Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-09-30
PLYING TIE MINIATURE.

BUYING THE MINIATURE.
A room in a drcary building. Neat it
was rs loving hands could make it, but
very, very meagre in its furnishing.
There were few pine chairs and a
pine table, bed, an old map, and next
to the fire place, leaning against the
jambs, two huge tubs that seemed recent
ly secured.
On The wall hung neat pine book
stand, and packed closely together we're
few dozens of old books. The only oc-
cupant at the moment of which we speak,
was child of almost fairy-like proper
tons, and Of exquisite symmetry in form
and feature. She stood looking from the
window, her beautiful white arms folded,
and smile in her dreamy blue eye
Fair locks hung in careless curls far down
her neck, far below her waist. The smile
that quickened the lovely expression Of
her face meant something, for presently
a tall, dignifed, but very pale, careworn
looking woman entered, bearing some
bundles in her hand.
You might have let me gone for them,
said the child, springing towards her and
trying to take the parcels from her.
Let you go? never it's not your
place, my little lady, and instead of one
only wish you had twenty servants tc
wait upon YOU
Don't call yourself servant, Bent
ly, you must not you are just like my
mother; you are my good friend, ant
teacher; you have done everything fol
me. shan't like it one bit, if you cal
yourself servant, Bently.'
well, well, dear, won't, and / dom
know that meant just that, either, tho
I'd willingly serve such sweet child a
you. But look, my little lady, for ono
you shall have such supper as you d.
serve. See, have brought cakes an
some cream, and little fruit. To /
sure you can't eat il from silver, as yo
ought to, and as is your right, but ii wi
taste good, even on my homely delf.-
Then, after supper, my little lady, we W
90 to the good broker; we have give
him full week over the time, so he ca
tell us with certainty
The meal over, Annie was put insi,
her strangely old-fashioned wraps, al
again the two wendell their way to I
brokers shop.
win you tell me, if you get it ? v
the child's significant question.
Yes, Lady Annie, viii tell you, il
getit! Oh, the Lord above grant ma
the pale woman fervently replied
Behind his counter sat the broker,
tending to several customers. After
had gone from the shop, he, without W
ing for a question, held forth the locke
1t is yours, be said, naming triA
sum.
The money was paid, the woman era
cd the case with trembling hands and
eyes, and saying You shall hear Fl
me again, SIR hurried from the pl
with the child.
Not a word did she speak during
whole distances, but her breath came gu
and the little girl felt her hand grow
ternately hot and cold. Some terrible
itation possessed her.
Still as silent they entered their b
bic home, where Bently, as the c
called her, lighted candle, and proc
ed to take off Annie's outer garments
Now, dear, I'll tell you someth
she said, her face as white as marbl
In that lOcket, if nobody has fount
out, and ] think no one has, rs the Gel
cate of your mothers marriage
Ooh, Bentlyl Bently-can it
cried the little girl, all amazement,
rich color pouring over her fair cheek
'Yes; and although ] don't know
secret of the spring, which is very
rious one, SO she said, shall work
till separate the case. Have you
seen rice paper, Lady Annie /?
That the Chinese pictures are p
ed on? Oh, yes, so soft, thin and W.
And durable, dear said Be