The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1858-12-25

good mans meaning, but she felt gratifed
for his kindness, and anxious to do her best
to please him. From that day forward, NJ.
Rossel gave her regular instruction in the
art of singing, whilst, at the same time he
contrived to interes: several benevolent
people in the fate of this deserving family,
so that the blind mans wants were fully
supplied, and his daughter was thas ena-
bled to- pursue her studies with cheerful
heart.
Twelss years passed away. It was fine
autumn evening, and the wealthier inhabi-
tants of Seeburg might be seen in full toilet,
focking to the Town Hall. An event rare
in this somewhat secluded region, has set
the whole town astr. The first cantatrice
of the capital, one who enjoys European
celebrity, is about to give concert in con-
junction with her brother, for the benefit Of
the poor of Seeburg.
At the entrance of the Hall might be seen
the old school-master and preceptor, NJ.
Rossel, who was filing the Office of cashier
on the occasion. His eyes beamed with de-
light as the money accumulated on his desk;
and when he recognized an acquaintance
amongst the numerous arrivals, it was with
no small pride that this good man produced
a golden snuff box, and Offering his friend n
pinch of true Virginia, at the same time
whispered in his ear: 'This Is gift from a
grateful pupil. See it is engraved upon
the lid, and when it was given to me, it was
full of gold pieces. And look ut it too,' he
added, drawing handsome repeater from
his fob; this, too, is the gift of my former
pupil
'You are celebrating your triumph to-
night, NJ. Rossel.' observed one of the new
comers.
'Yes, it is day of triumph for me, and
for the town of Seeburg, too,' rejoned the
school master, 'for she was born amongst
US here, and was her first teacher
At last all the company arrived, the Hall
was thronged to the very door, and at the
appointed hour, Veronica Madel appeared
upon the platform, accompanied by her
youthful brother, and with her blind father
leaning on her arm. A burst Of enthusiastic
plaudts greeted the young cantatrice, as
she gracefully cou,tcsied to the assemblage.
A band of mountain musicians supported
their parts admirably, and cxerted them
countrywoman. George Madel accompanied
his sister on the violin to the admiration of
all present, and Veronica herself sang as
her voice reached every heart, and charmed
every car.
All the pieces named in tho programme
had been performed; moments pause
ensued, and after repeated acclamm:tions,
the assemblage were about to disperse, when
suddenly young Madel touched his violin.
A familiar air arrested every ear, and Yer
onica with voice as pure and clear as in
hor oh;11isb Hovs commnppni the
we'll known to all the miners of Seeburg-
the same she had sung on that eventful
Christmas eve. At this moment the whole
of the asscmblage present started to their
! feet rs one man, the band Of musicians laid
down their instruments, and every voice
! Joined in the chorus:
"Cheer up brave hearts, cheer up!''
The celebrated cantatrice was for the mo-
mcnt forgotten; and Veronica Madel was
only remembered as the young mountain
peasant, the dutiful daughter, the loving
sister, the obedient pupil. The good old
school master, ohlivious of his dignity,
rushed to the platform and with tears in his
ewes, folded to his heart the pupil who had
so far surpassed his utmost e1pectations.-
/ Veronica turned towards the assemblage,
with simple grace and humility of manner
which touched every heart, owned that to
the good man, under God, she owed all her
success.
The worthy citizens of Seeburg had pre-
pared banquet in honor of the young
cantatrice, but during the interval which
had elapsed between the concert and the
banquet, NJ. Rossel drew his former pupil
aside, and speaking to her in familiar tones
of former days, he said 'Will you come
with me, my good Veronica, for one half
hour? This money you have entrusted to
my care. is weighing down my pocket. |
should like to distribute some Of it this
evening, and to deposit the remainder of
the sum in safety at my own house.
! Veronica, though somewhat wearied after
the e1ertion and excitement of the day,
could not bear to refuse her old masters
request. and committing her father to Coos
care. she set forth under the escort of the
kind hearted school master. The darken-
ing shades of evening prevented the young
singer from distinguishing surrounding OBJ
iects: and she allowed Rossel to guide her
as he pleased. unconscious which way he
was leading her.
Il should like you,' observed the old man,
sto see some at least of those on whom your
bounty is to be bestowed. On the ground
"
shall find family in deep Distress
Entering a dark passage, the preceptor
followed bv Veronica, lifted a latch and
passed into n spacious but gloomy apart
ment, lighted by single candle, and offer
ing striking contrast to the brilliant
concert-h hall they had just quilted. pale,
care worn woman, miserablv clad was
pacing the room, vainly striving to lull her
infant to rest. The other children about,
three or four years of age, lay sleeping en-
a tattered matrass in one corner OF the
room; whilst on pallet near tho stove, lay
sick man supported by straw pillows
The two strangers were received by this un-
hannv wife and mother with that cold indif-
ference which is SO frequently the companion
of despair.
Is your husband asleep2' inquired NJ.
Rossel.
asleep, Q mop replied the woman. Il
know not what will become of us!'
The school master then approached the
sick mans bed, and addressing him kindly,
slow are you to-day, kunkel?'
sJust as am always replied the suffer-
er, sand so long as feel that piece of
money on my throat, shall never get any
BETTER
sCan YOU not dismiss that delusion?' in
terrupted NJ. Rossel. sThe doctor and |
have told you hundred times that that
burning sensation in your throat is n natural
result Of your disease, and what is the use
Of iDdalg'ng fancy which only agGrava'es
the malady?'
Il ought to know what feel better than
either you or the doctor can tell it to me-
reioined the sick man somewhat impatiently;
sand know that feel one hard burning
spot in my throat, just as if | had tried to
swallow a piece of red hot copper. No water
can cool the spot; it is always the same, al
ways burning
Vcronica's thoughts recurred to the suf-
fering she had experienced when her hand
was burned, and her pity for the poor man
redoubled.
We'll kunkel,' replied the school-master,
& can only repeat what snid before-this
is frment of your own Imagination. How
in tho world could a piece of burning
money find its way into the center of your
throat?' ,