din
cult co-nposition-none other than BeethovenS
"MoouIlsht Sonata" The choice OF the selection
had been Uncle Geof's. Madame de Chanwix
had fairly gasped when she was informed what he
wished Constance to play. and secretly entertained
grave doubts to whether so young a pupil could
do Justice the wonderful composition But then II
was Uncle Geon who was furnishing the means for
Constances music lessons, and his wishes were not
TO be lightly disregarded Therefore. they started
IN bravely several months before the appointed
time; and before long it became evident that Con-
stance would be equal TO her task. In six weeks
she had mastered the technical part and in six
more she was able to exec:te the entire piece
without her notes and with extremely creditabe
oppression and style.
Constance loved the Moonlight Sonata both
for itself and for the beautiful story that Uncle
CIeon had told her OF how it came TO be written;
How the great master, while out walking one moon
light evening happened to pass cottage whence
came the sound OF piano playing one Of Beetho-
ven's own compositions How he knocked and.
though a stranger gained admittance and found
that the musician young blind girl How he
had asked permission to play and seating himself.
rendered exquisitely the music she had strtven In
adequately to draw forth, and the inhabitants OF
the cottage that their visitor was none other
than beethoven himself. Uncle Geof told her how.
when he had ended he looked toward the window
and said: Il will improvise sonata to the moon
light" and under his touch the gracious harmonies
grew like the silver. shimmering light, transmitted
into sound; and when the last note died away. and
the wondering listeners pressed him with further
hospitality be refused to stay saying that he must
hurry home TO write down the new sonata before it
escaped him
Constance thought OF this story whenever she
played It, and twice on a moonlight night,
she had turned down the light. raised the shades.
and in the semidarkness had tried it for
Uncle GeoF as they sat together in the moonlit
parlor To her own and his astonishment, she found
that she was able to do without mistake.
II believe It's because I'm thinking OF the story"
she exclaimed. and not about my notes."
Uncle Geo1 was delighted. Constance" he an
nounced II you do as well that on the night
OF the recital I'll take you with my trip to
Europe this summer"
That almost took Constances breath away.
oh Uncle GeoH. you darling" she replied. Il
can hardly believe il But there's just trouble.
It's all right when l play for just you, or Mother
and Father but I'm horribly nervous about playing
before many people. always make some dreadful
mistake or have to stop entirely. I'm certain III
do something awful on the night % the recital l
fairly shake fright whenever think OF il; but
oh do so want TO 60 to Europe with you
"You may be frightened for a moment two.
when you begin but that will pass away. and I've
perfect faith IN you. that you win do well. Re