The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1876-03-03

ANuA AlANAAANA = ~ /" fNF'f
from that other world into which long
years ago the lovely being of the por-
trait forever passed has spoken now "a
her desolate child, II could not have
awakened more complete and wonder
ing surprise.
Mechanically she unlocked the door,
aud the stranger entered. Fidelia gazed
ut the apparition with a stupor resem-
bling that of "A sleep-walker.
The stranger returned the gaze no
Al all, but walked into the room quick
w, scanned IL briefly and studiously in
every part with a n much like a
petied bird. Her costume added to this
sprightly, pert, bird-like effect. She
wore a walking-dress of dark blue vel
vet, fitting her petite figure with nice
exactness; a cashmere shawl dropped
from her shoulders 81 low that its point
trailed on the floor; a velvet hat set
with narrow feathers crested her small
head. Her black hair shone in glossy
waves; her quick black eyes sparkled
like polished jet diamonds glittered at
her ears.
She granted Fidelia several moments
TO recover from surprise. Then she
spoke to her in a familiar way, as il she
had known her all her life. "Sit down
by my side" she said, drawing her to
the foot of the pallet, and taking a chair
very " Sit down here and tell me
why you were crying"
''Because my heart IS broken" said
the girl.
THAT | am glad to hear" returned
the little lady. briskly. ave are not SO
bad off as we feared. Whenthese things
are much broken there is no cry. My
dear. | think l can mend your heart. I"
.'You said YOU were a friend Of my
mother" Fidelia murmured, gazing
with child-like wonder at her guest, and
actually smiling through her tears.
THAT you may have confidence, let
me tell YOU of myself. was a school
friend of your mother in Paris. Ny
name is Nannette Ricard. | am a widow
without children; consequently | have
no resting-place. | am a traveller; | 60
around the world. BY accidentI paused
at this town to stop overnight at the ho-
tel Two Isles There the rumor OF the
birthday fete encountered me. | made
inquiries. | learned that the husband
Ol lin utdt rIlbbi liAttlu ntu uidillfu
again, and had chosen for his second
wife a widow with two children. the
elder being the heroine of to-night's
fete. Where is Fidelia,' | asked, the
charming little daughter of the Kings
lands. the interesting child ofwhOm ear
IL letters Of my friend gave me such
agreeable advice?n .She has grown 10
be a woman they answered, 'and she
j. kept "a captive in her own house. Il
must see cried, this captive nc once
II came, and availed myself of doors
opened To guests. From the dressing
room I found my way with difficulty.
1t was n child-a visitor, | imagine
who conducted me up stairs TO the last
Eight. Shining Of light through the
creyice Of your door guided me the rest.
Now, my child, speak to me freely as
TO your WI heart. There Is nothing 50
consoliag as q friend. Tell me why you
suffer and what you wish
al suffer- said Fidelia. without the
slightest reserve or distrust, because
/ am a motherless girl. No one loves
me. | have M right-indeed, | often
feel so-to be in the world. And | wish
lit is easier to say why / suffer than
what | wish-I wish to be happy and to
be loved
The bright little lady listened atten-
lively to this speech. She sighed once
or twice, sut at the last seized Fidelia's
hand warmly, and, with a bright smile,
| said.
any dear, YOU shall have your wish.
DO not fall into despair; keep your
faith in life. shall help you; / know
how. Tomorrow | continue my jour
ney, but any day after a fortnight you
may look for my return. Then | shall
send for you to visit me. Keep cour-
age: sunny days come to all; they will
come to you. And now kiss me, if you
like, my child, and good night"
Fdelia bent down from her queenly
height to kiss lovingly the strange little
lady whom an hour ago she had not
known to bear an existence in the world.
She lighted her guest along the pas
sage blazing luster below showed plain
" enough the descent. Then she re-
turned to her own room, and having un-
dressed and said her prayers with a
comforted heart, lay down in her bed.
and the dsnce-music lulled her to sleep.
When at dawn she awoke, her ex-
p~erience of the evening seemed like a
dream. Nor could she by such inquiries
as she ventured to make learn any thing
of her guest. Afortnight passed three
weeks: a month. On the last day of
the month she received "A note;
Ny DEAR CHILD: Come and spend the
day and night with me at the hotel, 1.-TWO
Isles.' have obtained your fathers per-
mission 10 extend 10 you this request.
four mothers friend.
NANNETTE REGARD.
On no more unpropitious day could
the note have been sent. ASH Fate had
decreed that Madame Ricard should