The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1922-04-06


Betsy served coffee at Mrs. Tabor's
select table, and though the day was
30 hot that Betsy's hair twisted in
moist curls on her forehead, the girls
eyes had merry light as though her
task we're part Of some humorous
game. The aristocratic appearing old
gentleman at the head Of the table
looked up with sympathetic smile,
. as Betsy bent over him.
The cheer Of her contenance was In
refreshing contrast to the petulant or
bored expressions Of the other guests.
WELL" asked the old man In the
low tone which only she might hear.
who are you today7 A happy hostess
serving refreshment at one Of her own
entertaInments7 or Just a little sister
of mercy dispensing goody Mrs.
Tabor did not allow her maids to con
verse with her guests, but the aristo-
cratic old gentleman was a privileged
person.
Il am" Betsy smilingly whispered,
"acting famous dining room scene
where society princess goes disguised
as a waitress" The old gentleman
laughed enjoyably.
II knew It," he exclaimed. Upon
my dresser--did YOU tidy my room this
morning, Betsyf-I left book for
you. Little Songs and Impersona-
lions Thought you'd enjoy it."
Betsy" said Mrs. Tabor coldly.
Later she complained to the old
gentleman.
He came upon Betsy just before
afternoon tea was to be served on the
lawn Of Tabor House. She was read
Ing his book and singing over It,
IF you could have studied" asked
the old gentleman, "what would you
have liked most to be7''
"a musician" the girl answered
promptly, "a singer" her eyes
glowed.
Mr.. Humphrey took ticket from
his pocket. "The hotel entertainer
who condescends to amuse US this
evening at Tabor House gave me this"
he said. Il believe that he is supposed |
to both play and impersonate In song.
! prefer to remain this evening in my |
room with my papers. Won't you take |
the ticket of invitation and 60. BetsyT
I'D love to-" the girl eagerly cried,
then her brightness vanished. But |
Mrs. Tabor would object"
The old man fiecked the geraniums
impatiently. "You might at least listen |
from an upper hail." he suggested.
So when the downstairs lights were
brilliant. when the noted tenors voice
came to her there high In her corner,
Betsy, the little waitress. listened,
thrilled. And next day the old man
discovered her repeating the program
In the big lower deserted room while
dust mops lay idly upon the floor.
Betsy" asked the old gentleman
gravely. what will you choose for
your vocation In life7 You cannot go
on in this way, you know, with just
teacups and dusters.''
AS he spoke both turned to find the
young entertainer standing inside the
doorway. He had evidently been
there unobserved for some time.
"Teacups and busters !" he repeated.
"while your remarkable talent lies
dormant7"
"You Think" the older man asked
quickly, "that Miss Blair would be
able to make good at music?'
II think" the musician enthusiasts
tically declared, shat she is a find."
Betsy fed from the room. all joy
ously. embarrassed, but the two re-
manned discussing her promise When
she came to speak to her old friend
some days later. the girls eyes we're
wide with visions and she spoke as
one unable to believe the wonder Of
her own words.
"This Mr.. Morris Bernard" she ex-
planned, as going to make It possible
for me to study for a career. There
ts fund. he tells me, placed In his
own music masters care, for instruct
ing pupils of promise. That money
may be expended on my education.
Through Mr.. Bernard have been the
fortunate pupil selected. When my
concert engagements become reality
then | may restore that fund for the
benefit of another. Is It not wonder
full, this, my golden opportunity"
SO little Betsy went far to the great
city, across the great ocean. And
the old man. growing ever older but
never less kindly, stayed on at the
Tabor House.
From across the waters came word
OF the girls assured success. little
clippings from papers which she
proudly sent him. But her letters In :
answer to his Interested inquiries
seemed ever to carry vein Of sad
ness I
"Our musician" she wrote at last. :
"you remember Morris Bernardo Well. I
he has loved me always. II seems,
since that first day. While I-my
heart must have flown to meet his :
that night, as his voice came to me
there ON the stair. But he has de-
ceiyed me. and l cannot marry him. +
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