Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1858-1859, 1858-05-29
" Because it is nv best singer" said the

because it is my best singer" said the
organist (; "a splendid little creature, who
repeats her song fifteen times in minute"
"Most charming Fanfare" said Frederick,
laughing, "featherless and blind two de-
formities at once"
Poor Audrine moaned when she heard
this.
"Awkward body p growled Van Braken,
snatching the cage from his hands, and pla-
cling it in Audrine's. "Hark, my child |!
Fanfare has worked hard this week, and needs
rest-carry him to the country"
1t is necessary to explain that the good
mans country" meant simply the barn win
dow.
"Tell me, uncle, why did you call me awk-
ward ? What did do ?" inquired Fred
elick, when they were alone.
"You said something to cause my little
Audrine much rain," replied Van Braken.
How so p inquired Frederick.
" A word will tell you," said his uncle !;
the poor child is blind"
"Ah you are right" said Frederick. II
was indeed awkward, and it was cruel blow
to the poor girl"
Well, we'll !" returned his uncle, "we
will say no more about it. But what brought
you to Anvers so unexpectedly p
L came to see you UNCLE" he replied, "to
tell you some good news. 1 am about to be-
gin practice as physician, and before set
ting in Brussels desire to pass few days
with you"
w hat beginning practice J" exclaimed
Van Braken. "Why how old are you 2"
Just Twenty-Five" was the reply.
The same age as Audrine," said Van
Braken.
What, the blind girl 2" said Frederick.
Take care !" said his uncle. "You will
not be so needless again ?'
No, surely he replied.
"Well, my dear boy, am heartily glad
to see you," continued Van Braken, ''only
am afraid you will find little amusement
here-especially as 1 utterly forbid your
lighting pipe in my house. Do you
hear ?"
"I hope to employ my time more uscfully,
uncle"
At this moment Audrine entered the
room. bearing the tray, whereupon were
placed two porcelain cups and silver coffee
pot.
snake her stand moment in the light"
the young doctor whispered IN his uncle's
ear.
What for ?" inquired Van Braken.
al will tell you afterwards" was the reply.
Come here, Audrne,'' said Van Braken,
placing himself in the window. "Now look
at the sky"
Audrine raised her head, and turned her
eyes towards the sun.
"See, uncle,' said Frederick, in low
voice" see how the pupils dilater'
The young man looked attentively at her
eyes for moment, then made sign of salts
faction to his uncle.
81 have given you pain to-day, Miss Au-
drine," continued Frederick 81 beg you
will forgive me what am about to tell you
will help efface the unpleasant memory. l
can safely promise that can restore your
"What exclaimed Van Braken. care
you sure of what you say ?"
{" 1t is true uncle" replied the young man.
81 read the eyes of this poor child as clearly
as you read your music. Audrine, will you
answer my question frankly 90
"Yes, SIR" whispered she, doubtfully.
"You have been blind two years, have
you not ?" said the young man.
" Yes, sir, two years." was the reply.
Z" YOu have endured much sorrow" be
continued "and before coming here you suf-
fered from want and hunger Do not be
ashamed. These are the best of titles to the
devotion and care of true friend. An op.
Grafton would be useless in your case. Have
courage and patience and repeat it, you
will soon see"
"You are so kind, so very kind, said Au-
drine, softly. "Courage have already, for
you would not tell me this if it were not
true. You could not be so cruel as to raise
so beautiful hope in the midst of the dark
ness which surrounds me, if that hope we're
not to be reality"
"Wait moment" said Van Braken, when
Audrine had left the room 81 hope you are
not going to make any experiments upon the
child 2"
Where is your confidence in me, uncle 2"
asked the young man.
{" have none in these promises" replied
Van Braken.
Have you money ?" asked his nephew
Yes replied Van Braken but not
much"
"Well, lend me few ducats," said Fred
erick. IL desire to purchase an instrument
necessary for the treatment of my patient. "
"That is another thing" said Van Bra
ken. "Open the desk and take what YOU
want"
Frederick took out few ducats, seized his
nat and rushed into the street. An hour af.
ter he returned, carrying under his arm a
f small electric machine
"What have you there ! asked the uncle
in amaZement.
''Do not be too curious, dear uncle" replied
Frederick. "Wait until tomorrow, and you
shall know.
Aroused at day-break by the birds and the
spinet, Frederick dressed himself hastily. and
ran down to his uEcle's COON. Audrine was
there before him.
"Well, that machine ?" were the organist's
first words.
"Tut !" exclaimed Frederick, imposing
silence on his companion. "Be ready to
turn this crank when giveithe word. And
the doctor, having given Audrine seat, be-
gan winding the threads of the electric ma
chine over her eyes and lips. Turn gently.
uncle" said the young man.
A nervous twitching now seized the young
girls limbs.
"What do you see, Audrine 2" asked Fred.
erick, as he watched her anxiously.
81 hardly know what to tell you,' she re-
. piled. Il see-I see little circles black and
orange-colored."
"Heaven be praised !" shouted Frederick.
"In month my child, you will see the beau
tiful sun of May"
Every morning after this Frederick repeat
ed the operation. and each time perceptible
change was produced in Audrine's eyes,
She could not yet distinguish objects, but
had gained the perception of light and
shade. Van Braken was beside himself with
joy.
Little Audrine was sad and dreamy she
seemed to have lost all interest in her old
friends, the birds. Frederick, too, was alter
ed he was embarrassed in his uncle's pre-
sence, and sought every pretext for leaving
him and joining his patient Even the little
birds did not sing as before, but hid their
little beads under their wings.