The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-02-16

paying his. way. giving liule presents 70
Alice, and keeping himself in decent
clothes aud clean linen. put The rest IN the
Savings Bank in the name OF a clsikin the
IIospiisl, who regularly gave him two-
pence every week out Of affection to the
memory OF his father. Scarcely any, Of
those who had been friends Of Mrs. Ar.
no,t's ever noticed Walter. except to give.
him six.pcnce In a patronizing way. but
Wslter wanted not their aid.o lie was in.
dependent - lie was s-bsppy. II, sn,
lie seldom went out IN the evening lie
would get Alice 10 read 10 him books which
friend purchased for him ~ chiefly naval
histories and tales. and lives Of celebrated
musicians and emprrors. lie did not,
however, iorg. twhat was useful TO her and
their education vent on together with won.
derful success, Alice was passion alely
fond Of reading; and as no occupation is
a, The same time so pleasing and useful. i
yon avoid bad books - the worst poison
on earth - their evenings were delightful.
Neither did Walter neglect his Italian; he
pronounced and spoke il WE'LL lie bought
a grammar. dictionary. and some Italian
books. and by dint Of perseverance,. soon
trained Alice TO study with him. The old
grandmother let them to their own course.
she was willing that Walter should become
the husband Of her child. though he sol.
emnly aud firmly declared that lie would
never be a burden to any woman, if one
could bs found generous enough to marry
the blind fiddler. . .ble3 i81 /,
Two years had passed. and Walter was
be,ween eighteen and nineteen while Alice
was a pretty girl Of fifteen. The blind
youth had learned to read and write. lie
had made remarkable progress. Too, in mu.
sic. aud begun 10 be asked TO go to balls
and even concerts. He had beautiful
collection Of violins once the idols oi the
poor Italian. and this was greatly in his fa-
vor. One afternoon he was playing some
exquisite piece Of Italian music to silent
crowd. when youth Of about his own age,
in the dress Of ,nidshipman. pushed for.
ward and stood with blank and astonish.
cd air. gazing at him. Presently Waller
finished. and the crowd after showering
hali,pence upon him moved away; but the
midshipman remained. leegg
Waller Arnot, (" exclaimed he, in
tones of deep astonishmenL g 81
/" All. Frank Prescott" cried the blind
you'll, with great satisfaction. "is that youl
How kind 10 notice me now"
"Notce you now! What! the son o.
the former captain Of our ship! Good heav.
en-! this is shameful this is dreadful.
mot at all. Il am very happy; could
no, be more so," said Walter gently.
Nonsense, you could and shall. JUS
put your i,llle under your arm, and dine
with me at the Greyhound. No denial
| must tell you my story, and you mus
tell me yours" @
Walter could not resist such hearty
kindness; and after bargaining that they
should call .. his house that he might leave
his fiddle. and have thus an excuse Tor ex
planning his departure from his post. the,
walked srm-in.arm up the town. A heart,
greeting did the MILDLY &c. from every sail
| or and invalid he met. Every one wa
pleased 10 see the blind fiddler taken no
| tice Of, aud Alice was quite proud when
handing her his violin. Walter told he
where he was going. The mildly or'lere'
a very GOO! dinner. after which ho inform
ell the young musician that he had an til
Gle in Greenwich, whose daughter he wa
very much in love with. that heing poo'
with very small prospects. he conceale
his affection from his uncle. who wishe
his cousin Gertrude 10 marry some one he
equal in point Of fortune. TO Gertrude b
4 had not spoken distinctly --he was to
young for that; but he was sure she respond
4 ed TO his affection. He was now, howeve'
about 10 leave England on q three year.
cruise, and he was in. a slate OF great nm
4 easiness Of mind. lie knew not wha; migl
happen in The interval. He would NOT writ
10 the young lady, as he knew she woul
decline carrying on clan,lestine CORES
pondence, and he loved her the more for h'
ielicacy. But still he wante,! some frieu
10 give him news Of her, and her news
him, Bliud Walter volunteered TO do III
4 BY the baud Of Alice. il he could al Al,
time pick up intelligence Of interest B
Frank Prescott had q better plan, tbs
that ~ lie would get his uncle and cous
10 patronize him; next evening there WI
TO be q qniei dance. and he must come q,
!, play. Aud Walter did 80. and The eve
. ing was twice as pleasant a. il othefwi
woull have been. The blind musicis
i entered into the spirit Of the affair, play.
!, ~ long aud a. often as they liked; was
4 | general favorite with the ladies'. especial
|, with Geriruds Prescott; and pleased ever
(; body 80 much with his playing, that
! henceforth found his engagements mul
. ely. q Il .sa "a !.
n From thai day.hs abandoned bis s,sti
|. lin the street; he played a evening parii'
i he gave lessons. and sll without neglect
. his education and that Of Alice. DUR
q the stay Of Frank Prescott, the young ..
4 MA ware inar n rniDlA. tha midahinuian a