Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-08-31
Vol. 65.-3333. No. 45.

and 30 much hair Of her own, that she
never patronized either rats, mice, waterfalls,
switches or puff combs.
Well, might do worse and think Of the
two I'd rather amuse myself 20, than a. some
young ladies do, who get into the papers for
their pranks," returned Belle, with moral air.
Suppose we have q little recess and rest
while Polly plays TO us. Will you, Polly 2
1t will do us good they all want to hear
you, and begged I'd ask"
Then | will, with pleasure !" and Polly
went to the piano with such obliging read
iness that several reproachful glances fell upon
Trix, who didn't need her glass to see them.
Polly was never too sad, perturbed, or
lazy TO sing, for it was almost as easy to her
as breathing, and seemed the most natural
outlet for her emotions. For a minute her
hands wandered over the keys, as if unccr-
tain what TO play then, falling into a sad,
sweet strain she sang A." The Bridge Of Sighs"
Polly didn't know why she chose il, but the
instinct seemed to have been a true one, for,
old as the song was, it went straight to the
hearts of the hearers, and Polly sung it bet
ter than she ever had before, for now tho
memory of little Jane lent to it tender
pathos which no art could give. II did them
all good, for music is beautiful magician,
and few eau resist its power. The girls were
touched by the appeal Polly was lifted out
Of herself, and when she turned round, the
softened look on all the faces told her that
for the momeut foolish differences aud friv-
olous beliefs were forgotten in the one wo-
manly sentiment of pity for the wrongs and
woes Of which the listeners happy lives were
ignorant
THAT song always makes me cry, and feel
as if had no right to be comfortable said
Belle, openly wiping her eyes on q crash towel.
Fortunately such cases are very rare"
said another young lady, who seldom read the
newspapers.
81 wish they were, but I'm afraid they are
not; for only three weeks ago, saw girl
younger than any of us, and no worse, who
tried to destroy herself, simply because she was
so discouraged, sick, and poor" said Polly.
DO tell about her." cried Belle, eagerly.
Feeling that the song had paved the way
for the story, and given her courage to tell it,
Polly did tell it, aud must have done il we'll
for the girls stopped work to listen, aud when
she ended, other eyes besides warm-hearted
Bellies were wet. Trix looked quite sub
dued, Miss Perkins thawed 10 such degree
that something glittercd on her hand as she
bent over the pink pinafore again, better and
brighter than her biggest diamond; Emma
got up and went to Polly with face full of
nfiectionate respect, while Fanny, moved by
a sudden impulse caught up costly Sevres
plate that stood on the etagere, and laying
a ive-dollar bill in it, passed it round, quo
ting polly's words -
"Girls know you'll like to help poor littlo
Jenny begin again and do better this time. y
1t was good to see how quickly the pretty
purses were out, and how generously each
gave of its abundance, and what hea rty ap-
plause broke from the girls, as Belle laid down
her gold thimble, saying with an April face -
There, take that Inever have any money,
somehow it won't stay with me, but cant
let the plate pass me this time"
When Fanny brought the contributions to
Polly, she just gathered it up in her two
hands with such glad, grateful face, the girls
wished they had had more TO give.
:" | can't thank you enough, she said, with
an eloquent little choke in her voice. "This
will help Jenny very much but the way in
which it was done will do her more good than
double the money, because it will prove to
her that she isn't without friends, and make
her feel that there is place in the world for
her. Let her work for you in return for this
she don't ask aims, she only wants employ
ment and little kindness, and the best charity
we can bestow is to see that she has both.
From Mss Alcott's Old Fashioned Girl.