The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1912-04-05

tie hand he kissed II In mock hom-
age.
What a strange child you are" he
said, as she hastily withdrew her
hand. But that soon wears on. my
sweet little wild flower. Well. must
be going now. Don't be late this even
ing
AS the door closed Edith picked up
a fluffy little kitten curled up near the
open FIRE and buried her face in it's
warm fur.
Not until Edith found herself in q
hanson on her way TO the hall did
she realize how different was her
feeling from what she imagined It
would be at this moment. Her voice
was In good form, everything had
gone right, and yet she was not
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 q
business wave OF his hand he indicat-
ed the artists room.
| "Nervous?" he added.
| "Not at ALL" laughed Edith, -
grateful for his impersonal manner.
land / hope ] shall repay you for all
| your kindness"
AS Edith disappeared 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 Of the noted sopranos III
ness philosophically and was prepared
to be pleasantly polite to the substi-
tute.
Edith Murden, who is she?"
81 never heard OF her"
| 81 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 OF
youth and beauty in her simple white
gown. here little head held high and
a brave smile for this. her first audi
ence.
'If she sings as we'll as she looks
she will be a 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 word
all musicians coveted. nodded com
mendingly. But-lacking in soul was
his criticism. Perhaps nervous, and
he waived judgment until her second
song.
Captured by her charm or voice and
manner the audience expressed itself
In recall after recall, until. GREATNESS.
but happy. she found herself alone
with Mr.. Lawler in the artists room
"A great success, my dear" and be-
fore Edith realized his intention he
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.
Il would dare again to see you look
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 envcl
oping her. Surely months had passed
since she had faced that audience.
Jack, Jack. want you. I need
you!" And she gazed helplessly into
that sea OF faces.
Angels ever bright and fair.
Take. oh. take me 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 breathless minute. then came
the thunderous applause.
Was this for her? Through her
dazed senses the sharp command
"Pick up your flowers" Instinctively
obeying. she stood silent for a mo-
ment. then: "Encore!" "Encore!"
The accompanied 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 "a
me-" he whispered. And with n gi5s
cry she took his outstretched hands
Take me home, Jack! Oh. take me
home! I want only you and you
love-"
The Last Luxury.
Ten.year-old Arthur mad been tell
ing impressively OF the number Of
| servants EMPLOYED In his home. He