The Cecil Whig., 1857-02-07
oh, I don't know about that !" said the

| 'Oh, ! don't know about that =! said tn
professor. 1t does not mar her beauty, ant
will excite additional interest and svmpat tn,
for her when she comes before the public. |
is all the better for her in one point Of view.
Who is shcs What is her history Z"
asked. intent on learning something more o.
this rarely gifted unfortunate.
'she hash t much history" was the care
less reply. "She is All orphan. placed l.,
charity in this institution. where she car
prepare to make her own living. Great hopes
are entertained Of her future fame, but til,
girl herself has the most unaccountnble re-
pugnance to appearing in public. | have
tried in vain to make her ambitious"
Here was new phase of human charactei
genius without ambitionI | was growing
deeply interested IN the blind singer. but MS
it was the hour for the professor to enjoy his
coffee and pipe, I deemed it best to retire.
The next. day as wandered through the
outskirts Of the town. ! saw the blind girl a
little before me, walking slowly toward the
academy. overlook her and calling her by
name, asked permission to accompany hcI
thther. She WAS slightly startled on being
addressed. but instantly remembered my
voice and frankly held out her hand to me-
"ls it safe for yUn to 60 out alone 3
asked. Does the professor allow you no
attendant 2"
IL do not need any," was her reply. ~
have only been to see my old god. mother
whom am accustomed TO visit every morn
ing. II Is but little way, and know it by
heart. Besides. who would hahn q blind
girl 2"
smiled at her simplicity. and said, II am
afraid the professor is too careless of yCu."
oh, no" she Interrupted. ''he is always
kind I love and rcvcrcnce him as an adopt
ed father. He is so kind to me-evcry one is
kind to me-"
"Elow can they help it," was my inward
comment; but foreborc the rcmsrk. I saw
that flattcry would he repnenant to the blind
girls instructive delicacv. Her spirit was a
harp finely and sensitivrly strung. Itwould
bear no rude touches. The quic K and ncrv-
GUS expression of her features, the changing
color, like alternate light and shade on her
fnce. all betrayed nature Of exquisite deli.
cacy.
II wish to thank you." said. at last,
for allowing me yesterday to hear you sing.
I was so hcwidercd by your wonderful song
that did not then know how: but, if you will
|
that you gave me pleasure such as have
never felt bt fore"
She smiled. colored and looked pleased.
"Ther, Is no need" she said. ..of thank
ing. | am glad YOU liked my song"
1tls was said in such simple sincerity that
| took courage to ask.
"Whv did you sing for Inc after refusing
the professor -
| s,Ah ~ cho 1anry,;ns ukho b., -
old professor thought it was hut whim Of
his. We none Of us mind him as you must
have seen yesterday. for he has no order nor
system. Indeed he p,idcs himself on being
guided and guiding us only by inspiration. -
At all hours he calls on us to sing. and il We
arc not tired we obey. was tired and had
no fea, of angcriny him by disobcdicnce, but
when knew that stranger would be dis
appointed by my refusal sung. Besides" !"
she added. with softer ,nge oe color. "you
pitied my wcariness, and were 80 generous
as to beg the master to excuse nc. sung
for gratitude to you"
Are we not near the academy ~ she ask
ed after moment = silence. II think We
are inst at the gate"
"Ycs." replied. THAT is true. but how
10 you know where We le1 You cannot
sce?"
II smell the hedge Of swectbriar that runs
about the garden just inside the wall; and
now we are beneath cedar tree which the
gate swings back upon
"Ynu seem to know tho situation Of the
grounds said, land TO speak fami,arly OF
different trees and shrubs. yet you never saw
| them"
"Oh, yes have seen thcm." she excaim-
ed. 'Orten when was \ child played
about here. wss not always blind"
Us it possible! How then can you BE- re-.
conciled TO such at afflic,ion :"
With the same serene, peculiar smile which
had observed before on her face. she an.
swercd simply. Every one is kind to me-"
Stay a moment under this cedar tree" !
begged of her, land tell mo something Of
your history. Do not think strange of the
request. My heart is moved only by sym.
pathy and kindness toward ycu."
There is very little to tell. was her reply.
II was born here: my father and mother were
poor people, but very good. We lived in a
little cottage just outside the town, on the
borders Of beautiful pond In the summer
time that pond WAS covered with water lilies
Oh. how loved them! They were so beau
tfuI. so fragrant, | can never forget how they
charmed me. Onc day, when | was eight
years old. while reaching after lilies. I fell
into tho pond and was nearly drowned. A
long and violent frver followed, from which
barely recovered in time to see Ivy mother
death. Weeping and excitement in this state
of weakness affected my eyes, and being soon
after left entirely an orphan. was neglected
and gradually lost my sight. For years
suffered great pain and was very helpless, but
il is all over now ard am content.
"Igo often to my playground" che added
land smell the water lilies, but shall never
see them again. Some time"
She hesitatcd, blushed and paused.
"What were you about to say :" I asked,
eagerly.
IL was going to say that somo time would
show you that beautiful pond. forgot you
were a stranger and would soon be gone
away"
"And do not remember it again bcscrch
you," was my answer II think We are
friends by this time and no longer strangers.
II you will indeed show me the place which
was the scene of so much happiness and sor-
row to you, will be deeply grutifed."
She still hcsitated.
,,nn .fra;i ~ tru.t ,,,o