Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1858-1859, 1858-05-29

OrSanlSt ulu not rest upon MS laurelS IOr Tue
lists were to be open again at Brussels, and
this trial would be decisive.
AT dawn Of day the spinet reused the little
singers, and from that time until evening the
deatening concert continued-a veritable de-
luge of trills, warblings, and chirpings.
One morning, as Van Braken was seated
before his spinet, striking chords to guide
his singers, he heard a sweet female voice at
little distance, leading the choir of birds.
A smile of pleasure llumined his shrivelled
features, and he continued striking the ap-
propriate chords. The voice repeated, with a
remarkable purity and exactness, every note
the organist produced on his spinet.
After time, Van Braken stole softly to
the window, which he had left open. Ayoung
girl, enveloped in ragged shawl, was seated
on a wooden bench outside. Her fair head,
as she leaned against the wall, was Unframed
in the ivy and roses which twined about the
stone. The organist stood still moment,
looking intently at the little beggar, whose
features, though altered by poverty and suf-
fering, had yet touching expression of res
ignation and gentleness.
"Was it you l heard singing just now, my
child 2" asked he, placing his hand OH the
girls head.
The beggar rose, trembling. eyes, sir, y
she replied "if it has disturbed you, will
not sing any more"
I" 1 did not say that, little one," returned
Van Braken on the contrary, l am pleas
ed. AS proof give you this to thank you
for the entertainment you have afforded me, %
and he drew from his pocket little piece of
money, which he offered her.
She extended her hand in the wrong direc-
ton, seeking vainly to find it.
"Alas, poor girl !" exclaimed the good
man, "she is blind"
"Yes, sir" said the young singer, sadly
"I have been blind two years. l come often
and sit here, to listen to your birds. When
the sun shines, and you place them in the
window, approach and speak to them.
They know me well, for they answer me-
All how l wish could see them they
must be so pretty n'
shade of sorrow passed over the organ
lists face the singular resemblance existing
between the girl and birds touched his heart.
For some moments he was silent, absorbed
in his own thoughts.
What is your name, my child ?'' said he,
gently addressing the blind beggar.
"Audrine, sir,' she replied.
"And your family" said Van Braken,
where are they ?"
81 have no family, sir; my mother died
three years ago, at the hospital in this city,"
"Ah !" said Van Braken, "she belonged
to this place, then ?"
"No, sir; she came from Vienna"
From Vienna ?" he repeated with emo
ton.
"Yes, sir-a great artist has told me so
she never spoke to me Of herself. He said
she quilted the theatre to follow a young
man whom she loved, musician, who aban
doned her in Italy. His name was Stovens.'
"Stovens Are you that mans child p
inquired Van Braken, eagerly.
The beggar sadly bowed her head as she
answered No"
"The name of your mother, my child ?'
asked Van Braken.
"Frantzia," she replied.
A low moan escaped the organistis lips
and he tottered like man suddenly shot
" Frantzia !" he said. "My poor Frantzia
And you are her daughter Her daughter
and beg your bread? Come, poor little one
come to me-" And the old man tenderly
pressed the girls hand. "Come live with
me-"
Audrine hesitatcd; but Van Braken en-
treated her with so earnest tone, that she
took seat beside him.
"You knew my mother, then ?" she asked
EYES," replied Van Braken;" 1 was hel
best friend in Vienna. That was many years
ago. will tell you more some time. You
must never leave me, Audrine will fine
you plenty of occupation here"
A los vo,, f,rCnf INV cod ,oc;fsor - -
Audrine.
"No, my child" returned Van Braken
"you love my birds-you shall take care o
them, and sing with them and, since they
know you already, they will soon obey yoi
as they do me. The house is not large, and
with that second-sight of the touch which
the Almighty has given to those he has de
prived of sight. you will soon grow familiar
with all the objects about you. You will
not be my servant, but my companion ant
friend. You do not answer. All l under
stand; you have the suspicion which is
part of your infirmity, and you do not trus
me. Let your clairvoyant hands read upol
my forehead and hands the signs of old age
and then you will have more confidence il
the words of Van Braken."
Evan Braken " exclaimed Audrine, press
ing his hand "ah, l no longer hesitate, fo
1 know that you are good, and worthy o
confidence"
"Has your mother told you of me ?" in
auired the musician, hesitatngly.
ayes, very often," replied Audrine.
"And what did she say p inquired Var
Braken.
"She told me-" continued Audrine, tha
you had met with misfortunes, and that bu
| for her you might have become a great art
| ist."
Van Braken passed his hands over hi
eyes, to wipe away the fast-coming tears
and replied with forced gayety, "Never mind
my child; all that belongs to the past.'
He had not over-estimated Audrine's in
telligence. At the end of mouth the young
girl went about the house, finding her way
with perfect ease. The love and gratitude
she evinced towards the old man, the care
she bestowed on her little companions il
misfortune, soon won his heart, so that ht
loved her as if she had been his own child.
One day, when Van Braken had gone ou
for the purpose of having his chronomete1
repaired, a young man in travelling dres!
knocked at the door, and asked to see him
Audrinc offered the stranger q seat in the
musicians room, where he might await hi:
return. A quarter of an hour had scarcely
elapsed when Van Braken came in.
"There is some one waiting to see you
MASTER" said Audrine, as she recognized his
step.
"To see me - cried Van Braken, knitting
his brows. II do not know any one. Who
on earth can it be 2"
He opened the door, but hastily retreated
exclaiming, though half suffocated by cloud
of smoke, Frederick !"
"My dear uncle ~ cried the stranger
throwing himself into the old mans arms.
els this indeed you, my boy 2" said the
organist, pressing his lips upon his nephewi
forehead. "Now that 1 have spoken to you
let me hasten to open the doors and windows
Your miserable tobacco smoke will kill my
birds. Audrine Audrine quick, my child
help me to move the cages. And you, Fred
erick do mo tho favor fo throw aUav tho