Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1864-11-30
KATE,s PIANO.

was bending over Kate as she sat at
the piano. thought, as watched her
fingers rattle over the keys, that l had
never seen her look more lovely. Kate
was a fair beauty, with golden hairg blue
eyes, and the complexion of an infant. or
a sea. shell. The evening breeze, after
blowing on the pine covered summits of
the Allegheny mountains, fretted the
tringes of her dress. was yielding to the
infuenc, of the music, when heard
sound as of weeping.
/ Hooked towards the window, and saw
dark, undecided form-a sort of solid
shaduw-disappear among the shrubs.
"What was that2" asked.
"Nothing," replied Kate, in her silvery
tone, continuing the languid waltz; "or, /
dare say, only that stupid Naomi" 500
"What ia she crying for2"
"How can l telI?" replied the beauty,
Negroes are more like children than men
and women; they laugh and they cry with
out cause-without knowing why them
selves" ' .@
She finished the waltz; but, despite the
music and her charms, the sound dispir-
tied me for the remainder of the evening.
The next day, while waiting for the slaves
to saddle my horse, sat down on the mu-
sic stool and mechanically touched the
keys of the instrument, when heard the
same sound that had disturbed me the
night before. tnrned round and saw Ma
omi-her dark cheeks covered with tears,
her hands clasped upon her bosom.
walked towardsher ana asked her what
was the matter. a.r..l ..
Nothing, Massa," said the negress.-
Nothing. Go on, massa; make little Gus
sy talk again; sometimes he laugh, some
times he cry; can't always laugh, poor lit
tie Gussy. Please go on-makee talk
again"
"Gussyi" said. "Who is Gussy2"
ale my little boy" sobbed the woman.
chow do you mean?" inquired.
"Teu year old, massa, my dear Gussy
was; big little boy, with hair like Ken
tuck lamb, and his eyes as black as our
youngest bulls. Handsome aud straight,
aud everybody love him. Miss Katie love
him, for she lay at the same breast that he
did; I've often carried both of 'em, one 10
each orm, as If they were sister and bruv-
, yer. Used to take big bunch of flowers,
big as he'self, to Miss Katie every day, my
Gussy did. Massa love him too; gave him
chickens. Obi he was so handsome-Gus.
sy was; and SO strong, and"
Here the poor woman burst again into
tears, and, supposing that her child was
dead, endeavored to console her, when
she interrupted me by saying
"Massa, my Gussy not dead. san
''Then why do you cry 2"
"Cos, when Miss Katie grow up big, fine
lady, massa have her teach play on the pi
ano, like other fine young lady misses
masss is so kind father. One day he g,
away on journey-came back with tall
thin man, that day tall, thin man tax
away my Gussy. Massa sell my Gussy TO
money to buy piano with; massa is 8
kind father; and Miss Katie must lear
the music; but every time l hear her pla.
feel. force to listen. go outside window
and wait, and wait; and, when / hear il
it seems to me hear the voice of Gussy
When Miss K .tie play merry 1 am happy
for know Gussy is Laughing and singing
aud clapping his little hands; but when sh
play sad, feel him tearing at my bosom
for know that he is crying"
..Aud thatis'th reason ~
"Iss, msssaAwhyI cry when 1 hea
Miss Ktt'e's piano. ,