Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-02-07
MADAL1NE, THE LITTLE SINGER.

A little girl sat in the garden in Paris. Her
hands were folded idly in her lap. Her hair shone
like gold in the sunlight Her dress was plain and
neat, while small diamond pin, which held the
fine cambric handkerchief carelessly thrown around
her neck to protect it from the morning air, reveal
ed that her position in life was one Of ease and Of
huence.
1t was in October A few flowers yet bloomed
among the borders of lockwood few punches of
grapes purpled out of reach on the treises; while
the falling leaves were twirled here and there by
the breeze. The little girl watched whirling leaf
for awhile then patted the head Of the house-dog,
that sat beside her looking wistfuy into her face
grim, gruf, faithful sentinel, in bis shaggy coat
"Wel old Carlo, y she said, still patting him,
chow do you do anyhow / want somebody to
talk to. There is nobody at the house this morn
ing but old Mother Connaut, and she is as grum as
an ogress and as GRABBED as griffin. She won't
talk, nor romp, nor nothing. She is good old
soul, though, must say. Don't you think so
Carlo? Many dainty bit she has set aside for
least dog would call such bits dainty.
But forget. Connaut will not talk, and you can
not = though believe that you would ifyou could
Carlo rubbed his nose afectionately. against the
the the pebbles in the wal walk. The little girl took up
a few of the pebbles, and while she tossed them
about in her hands, she sang verse OF song
Oh, it was delicious like the thrill Of bird -
clear, distinct, rapturous.
Just then man jumped over low place in the
garden wall, and came toward the little singer
The dog growled threateningly.
''Be quiet, Carlo" she said down with you l'
The intruder was ittle old man., with gold
spectacles, and massive gold watch chain. His
face was full, kind, genial. His broad chin was
smoothly shaven, his eyes twinkled merrly, and
he had an odd trick of struggling up his shoulders
Good morning, Miss" said the old gentleman.
The little girl did not know what to say, so she
nodded pleasantly.
"You will excuse me, said he.
"What for?" asked she.
"For jumping over the wall.
20 other folks do come in through the gate,
since I think of it. That is what gates are for, J"
said the little girl. .,
'sMy name is Cruvelli Professor Cruvelli," !"
said the old man a little pompously.
"And mine is Madaline," said she. II live
here"
$50 I thought" said the professor, taking a
pinch of snuff Perhaps you do not know me-
I am musician-a great violinist "a composer
1 make people laugh and cry, They risk sufoca,,
ton to hear me they crowd; they cry bravo and
encore. 1 don't mind them l draw my bow, l
play my arias and grow rich very rich | am
trying to talk now 50 that you can understand me
heard you sing. Your voice is sweet and clear; it
leaps the octaves it cuts the air like lark in the
| have just composed precious little
naorceau You shall learn it. You shall sing it at
the theatre"
'sNo, I shall not said Madaline, bluntly.
II will give you hundred francs
Five hundred" ."
"No"
give hundred francs every time you sing il"
"Please excuse me, " said Madaline.
"Why will you not sing itY
"Oh, I might consent to sing it, but not in the
theatre. That is wicked place 1t is wrong to
be there. 1t is no place for little girls"
s'Well you may be right, Madaline," and the
professor took another pinch of snuff and crammed
the box into his pocket in manner which betrayed
that he was slightly vexed.
'You may be right, say. But come to my
house and learn the aria, anyhow. Here IS my
card"
Madaline took the card and the old gentleman
left, again jumping over the wall She started for
the house, with the dog at her heels. At the gate
she was met by boy. His clothing, though neat,
was threadbare His eyes were clear and honest,
and his forehead high and broad. He had crutch
in one hand, and leaned gpon, another;
Chow do you do, Lonel7" she answered brisk
s'Not very we'll That fall through the hatchway
has crippled me for life. What am l to do now2
eyes, that is it. What are you to do now? L
cannot tell. "
eff could go to college It L EcoIe de Dro't. .
''You would become a great man, chr and
Madaline s eyes shone as she spoke.
"And why not go?'
"Ahl why not? That you should ask"
II understand you. You have not the means.
Well, how much will it take?'
'To graduate p
$50 you have even thought Of that? We'll,
how much will it take"
II have never asked. A great sum, Madaline-
more than I can ever raise Let us not talk about
it. 1t makes me feel sad
MadaEne shaded her eyes with her hands min
ute. Something was flashing through her busy
little brian.
Lionel" she ssid, "I have often thought of
YOU especially since the shocking accident You
have always been kind to me. You have done
sNone worth speaking of, Madaline." .,
"Perhaps can help you to the money. Will
try Mind, I only said perhaps. Meet me here
at this time tomorrow.
II will, Madaline May God bless you,
Madalne hurried into the house. She dld not
see that the crippled boy threw kisses after her
with his hand
father She found him in the library; :. ne was