Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-09-27
VOL. 71.--365O. NO. SO.

"I hope, doctor, you'll see ! don't lose
nothin' by the expense I've been TO-" whined
Mrs. Hooper. I'm lone widder woman,
and -
And the biggest harry in the country "
added Dr. Tracy ! knew that, when had
this poor creature brought here when found
her dying by the roadside the night before
last, but ! 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"
lie hesitated an instant, mechanically
smoothing the little girls curly head.
suppose he said, nodding toward the
bed, she left no money nor yaluables Of
any kind 2"
Not bit of IL, sir, for -
But the child stepped forward, fragile
bit Of q thing, but erect and resolute.
"What did you do with that little bag
you took off Nurse Nina's neck ?" she asked.
Bag ?" stammered the woman.
Yes you took il of her neck last night
when you thought was asleepl"
1.-The child is dreaming" said Mrs. Hop
per, turning red and white.
But do not think she is" said the doc
tor, quietly, but firmly. Give her the bag,
Mrs Hopper"
al never seen no bag as sure as live and
breathe !" asserted the woman but DIR.
rracy's quick eye followed the direction Of
her wandering glance. lie stepped across
the room and removed the cushion of The
stool beneath it lay q small, red leather bag
drawn mp by tainished gilt cord.
"1'hat is my bag" said the child, holding
out her small hand
ayes; but had | not better keep it for
you ~ And, little one, perhaps | shall take
you home with me tonight. 1t is not well
that you should stay in the house with death"
am not afraid Of death, said the child,
gravely. 81 saw my Uncle Paolo die"
who ?" demanded DIR. Tracy, turning
suddenly around.
" My Uncle Paolo,"
And what is your name p
Bertha Petroni."
DR.. Tracys heart seemed TO stand STILL
"Come here. my child he said, in trem-
ulous voice. "Who was this woman that
lies dead here p
"My nurse, Nina"
"And how did she come here p
A puzzled expression came over the grave
little face.
al don't know, sir she came to look for
some one-I don't know who
How old are you, Bertha Y'
al am eight years old"
DR.. Tracy opened the little leather bag;
it contained yellow letter, worn through
all the edges, and signed " Helen Petroni," a
slender chain of gold and tiny ring set
with turquoises. He closed it again, feeling
like one who has Unexpectedly encountered
some rare, long lost treasure.
"Come, little Bertha, | shall take you
home with me, he 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 muttering and groaning on the
threshold.
"Child," he said, breaking the long, OPP
pressive silence, when they were about half
way home, "you are an orphan 2"
Yes" said little Bertha, simply.
DO you remember nothing of your
mamma p
Mamma repeated the child, vaguely.
my mamma-no never had a mamma !"
Wouldn't you like to have one ?"
"I-dont-know," hesitated Bertha. al
don't know how it would seem to have one"
II 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, "Ihave brought you little daugh-
ter to love and cherish-some one TO fill the
lost Bertha's place.
As he led the fair haired child forward,
Helen gazed wildly at her for moment, and
then burst into wild, glad cry.
" Bertha my own little Berthaw
The mothers instinct had triumphed over
all these long, long years of separation and
in the tender embrace that embodied her tiny
form, poor little Bertha Petroni first learned
how it would seem to have a mother.