Richmond palladium., 1849-10-17

and Jane Marden and the little Irish Mar
coniended for the prize alone. What
contrast they presented Jane. man
years the senior. bold, self, confident an
loud voiced: and Mary. the small. fragile
serious Mary. So dear in everything. s
quiet and so absorbed, all the while an
parcntv 50 unconscious of observation o
I "f SELF as though poring over her book
alone. The scene had now arisen 10 on.
OF intense interest: the very breathing o
the multitude seemed for the time. suspen
ded' and Still the two girls kepttheir places
tae one st'!l. ever quiet and composed. tn,
other flushed with success, restless and ex
cited -At length Jane paused. and heI
answer was inaudi5le; time was allowed
her to recover. and a second question pro
posed She stamnered through the ans
"er' but third found her utterly at fault
and courtesy could tolerate no more. And
now the little Irish child stood before the
multitude alone. calm and absorbed as
ever. Questions poured i'll upon her now
ifon the spectators.--the committee soughl
problems OF more and more in:ricacv. but
the enid. never confused or perplexed
had solution for them all
1t had gone on thus for some time. when
a gentleman of peculiarly benevolent cast
of countcnance. intertered. begging them
TO desIst. Were they not satisfied! |,
vas barbarous to keep the irall thing be-
fore them thus,
The speaker drew instant attentions: he
was OF too high standing. too widely and
honorabiv known for remark of his TO
require repetition. OF course the ques-
fionlnS was suspended. and Mary Nahonv
dismissed to her seat: of course. too. the
next moment to be named as the success
ful candidate
But stop" cried gentleman in the
front row. who had watched the contest
keenlv. ''is there not a law requiring of
every candidate certificates of her rcspec-
liability! OF course, though. Miss Ma
hony can produce hers
II Will be Mary reference, Mr. Mar
den. said the master. sternlv IL guar
antee her unblemished character
''Pardon me-" returned Mr. Mardcn.
glancing at Jane. 81 think the law requires
something farther. and as one peculiarly
must beg that in this instance
It be enforced,''
''And it shaX be cnforcedl" broke in
the voice that had interrupted the examina
ton. firmy and decidedly. 81 myself
VIII furnish certificates for Mary Mahonv."
ne deep silence that ensued was bro
ken the moment after by clear. wild.
Joyous shout. and. now. peepng in at the
ioof. lowering about the windows, and
making glad the street, was discovered.
or the first time. Mary's multitude of
trends Irish men. Irish women. and
~ Sh "a e At,
ot ireland was not parent. or brother or
SISTER 10 Mary Mahony! or who could keep
away when such a case was pending!
''lon." exclaimed dozen voices at a
breath Gnside voices of course)
''lcs. II answered the gentleman.
and proud enough am of the office. too
houSh Mary has worthier friends here TO
'peak for her am sure. But must first
ell you. young ladies. how came to be
Nary S friend Some days ago as was
'assing F.'s book store, | was impor-
uned by poor. addressed Irish bow for
assistance. And what do you think his
cquest was. Why, that should inquire
inside. Of the success of certain Ger.
nan translation, and this German trans
alton was the work Of the little delicate
reaturc you see there. 1t is all true: the
:hild had employed large part of her
lights, and every moment not required at
chool, in gaining perfect knowledge of
he language. for YOU know young ladies'.
IS not taught here. To this she was
ncouraged by the success of some
'rench translations: see am still telling
ou news. Well, the child had some
ow learned that good French transla-
ions could be advantageously disposed
f at a certain book sellers; and 10 put
honey into the hands of her benefac,ors. +
nd perhaps dciray some necessary ex-
enses OF her own. she frequented the
lace so often she became an absolute
ct there. and her little labors made her
comparatively rich. The publishers
anne in time. indeed, to regard her as a
ind of prodigy. and more to see how
luch she was capable, than for the val
e of the work. knowing her ignorance Of
ne language, offered her high reward
'r good translation from the German.
The work would not disnonor the finest
cholar in New England. Now, is not
1ary worthy of the prize7'
\ deafening shou, from the filed up
assages responded. 'Hurrah for Mary
lahony! Mary Mahonv and old Ireland
'rever! What a clapping of hands was
lere. What warm words praised, and
hat full hearts blessed her! Often
nough these little things are talked of
ow; how the little girl stood up in their
,idst and received the prize upon her
racelul neck with her own smile, what
dvances were made and congratulations
70 ffered: and then alasi how in the midst
il was noticed that the little features
hanged, and she was carried to the open
II.
1t is sad to tell Of the Joy exchanged for
'ourning. but the sad story is too sweet '
itself. and too often repeated to he now |
tale of horror. The little orphan had 8
% much of toll and too much of excite
ent for her fragile constitution. She
as carried out of the school room dying. {
here is almost an atmosphere of beauty i
the olden. cft-told-tale. 1t is not sad to {
Ear how in one week more the selfsame
ronr of kindred faces that had looked