Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-05-12
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
TIE COMpROMISE
The COMPROMISE
BY GLADYS p. ANDERSON

Mrs. Blake lived just across fror]
Miss Emery's. and she received Viva 7
cordially. That's fine idea," she ex [
claimed. after Vivian had explained heA
, visit. There will be grand time al
the Emerys tonight, and very select
too. Of course, they knew you and VirI
gian were musical"
That evening, Virginia. in her pinl
silk muslin that belonged to her AMI
her sister jointly, went timidly up TIL
path leading to the Emery home, feeliQ
very happy.
Miss Emery. in beautiful brocade0
silk, was passing through the hall whe2
Virginia was shown in by the butler.
(which one is it?" she asked. "I'I
sorry yOut both couldn't have come.
Virginia was placed where she could SCI
every one who played or sang. Then sh
gave herself up to enjoyment. Sh
watched Sergeant West eagerly. It wa
only in dreams that she had ever hear
such tones.
She had unconsciously pressed he
hands to her bosom. and as the las
notes of his clear baritone voice scare
through the room, Virginia. not know
ing what she did, rose from her sea
and leaned forward.
Sergeant West saw her and met th|
vivid glance of her eyes.
He turned to his hostess and said
Can that young lady sing?'
Indeed she can" answered MI.
Emery proudly.
The next moment Virginia felt han
on her shoulder. She looked admiriDglI
into Sergeant Vests face. 'Will yoI
sing for me?" he asked.
Il will play for you and you may sin
what you please. Are you williug?"
I'm try she answered shyly.
So it happened that Virginia's fred
soprano voice, full of suggestions
power, was heard at Miss Emery
| musicale.
1t was nearly an hour later that Ser
geant West again remembered the gir
Il want you to sing once more,
said. II have plan. You have voicd
and with teaching you could become
singer. Perhaps l can arrange to-oi6
you couple of hours each week. -
The girl began to tremble. She SCENE
bewildered.
What, you are not afraid this timl
are you?"
"l'm afraid ! am bit timid, >" sal
the girl, "but since you ask me I wi.
try"
He was sorry for her as she stood
the piano. Her face was very whit
and her lips almost stiff.
Have courage" said the singe
"You did SO well before"
The accompaniment began; but VIII.
an untutored, but rich contralto voic&
commenced the song there was suddeI
disc0rd among the keys of the piand
and Sergeant West wheeled about al.
stared at the trembling girl beside hinN
what, does it mean?" cried the arts.
1T cannot be possible that this giI
has two distinct singing voices, one vel.
high and the other very low."
The girl at whom every one was no (
looking tried twice to speak before 81
could say word. Then she stammered
II, am the other twin if you splens(
sir"
You are not the one that sang first7|
he asked.
"No, sir: that was my sister, viI|
ginia. 1t was her turn with ot
| dress"
4
Vivian stammered, then was silen
One half hour before, Virginia hid
slipped out unobserved and met I'D
sister at Mrs. Blake's. In their huriI
in exchanging gowns, Virginia had nd
told her sister she had been obliged
sing.
The next morning Sergeant West I'd
turned to New York, While he ws1
waiting for his train he saw two girl
in plain gingham gowns, hurrying dow
the road. 1t was Virginia that spo2
| for both.
Sergeant West, we could not hel.
coming to see you off-and to than|
you
Happiness shone in two pair Of ey<
when he answered, II shall not ford
the lessons ! am to give you when 4
turn next mouth &. 4 II
The next eolnplese nox<Ieite- -kN