The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1918-08-30
ESTHER'S
CAREER,
! 00 1,
~ PAUL FAY

Miss Moore, you have q wonderful
voice. You can easily win q career
with It" ]. Edward Rulifson. in
structOr in vocal music, in q wide.
awake western town. spoke with q
warmth he rarely showed.
Esther Moore listened with a flush
on her cheek and a brilliant CLEAN in
her eyes. And as she listened. she
smiled in anticipation Of the honors
she would win.
That evening Esther and Roland
Lewis went to the theater together.
For some reason or other. there
seemed to be q slight difference be-
tween this and previous evenings.
Esther was rather restrained In her
conversation. Roland vas plainly
puzzled. He strove to dispel the cold
less. But he was not successful.
A light supper was no more sue
cessful. When they reached her home
they sat down In the living room. For
q while the conversation Jagged. At
last, Roland could stand it no longer.
He spoke up impatiently.
ESTHER, what on earth Is the mat
ter tonight? You act as II you had
swallowed IN iceberg"
She hesitated u moment, then STAN
mered out: Il think we had-well,
had better break our engagement"
Roland did not move q muscle.
However, his face became as white
us marble; his jaws snapped firmly
shut; his lips were q thin colorless
line.
"Haye you such a thing as a reason
or did you forget to provide n for
the occasion?" He spoke slowly,
coldly.
Seeing the result Of her announce
ment on Roland, the girl was a little
conscience stricken.
"Really, Roland, / did not think
you would take 1t that way. But Mr..
Rulifson said I could win . career
with my voice. And would you have
me give 1t up and get married?"
mot at all. OF course, q career is
q great deal better than mere love. !
wish you success In 1t. Goodbye"
He got up and went out. Esther
expected. yes, she hoped. he would
kiss her goodbye, but he did not
do so.
AS time passed, Esther grew more
and more proficient In her work. Her
teacher became very enthusiastic
about her. He introduced her into
society. and she gave many private
~recitals. She was In continual de
mand for dinner parties. 1t was the
fad Of society to hear her singing. Mu.
sicians Of note listened to her and
praised her voice.
Thus, 1t was no great wonder that
the girls head became slightly turned
She forgot her o1l friends, forgot TO.
land, forgot everything except that
she had q wonderful and successful
career before her.
One day Esther's happiness reached
its climax. She was invited to lunch
con ut the home of the most popular
social leader OF the town. Mrs. De
Lamater was not only popular but
wealthy. A man of foreign appearance
was also at the luncheon. The hostess
introduced him to Esther as n OF
the country's greatest vocal teachers.
The girl sang for him. When she
w0s through. he said nothing, but
nodded his head to Mrs. De Lamater'
The conversation, Of course, was
chiefly about music. The musician
seemed pleased at Esther's knowl'
edge.
Finally, the hostess called Esther
to her side.
"Niss Moore" she said, sshow would
you like to study q few years In New
York with Professor RinardoT"
"Why, Mrs.> De Lamater. LOT
course, l." The girl stopped In con-
fusion. She did not know what to
say. The question astounded her.
The woman smiled and continued
s'Of course, It is not compulsory. but
/ would like to have you 60. Pro
lessor Rinardo considers your voice
exceptionally hne and worthy Of
training. / will send you to his school
until he says you're perfect WI
ron go1"
II would love to- Esther sank on
her knees beside her benefactress
"How can I ever thank your"
by winning honors In a successful
career. Be ready to start Saturday
night. I will see about your ward.
robe"
Esther left with her head In q whirl,
She could hardly see to walk straight
Thursday Esther went to the home
Of her chum, Evelyn Ravens, to spend
her remaining time. Evelyn's father,
being q clergyman, was at home q
great deal and helped to entertain his
daughters guest.
Friday evening the girls were mp
stairs talking.
"Don't you rather hate to leave
home and al the people You known
Evelyn asked.
"We-ell, sometimes l do" the 9th.
or admitted. "But You know, to &C
complish anything you must sacrifice
@nxnnAhe~~ onA uyhon I thfnk NJ nv