The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-03-04
BY LESTEE. MARTIN
wright, 1912, by the Associated
Literary Press.

Copyright, 1al2, by the Associated
Literary Press.)
when you have finished picking the
berries off that hedge. Jack. l shall
be much relieved. Edith leaned over
the garden gate and laid protesting
hand upon her lovers arm
Don't Joke. honey. Jack drew heI
nearer to him. Il am trying so nara
to see your point of View ana Simply
cannot imagine you all alone In Lon
don singing your heart out ana no one
really caring as l do.
WHY. Jack. you silly boy. don
spoil our last evening together. l ex-
pect to be home for Christmas and
| should think you would be glad /
am going to have such a great oppor-
tunity. Just think, How good of the
dear old rector TO pay all my ex-
penses and give me my training Jus'
because he likes my voice and thinks
] will make famous singer. And
here you are spelling II all. A III
lie sob Of elf-pity. a sudden sense OF
loneiiness. and the pretty curly head
was hidden in Jacks coat.
'Dcarie. my love will help me To un-
1erstand. only-always remember II
things do not go just right and YOU are
not ndppNs why, &c fS'eAHe ~
you every minute. and the farm. ! am
thinking, needs q mistress badly.
There. Jack. l know every word of
that story by heart, so don't worry me
any more" she said.
A glorious morning and two whole
hours before breakfast! Quickly dress
ing she crept quietly past her aunt
door, realizing. with a little catch OF
her breath, that even this home 50
grudgingly given her would be hers
no longer.
Suddenly, through the sharp, crisp
air, she heard Jacks clear whistle
and her mind unconsciously supplied
the words to the old familiar strain.
and for Bonnie Annie Laurie Ia lay
me down and die
Hiding herself behind some shrubs
she waited until the melody died away.
then lifting her head she sang Jack s
favorite song, Robin Adair," fun OF
music and purity of tone seldom heard
in go Young a voice. 1t seemed as
though the birds stopped to listen.
Haunting in its sweetness. and yet
wanting--in what? And Jack. won
dering, hoped that the price to be paid
for the something wanting might De
paid by him ir possible. Perhaps ne
was paving wee bit on account now.
and smiling hravely he whistled an
obiigato TO the last few notes.
"A real morning concert. sir. and
complimentary at that said Edith.
Il am glad you sang the dear old
song. honey. and l think II ever YOU
NEEDED me | should answer to II even
il you were far across the seas.
Slowly the train drew into st. Pan
cras station The rector. lowering the
n m nh
with real pleasure. 1t was neither
fresh nor clean. but it was London
and there is nothing on earth like u
to an old Londoner.
A confusion of porters. luggage and
cabs and they were soon submerged
In the endless traffic Of Euston road.
Three months patsed quickly for
Edith Glowing accounts of her little
triumphs found their way to Jacks
lonely home. and in the evening ne
would walk to the rectcry where tha
two would spend many an hour pre-
dieting a glorious career for the girl
SO dear to them.
And you think all Is well with her,
sir?''
'tOf course it is. my dear boy. You
must not mind the admiration Of others
for her, you Of all men. And this
agent. Lawler. why, 1t II just her voice
he is Interested in. And that II bust
ness. Just business
"Oh, well, that's all right There
was great relief In the hand shake
and the CHEEKY good night az Jack
took his precious letter and climbed
the home hill. whistling for company
The rector stood listening to the
musical voice as it twisted and turn
ed the old melody of annie Laurie
into a good marching tune. Then with
whispered God bless them both.
he closed the door.
"And you really want me to sing to-
night at the Royal Albert Hall in place
Of Madam Paula? Oh. Mr.. LAWYER!
Do you think l can do It?
why. OF course. you can do It. And
II you look---welf. the way you do now.
YOU needn't worry about your Duccess
Do your prettiest and who knows Whist
wonderful things may como your way
and taking her little hand he kissed
1t In mock homage.
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
"a L l. 4