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Kansas University Weekly.
as was announced, was to be chiefly musical. As there was a "chorus of fifty voices," all the musical talent of the village was put in requisition, and almost every family was represented among the singers. Hence the entertainment was an assured success so far as patronage was concerned, and the progress displayed at each rehearsal proved a fruitful topic of conversation at tea-tables. The Falconers and their misunderstandings were almost neglected for the two or three days preceding the great event.
On the very day of the entertainment, however, Mrs. Kennedy came to Mrs. Perry with a face of great concern, but betraying to her ill-concealed satisfaction. "It really seemed my duty," she said, "considering that Mr. Falconer is working in your husband's bank, to tell you what I overheard last night, again. It is just a week, you know, since I heard them quarreling at Falconer's before and understood a few words they said. Well, last night when I went to close one of my front windows which had been left open, I heard loud talking there again and heard him say in a way that really scared me. I'll not be ruined by your extravagance!" Seems to me things must be coming to a pretty bad pass with them for such talk as that. Of course, if there is any danger of their being in debt very much, I think Mr. Perry ought to be warned of the risk—." The speaker's flow of words was here stopped by a warning look from her listener who said coldly.
"Mr. Falconer is the soul of honor I firmly believe and I should have said, of courtesy and kindliness as well, I am immeasurably surprised at what you tell me. You are sure you made no mistake in the words?"
"Yes, I am sure. I heard him as plain as I hear you and crosser than a bear."
"I am very sorry indeed to hear this." Mrs. Perry then closed her lips rather resolutely and her visitor, seeing no prospect of any gossip from her, departed, eager to tell her story to some more responsive listener.
When evening came and the people had crowded the hall, the scene of the evening's entertainment, "to its fullest capacity," two-thirds of them had heard the latest development of the
Falconer case. Would they come that evening? If they did not it would be very evident that the quarrel was serious as everybody else was there. But here they come together looking well-pleased with each other and all the world! No trace of trouble or anxiety on either face!
They took their seats and began to chat quietly and pleasantly with each other and with their neighbors on either side before the curtain rose. Everybody was wondering by that time where Miss Linscott was and why she had not come with her sister. Had she been more deeply affected by the shame of the domestic quarrel than the participants therein, or did she feel her inability to wear so complete a mask as her sister and brother-in-law? These questions received no very satisfactory answers, but there was a general feeling of compassion for the young girl who must hear the contentions which even the neighbors heard.
The chorus sang the opening song and people listened, but with rather divided attention, being intent partly upon the plot of the village drama one scene of which they were viewing that evening. No great enthusiasm was aroused as the program proceeded. The last number on the program was by the chorus, but when the curtain rose the audience was surprised to see the gentleman who had presided all evening standing alone on the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "I have the pleasure of being able to announce now a number which does not appear on your programs. Miss Ruth Linscott has kindly consented to give us a reading from 'The School for Scandal.' Miss Linscott." The young lady, indicated by a slight bow from the gentleman, then advanced from the side of the stage, bowed quickly to the audience, and began with much spirit the first scene in the second act of that delightful comedy. The audience, though taken completely by surprise, yet listened more attentively. for the impersonation was excellent. A sudden smile of comprehension lighted up Mrs. Perry's face as the reader began, and when Miss Linscott read Sir Peter's thundering declaration, "Though