The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1916-07-15
CHAPTER xiv-continued.

No he returned. gravely- ''I'm
not thinking at all; I'm only making
vocal sounds. seem to be the sub
Ject of what little meaning they pos
sess. and I'd like to change it. but !
don't know how to manage it."
You needn't change the subject on
my account, Mr.. Sheridan" she said.
''Not even il you really talked about
yourself" She turned her face toward
him as she spoke, and Bibbs caught
his breath; he was pathetically amazed
by the look she gave him. 1t was
glowing look. warmly friendly and u1-
Outstanding. and. what almost shocked
him. it was an eagerly interested look.
Bibbs was not accustomed to anything
like that
"T-you-I-I'm-" he stammered.
and the faint color in his cheeks grew
almost vivid
She was still looking at him, and
she saw the strange radiance that
came into his face. There was some
thing about him. too, that explained
how queer many people might think
him: but he did not seem queer to
Mary Vertrees; he seemed the most
met
He waited, and became coherent.
"You say something now" he said II
don't even belong in the chorus. and
here | am. trying to sing the funny
mains solo. You
No" she interrupted. I'D rather
play your accompaniment"
I'll stop and listen to it, then
Perhaps" she began. but after
pausing thoughtfuIiy she made a ges-
ture with her muff. Indicating a large
brick church which they were APP
preaching do you see that church,
Mr.. Sheridan
Il suppose I could he answered in
simple truthfuIness. looking at her.
.'But don't want to. l have a feel
ing it's where you're going. and where
I'll be sent back"
She shook her head in CHEEKY mega
ton. Not unless you want to be.
Would you like to come with me?'
''Why-why-yes," he said. ANY
where" And again it was apparent
that he spoke in simple truthfulness.
Then c0me-if you care for organ
music. The Organist is an old friend
of mine. aud sometimes he plays for
me. He's Il dear old man. That's he.
waiting in the doorway. He looks
like beethoven. doesn't he? | think he
knows that. perhaps. and enjoys it a
little. | hope So
Yes. said Bibbs. as they reached
the church steps Il think Beethoven
would like il. too. 1t must be pleasant
to IOok like other DeOOIa
Il haven't kept you?" Mary said to
the organist- This is Mr. Sheridan
Doctor Kraft. He has come to listen
with me-
The orcanist looked bIuntIy sur
prised. '.Iss that 500" he exclaimed
He ISIS musician himself. of course"
NO said Bibbs. as the three en-
tered the church together. II played
the tried 70 play" Fortunately be
checked himself; he had been about tC
offer the Information that he had failed
to master the jews harp in his boy
hood. No. I'm not a musician" he
contented himself with saying.
"What?" Doctor Kraft's surprise in
creased. Young man. you are fortu
nate! / play for Miss Vertrees; sh.
comes always alone. You are the first
You are the first one everr'
They had reached the head of tn,
central aisle, and as the Organist fin
Ished speaking Bibbs stopped short
turning to look at Mary Vertrees in .
dazed way that was not of her perceiy
ing; for. though she stopped as he did
her gaze followed the organist, VIII
was walking away from them towar,
the front of the church, shaking hi
white Beethovian name roguishIy.
SITS false pretenses on my part,
lBibbs said. "You mean to be kind I
the sick, but I'm not an invalid an
more I'm 40 well I'm going back I
work In few days. I'd better leav
before he begins to play. hadn't I2''
$40" said Mary, beginning to wal
ferHard. aNot unless you don't Fix
great music"