Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-05-23

eyes as he approachcd Win lhnocehl'
wondering looks.
81 give her the drops at four O'Clock,
whined the o!d woman, land she hain't
made 70 fuss since. wouldn't disturb
her, cause there's nothin' so relreshin'
for sick folks as sleep"
"Sleepl" echoed DR.. Tracy. bending
to examine the ayerted lace; "my good
soul, she's deadr'
Dead !" shrieked the woman, rushing
across the floor--"dead Come away.
child, quick !"
The little creature slid TO the ground
with q composure strangely at variance
with her age, and stood alternately eye
ing her two companions.
IL hope, doctor, you'll see l don't lose
noLhin' by tho expense I've been TO-
whined Mrs. Hopper. I'm lone wild.
der woman, and
"And the biggest harpy in the country"
added DR.. Tracy II knew that when |
had this poor creature brought here when
| found her dying by the roadside the
night before last. but l couldn't very
well help myself, Don't be alarmed,
Mrs. Hopper, you shall not be a sufferer /!
But about this little girl; really don't
know what to do
He hesitated an instant, mechanically
smoothing the fleecy yellow curls OF the
little girl.
81 suppose" he said. nodding toward
the bed, "she lett no money nor valua-
bes OF any kind ?"
mot bit of it, sir, for
But the child stepped forward,
fragile bit of thing, but erect and reso-
lutte.
What did you 10 with that little bag
you took of Nurse Ninas neck" she
asked.
Bag" stammered the cOnlounded
woman.
Yes; you took i, of her neck last
night when you thought | was asleep "
The child is dreaming" said Mrs.
Hopper, turning red and white.
But | do not think she ia" said the
doctor, quietly. but firmly. Give her
the bag. Mrs. Hopper
Il never seen no bag as sure as | live
and breathe r asserted the woman; but
DR.. Tracy's quick eye followed the direc-
ton of her wandering glance. He
stepped across the room and removed
the cushion of the stool; beneath it lay q
small red leather bag drawn up by q
tarnished gilt cord
That is my bag" said the child, hold
ing out her small hand,
Yes; but had not better keep it for
you9 Aud, little one, perhaps | shall
take YOU home with me tonight. 1t is
not well that you should stay in the
house with death"
Il am not afraid of death" said the
child, gravely. Il saw my uncle Paolo
die
"Who?" demanded Dr. Tracy, turning
suddenly around.
"My uncle Paolo.
"And what is your nameP"
Bertha Petroni."
DR.. Tracy's heart seemed to stand
still.
Come here, my child" he said. in
tremu!ous voice. "Wlo was this woman
that lies dead hereP'
My nurse, Nina"
"And how did she come here ?"
A puzzled expression came over the
grave little face.
Il don't know, sir she came to look
for some oue-I don't know who"
How old are you, BerthaP"
81 am eight years old"
DR.. Tracy opened the little leather
bag; it contained yellow letter, worn
through all the edges, and signed "Helen
Petroni," slender chain of gold and a
tiny ring set with turqr discs. He closed
it again, feeling Ike one who has unex'
pectedly encountered some rare, long
lost treasure.
Come. little Bertha. shall take you
home with me-" be said, rising.
She put her hand in his with simple
trust that brought the involuntary tears
TO his eyes, and they drove away, leaving
Mrs. Hopper mutterng and groaning on
the threshold.
Child" he said, breaking the long,
oppressive silence, when they were about
half way home. "you are an orphan ?"
Yes" said little Bertha, simply.
"Do you remember nothing of your
mammI ?"
Mamma" repeated the child, vaguely
"My mamma no; | never had q
mammal
"Wouldn't you like to have oneP"
"I-don't-know." hesitated Bertha.
81 don't know how it would seem to have
one"
1t was intensely dark when they drove
up to the doctors house. but the lights
shone like cheerful beacons, and Helen
was in the hall to greet him.
MY love- he said. standing on the
threshold. 81 have brought you little
dau gb,er to love and cherish-some one
TO I'll the lost Bertha place"
As he led the fair haired child forward
-..tlt., 9, knr for a y,nNu,apf