The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1858-05-21

| He had not 0ver-esunuteu Auurines . ln
telIipence. At the end Of 4 month 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 compan.
ions in misfortune, soon won his heart, SO
that he loved her as IL she had been his own
child.
One Jay, when Van Braken had gone
out for the purpose Of having his chronome-
ter repaired, a young man In a travelling
dress knocked at the door, and asked to see
him. Audrine offered the stranger a seat
in the musicians room, where he might
await his return. A quarter Of an hour had
scarcely elapsed, when Van Braken came
in.
"There Is some one waiting to see you,
MASTER" said Audrinc, rs she recognized
his step.
"To see me 7" cried Van Brsken, knitting
his brows. ~ do not know any one. Who
on earth can il be?"
He opened the door, but hastily retreated,
exclaiming, though half sniiocated by q
cloud of smoke, "Frederick
"My dear uncle" cried the stranger,
throwing himself into the old mans arms.
'Is this indeed you, my boy!" said the
organist, pressing his lips upon his nephews
forehead. "Now that have spoken to you,
let me hasten to open the doors and win.
dows Your miserable tobacco smoke will
kill my birds. Audrine Audrine! quick,
my child, help me TO move the cages. And
you, Frederick, do me the favor to throw
away that horrible pipe"
Audrine, hearing his distressed tone, has
tened to execute his orders.
"Come, come you must help us" said
Van Btaken. tapping his nephew 3 shoulder.
"very willingly" dear uncle, he answer
ed, leaping nimbly upon the sofa to take
down cage pcrched above oil the rest.
"Oh, take care !" said his uncle; "let that
alone, Frederick-it is Fenare's cage"
"Why shall not touch Fenfare'" he
asked.
"Because it is my best singer" said the
organist "a splendid little creature, who
repeats her song fifteen times in minute"
"Most charming Fenfare," said Frederick,
"featherless and blind two de-
forinities at once"
Poor Audrine moaned when she heard
this.
awkward boy" growled Van Braken,
snatching the cage from his hands, and
placing it in Audrine's. "iark, 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
window.
"Tcll me, uncle, why did you call me
awkward? What did ! do!' inquired
Frederick, when they were alone.
"You SAID something to cause my little
Audrinc much pain," replied Van Braken.
allow so ?" inquired Frederick.
"a word will tell you," said his uncle
"the poor child is blind -.
"Ah! you are right" said Frederick. ~
was indeed awkward, and it was u cruel
blow to the poor girl"
"Well, wellw returned his uncle, tive
will say no more about II. But what bro't
you to Anvers so Unexpectedly"
al came TO see you, uncle" he replied,
ITO tell you some good news | am about
to begin practice as a physician, and before
settling in Brussels ! desirea to pass few
days with you.' :,
SWhat beginning practice" exclaimed
Van Braken. "Why, how old are you"
"Just twenty-five" was the reply.
"The same age as Audrne," said Van
Braken.
"What, the blind girl" said Frederick.
"Take care!" said his uncle. "You will
not be SO needless again ?"
"No, surely" he replied. :,
swell my dear boy, am heartily glad
to see you," continued Van Braken, "only
| am afraid you will find little amusement
here-especially as utterly forbid your
lighting pipe in my house. Do you
hear ?"
~ hope to employ my time more useiully'
uncle"
At this moment Audrine entered the
room, bearing the tray, whercuPon were
placed two porcelain cups and silver co.,
fee pot.
"Niake her stand moment in the light"
the young doctor whispered in his uncle's
ear.
"What for?" inquired Van Braken.
81 will tell you afterwards" was the re-
ply. .,,
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 a low
voice-"see how the pupils dilate!
The young man looked atteniively at her
eyes for moment, then made a sign Of
satisfaction to his uncle.
III have given you pain to-day, Miss Au-
drine," continued Frederick; III beg yo
will forgive me; what am about to tell
you will nelp to eliace the unpleasant mem-
ory. can safely promise that ] can restore
your sight"
"What!" exclaimed Van Braken. "Are
YOU sure of what you say y
at is true, uncle" replied the young man.
~ read the eyes of this poor child as
clearly as you read your music. Audrlne,
will YOU answer my questions frankly 7"
ayes. sir,n whispered she, doubtlully.
"You have been blind two years, have
YOU not ?" said the young man.
ayes, sir, two years, was the reply.
"You have endured much sorrow" he
continued; "and before coming here you
suffered from want and hunger. Do not bo
ssha,ned. These are the best Of titles to
tho deyo,ion and care Of q true friend. An
one M rstion would be useless in your case
Have courage and patience! and repeat
il. YOU will soon scc.
aYou are so kind, so very kind" said Au-
drine, softly. "Courage have already, for
Won would no, tell me this If it were rot
irue. m 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 were
no, to be reality"
.Wsit a moment" said Van Bnken,
wbun Audrine had leit the room; 81 hope
you are not going to make any experiments
upon the childi" -,
sWhere is your confidence in me, uncle 2"