JEANETTA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 17, 21 January 1933, Page 3 (Supplement)

JEANETTA.

(By Althea C. Jerrara. 2, Marsden Avenue, Mount Eden, aged 12.)

Glowing clouds, tinted with the sun's setting rays up in the west above the purpJe hills. Down in the little valley, a soft melody floated upwards, a melody thrilling with rippling waters, and soft breezes, mingled with songs of birds. In the midst of a herd of goats Jcanetta sat filling the air around with the music; pouring out her soul in the glory of the melody. Slowly the music ceased, and Jeanetta i'ose, calling the goats to her, then to lead them up the path. A hand placed on her shoulder made her turn to see a young man with steel grey eyes I looking into hers. "May I ask your nam©?" he queried, and where you I learned to play." "My name is Jeanetta," she answered, "and my grandfather taught me to play, but now he is dead, but he left me his violin, and I love to imitate the woodland things in music." "And were you playing about the woods juat now?" Jeanetta blushed and bent her head so that the golden curls • fell over her face. "Yes," she answered shyly. The young mau smiled. "I will see you again, Jeanetta; good-bye for the present. He vanished along- the path, and Jeanetta thought of his words, as she followed his figure, till the purple mist blotted him out. A glowing fire burned in the grate, and Jcanetta bustled round, spread a white cloth' on the table and lit the candle. Her mother sat by the fire knitting socks, their only means of living. Her face was lined with care, and, although ehe had lost her husband, beautiful hope still burned in her eyes. Jeanetta took a pail from the cupboard and hastened outside. She soon returned with it full of goats' milk. She then prepared some bread and milk, frying a small, fish for her mother. They eat down to the simple fare, and Jeanetta's mother said she had not beeu able to sell any socks that day. Jeanetta cheered her up, saying all would be well. A sharp knock sounded at the door, and on being opened, disclosed the young mau whom Jeanetta had met in the valley, ajid an older man. The latter said to Jeanetta, "I have heard of your playing from Roland, here, and, your mother consenting, have come hither to hear you." They were invited in, and Jeanetta, very shyly brought out her violin. Softlv and tenderly she played, now bursting into a dainty melody, now thrilling with notes of birds. As "Maid of the woods" surely the had magic at her finger tips. Senor Treverc, the older gentleman, listened with wonderment throughout, and at the dramatic conclusion, said, "A genius, a genius!" and turning to Jeanetta'* mother, said, "Yon must let me take her to the city!" The hall was packed, and wlien the curtain rose all eyes were turned to tho slim, dainty figure in black velvet, shyly bowin". The music started, thrilling the hearts of all, holding the audience spellbound for a second, then bursting into song like a cascade of water. A proud mother sat in the hall. Hope had not been in vain. Her daughter, now famous, cheered and helped her, and they need want no more.