patriarchal beard.

"How you deceived me!" she laughed, when the greetings and
introductions were over.

"I came to America early," he smiled back at her, "and thought
I'd try a little incognito at the Pass. I was not well, you see.
It has been of great benefit to me."

"I kept my promise," she said in a lower tone.

"Thank you; that also has helped me."

Annette's teacher began to note a wonderful improvement in his
pupil's voice. Never did a girl study so hard or practise so
faithfully. It was truly wonderful. Now and then Annette would
say to papa as if to reassure herself,--

"And when Monsieur Cherbart says I am ready to go to Paris, I may
go, papa?"

And papa would say a "Certainly" that would send her back to the
piano with renewed ardour.

As for Monsieur LeConte, he was the idol of New Orleans. Seldom
had there been a tenor who had sung himself so completely into
the very hearts of a populace. When he was billed, the opera
displayed "Standing Room" signs, no matter what the other
attractions in the city might be. Sometimes Monsieur LeConte
delighted small audiences in Annette's parlour, when the hostess