Eaton weekly Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1866-1875, 1872-10-10

"Where the lights are2" asked the
ragged boy, in surprise.
Eyes. Come, hurry along. don't
want to stay out here in the cold"
"But why am l to go up there ?"
asked Carlo, puzzled.
you will know when you get there.
All can tell you is that my mistress
wants you."
"Perhaps l am wanted to play on my
VIOLIN" thought the boy and with this
idea he followed the servant to the en-
trance of the mansion.
A moment later he was ushered into
the brilliant saloon, blazing with lights.
He looked around him, dazzled and
nearly blinded by the glare. There was
a chorus of calculations, and the young
gentlemen and ladies gathered around
the timid little Savoyard, who stood be-
wildered in the midst of the magnif-
cence. s
In the midst of. it the Countess of
Charny, whose. caprice had been the
cause of his appearance, advanced
towards the little boy, and gently re-
moved his tattered cap. ..-.,.. T
All, he is indeed pretty" she said,
as his chestnut hair fell in natural
wave over a fine brow, which seemed
white in comparison with his sunburnt
cheeks. I.-y--r jag .-
His eyes were bright hazel, his fea-
lures were exquisiteiy turned, only thin.
from want of sufficient food. In spite
of his rags, 1t was easy to see that he was
gifted with beauty. s.tl
Countess, you will soil your gloves"
said guest, as she took the little boy
by the hand and led him forward into
the center of the saloon.
"Then 1 can buy another pair" she
said, indifferently. at is who sent
for you," she said to Carlo. I" l will tell
you 1ohat to do"
The drawing commenced. The little
Savoyard followed the directions of the
Countess, and his share of cake was
handed him. - 80 =-...-
Whoever finds the ring in his slice
shall he king of the party" said the
hostess, in explanation or if a young
lady she shall be queen. Tho king or
queen has the right to select one of the
opposite sex to share the honor of roy
atty"
MAY 1 eat it, madam2" asked the
Savoyard, with longing glance at the
cake he held in his hand.
eyes, my child but have care not
to swallow the ring, if it should be
| Within"
All the children were eagerly examin-
ing the slices, in the hope of finding
the ring, which was the prize of the
evening.
In the midst of it, the little Savoyard
drew the glittering circlet from the
cake, saying to the Countess, SO l have
| it, madam"
"The kingl The king The little
| Savoyard is king I' shouted the chill
dren.
"You are the king of the festival, -
said the hostess, advancing and leading
forward Carlo, who seemed bewildered
by the enthusiasm. -FL
1t was strange scene-the little rag
| amuffin in the center of the saloon,
surrounded by elegantly dressed chill
| dren, ,oyer whom he was called to exc rcise
sovereignty. The children enjoyed it
better than if one of themselves had
been chosen. = Z
ga queen A queeni He must name
q queenW shouted all.
"Look around you," said the hostess.
at is for you to choose a queen from
those present"
The little Savoyard looked around
him moment, and went back to the
Countess de Charny. T--.
{" 1 want you to be queen,p he said.
"But," said the Countess, " it is the
custom to choose a young girl"
| Wono you W o0 4uooA, nc. per
sisted. sa3tt.sF ,.
i "Why do you choose me ?'' she
"Becsuse you are kind to me-" said
Carlo. Besides, you look like my
mother"
Like your mother? Is she living ?''
"I don't know, madam; but L have
her picture" sI ~
"Show, it to me-" said Countess, who
seemed sto be moved by strange inter
est - -
Carlo drew from under his ragged vest
a small locket suspended by plair
white string. The picture, though
stained and discolored, presented The
face of beautiful young lady of twenty
No sooner did the Countess cast he
eye upon it than she uttered cry o
Joy, and threw her arms around the as
tonished boy: f7TEa q
"My boyl My boy my own littl'
Victor ts9 Are you again restored 4 t
All the guests gazed in astonishmen
at this unexpected tableau. Th,
Countess, quickly recovering herself
said, while an expression of Joy irradia
ted her sweet face The picture
mine, as you can perhaps discover b,
, examining it. Eight years ago wa
| jeurneying in the northern part of ltal,
, with my husband and my little Victor
, then four years of age, when he sud
denly disappeared from me. We ha'
: no doubt that he was stolen, and offere,
, a large reward for his recovery, bu
without success. From that day hav
mourned for him as for one whom
never expected to see in this world. ]
! is doubtless Providence who by sue
3 strange means has restored him to me.
e fare you my mother, then ?" aske
, | Carlo.
: eyes, my child" and again tn
e mother clasped the boy, ragged an
# dirty though he was, to her bosom.
r This time he returned to her lcaress.
t "Then | shall not be hungry au
g more? p he said.
d "No, my poor child.'
r. "Let him tell US his story" demand
r ed the children.
So, seated on a chair in their mids
l. the little Savoyard told his story in al
swer to the many questione that wei
e poured in upon him. AS far back as b
d could remember, he wandered abol
with his little violin, in Italy. at frs
IL n