Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1915-12-07
THE WALTZ
BY LOUISE OLIVER.

Billy kennard opened the door OF
his drcary little bedroom and held a
match TO the gas Jet before remov-
ing his hat. The reflection that
sprang into view In the mirror OF the
bureau showed face strong and
good-looking, but full OF trouble
drawn lines.
Failure in ones life work music
II was with Billy--is bad enough. but
10 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 q 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
1t eagerly. The Etheridges were to be
at the Arlingfords' bal masque on
the next night And he was to play
there after the theaterl
He finally went to bed and dreamed
of columbines and shepherdesses,
queens and flower 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 he 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 a Crusader with Miss
Muffet Clowns and columbines. Turks
and fairies, soldiers and milkmaids
few 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
hoping to catch a glimpse
of the girl. but she was not to be
seen.
A servant handed him an envelope.
He read the inclosed note eagerly.
Someone had asked him to meet her
in the winter garden Immediately.
Billy crushed the note into his
pocket. made his excuses, and, with
the aid OF the servant, found the win
ter garden.
Under a bay tree, looking as de-
mure as a Quakeress. was the miss
ing Miss Etheridge.' She smiled and
held out her hand.
Good evening, Mr.. Kennard."
Billy was afraid to touch her hand.
and more afraid to speak. But it was
up to him to say something.
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 instant. He knew he
was bungling dreadfully and redeemed.
yes. Won't you sit DOWN." She
smiled.
IL sent for you," she went on, ito
find out why you don't play that beau
tiful waltz you composed. l spoke to
Mr.. Richard ANDERSON, friend OF Mr..
Etheridge, about it. He is the music
publisher. you know. 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. How In the world can
thank you. Miss Etheridge?"
Don't thank me! Besides I'm not
Miss Etheridge. I'm Marjorie Wat
son, al your service" with q Jolly lit
tie bow. Poor relative and social sec
rotary rolled into one, and treated
better than she deserves by every
one," she added.
Billys head was swimming. Things
were happening too fast for him to
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. can scarcely believe
that l am awake. But I'll answer
your question about the waltz. have
learned to associate it with yos
and" he stopped.
"Well?" demurely.
II cannot tell you part without
telling ALL" he went on quickly, "and
l cannot do that-now. You have
known me only ten minutes and YOU