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The Masked Singer
Maidservant turned singer from the British comic book Picture Romance Library 35 - The Masked Singer (November 1957). Real name Rose Maddon, she's caught playing the piano and singing by her wealthy mistress's son, R.A.F. pilot Anthony Bryant. He becomes captivated by her and saves her from the unwanted attentions of his cousin, Eustace Drake.
Anthony convinces her to don fancy dress and mask and sing for a party at the family mansion. Unfortunately, he's called away suddenly by military matters, leaving Eustace to intercept and steal Anthony's letter proposing marriage. Eustace reveals the identity to Rose's mistress, who fires her. Anthony is lost over Africa and feared dead, A depressed Rose becomes a waitress. Later, she gets a chance to sing at the club where she works, wowing customers and her boss. Then she discovers she's pregnant with Anthony's baby. Anthony turns up barely alive and babbling for Rose.
Phew, so much drama, and there's still more!
Eustace pressures Rose to marry him to keep Rose's baby from inheriting the family fortune. He schemes to keep her from finding out Anthony is alive. Meanwhile, Rose goes to see businessman Frank Maxwell, who was impressed enough at the party to give her his business card. The pain and sorrow in her singing voice convinces him to record her and get her on the radio. Granny Bryant hears the radio, puts two and two together, and tracks down Rose to get her to Anthony's bedside before he gives up and dies.
With Rose at his side, he finds the will to live and there's a happy ending all round: "A year has passed by. The Masked Singer is now a great favorite on T.V. and among the millions of listeners to her telerecorded programmes are Anthony's happy family- his adoring wife and their lovely baby in their new home."
And screw you, Eustace!
Alas, the artist and writer were not credited.
