The Climax-Madisonian. (Richmond, Madison County, Ky.) 1914-1917, 1915-08-25


worthy of thee!"
Renault wrung the old mans hand.
Worthy" he repeated. ''Who am
only great tenor-to deserve herr"
Just then a powerful motor car came
along the dusty road and stopped be-
fore the garden wall. From it a for
eigner descended, entered the pretty
garden, and doffed his hat.
my dear Renault!" the man ex-
claimed. Then, to the embarrassment
of the new arrival, the great tenor
embraced him effusively. Red of
face, but accepting the situation as a
part of his experience abroad, the new
conner permitted Renault to introduce
him to his companions.
1.-THE chairman of the committee
from the wonderful opera company
called the Metropolitan of New York;"
exclaimed Renault with enthusiasm;
''the powerful and wise organization
that has engaged mclean Renault. /
am entrancedi You, monsieur are
come just in time to congratulate me
and oh, thou sly dog, thou hast put
M. Gatti-Carranza up to engaging me.
congratulate thee"
The new arrival smiled indulgently.
But congratulate me once more"
Renault went on. 81 am just affianced
to the most beautiful woman in the
world. What is more, 1, Jean Re-
nault, have won her from Heinrich
Berghof-an inferior director of the
orchestra at the Metropolitan-who
has had the audacity to plead for the
hand of my divinity"
Impossible" said the American.
yet 1 hear that Herr Berghoff has
renounced all thought of returning to
the States this season. He has ap-
piled for commission in the army"
BAIL" exclaimed Renault con-
temptuously. Let him handle a
sword as clumsily as he handled a
victory over Germany"
The American laughed heartily
Permit me-" he said to the company
about them. IN. Renault is so enthu-
siastic, so happy, that he has forgot
ten to introduce me save by a title
which amounts to but little, except in
that it gives me an opportunity to
show my appreciation of the art of M.
Renault. 1 am Richard Van der
Wynt," he said. Pray be seated"
He had heard of multimillionaires
across the sea.
'And now" said Van der Wynt as
he sat down in rustic chair. II wish
to ask great favor. l lam music hun
cry. 1t has been months since l have
heard M. Renault sing the 'Vesti la
giubba' from Pagliacci.' Would you
consent to sing it for us here-nowe'
All eyes turned to Renault, who
stood up self-consciously. The lights,
the excitement, the many "bravos" of
the opera rang in the ears of his mem
DRY. He had all the old-time inspira-
ton and passion, he recalled the fiat
terry, the adulation of his past per-
formances. And added to this was
the presence of Alys.
Renault thought Of their marriage,
of their departure to the States, of the
triumphs they would share there. And
then he sang.
Calmly he began as they all listened
intently. His voice seemed wonder
full even at the outset, then it seemed
like the voice of one gifted by heaven
At last he ceased. His head sank
upon his breast. He was overcome
with emotion.
And then, and then only was it that
everyone in the little garden looked
up as a saber clanked against a spur
and an officer in uniform entered
Reverently he had stood by the gate
while Renault sang. Now, with doffed
cap and courteous air, he came toward
the little group. He appeared to hest
tate, yet his manner was businesslike,
as that of a man who had an unpleas-
ant duty which would best be per-
formed quickly.
IN. Renault," he said quietly, yet
with the voice of authority, an. Re-
nault, France calls you. You are need
ed with her sons to suppress our foes.
1t seems sacrilege to intrude upon
SO great an artist, yet, pardon me,
it is no fault of mine; all the sons of
our country are drafted for the mill
tary service. You are a citizen-a re-
servist. France beckons-calls to you
to take up the sword against the en-
envy" The man replaced his cap and
saluted as his spurs clinked together
sharply.
Renault arose to his full height. He
twirled his mustache. He was dra-
matte, tragic, theatric.
Il am Jean Renaulti" he exclaimed
Il leave shortly for America, where I
have contracted to appear. 1, Jean
Renault, sing-I do not fight"
"Sing it to the minister of war;"
said the soldier CONTEMPORARY. "Sing
it to whomsoever you like, but come
with me. 1t is the military law of
France. 1t is a pity. 1 am no great
singer, earn no fabulous sums. 1