"THE LOST CHORD;" OR, "FAINT HEART NEVER WON FAIR LADY!" 1. It was Christmas Eve, and my first evening at the Cedars. A Masher was there who sang to the banjo. Miss Gilpin asked him for "The Lost Chord.' He said it wasn't a banjo-song-the prig! I hated him. So did Mr. Gilpin. Mrs. Gilpin didn't. 2. I ran home to my studio in Heath Street, calling out, "Oh, Miss Gilpin! oh, Vera! ob, angel!" For my fate had overtaken me. lt was love at first sight, and for ever. There was no mistake about that, anyhow! "THE LOST CHORD;" OR, "FAINT HEART NEVER WON FAIR LADY!" 5 So into the midnight we galloped apace, and after many perilous adventures and hairbreadth 'scapes we reached the Albert Hall. There were big posters, and my name on them in large red letters "Thomas Noddy, Esq." Fame at last! 6. There were miles of carriages, and we had quite a difficulty in getting in. Officious policemen, and all that. We rode over them. |