Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1912-10-25
CHAPTER |.
a Voice in the Wilderness.

ffWHh nlgn note dS dDEuDJlH DIS liic
Ill string that snaps beneath the
L n bow and revolved with the
music stool to catch but her echoes i'll
the empty room. None had entered
behind her back; there was neither
sound nor shadow in the deep veranda
through the open door. But for the
startled girl at the open piano, Mrs
Clarkson's sanctum was precisely as
Mrs. Clarkson had left it an hour be-
fore: her own photograph, in as many
modes, beamed from the usual number
of ornamental frames; there was moth
ing whatever to confirm a wild sus-
picion Of the living lady's untimely
return. And yet either guilty con-
science or an ear as sensitive as 1t
was true had heard an unmistakable
step outside.
Hilda Bouverie lived to look magniti
cent when she sang, her fine frame
drawn up to its last inch. her throat
pillar of pale coral. her mouth the per-
feet round, her teeth noble relic of
barbarism; but sweeter she never was
than In these days, or at this moment
Of them, as she sat with lips just
parted and teeth just showing, in
simple summer frock of her own I'M
aided making. Her eyes, of the one
deep Tasmanian blue, We're still open
very wide, but no longer with the
same apprehension; for q step there
was, but a step that jingled; nor did
they recognize the silhouette in top
boots which at length stood bowling
on the threshold.
"Please finish it." prayed voice
that Miss Bouverie liked in her turn;
but 1t was too much at ease for one
entirely strange to her. and she rose
with little embarrassment and no hest
tati0n at all.
Indeed, no! I thought I had the
station to myself"
$50 you had-I have not seen SOUL
Miss BOuverie instantly perceived
that honors were due from her,
al am so sorry! You've come to see
Dir. and Mrs. Clarkson:" she cried.
Mrs. Clarkson has just left for Mel
bourne with her maid, and Mr.. Clark
son has gone mastering with all his
men. But the Indian cook is about
somewhere. I'll find him, and he shall
make some tea
The visitor planted himself with
much gallantry III the doorway. He
was man still Young. with a sin
gle eyeglass and a martial mustache.
which combined TO give distinction to
a somewhat swarthy countenance. At
the moment he had also an engaging
smile
81 didn't come to see either Mr.. or
Mrs. GARRISON" said he. SIN fact, [
never heard their name before. was
passing the station, and / simply came
to see who it was who could sing like
that-to believe my own ears!"
Miss Bouverie was thrilled The
stranger spoke with an authority that
she OWNED, sincerity which she in
sttnctively took on trust. Her breath
came quickly; she was little nervous
now.
"If you won't sing to my face" he
went on, 81 must go back to where
hung up my horse and pray that you
will at least send me on my way re-
1oicing. You will do that in any case.
l didn't know there was such a voice
In these parts. You sing a good deal,
OF course?'
"I haven't sung for MONTHS
He was now in the room. There was
no longer any necessity to bar the door
way. and the light coming through fell
full on his amazement. The girl stood
before him with a calm face. more
wistful than ironic. yet with hints of
humor In the dark blue eyes. Her com
panion put up the eyeglass which he
had dropped at her reply.
MAY | ask what YOU are doing in
these wids?'
Certainly. / am Mrs. Clarkson's
companion
''And you sing, for the first time in
months. the minute her back is turned.
Has the lady no soul for music:"
"You had better ask the lady"
And her visible humor reached the
corners of Miss Bouverie's mouth.
'She sings herself, perhaps?''
"And l am here to play her ac-
COMPARTMENTS"
"Can she sing?"
'sShe has a voice.
"But you have never let her hear
yoursT
"Once. I had not been here long
enough to know better. And | made
my usual mistake
"What is that?''
81 thought had the station to my
self"
The Questioner bowed to his rebuke
"Well?" he persisted none the less.
81 was told exactly what my voice
was like and lit for
The gentleman turned on his heel,