Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1873-05-07
An Old StYIe Tale.

The old ayunclar element of ro.
nance and play, SO facile for pleasant
climax and virtues poetic compensa-
tion in the fctions and melodramas
of earlier days, has it's last modern
illustration of fact in little Virginian
story. At Petersburg, in the yellow
fever year, say two decades ago, when
the terrible disease was brought
thither from Norfolk by panic-strick-
en- fugitive from the latter city, a GER
tain family had but two survivors
from the pest, little girl, and an
uncle of hers who had dwelt in the
household as nurse. The uncle had
bravely remained at his post while his
brother and sister-in-law were DYING
but upon finding himself left in the
stricken home at last, with only his
little niece to keep him company, and
that, while the fatal fever yet ravaged
all around, he suddenly suffered a
reaction OF cowardice, and after plac.
ing the orphan in the care of a
neighbor a day fled hurriedly from the
town, no one knew whither.--Like
manly another fugitive at that time, he
might have remained with safety, for
the disease abated rapidly thenceforth.
Gone he had, however, and when it
was apparent that he would not return
perhaps had sunk and died of the
contagion elsewhere-the deserted
child's lonely and helpless situation
excited much pubiic'sympathy, result
ing at last in her acquisition of an
unexpected benefactor. Amongst the
bereaved of the city was a wealthy
lady whom sorrow had made mother
for the motherless, and she, in her
sanctified womanliness, adopted the
poor orphan, without reservation, as
her own. Thus the little heroine
entered upon life in which all things
seem to have been so sufficient for her
every need that, but for the one un-
gracious memory of her childish
trials, there might be no romancet
even, to the record of her subsequent
years. 1t chan ced. however, that
about 1853 some unknown bearer
brought to her letter without address
from her long-absent uncle, wherein
the writer humbly implored pardon
for his abrupt desertion, informed he1
that he was aware of the good fortune
that had befallen her, and with pas
sionate self-reproach, declared that
she should never hear of him again
in this world until, by heavens bless
ing, it should be in mis- power to make
her some compensation for leaving
her as he had. This communication
was wondered at and speculated upon
for some time with thoughts that were
only forgiving; but as months and
years rolled on without further revela,
tion, it was nearly forgotten at last
Of course the old style novel l-readel
fersees the sequel. Within the past
few days, relates the Petersburg In
dex, the adopted daughter, now
blooming belle in her first twentles
| has received from China a huge cas5
of curious end rarely valuable gifts
accompanied by letter to " My deal
niece announcing that ber uncle is
rich man in the Celestial Kingdom, anc
sends these offerings in token OF hl'
risen fortunes and determination tt
make the recipient an he1ress IN ne
own right. All sorts of rich Jewelr,
and wonderfully carved caskets art
among the treasures and probably
| the early summer months will witness
the return of the Chinese merchan
prince for home visit, to tell thu
strange story of his twenty years ab
sence. invest his departed brother
daughter with a munifcent dowry, an(
claim her pardon for the ore unworth..
act of his life for which more thai
divine forgiveness is necessary to hi
peace. A little love romance, now
would make the whole narrative per
feet and if the Index can aad Una ina
ingredient at any future time, 1t shoul
certainly subserve all poetic preceden
and complete the artistic effect by $