The Washington herald., 1915-11-21

Zilng smile, after she had sung Wncn inc Leaves
Begin to Turn" what do you really think Of
my voicep Frankly and honestly. now as you
know always want you to be toward me"
Bud squirmed in his chair at his chance to
show the sincerity that he knew was required
of him.
Tell you the truth. Miss Ileen." he said. ear
estly. you amt got much more voice than a
weaseHjust a little squeak. you know. OF
course. we all like to hear you sing. for its kind
of sweet and soothin' after all. and you look
most as mighty well sittin' on the piano-stool
as you do faced around But as for real singm
j reckon you couldn't call it that"
looked closely at Ieen to see if Bud had
overdone his frankness, but her pleased smile
and sweetly spoken thanks assured me that we
were on the right track.
And what do you think, Mr.. Jacks2" she
asked next
Take it from me" said Jacks, you amt in
the prima donna class. I've heard EN- MARBLE
in every city in the United States; and tell you
your vocal output don't 60 Otherwise. you've
got the grand opera bunch sent to the soap fac
tory-in looks, mean; for the>high screechers
generally look like Mary Ann on her Thursday
out But nix for the gargle work Your cpl
CLOTHS amt a real side-stepper-its footwork
amt good"
With merry laugh at Jacks criticism. Ileen
looked inquiringly at me.
admit faltered little Was there not
such thing as being too frank9 Perhaps |
even hedged a little in my verdict but stayed
with the critics
Il am not skilled in scientific music. Miss
Ileen." | said. but. frankly. cannot praise
very highly the singing-voice that Nature has
given you. 1t has long been favorite COM
parison that great singer sings like a bird.
Well. there are birds and birds would say
that your voice reminds me of the thrush's-
throaty and not strong. nor of much compass
or variety-but still er-sweet-in-er-its
way. and er-"
Thank you. Mr.. Harris" interrupted Miss
Hinkle. q knew | could depend upon your
frankness and honesty"
And then C. Vincent Vesey drew back one
sleeve from his snowy cuff. and the water came>
down at Lodore
My memory cannot do justice to his mastery
tribute to that priceless. God-given treasure
Miss Hnkle's voice He raved over it in terms
that, if they had been addressed to the morn
ing stars when they sang together would have :
made that stellar choir explode in meteoric
shower of flaming self-satisfaction.
He marshaled on his white 6nger-tips the
grand opera stars of all the continents, from
Jenny Lind to Emma Abbott. only to depreciate
their endovSnents. He spoke of larnyxes, of
chest notes, of phrasing. arpegios. and other
strange paraphernalia of the throaty art. He
as though driven to a corner, that
J Jenny Lind had note or two in the higher reg
lister that Miss Hinkle had not yet acquired
but" !!!"-that was a mere matter of prac-
tee and training.
And, as a peroration. he predicted solemn
ly predctedEa career IN vocal art for the
coming star of the Southwest-and one of
which grand old Texas may well be proud.
hitherto unsurpassed in the annals of musical
history.
When we left at ten. Ileen gave each of us
her usual warm, cordial handshake. enhancing
smile, and invitation to call again. | could not
see that one was favored above or below an,
other-but three of US knew-we knew.
We knew that frankness and honesty had
won, and that the rivals now numbered three
instead of four
Down at the station Jacks brought out pint
bottle of the proper stuff. and we celebrated the
downfall of blatant interloper.
Four days went by without anything hap
oening worthy of recount.
On the fifth, Jacks and !. entering the brush
irbor for our supper. saw the Mexican youth,
instead of divinity in a spotless waist and
laVy-blue skirt. taking in the dollars through -
he 5arbed-wire wicket.
We rushed into the kitchen, meeting Pa Hin
lie coming out with two cups of hot coffee in
us hands,
Where's lleen2" we asked, in recitative.
IA Hlnkle was kindly man. well, gents"
aid he. it was sudden notion she took; but
We got the money. and | let her have her way.