The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-04-04

age
What a strange child you are" he
said, as she hastily withdrew hel
hand. But tina. soon wears off, my
sweet little wild flower Well. | mus
be going now. Don't be late this even
ing.
As the door closed Edith picked uI
a fluffy little kitten curled up near the
open fire and buried her face in its
warm fur
Not until Edith found herself in a
hanson on her way to the hall did
she realize how different was her
feeling from what she imagined II
would he at this moment. Her voice
was in good form, everything had
gone right. and yet she was moi
happy.
"Oh. here you are. Miss Murden"
exclaimed Mr. Lawler You will find
the ladies' In there. Don't talk much
and keep your throat warm. With a
business wave of his hand he indicat
ed the artists room.
Nervous" he added.
"Not at ALL" laughed Edith. sc
grateful for his impersonal manner
"and hope l shall repay you for all
your kindness"
! As Edith disappeared a slight smile
crept around his thin lips.
Meanwhile Edith. feeling assured
her troubles had been wholly imagin
AIRY. greeted her fellow artists with a
bright smile and felt the warm glow
of anticipation that means success for
the singer.
The audience had received the an
nouncement CT the noted sopranos Ill
ness philosophically and was prepared
to be pleasantly polite to the substi'
tute.
Edith Murden. who is she?"
Il never heard of her"
II hope she is good"
The orchestra had just finished with
a brilliant climax and the audience
looked with mild curiosity for the new
soprano.
From behind the ferns and palms
came Edith. the very embodiment oil
youth and beauty in her simple white
gown. here little head held high and
brave smile for this, her first audi
encc.
IF she sings as well as she looks
she will be great favOrite," an
nounced one critic
Softly and sweetly that true ring
ing voice swelled through the hall
reaching to the uppermost gallery
generous in tone. perfect In produc
ton; and the critic. whose coed wore
ell musicians coveted, nodded com
mendingly. But-lacking In soul wal
his criticism. Perhaps nervous. and
he waived judgment until her secont
song.
Captured by her charm Of voice and
manner the audience expressed itsel
In recall after recall, until, breathless
but happy. she found herself alone
with Mr.. Lawler IN tho artists roou,
"A great success. my DEAR" and be
fore Edith realized his intention b.
had put his arm around her
Frightened, but furious At the In
suit. she tore herself away and she
looked like . little queen in her indig
nation.
"How dare you!" she half sobbed.
II would dare again to see you lool
like that" he laughed. and his eyes
Expressed his open admiration.
Thankful for the interruption Of the
accompanist. Edith hurriedly led the
way. a great sense of loneliness envel
oping her. Surely months had passed
since she had faced that audience.
Jack! Jack! want you. need
you!" And she gazed hclplessly into
that sea of faces
Angels ever bright and fair,
Take, oh, take NE to your care!"
Her voice, full OF entreaty and In.
tensity and forgetful of all save her
need Of love and protection. reached
the very hearts of her audience. A
wave of emotion swept over the
house and tears streamed down the
faces OF men and women
One GREATNESS minute, then came
the thunderous applause.
Was this for her? Through her
dazed senses the sharp command.
"Pick up your flowers" Tnstinctively
obeying, she stood silent for mo
ment, then: "Encore!" "Encore!"
The accompanist looked at her.
robin Adair," she whispered. And
like the call Of bird to its mate she
sang the song Jack loved.
A man tightly grasping the arms OF
his chair, with tense face. and eyes
aglow with love- gazed at his little
sweetheart and knew that she was
his. There was nothing wanting now.
She was calling to him-to him. As
the last note sank into his heart he
quickly found his way to the artists
room. Quietly he awaited her as she
received the unstinted applause.
Honey. | am here. You called to
me-" he whispered. And with a glad
cry she took his Outstretched hands.
Take me home, Jack, Oh, take me
home. want only you and your