Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1857-06-26

A sndden relief for all came at this
moment. A soft pleasant voice was
calling, "Dicl<iel"
eyes, Mary" an lwered the brother.
And the young man was at his sister $
side in a moment.
81 left you long time," was the
brothers kind remark. 81 did not
consider how quickly the time pass
ed
30, no, twas not long. Ihave not
been lonely l have been talking to
the girls, and but just stopped to lis
ten for your voice-I din not hear it
so / spoke. But what is the matter,
Dickie-how hot your hand ISL
30, nothing-I guess yours is CO
cold-that's all. I'll lead you to the
fire"
The sister strained her sightless
orbs, as if to look in her brothers face.
But il was in vain, and she contented
herself to be led by him where he
chose.
1t was a pleasing sight, for those
who had hearts to appreciate it, to
see that young man leading about his
blind sister, and trying to amuse her,
carfully guiding her steps, snd stop
ping where he thought she would be
pleased. He did not leave her many
times 10 join the merliment. Only
once more, for the sake Of leading
Maggie into the whirling dance, he
left her, seating her where the sound
of the music would fall the emost pleas
antly upon her sensitive ear. When
he went back to her, Bridget again
heard Hannigan trying to ridicule
him, (which so reused her Indignation
that she longed for an opportunity TO
tell him how detestible he was. To
appcasc her wrath she managed TO
give him disagreeable shove when
ever they passed or re-passed each
other, during the mysterious changes
of tho dance. And no, vexed with
her impudence, at length made il con-
vcniont TO catch one of the brass but
tons OF his coat into one ofthc flowing
rufiIes of her dress, and did not stop
his forward movement until the dain-
ty trimming was shorn Of all its beau
".
Bridgets wailing was long and
hearty, at this dishgurment Of her
favorito blue. Tho dance was stop
ped, and hostsof sympathising friends
crowded around her.
"Neycr you mind, darling" said
one.
cit can surely be mended as good
as ncw," comfortingly said another.
"Accidcnts win happen, gravcly
remarked n third.
"1'll help you TO fix il tomorrow, I"
whispered Maggie, who had an indis-
tinct idea that II was not all an acci-
dent.
And so Bridget was comforted, at
length, and the dance went on; though
not until she had called Iannigan n
miserable, old poice of awkwardness,
and declared that he "wasen't fit to
dance with the dacent girls
That's more'n you can prove, Miss
Bridget, was his retort. And so the
master was settled for that night; each,
however, yowingfuturc yengence up
on the other.
"Like all things lovely" the frolic
had It's ending. Groups formed here
and there, around the heaps of bon
nets and cloaks, that had been laid up
carefully in divers places, tobe out Of
the way. Tie young men cast eager
glances around, each intent 10 secure
his favorite for the homeward walk.
Hannigan's head rose high above
those around him, as he threaded his
way. industriously towards tho spot
where Maggie's voice was heard.
But Maggie-artful GIRL was man
euvcring with all woman's adroit-
ness TO keep out of his way, Did he
approach in one direction, something
was sure 10 claim her attention in an
other. And, when, by rapid move
ments, he ut length managed TO face
her, she suddenly remembered some
thing she had forgotten TO say TO a
friend across the room. She was re-
liovcd from the exertions, nj last, by
hearing a pleasant voice over her
shoulder, asking;
MAY Igo ho-home with you, Mag
gie?"
eyes, Dickic," was the prompt re-
ply.
Placing his blind sister whero no
harm would be likely to beiall her
O'Neil badc her wait his return; and
then triumphantiy walked away with
the only one the well.to-do farmer
cared TO gallant home. Deepa bit
ter were the curses that followed the
fortunate rival; but they did not rot
him of Maggics love, or tho sweet
pleasure of having her by his side.
How those full hearts unbu'thened
themselves, during that moonlight
walk. But, we are sure that both
experienced n full satisfaction ere
they parted at Maggie's door.
"Ol Maggie, Maggie, I'm so glad OF
your choice" said Bridget, as they
sat busily drawing together the pro-
ken meshes of torn lace. ut was q
poor fool that | was, to be sure. Ia
want you to have that mean, wicked
fellow, who has no good word TO say
Of any one, II would be o sorry life
he would lead you, honey, with your
kind heart that's always making you
do somebody some good" And, stop.
ping for breath, Maggie's friend wip.
cd away the tears that were falling
fiist upon the shining cambric.
81 knew, Bridget, you would des-
pise him, rs l do, when you come to
see him moro. But, indeed, Pm far
from wishing any harm to him, and
hope he may yet be taken in the right
way"
'iHe wouldn't 500 1t dear, il no was,