The gazette-times. [volume] (Heppner, Or.) 1912-1925, 1920-11-25
HIS INSPIRATION
BY MILDRED WHITE


across @ hedge of flowers. Many viii
linr hands had built that hedge
around the platform Of the church
which was 90 held the throuc coming
from far and near TO rejoice in the
success u O. former toVuman Hal
Rupert was only remembered as an
ambitious boy who had early left the
great house on the hill, to pursue
musical study abroad. But Hal Ru-
pert, the father. and the still older
Hal had been honored and beloved by
the entire community. For their
sakes, though both had long passed
away, this gifted musician was now
lovingly welcomed,
1t was the progressive Madame
Weston who first conceived the ides
Of extending to Hal Ormond Rupert,
an invitation to visit the town Of his
ancestors, so near the big city where
he was now. on concert tour. And
Rupert the violinist responding
promptly and cordially, suggested
that his services would be at their
disposal for one evening,
So Madame Weston Immediately
planned recital for the benefit Of
a local charity. Among all the eager
faces upraised before him the violin
list saw but one-the young, old face
Of a child. Enthraned. motionleSs,
1t was as though the boy We're hypno-
tized by the music, hypnouzing in
turn the player, by his tense, wrapt
attention. Yainly, Rupert endeavored
to withdraw his interested gaze from
the boys face. Then smiling whim-
sically, found that face, his inspirs-
ton.
When the last note had been lost
in applause ii was to the white-faced
boy that Rupert made his acknowl-
edging bow, And then, following an
inexplicable impulse he seated him
self on the end Of the front seat be-
side the boy, as Madame ascended the
platform to make one of her speeches
Of appreciation. With shiver Of de-
light the boy looked up into the mans
face.
''That was great he breathed.
II want to see you when this Is
over" the musician said He noticed
that the boy sank back as il crippled.
And true TO his word after what
seemed an interminable time of hand
shaking, he sought out again his pa
tient watcher.
"You liked my musicf" he asked
abruptly.
The little fellow drew a long breath.
"If ! could learn to play like that"
be said, I'D want nothing else-in all
the world. I've got vieln." he went
on excitedly. "They offered one at a
grocery place as premium il you'd
get enough grocery orders.
q went out every day, and got the
orders. Cissy said-that's my sister
that she was afraid people gave me
the orders just because my spine is
bad But. l told Cissy that they got
their goods all right, didn't they?"
His pleading eyes were questioning.
"0f course they did" the musician
agreed.
And | learned to play myself" the
boy went on, little things that I'd
hear Cissy says my playing is beau
tiful unto tears Cissy says queer
things, but oh how she does wish she
could let me have lessons.
'She does darn lot too much for
me as it is" he burst out unexpect-
edly. you see first she was mother
to me when mother died. | don't re-
member her Then she was dad to
me after dad died-earns our living
mean up in the bank Office"
Your sister," Rupert asked-he was
strangely interested in this absorbed
young admirer "is not as fond of mu-
sic as you are. She is not here to
nightT
The boy moved uneasily.
"She was crazy to come" he said.
II knew that all the time, though she
said, she wasn't. But, q dollar means
q lot to US. Clssy didn't know how
she was going to let me come, when
she read your bills in the store win
dows. Then all at once 1t came to
her, just the way everything comes
to Cissy She had bought a new
straw hat, cheapest little hat, but then
everything looks pretty, on Cissy and
she was going to Miss Smiths, where
they sell navy-blue pompons. Cssy
was going to perk the nayy-blue pom.
pob up in front Of her hat TO make
It stylish. And the pOmpon was Just
one dollar, don't you seeT"
Rupert, the musician, put an arm
around the child to guide him down
the aisle.
Thanks" the boy said cheerfully
"Crowds do jostle my spine, If you
don't hold 'em back"
The girl waiting In the hall looked
up wide eyed as the two approached
paul, dear" she exclaimed, I'm
30 glad you have come"
''This is Rupert" the boy said
easily.
"Oh, Clssy--my! You should have
heard him play"
II must see Paul again" he said
earnestly. "Such an absorbing love Of
music hints at promise. 1t may be my
good fortune to help your brother t.
achievement. May come to YOU
home to hear him playT
"will--you-?' breathed the girl.
Beneath the faded roses on the plaIr
little hat her luminous eyes SPOKE
gratitude
~ am staying over in the old towr
for some time" Rupert casually re
marked. and this sudden decision
caused himself no less surprise thar
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