, 1918-08-29
ESTHER'S
E
~0
BY PAUL FAY
Copyright. 1918. by the Mcclure Newspa.
/ per Syndicate.)

49,
structor in vocal music, in a wide
awake western town, spoke with a
warmth he rarely showed.
Esther Moore listened with a flush
on her cheek and a brilliant CLEAN in
her eyes. And us she listened, sba
smiled in anticipation of the hOnors
she would win.
That evening Esther and Roland
Lewis ven to the theater together.
For some reason or other, there
seemed to be a slight difference be-
tween this and previous evenings.
Esther was rather restrained In her
conversation Roland was plainly
puzzled. He strove to dispel the cold
less. But he was not successful.
A light supper was 40 more sue
cessful. When they reached her home
they sat down in the living room. For
a while the conversation Jagged. At
last, Roland could stand 1t no longer.
He spoke up impatiently.
Esther, what on earth Is the mat
ter tonight? You act as If you had
swallowed al iceberg"
She hesitated n moment, then STAN
mered out: II think we had-well,
had better break our engagement"
Roland did not move a muscle.
However, his face became as white
as marble; his jaws snapped firmly
shut; his lips were a thin, colorless
line.
Have you such n thing as a reason
or did you forget to provide n for
the O~ccasion?" He spoke slowly,
coldly.
Seeing the result of her announce
ment ON Roland, the girl vas a little
conscience stricken.
Really, Roland. 1 did not think
you would take 1t that way. But Mr..
Rulifson said I could win a career
with my voice. And would you have
me give it up and get marriedT"
mot ut all. OF course, a career is
a great deal better than mere love. 1
wish you success in it. Good-bye!"
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
r~ecitals. She was in continual de-
mand for dinner parties. 1t was the
fad of society to lei 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.
CI~ f-vNt 80 1IlH frtarla fnr0nf Rn-
land, forgot everything except that
she had a wonderful and successful
career before her.
One day Esther's happiness reached
Its climax. She was invited to lunch
con at 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 one of
the country's greatest vocal teachers.
The girl sang for him When she
was through, he said nothing, blu
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.
"Miss Moore" she said, chow would
you like to study a few years in New
York with Professor R%inardo?"
"why, Mrs. De Lamater, I-of
course, L" The girl stopped In con-
fusion. She did not know what to
say. The question astounded her.
The woman smiled and continued:
"Of course, it is not compulsory, but
1 would like to have you go. Pro-
fessor Rinardo considers your voice
exceptionally fine and worthy of
training. 1 will send you to his school
until he says you're perfect. VIII
you go?"
81 would love to" Esther sank on
her knees beside her benefactress.
"How can / ever thank you?"
by winning honors in a successful
career. Be ready to start Saturday
night. 1 will see about your ward
robe"
Esther left with her head in a 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 a clergyman, was at home a
great Zeal and helped to entertain his
daughters guest.
Friday evening the girls were up
stairs talking.
"Don't you rather hate to leave
home and al the people you know
Evelyn asked.
.We-ell, sometimes l do" the 9th
er admitted. But you know, to ac-
complish. anything you must sacrifice
something, and when / think of my
career, 1 just forget everything else"
-aaII.a u