Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1859-11-10

thing looks so PALE" the shopman said. Let
her come into my shop and rest herself before
she goes home"
No, no. no ~ Berthalde broke in. 9" ]
would rather go into the church again.
wanted to speak, l wanted, if he would be
so kind, l mean--oh, sir, I think can walk )"
she suddenly exclaimed Z; but, not needing her
remonstrance, the Kapell-meister lifted her NJ
in his arms, fer she was very little, and carried
her within the church again, and laid her
down upon bench.
"Oh, sir, you are very good" she whisper
ed, her voice quite shaking now with sgita-
ton, and nervously half unconsciously raising
herself up from the position in which he had
placed her. And, if you please, sir--if you
wouldn't 60 away for a minute or two-if you
would just let me say something to you that
I've wanted so much to say, aud not be offend
ed--not, mean--not think" and then her
imperfect sentence came abruptly to an end
You have something to say to me 2" the
Kapell-meister asked. "My child, how do
you know who am ~
She said quickly {" heard you speak, one
day. You are the Kapell-meister."
You are right. But what can you have
to say to me ?"
lie paused a moment, but there was no an
swcr and then, looking at her, in a gentle,
plying Tone he added,
My child, you are frightened Wait then
minute before you speak Now, what is it !?
Tell me frankly. Is it anything l can do for
you ?"
"Oh, yes y she cried eagerly, though al
most below her breath "You can Go more
for Inc than anybody in the world Oh, sir,
| have been waiting here every day to see you
that l might be able to tell you what want,
and yet now am afraid to say it,
My poor girl, if it be in my power to do
what you want, will do it," tie master said
Tell me now what it is ~
With dropped eyes, and hanCs pressed to-
gether, she said simply, i'll very low voice.
want to learn to sing in the choir" and
waited calmly, but pale even to her lips, to re-
ceive his answer
The Kapell-mcister shook his head
What put this into ycur mind Who told
you you could he singer?"
No one" she answered family.
| You thought it of yourself 2"
Il thought it after had heard yon speak,
one day. never thought it until then but
l have come here to listen every day for so
so beautiful to me p
The Kapel[meister laid his hand upon her
head, and said, in a voice so gentle, almost so
tender, that it made the tears spring to her
eyes,
MY child think you have forgotten one
obstacle you have forgotten that you are
blind"
"No, no! ' she eagerly exclaimed al
have not forgotten it. | know that can on
ly learn 10y remembering what hear know
that you cannot give lessons to me as you
would do to others. I do not ask that you
should trouble yourself with me so much
only want to come where | can hear you
teach then you would hear me sing, and tell
me when am wrong, and what to do" And
in anxious inquiry she again looked up into his
face.
You are very young" he began, after a
little pause.
I am thirteen, SIR" she said quickly "but
am very little" she added humbly
1es--but your name, tell it me again."
"Berthalde Reimer"
Berthalde, would it make you happy if l
gave you your wish 2"
The look that sprang into her face answered
him without words
Yes, l see it would. And is it your love
OF music only that makes you wish to he q
singer ?"
There was moments hesitation then the
color mounted to her check, and she wills
pered,
"No"
Tell me what other reason you have !"
She wept as she said, eve are so poor at
home, and there is nothing can do to help
them. On, sir, do not be angry with me p
ana half shrinking back she bid her face upon
her hands.
Angry, my child !" was all that the Mas
ter said, but the tone thrilled to Berthalde's
heart and, as be laid his hand upon her head
ain, she felt such wild rush of gratitude
towards him that she could have fallen down
and kissed his feet.
She told him all that was in her heart, all
her sorrows and her hopes, pouring everything
out to him amidst her tears, forgetting all her
former fear of him in the kind sympathy with
which he listened to her. And when it was
all spoken, and, half sobbing, still she stood
beside him, he took her hand in his, and gen.
fly said,
"Wait for me here tomorrow. You are
too agitated now to let nae hear your voice ;
ou' to-moiio" YOU Shall come WIN me 10 the
choir. And this at least promise you row,
my child, that you shall have free leave to join
the rest OF the singers when we meet togeth.
er. Now dry your eyes, and come with me
but are you able to walk !? We have forgot.
ten all about your fall
So have l, sir" she answered simply. al
can feel nothing now but joy
Give me your hand. then"
Aud they walked together to the door, and
there parted
On the following day, when the mass was
over, the Kapell-meister came to seek Berth
aide and speaking to her cheerfully and kind,