"Why?" asked Harry.
"Because the audience sometimes gets impatient during the
intermission. If I could put you on for a song, it would help quiet
them."
"I can sing a little," said Harry, modestly.
"What can you sing?"
"How would 'The Last Rose of Summer' do?"
"Capital. Can you sing it?"
"I can try."
"You are sure you won't break down? That would make a bad impression."
"I can promise you I won't break down, sir."
"Then I'll give you a trial. Are you ready to appear at once?"
"Yes, sir."
"Wait, then, till I announce you."
The professor came from behind the screen, and, addressing the
audience, said: "Ladies and gentlemen, lest you should find the
necessary intermission tedious, I am happy to announce to you that the
young vocalist, Master Harry Vane, has kindly consented to favor you
with one of his popular melodies. He has selected by request, 'The
Last Rose of Summer.'"
Harry could hardly refrain from laughing when he heard this
introduction.
"One would think I was a well-known singer," he said to himself.
He came forward, and, standing before the audience, with his face a
little flushed, made a graceful bow. Then, pausing an instant, he
commenced the song announced. He had not sung two lines before the
professor, who waited the result with some curiosity and some anxiety,
found that he could sing.
Pages:
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62