The Yazoo Democrat., 1852-09-15

a beautiful collection Of violins, once the idols
of the poor Italian, aud this was greatly in his
favor. One afternoon he was playing some ex-
quisite piece of Italian music to silent crowd,
when youth of about his own age, in the dress
of midshipman, pushed forward and stood,
with blank and astonished air, gazing at him.
Presently Waiter finished, and the crowd, after
showering half-pence upon him, moved away !;
but the midshipman remained.
Walter Arnottr exclaimed he. in tones of
deep astonishment.
All, Frank Prescott cried the blind youth
with great satisfaction is that you =? How
kind to notice me nowr
Notice you now What the son of the for
mer captain of our ship Good heaven! this is
shameful-this is dreadful'
Not at ALL am very happy coulf not be
more So, said Walter gently.
Nonsense, you could and shall lust put
your fiddle under your arm, and com and dine
with me at the Greyhound. No denia must
tell you my story, and you must tell 4 yours
Walter could not resist such hearty K odness i;
and after bargaining that they should calf at his
home, that he might leave his fiddle, ann have
thus an excuse for explaining his departurefrom
his post, they walked arm in arm up the town.
A hearty greeting did the MILDLY get from every
sailor and invalid he met. Every one was pleas
ed 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 MILDLY ordered very good dinner, which he
informed the young musician that he had an un-
Gle 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 to
marry some one her equal IN point of fortune
To Gertrude he had not spoken distinctly-he
was too young for that j; but he was sure she
responded to his affection. He was now, how
ever, about to leave for England on three years
cruise, and he was in a state of great uneasiness
of mind. He would not write to the young la
dy, as he knew she would decline carrying on a
clandestine correspondence, aud he loved her the
more for her delecacy. But still he wanted some
friend to give him news of her, and her news OF
him. Blind Walter volunteered to do this ny
the hand of Alice; if he could at any time pick
up intelligence of interest But Frank Pres
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 other
wise would have been. The blind musician en-
tered into the spirit of the affair; played as long
and as often as they liked; was general favor
tie with the ladies', especially with Gertrude
Prescott; and pleased every body so much with
his playing that he henceforth found his engage
ments multiply.
From that day he abandoned his station in the
street he played at evening parties, he gave les
sons, and all without neglecting his education
Ct Alice During the stay of Frank Prescott,
the young people were inseparable; the midi
shi pman was delighted with his old acquaintance,
and they parted attached friends
Blind Walter actually loved Frank, for with
him kindness was irresistible. There are ma
lures which cannotresist the influence of affection
who will love person VINO gives them aow-
er. word, or look & Walter was one of those.
When Frank was gone he transferred his affec-
tions to Franks future wife, without forgetting
his dear Alice. Miss Prescott came often to
see them and when she found the girl was a
good Italian scholar, asked her home and took
lessons of her. Proud indeed was Alice Of her
having studied and read, for Welter was pleased;
and she found sincere friend in Gertrude.
Things went on in this way for two years,
when Gertrude reached the age of twenty. Sui
tors now came round in earnest, and Mr.. Pres
colt desired Gertrude to choose among the sever
al competitors. But she could not make up her
mind she said-not daring to avow her affections
for Frank But her father insisted, and himself
selected Mr. Charles Williams, 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.
What is the matter?' asked Alice earnestly,
after vainly endeavoring to get on with the Ital-
ian 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
dog
But my dear Miss Prescott said Alice, earn
estly, why not ayow your affections for your
cousin FrankY
Because my father long ago forbade me to
think of Frank. Frank has nothing but his pro-
fession, which is not lucrative enough for my
dear papa
Il don't know what to advise. wish Wall
ter were here; he would tell uss'
At this very instant the door opened, and the