Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1876-04-22
Gas peaceful as lamb, bless its little

As peaceful as lamb bless its ittl
DR.. Tracy took up the candle ant
strobe across the room TO low bedstea,
in the most distant corner, where
human figure was dimly outlined be
meath O torn and tattered counterpane
Close beside il, with . shower OF heecy
faxen ringlets mingled with the black
disheveled locks of the prostrat'
woman, nestled q child who looked NJ
into the doctors eyes a. he approached
with innocent, wondering looks.
II give her the drops at four O'Clock, =
whined the old woman, "and she hahn
made no fuss since. l wouldn't disturb
her, cause there's nothin' 80 refreshin
fer sick folks - Sleep"
"6leep I" echoed DR.. Tracy, bending
to ezamine the averted face "my good
soul, she's deadl'
"Dead |" shrieked the woman, rush,
ing across the floor" dead Come
away, child, quick"
The little creature slid to the ground
with composure strangely at variance
with her age, and stood alternately eye
ing her two companions.
"I hope, doctor, you'll see I don't
lose nothin' by the expense I've been to,
whined Mrs. Hopper. "I'm a lone
widder woman, and"-
"And the biggest harpy in the coun-
try" added DIR. Tracy; ~ knew that
when had this poor creature brought
here when found her dying by the
roadside the night before last, but I
couldn't very well help myself. Don't
be alarmed, Mrs. Hopper, you shall not
be a sufferer But about this little
girl I really don't know what to do"
He hesitated an instant, mechanically
smoothing the feecy yellow curls of the
little girl.
II suppose, he said, nodding toward
the bed, "she left no money nor valu-
ables of any kind9"
"Not bit of it, sir, for -
But the child stepped forward, o
fragile bit of thing, but erect and reso-
lutte.
"What did you do with that little bag
you took off Nurse Nina's neck 7" she
asked.
"Baga" stammerod the confounded
woman.
"Yes you took it off her neck last
night when you thought I was asleep I"
"The child is dreaming" said Mrs.
Hopper, turning red and white.
"But do not think she is, said the
doctor, quietly but firmly. "Give her
the bag, Mrs. Hopper"
II never seen no bag as sure as live
and breathe !" asserted the woman
but DIR. Tracy's quick eye followed the
direction of her wandering glance. He
stepped across the room and removed
the cushion of the stool beneath it lay
small red leather bag drawn up by
tarnished gilt cord.
"That is my bag" said the child,
holding out her small hand.
eyes; but had I not better keep it
for you And, little one, perhaps I
shall take you home with me tonight.
It is not we'll that you should stay in
the house with DEATH"
IT am not afraid of DEATH" said the
child, gravely. ~ saw my uncle
Paolo die"
"WhoY" demanded DR.. Tracy, turn
ing suddenly around.
"My uncle Paolo."
"And what is your namef"
"Bertha Petroni."
DR.. Tracy's heart seemed to stand
still.
"Oome here, my child," he said, in
voice. "Who was this woman
that lies dead here9"
"My nurse, Nina"
"And how did she come here p
A puzzled expression came over the
grave little face.
II don't know, sir; she came to look
for some one-I don't know who."
"How old are you, Berthas"
~ am eight years DID,"
DR.. Tracy opened the little leather
bag; it contained yellow letter, worn
through all the edges, and signed
Is Helen Petroni, a slender chain of gold
md tiny ring set with turquoises. He
'losed it again, feeling like one who has
encountered some rare,
ong lost treasure.
"Come, little Bertha, shall take you !,
lome with me" he said, rising.
She put her hand in his with simple
rust that brought the involuntary tears
o his eyes, and they drove away, leav- {
ng Mrs. Hopper muttering and groan-
ng on the threshold. I
OuAlus uo phAAy OIchhluS buo long,
oppressive silence, when they were s
bout half way home, "you are an or.
han 2" e
eyes," said little Bertha, simply.
"Do you remember nothing of your
mamma 2" 9
Mamma" repeated the child, vague
:. "My mamma-no; I never had 9
lamma II g
"Wouldn't you like to have one9' t
"I-don't-know," hositated Bertha. 9
I don't know how it would seem to i
ave one." i
1t was intensely dark when they drove t.
p to the DOCTORS house, but the lights p
lone like cheerful beacons, and Helen
as in the hall to greet him. &
" My love-" he said, standing on the Il
II have brought you little o
aughter to love and cherish-some one
fill the lost Bertha's place" t
As he led the fair haired child forward
ellen gazed wildly at her for moment,
I'd then burst into wild, glad cry.
Bertha my own little Berthal"
The mothers instinct had triumphed n
'er all these long, long years of separa- Il
on; and in the tender embrace that en- "
lded her tiny form, poor little Bertha G.
etroni first learned chow it would 81
en-" to have mother. c'
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