Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-07-08
MISCELL A N Y
Casta Diva!

Casta Diva!
"High no :" sighs Mr.. Patron, "what forlorI
life It is to live alone 2" and he drew his chai
close to the fire and ensconced himself therein
wrapping his tr-coored dressing gown abou
him. | wish were married! know lad.
boards in the same house too-and l believe
she'd have me if were to ask her; mean th'
pretty music teacher. She is young, delicate ant
amiable only there seems to be something mel
anchuly about her; she is a widow; like he
though, aud believe she likes me; I'll think thi
over. have plenty OF money, and nobody t,
spend it upon. Yes, think will ask pretty
Madame Victor to marry me-"
Rap, rap, rap!
Come in-who's thereH
"Please sir, it's your clean clothes"
"Clean clothes and pray who are you, yot
little cherub, aud where do you come from T.
81 AIN Lauretta, sir, and live with Bridget
who washes Your clothes, and she sent Inc witt
the basket to night"
"Yes. | should think she did, you little duck
ling, aud the basket is larger than yourself!-
Come and sit down in this chair by the fire ant
warm your toes-there now, | want 10 talk with
YOU. Are you Bridget'S chilG9"
"Oh no, sir;" and look of care passed over
the little face.
'No, | thought not WasEerwomens chill
dren don't have such eyes, nor such broad tore
head, nor soft hair. Well, birdie, how came
you with Bridget2 Have you no parents2"
~ don't know. l only dream have. Bird
get let me stay with her because Gun sing"
"Sng! and what has that to do with it,"
"Oh, sir. sing my songs in the great houses
and they give me sixpences, and take them t
Bridget"
'Aha, you pay your board, theu9 Well, little
Lauretta, will you sing for me now =
"Yes. indeed" and the little one stands up il
the middle of the rug and, opening her rose-but
mouth, she sings Casta Dival
"Bless ms stars, what voice know some
thing about music myself; at least enough t
know that such voice should be fortune Il
you learn that2"
"Nurse taught me-"
"Nursel Who is uurse2"
"Nurse is dead" The dark eyes FIJI witt
tears, and the ruby lips are quivery.
Mr.. Patron walks up and down the ROOM
His curiosity is excited as well as his pity
"PleaSe, sir, shall | have the basket2 Bridge
will scold Inc il | stay so long"
mo, little one, will carry the basket, l an
going home with you"
II uP NV H'SHlS vi StdlrS, SIT, anu tHere II
no light in the passage"
"All the more reasons should 60 with you
Now am ready. Come, my little singer, you
and will be better acquainted before long
Don't fall down these steps; keep bold of my
hand here we are in Broadway. Now where
do we turn down Prince street, hey and row
down Crosby. What do you live in this alley
Oh, never fear, little Casta Diva, shall tread
safely enough while this little hand leads me-
Ugh how many more flights are there 2-only
two! Wei, can climb them if you can. So
is this the doorl"
Och, and Is it you, sir, that would be after
coming to see poor woman at this hour2 Will
you be seated,sr," said Brdget,wiping wooden
chair with her apron Your shirts were not
ironed to be suiting We, may be2"
"Shirts all right, Bridget. | came to bring
home your little girl, and to ask you something
about her. She has been singing to me. Will
you tell me where she came from2"