Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1912-04-13

now, you needn't worry about your
success. DO your prettiest. and who
knows what wonderful things may
come your way" and taking her lit
tie hand he kissed 1t in mock hom-
age.
what q strange child you are" he
said. as sho hastily withdrew her
hand. But that soon wears on. my
sweet little wild flower. Well must
be going now. Don't DO late this even
Ing n
AS the door closed Edith picked up
fluffy little kitten curled up near the
open FIRE and buried her face In its
warm fur.
Not until Edith found herself In
she realize how different was her
feeling from what she imagined 1t
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 Murdenl"
exclaimed Mr.. Lawler. "You will find
the ladies' in there. Don't talk much
Z, and keep your throat warm. With a
business wave of his hand he indicat-
ed the artists room,
"Nervous?" he added.
mot at ALL" laughed Edith. so
grateful for his impersonal manner.
"and hope shall repay you for all
your kindness"
As Edith disappeared slight smile
erept 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 i'll
ness philosophically and was prepared
to be pleasantly polite to the substi-
tute.
Edith Murden, who ia shelf"
II never heard Of her."
IT 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 well as she looks
4 she win 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 good word
all musicians coveted, nodded COM
mendingiy. But--lacking in soul was
his criticism. Perhaps nervous, and
he waived Judgment until her second
song.
Captured by her charm of voice and
manner the audience expressed itself
In recall after recall. until. breathless,
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 IA little queen in her indig'
nation.
How dare you'll" she half sobbed
IT 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 envel
oping her. Surely months had passed
since she had faced that audience.
"Jacki Jack! want you. I need
you'll" 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
4 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 mo-
ment, then: "Encorei" "Encore!"
The accompanied looked at her.
robin Adair," she whispered And
like the call OF bird TO It's 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
homei want only you and your
love-"
Il The Last Luxury. :