The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1915-10-09
the WALTZ
Q
81 LOUISE OLIVER.

I
match to the gas Jet before remoy-
ing his hat, The reflection that
sprarg into view in the mirror of the
bureau showed a face strong and
goodlooking, but full of trouble
drawn lines.
Failure in ones life work--music
1t was with Billy-is bad enough, but
to fall in love with girl as far above
you as the planets is just about the
limit Of human endurance. Tonight
he had seen her again, more beauti-
full than ever.
He looked at himself now in the
mirror. "You poor penniless fool"
he muttered, ito go crazy over a girl
when it's all you can do to live. Who
are you to even think of herr"
But in spite of his words, he opened
an evening paper to the society col
umn. He watched daily for her name,
or rather for her family's name, for
he did not know which of the Eth
eridge girls she was.
An item caught his eye and he read
it eagerly. The Etheridges were to be
at the Arlingfords' bal masque on
the next night! And he was to play
there after the theater!
He finally went to bed and dreamed
of columbines and shepherdesses,
queens and Hover girls. all with eyes
like those of the girl he loved, beg
ging him to play the Dream" waltz.
The next day was years long, and
the play that night dragged insult
ferably. At last he was free, how
ever, and, with the other members of
the orchestra. he put his violin in its
case and took the subway to the
Arlingfords.
He was accustomed to the extrava-
gance OF the rich, but the magnifi-
cence of the ballroom tonight fairly
took his breath. Il must put all this
nonsense of mine out of my head"
he thought. "A girl accustomed to
things like this is not for me even to
think about" And resolving to put
away forever the little. waltz, the
music ne had learned to associate
with the girl. he took his place among
the musicians on the stage.
Henry of Navarro danced with
Mother Goose, Napoleon with Dolly
Madison. and Crusader with Miss
Muffet. Clowns and columbines, Turks
and fairies, soldiers and milkmaids
flew past in mad whirl, but all were
masked and Billy had no idea which
maid might be the girl he adored.
In spite of his newly-made resolu-
tions. he watched eagerly during the
unmasking, hoping to catch a glimpse
Of the girl. but she was not to be
seen.
A servant handed him an envelope.
He read the ;nelosed note eagerly.
Someone had asked him to meet her
in the winter garden Immediately.
Billy crushed the note into bis
pocket made his excuses, and, with
the aid OF the servant, found the win
ter garden. 4t
Under a bay tree, looking as de-
mure as a Quakeress, was the miss
ing Miss Etheridgs. She smiled and
held out her haEd.
Good evening, Ms. Kennard."
Billy was afrani TO touch her hand.
and more afraid to speak. But it was
up to him to say sorr ething.
Il am-you are-that is-were you
the person who sent for me?" he be-
gan awkwardly, after he had taken
her hand for an 'nztant. He knew he
was bungling dreadfully and reddened
Yes. Won't you sit DOWN." She
smiled
Il sent for your" she went on, ito
find out why you don't play that beau
tiful waltz you composed. spoke to
Mr.. Richard Ambcrson, friend of Mr..
Etheridge. about It. He is the music
publisher. you knoT. and he is here
tonight waiting to hear your music"
Billy gasped You spoke to Rich
ard ANDERSON for me. Why, If he'd
take hold of my work it would make
my fortune. Hcw in the world can
| thank you, Miss Etheridge?"
Don't thank me! Besides l'rn not
Miss Etheridge. I'm Marjorie Wat
son, at your services, with a jolly lit
tie bow. Poor relative and social sec
Attdiy iOilcu ltltO Jlit, anu tIedJcu
better than she deserves by every
one." she added.
Billy's head was swimming. Things
were happening too fast for him to
comprehend.
His goddess was not only stepping
down to earth smiling. but she was
holding out promises for the future
1t is all too wonderful to be true,
Miss Watson. l can scarcely believe
that l am awake. But I'll answer
your question about the waltz have
learned to associate it with you
and" hesstopped.
"Well?" demurely.
Il cannot tell you part without
telling ALL" he went on quickly, and
I cannot do that-now. You have
known me only ten minutes and you
wouldn't understand. I'm afraid.
thought you were Miss Etheridge." he
added.
Marjorie stood up and laid her hand
on his arm. Perhaps understand
more than you think" she said.
Wont you come tomorrow and tell
me all about it?''
Yes" agreed Billy eagerly.
Then let US go back so you can dig
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