Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-02-25

motive power is applied, Indifferent to
everything that was passing around her,
only careful to bring home money enough
TO save herself from the cruel punishment
which she was sure TO receive il she fall
ed, as she sometimes did. But at last she
fell into state of apathy from which the
lash could scarcely rouse her; and thus
the years glided on, until Litta was ten
years old. One day. having wandered
farther than usual, as she was passing
through street in the suburbs OF the
city, the name on the door plate OF
| splendid house attracted her attention.
Litta had been taught to read before her
mother died, and she had not forgotten
the knowledge. Springing up the steps,
she read with eager eyes, the name Of
Henry Percington. Her apathy was all
gone now, and without any hesitation, she
rang the bell violently. A smart looking
waiting.maid answered the summons. but
when she saw that il was only ragged
beggar girl who had summoned her, she
said:
"Why don't you go to the basement
door' Go away, can't youp" she contin-
ued, as the child stood gazing at her.
81 did not come here to beg" she said
timidly.
"What did you come for thenP BE
quick, for sha'n't stand here"
'Does MIR. Henry Pcrcington live here3"
"Yes, he does. Can't you read ?"
"Well," said the poor child, 81 want 10
see him. Ny name is Litta Percington !;
and he is my uncle"
"Bc or. and tell your lies somewhere
else, for don't believe word of it."
But new hope had dawned on the be.
nighted soul oil the beggar girl, and she
said:
al will sec my uncle-I must see him. :"
Surprised at the child's boldness, the
girl retreated into the passage, and Litta
followed, still entreating to be permitted
to see Mr.. Percington. At last the maid
threw open a door. at tho same time say
ing, "She would come in. sir. l hope
you'll not blame me. for | could not pre-
vent ker," and then disappeared.
How What is this ?" said gentle
man, rs he arose in astonishment. "What
do you want, child?" he continued as she
advanced into the apartment. never taking
her eyes from his face.
"Are you Mr.. Henry Percington P" she
asked timidly.
Yes
"Well, then, you are my uncle" said
she joyfully. "My mother told ME 10
come, and said you would take care ol
me. Ny name is Lilta Percington."
The child seated herself in one of the
luxurious chairs, and looking up into his
face with all the sweet trust of childhood,
she said, 40, I'm so glad! You'll love
me, wont you?"
Not word had Mr. Percington spoken.
He was completely puzzled by the child A;
but as she continued to gaze upon him
with those those dark, soulful eyes, ,olden
memories came thronging about his heart,
and the image of his idolized brother
rose up before him.
my father and mother are both dead.
Uncle Henry, and have no friend now,
but you and the sweet trustfulness OF
her spirit, looking up to him through those
eyes, so like the eyes of the departed,
ouched chord in his heart that had long
lain dormant, and for the first time for
many yeats he wept. Ho could not doubt
that it was indeed his brothers child, who
had so strangely revealed herself to him.
Every feature, but most of all, the eyes,
in their dark and mourniul beauty, so re-
minded him of the loved and lost, that he
wished for no other proof.
81 will take care of you my darling
child" Drawing the happy child towards
him. he kissed her tenderly while his eyes
were filed with grateful tears.
At this moment tho door opened. and a
richly dressed lady entered the ROOM
Her lip curled scornfullr as she saw the
ragged little girl who was seated upon
her husbands knee, her arm twined
about his neck
81 desire to know the meaning of this,
Mr.. Percington, she said.
"Clemetia, this is my brothers child
restored TO me-" he answered with emo
ton
"a likely story, Mr.. Percington. We
are not all fools, l hope. Begonc beg
gar"
"Never, darling!' and drawing her
closer to his bosom, he kissed her again
and again.
An expression of withering scorn was
on the lady's face, as she saw this, and
she exclaimed:
"Henry Percington. l never saw any
ono SO easily imposed upon. l do be-
lievc your are an idiot. Put down the
child. and let her 60 about her business,
will not harbor her. We should soon
have all beggars in town claiming re-
lationship."
"Clemetia, just look at this face, and
these beautiful eyes. This is no impostor,
and have vainly sought her and her
mother, and now the poor little wanderer
comes to my door, and asks me to love
and protect her."
"If you will be so infatuated, Mr.
Percington, it is not my fault. l wash
l. e IL s..;n