Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-12-24

child" he inquired when the young song
stress paused.
''No one" she replied my father is blind;
he often finds the day very long, and sing to
him to amuse him. IL is almost the greatest
pleasure he has, and ! am so glad of that, for
we are poor, and he cannot afford himself
many other pleasures"
But the melody itself, and the method
where did you learn all that :" inquired the
schoolmaster.
Veronica looked pcrplexcd. but, after mo-
ments reflection, replied 81 have often beard
our miners sing that air"
my child" said NJ. Rossel to the little girl,
81 see how God often overrues the wickedness
of man for His own wise purposes. The burn
you received on your hand has caused you
much suffering, and has prevented your work
ing at your lace to earn money for your father;
but ifit had not been for this accident should
never have noticed your vOico, which will
hope, prove to you mine Of wealth, and en-
able you TO procure more comforts for him
than if you had been working night and day
at your pillow"
Veronica did not very well understand the
good mans meaning, but she felt gratfcd for
his kindness, and anxious to do her best to
sci gave her regular instruction in the art of
singing, whilst, at the same time, he contrvcd
to interest several benevolent people in the
fate of this deserving family so that the blind
mans wants were fully supplied. and his lit
tie daughter was thus enabled to pursue her
studies with a cheerful heart
Twelve years passed away. II was fine
autumn evening, and the wealthier inhahi-
@ 4. a l. III t...1.
aooking to the town-hall. An event, rare in
this somewhat secluded region, has set the
whole town astir. The first cantatrice Of the
capital, one who enjoys European celebrityis
about to give a concert.in oonjuction with her
brother, for the beneftof the poor of Seeberg
At the entrance of the hall might be seen
the old schoolmaster and precentor, NJ Rossol,
who was filing the office of cashier on the
occasion. His eyes beamed with delight as
the money accumulated on his desk and
when he recognized an acquaintance amongst
the numerous arrivals, it was with no small
pride that the good man produced a golden
snuff box, and, offering his friend pinch of
true Nirginian, at the same time whispered IN
his ear: "This is gift from grateful pupil.
See it is engraved upon the lid and when
it was given to me- it was full of gold pieces.
And look at this. too" be added, drawing a
handsome repeater from his fob "this, too,
is the gift Of my former pupil"
"You are celebrating your triumph tonight,
NJ Rossel." observed one Of the newcomers.
"Yes, it is a day Of triumph for me, and
for the town Of Seeberg, too reioined the
schoolmaster, "for she was born amongst us
here, and | was her first teacher"
At last. all the company had arrived, the
hall was throngcd to the very door, and, at
the appointed hour, Veronica Madel appeared
upon the platform, accompanied by her youth
ful brother, and with her blind father leaning
on her arm. a burst of enthusiastic plaudits
greeted the young cantatrice as she gracefully
courtesiod to the assemblage. A band OF
mountain musicians supported their parts adj
mirably, and exerted themselves to the utmost
to do honor to their countrywOman. George
Madol accompanied his sister on the violin, to
the admiration of all present, and Veronica
herself sang as she had seldom been heard to
sing before her voice reached every heart,
and charmed every ear.
All the pieces named in the programme had
been performed. a moments pause ensued,
and, after repeated acclamations, the assem-
blage were about to dispcrse, when, suddenly
young Madel touched his violin. A familiar
air arrested every ear, and Veronica, with q
voice as pure and clear as in her childish days
commenced the verse so well known to all the
miners Of Seeberg-the same she had sung on
that eventful Christmas Eve. At this moment
I the whole of the assemblage present started
to their feet as one man, the band Of musicians
/ laid down their instruments, and every voice
Joined in the chorus
"Chcer up, brave hearts, cheer up
The celebrated can.atrice was for the mo-
mont, forgotten; and Veronica Madel was only
remembered as the Young mountain peasant
the dutiful daughter, the loving sister, thu
obodient pupil. The good old schoolmastor
oblivous of his dignity, rushed to the plat
form, and, with tears in his eyes, folded t
his heart the pupil who had so far surpassed
his utmost expectations. Veronica, turning
towards the assembage with a simple grace
and humility of manner which touched ever!
heart, owned that to this good old man, undo
God. she owed all her success.
The worthy citizens ofSeeberg had prepared
a banquet in honor Of the young cantatrice
but, during the interval which elapsed betwcol
the concert and the banquet, NJ. Rossel drew
his former pupil aside, and speaking to he
in the familiar tone of earlier days, he said
"Will You come with me, my good Veronica
for one half hour; This money you have in
trusted to my care is weighing down m
pocket should like to distribute some of
this evening, and to deposit the remainder O
the sum in safety at my own house"
Veronica, though somewhat wearied atte
the exertion and excitement of the day, coul
not bear to refuse her old masters request
and, committing her father to Georges care
she set forth, under the escort of the kind
hearted schoolmaster The darkeuing shade
Of evening prevented the young singer frol
distinguishing surrounding objects and sh
allowed Rosse to guide her as he pleased
unconscious whittier he was leading her.
II should like you," observed the old mar
''to see some, at least, of those on whom You
bounty is to be bestowed. On the ground-toc
of the house we have now reached, we sha
find family in deep distress"
Entering a dark passage, the precentor' TO
lowed by Veronica lifted latch, and passe
into spacious, but gloomy, apartment, lighte
by single candles and offering striking cor
trast to the brilliant concert-hall they had Jui
quilted. A pale, careworn woman, miserabl
clad was pacing the room, vainly striving
In ho. ;nc,nt IN raef Two other children