The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1912-02-27

1oated out upon the summer air a
melody-a wordless song of haunting
sweetness such as a master might
have played in days gone by. A man
who assembled the porch steps at this
moment waited, listening. entranced
to the harplike notes, and when Miss
Phyllis opened the door in response
] to his summons he stood silent, as
though still under the spell of her mu-
sic.
Phyllis smiled encouragingly, won
dering the while what errand could
have brought this distinguished ap-
pearing stranger to her door.
II beg your pardon" he explained.
II have learned that you are offering
spinet for sale tomorrow and would
like to examine it with a view to pur-
chasing"
He followed her graceful figure adj
miringly as Phyllis led the way into
the parlor. Then for an instant his
hand rested almost reverently upon
the painted Cupids which adorned the
quaint cover.
"Ahr' he exclaimed, and the one
word expressed full appreciation. AS
Miss Phyllis leaned forward expect
antly the mans eyes sought hers.
"WiH you kindly tell me the name OF
the selection you were playing a short
time ago?' he asked.
at has no name" Phyllis answered
smiling 1.-THE little piece was one Of
my own fancies. | call it song with
out Words
May | be permitted, then. to hear
the song again?" The stranger spoke
with an abrupt eagerness, and Phyllis.
without word. granted his request
AS she played on and on, her listener
| forgotten, the moon. looking through
the window. shone full upon her up
turned face. her eyes were dark with
memories and tears wet her cheeks,
Then, as the last note died away, she
turned, half startled. to find the mans
earnest gaze bent upon her.
II am musician" he said. his voice
trembling with emotion. "but never in
my life have heard such harmony
such beauty. And you say this mar
velous song is one Of your own cOmpo-
sitionT
Miss Phyllis laughed softly. Its
composition seemed to happen through
no effort Of mine." she replied. Il
think the melody had been locked in
the spinet and made its escape when
my fingers touched the keys"
That night to her was one of sorrow.
She sat long before an open window
gently smoothing the petals Of rose
| which she herself had trained to clam
Der up the wall; then. when all was 81
| lent, she made her way tearfully into
the garden. walking among the flowers
and bidding them mute goodby. If
the house remained tenantless until
fall she promised herself the privilege
of running over often to tend and care
for this beloved garden. Then Miss
Phyllis paused, dismayed at the unwel-
come thought-where would she be,
that she decided thus confidently to
run over?" But her face bore no
trace of sleepless night as she enter
| ed the familiar parlor upon the 1oiloW'
ing morning fact pretty rose col
or showed in Miss Phyllis soft cheeks
while her eyes were bright with ex-
element
Il do declare" an old lady whispered
audibly, Miss Wentworth grows
younger each year"
Phyllis chose seat at the farther
end of the room. looking with secret
resentment into the eager faces of her
old friends and neighbors. Teddy and
his wife nodded to her from the door
way, and again feeling of utter lone
liness crept over her. Then she saw
the musician crossing the room to her
side.
Good morning." he said, but in his
brief glance and warm handclasE