The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1917-01-26

haps as l do some other languages. but
well enough to make myself under.
stood"
Relieved of his embarrassment, Mr..
Keenholts proceeded to business. He
met no difficulty whatever. The pro
lessor was all graciousness. He ac-
copied the invitation to fill the %acan-
cy with a graceful willingness that
won the instant admiration Of his Wis
itor. II shall be most happy" he de-
clared, although I do not know the
cabinet organ too well. Let me sug-
gest rather that your society accept the
loan Of my upright for the occasion.
Then, IL you wish, I shall be able to
entertain you a little. l am seeking
pupils, you know, and 1t will serve ad-
mirably to introduce me. 1t will be
better than an advertisement In your
paper, and shall save my money and
also show you what am able to do.
How does it please your"
It pleased Mr.. Keenholts amazingly
well, and he said so. He agreed to
have the piano carried across the hall
and promised that no harm should
come to 1t.
II wish 1t might be the other, the
concert grand" the professor sighed.
II could do myself infinitely better JUS
tice. But, alas, it IS not possiblel It
was so badly shaken in transit that 1t
must be silent until an expert re-
stores It,"
Professor Gerard did not make his
appearance in the lodge room until the
members and their guests had assem-
bled and it was time for the proceed
ings to begin. AS he entered the
crowded hall and made his way to the
platform a hush fell upon the assem-
bly,, and every neck was craned to OBJ
tain a glimpse G. the newcomer. AS
the professor stepped lightly upon the
platform and seated himself at the
piano q murmur Of satisfaction made
the circuit of the large room.
IF he only plays half as we'll as he
looks" began Mrs. Keenholts, an ami
able and very rotund woman, In an
audible whisper.
A warning "S-h!" from her equally
amiable and not quite 80 rotund daugh-
ter interfered with the worthy ma
irons conclusion, and Just then, after
a brief consultation with Mr.. Keen
hollis, who was acting as master Of
ceremonies, the professor struck
mighty chord.
He did look remarkably we'll. AS he
sat at the piano, his profile toward his
audience, he seemed singularly attrac-
tive and even distinguished looking. He
was dark and smooth shaven, and his
features were modelled on classic lines.
He was also slight and rather fragile
looking. and his eyes were large and
extremely bright accentuating the pal
lor of his complexion, His hair was
worn longer than the prevailing mode
and the traditional lock fell over his
forehead. He was clad N the most ir-
evening dress, and his
manner was everything that could be
desired.
The opening music was only a hymn
sung by the members In unison. but
before 1t was ended Mr.. Keenholts.
who was the real musical purveyor for
the lodge. made up his mind that
cabinet organ was conspicuously out
Of place In lodge room and that
piano should grace the platform here
after. Then followed the installation
dur;po which tho y,rofoocor
did not leave the piano. but sat with
his poetical face half concealed behind
the slender fingers OF his left hand. At
the conclusion of the induction Office
Mr.. Keenholts announced from the
platform that 1t afforded him great
his radiant countenance
did not belle the statement-to intro
1uce Professor Pierre Lucien Gerard,
a distinguished musician who had most
kindly come to their assistance in the
hour Of perpleXity and who was about
TO establish school of music in the
village. Realizing deeply, he continued
affably, that the professor had con-
greatly to the success of the
~'NhihS' hN NOunu INV dSh hlIl, III Dc-
half of the organization which he rep
resented, to favor the audience with
piece Of his own selection.
The man at the piano smiled engag-
ngly. squared himself with the instru-
ment. clasped his slender fingers ten
tatively and dashed off the preliminary
which is so characteristic of
the virtuoso. Then he began and play
ed admirably, well enough almost to
furnish the Illusion that great artist
was masquerading in obscure Cross
kill So it seemed to these young wo-
men presently. who were confessedly
musical and who had had advan-
ages" So it seemed even to Isabel
Vose, the bankers daughter, who had
travelled and had often come in con-
act with the genuine thing. Before
he had finished his first piece half of
he young women i'm the room had
made up their minds to become his
pupils, and after he had played the
half dozen others demanded vocifer-
,usly their fathers and mothers were
less impressed.
Every bit as good as Paderewski
md mighty sight cheaperr' declared
Cornelius Vose, the bank president.
after the applause had subsidized.