New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1852-03-01
NUMBER 3Os.

Ms post, they walked arm-in arm up the town.
hearty. greeting did the MILDLY get from every
sailor and invalid he met. Every one was pleased
to see the blind fiddler taken notice Of and Alice
was quite proud when, handing her his violin,
Walter told her where he was going The mid
dy ordered very good dinner, after which he
informed the young musician that he had an
uncle in Greenwich, whose daughter he was very
much in love with, that being poor, with very
small prospects, he concealed his affection from
his uncle. who wished his cousin Gertrude 20
marry some one her equal in point of fortune
70 Gertrude he had not spoken distinctly--he
was too young for that; but he was sure she re-
sponded to his affection. He was now, however
about to leave England on three years cruise
and he was in a state of great uneasiness Of
mind He knew not what might happen in the
interval. He would not write to the young lady.
as he knew she would decline carrying on a
ciandestine correspondence, and he loved her the
more for h r delcacy. But still he wanted some
friend to give him news of her, and her news of
him. Blind Walter volunteered to do this by the
hand OF Alice, if he could at any time pick up
intelligence Of interest But Frank Prescott
had better plan than that-he would get his
uncle and cousin to patronize him: next evening
there was to be quiet dance, and he must
come and play. And Walter did so, and the
evening was twice as pleasant as it otherwise
would have been The blind musician entered
INTO the spirit of the affair; played as long and
as often as they liked: was a general fayorite
with the ladies. especially with Gertrude Pres
colt and pleased every body so much with his
playing, that he henceforth found his engage
mems multiply. . 70
From that day he abandoned his staticf, in.
the street; he played at evening parties. he ave
lessons, and all without neglecting his education
or that of Alice During the stay of Frank
Prescott, the young people were inseparable :.
the midshipman was delighted with his old ac
quaintance, and they parted attached friends.
Blind Walter actually loved Frank, for with
him kindness was irresistible. There are ma
lures which cannot resist the influence of affec-
ton, who will love person who gives them a
flower, word. look; and Walter was one of
those. When Frank was gone he transferred
his affections to Franks future wife, without for
getting his dear Alice. Miss Prescott came
often to see them; and when she found the girl
good Italian scholar, asked her home and
took lessons of her. Proud indeed was Alice of
her having studied and read, for Walter was
pleased, and she found sincere friend in Ger
trude
Things went on in this way for nearly two
years, when Gertrude reached the age of twenty
Suitors now came round in earnest and Mr.
Prescott desired Gertrude to choose among the
several competitors. But she could not make
up her mind she said--not daring to avow he1
affections for Frank. But her father insisted
and himself selected Mr.. Charles Williams, a
rising young barrister with brilliant prospects
One evening Gertrude was very unhappy Alice
was by her side and Blind Walter was hourly
expected. Miss Prescott was very dull and low
spirited, and nothing her humber friend could
do could rouse her
&c What is the matte1''' asked Alice, earnest
ly, after vainly endeavoring to get on with her
Italian lesson.
Papa insists upon my receiving the addresses
of Mr.. Charles Williams. He is going to ask
him to dinner on Monday next What am to
do:''
But my dear Miss Prescott said Alice,
earnestly, ''why not avow your affections for
your cousin Frank -
&c Because my father long ago forbade me to
think of Frank Frank has nothing but his
profession, which is not lucrative enough to my
dear papa
81 don't know what to advise wish Walter
were here; he would tell U.S.
At this very instant the door opened, and the
servant announced, in loud voice Sc Sir Walter
| Arnott.''
They rose astounded, and in walked Bln(
Walter, leaving at the door n servant in ricl
livery. who had led him up. He was fashiona
| bly, dressed, but his smile was as gentle ant
sweet as ever. He advanced to sofa took til
| hands of his two friends, and sat down between
| them. His story was very brief Seven live
which stood between his father and baronetc,
of 'e25 900 year had all lapsed, save one, lons
ago; and about six months previously the las
survivor, descendant of his GRANDPA thers eldes
brother had died without issue and intestate
A week before that evening the Solicitor traced
Blind Walter as the next of kin. He had kept
his secret until all was settled, passing off the
Solicitor as pupil; and this day he had been
put in possession of his property, the Lord Chan
cellor having appointed trustees for the three
months he wanted Of being of age
' You seem in trouble said Sir Walter, when
he had told his story--for he always observed
the sishtest difference in the intonation of voice
Alice, who was overwhelmed at what she had
heard, timidly explained.
:" | see only one remedy observed the blind
young baronet, after some reflection
&c And what is that'' asked Gertrude anx-
ously.
You must let me court you for the next
four months. l have this day-for am intiu-
entail now-sent Frank his leave of absence for
twelve months, begging him to come home. 1t
seems l am indispensable in certain country
where ministers want to keep their supporters
in, and so they refuse me nothing
&c Good Sir Walter!' exclaimed Gertrude and
Alice.
"Blind Walter is still with you But listen
Until Frank returns, will keep off all suitors,
Say nothing, only let us always be together
us three, l mean,' said the quick cared young
man, he caught the sound of little sigh
from Alice s' and your father will give me six
months at least to think of it. But, my dear
friends, listen to me. must marry now In
whom else, now that | have such heavy trust
and duties can contide than a wife Twenty
five thousand year wants somebody who can
to attend to it. Had remained poor, no
woman should ever have had such burden
imposed on her. There is but one girl in the
world who ever can be my wife. While I was
poor, studiously concealed my feelings; but
now, dear Alice, my richness, my rank, are vain
indeed, if you refuse to be mine when Frank
returns"
Sir Walter"' cried the amazed girl, pale
with feeling more like alarm than anything
else---''a poor girl alone! What will your
rich friends say J"
ssAlce you have for five years been my de-
voted sister; we have studied together, thought
together, learned together; let us now, if your
heart can reconcile itself to blind husband
love one another. | am not fit to be alone; but
if you will not be the poor blind boys guardian
angel, musttrust myself to some hired servant. y
"Walter Waltern' cried Alice, sobbng
aloud, &c l have always loved you dearly and
had you remained poor, had always meant tt
beg you to take me for your wite-your guide
and you would for when mother dies shall be
alone; but now 1 dare not accept
s' You have accepted p exclaimed Gertrude,