The Raymer enterprise., 1911-07-06

dint OF much saving and burning Of
midnight oil. she had assured herself
one term Of vocal instruction with the
great Poppini. a conscious pride
glowed warm within her. The master
had given her an appointment for the
following Saturday.
AT the appointed hour. Muriel ap.
preached the brown.stone house
which served Poppini as a studio.
Aside from an occasional tremor she
seemed to be waited along on the
wings Of success.
The maid to whom Muriel handed
her card led the way up one flight OF
stairs and the prospective pupil OF
Poppini found herself In huge room.
the tone Of which was an appalling
cold tan. Save for few straight
chairs and grand piano of white ma.
hogany the room was bare Of furni.
ture. The lone picture on the walls
was fine, brown carbon of the Beet
hoven Sonata. the one human touch
In the strangely chilling environ
ment.
Muriel's sensitive ear caught the
sound OF approaching footsteps and
her heart thumped painfully when she
realized that she was In the presence
Of the great music master.
quick glance at his massive
shoulders and leonlne head told the
girl that she would always slightly
fear him: his aspect was SO compell-
Ing and powerful A closer study Of
bis face revealed to Muriel that, dom.
inant In the expression Of his large.
shaded eyes and In the cut Of bis lips.
was q passion. deep and reined-his
passion for music.
Miss Landis." he acknowledged
her inclination Of the head and re-
mained standing. Let me hear your
voice before We discuss the future"
His directness appealed to Muriel.
She arose and stood beside him at
the piano and, although she already
felt his powerful influence. she was
conscious also Of her own indlviduali-
ty and personal strength. Her nrst
tones, clear and resonant vibrated
through the room. Poppini turned to
look at her and In his eyes and
glance Muriel recognized his ack.
acknowledgement Of her gift.
you have the quality Of a splendid
voice." he said. 1T will please me
to bring out I'll full power" He arose.
Sing not another note until give
you your frst lesson"
"Oh. but | must sing!" Muriel ex.
claimed. II must sing in order that
! may study. The church Quartette
position ! hold q necessary to my
maintenance"
Muriel stated her case frankly. but
the wistfulness In her eyes told much
to Poppini. His insight into human
emotions was one Of the secrets Of bis
success. The skill with which he
handled the artistic temperament was
much to his credit.
Tell me exactly what you will lose
by giving up this church work. You
must have further support, have you
not? Are you In an ofiicei II 70, that
must be stopped" He spoke almost
brusquely. but bis kind eyes looked
steadily into hers while he waited for
bis answer.
Muriel laughed whimsically. "The
choir work means my room and-any.
thing may need during the week. |
live on that SIS"
Yes" Poppini said abruptly. What
else do you do?"
The girl hesitated for q moment,
but there was no avoiding the mans
directness.
IL write fiction" she replied. ut
Is from that source that have saved
enough TO make It possible for me To
have at least one term with you.
have SO wanted TO study with you.
Perhaps at the end Of the term may
ind that have been successful
enough to enable me to continue. /
do not mind work"
80 see." Poppini spoke In DIFF.
ferent tone, almost a. II he were
communing with himself. Writing.
he said slowly. rs not firing SO long
as the candle Is snuffed out before It
exhausts ITSELF" He ran his hands
through bis hair while his thoughts
took definite form.
Miss Landis." said he. you are
In possession Of wonderful gift.
Walk serenely past petty obstacles
and refuse to let prejudices and jeal.
ousies hamper you In your study.
Give up this choir position; It will re.
tard your progress. In return for your
compliance with my wishes | want
you TO accept seat at my table and
room In my house."
Muriel cast startled glance at
him. but Poppini continued without
allowing her to speak.
My household Is large. | have
two women In charge and some pu.
pills Of mine. Mr.. Warren and his
sister make their home with me.
There. you can write practically un-
disturbed. Miss Warrens voice will
be an inspiration rather than hin.
drance."
a. Ass.G -