Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-08-07
The Prisoners Child.
1t was early morning.

j
1t was afternoon. The child was some
what fragile in her appearance. Her
bonnet was Of broken straw, her shoes
were much torn, the sun played holly on
her forehead. She walked on and on an
hour longer.
is this the way to -?
Yes, little girl; but what are you 60
ing there forY
The child trudged on, her lip culver
ing, but not deiguing to answer the plea
SAINT faced old man, who had stopped the
Jogging of his horse to note her hurried
manner, and who liked that little face,
anxious and sad as its expression was.
The dew was falling; Katy had almost
fallen too. A rough stone by the way,
embedded in moss, received her tired lit
tie frame. She looked so wearied and
aged, sitting there, her tangled hair fall
ing on the hands that were clasped over
her face BY the shaking of her frame,
the tears were coming too, and she was
bravely trying to hold them back.
'Whyl what is this dear little girl do
ing here !?
The exclamation came from a pair Of
eager young lips.
"A curiosity, l declared exclaimed a
harsher voice, and Katy looking up sud
denly, cowed away from the sight of the
pretty young girl and her agreeable look
ing companion.
What are you doing here, little girl?
asked Nell haywood, moving little
nearer the frightened child.
Going to -, said Katy, in scared
way.
Did you ever, George! the child is 60
ing to -; why, it's ten miles off!
Child, did you know it was SO far Off
Katy shook her head, and wiped away
the hot and heavy tears one by one.
why, yes, you poor little goose What
are you going to - for3 Have you
bad your SUPERB
Katy shook her head.
Have you had your dinnerr
Again the sad child shook her head.
Nor breakfast? Why, George, the
poor little thing must be almost starved
Il should think So mechanically re-
piled her brother, just recovering from a
yawn, and showing signs of sympathy.
Look here; what's your nsme'
Katy
We'll, Katy, you must come up to the
house and get something to eat. Going
to -. on foot dear me, how ridic-
ulous Follow me, Katy, and we'll take
care of you to night somehow, and see
about going 10 - to morrow
Katy followed. What glorious Wis
ion burst upon her view; the palace
house; the rocks reddening in the low
western sun the shining river; the signs
OF luxury on every hand.
They walked up wide avenue; elms
and oaks threw their pleasant branches
on each side here and there flower
bush might be seen; vines grew around
the noble pillars, twisting up, up to the
glittering windows.
Susan, give this child good supper ;
she is hungry, and tired, too, | imagine ;
after that, will see what can be done for
her,
Susan wore a mild face; and looked
pleasantly down at the poor, tired little
one, and taking her hand. which trem.
bled, led her into the kitchen.
Meanwhile, her story, or that brief part
of it which we know, was being told in
the drawing room. The sylph like fig
ure in white, lounging gracefully in the
midst of delicate cushions, accompanied
her narrative with expressive gestures,
and now and then little laugh.
Il should like to know wha. she is going
to - for she said, leaning languid.
ly back. We must get her up something
to wear; bonnet, pair of shoes, and
then maybe we can manage to have her
carried some way, if her errand is of any
Importance. Oh, what an odd looking
little thingP
'Who is that, my daughter?'
ooh, papa, you are come home why,
| was talking about a mite OF child
she can't be more than ten, if that !
saw her out here sitting on moss rock,
the most forlorn object. She says she is
going TO -.
Il met her on my way said the pleas.
ant faced old man. She asked me about
it, and would have stopped her, but she
trudged on. Where is she 1t was noon
when l saw her.
In the kitchen, papa. Susan is taking
good care Of her, expect, and when she