True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-07-11


That child Mr.. St. Eustace took from the
aims house usually attends to 1t, I believe,
does she net, Euphfasia ?"
"Vous-~Otes> raiyo,, ma sor," affect
edly replied Etphrasia, sat least, l think
so; for my part I never trouble myself
about servants" and the young lady cast
furtirc glance to sec how her erclusicc-
ness affected Reginald.
"An aims houss child ~ he continued,
"did you say my brother took her from
there ?"
ale did; and an immense sight of
trouble she has given us l assure you
but l never converse Of my servants )"
and the amSble lady drew herself up with
dignity which would have withered in
their shoes any Of the despised species,
had they been present.
Reginald, however, was not to be thus
baAied, and be interrogated Carlyon with
better success.
"Oh you mean Rosalie," he replied to
his unclcs enquiries, "she's my own dear
governess, but she cries great deal, and
mother says it's because she's ugly and
bad tempered, but Rosa says it's because
she has no father nor mother to love her,
and | know she tells the truth, for she
takes a little locket out Of her bosom and
kisses it; and l feel so bad for her! Oh,
uncle Reginald you don't know what
sight she does suffer; mother and Euphra-
sia speak cross to her, and oncc-but it
will never do for me to tell you anything
more, for mother would whip me, and Ro-
sale would be gricved."
Reginald from what he had already
heard, was deeply interested in the friend
less child, and he felt firmly convinced
that she was i'll treated by some members
of the family. lie resolved to see Rosa
lie, and hear from her own lips the truth
or falsity of his supposition. An oppor-
tunity was not long wanting. One week
from the day Reginald had encountered
Rosalie in the parlor, the St. Eustace fam
lily went en- masse to the opera to hear a
new and far famed singer. Reginald had
gone into the country, and was not expect
ed back until the ensuing evening. Short
ly after the party left the house, Reginald
returned. Much as he disliked prying in
to family affairs, he threw his delicate
scruples to the winds, and passing lightly
up stairs, he tapped at the nursery door,
Rosalie opened it, and faint ejaculation
escaped her lips at the sight of him who
had been ever present in her thoughts,
since she first beheld him.
"Rosalie," he said, kindly, "1 wish to
sec you few moments. Come into Mrs.
St. Eustaco's apartment" and he took her
by the hand to lead her there. Rosalie
drew back in alright. "Nay, my dear
child" said Reginald, smiling. 81 would
!, not harm you. l have taken an interest
in your lonely life, and wish to ask you a
few questions. Are you afraid to trust
yourself with ME ?"
Rosalie gazed a moment in the earnest
truthful eyes bent so.apityingly upon her,
and bright smile irradiated her pale face
as she said, 81 will go with you, sir; you
look good and noble"
Reginald placed chair for the "alms
house" child, tand seating himself on an
ottoman, he said:
"Now, Rosalie, want you to tell me
who your parents were, and how you came
here?"
At the mention of parents the tears
gathered in Rosalie's eyes as she answered;
"Alas, sir, l know not who my parents
were. / never had any one who called
me child, before you! Oh ! if I'd ever
had any body to speak kindly to me, and
if any one would let Inc love them should
not be the cross dissagreeable thing Mrs
Eustace says l am p and the child's tears
began to flow. Reginald felt his sympa.
thics awakened, and after short pause,
) he said:
"Well, my dear child you have moi
me how you came here"
81 lived in the aims house until / was
about ten years old, whom MIR. st. Eustace
brought me here, and l have been here
over three years"
"Has she-Mrs. St. Eustace, treated
you kindly? You must tell me, Rosalie
you need not fear ). has she ever been harsh
to you?"
"Sometimcs she has spoken harshly t.
me, and she has often beat me until ]