Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-02-07
No easy task. as Martin Bruce soon

for Trixy. Mrs. Hayes would not part
with her slave, except for : considera-
tion;" and after this was accomplished,
difficulty was found in selecting a
school in which to place her. But at
last one was found in a small country
town, and Trixy most sincerely prom.
ised to study diligently, and prove her
self worthy Of the kindness bestowed
upon her.
The parting was sore wrench, but
Martin Bruce was happy in the con-
scionsness that he had done all for the
child that lay in his power. For four
years his letters from Trixya proved her
rapid progress in every study she I'M
dertook, her unchanging gratitude to
her benefactor. Then she wrote that
she had been offered a situation to
travel with an invalid lady, and would
probably be in Paris before the letter
had been there many days. Every line
of this communication was full of graft
tude for the opportunities given the
little waif for culture and happiness,
and the sense Of pleasure it gave her to
be no longer an idle burden to her
benefactor.
$50 ends that chapter!" the young
man said, half sadly, as he folded the
closely written sheet. MY wild bird
has left her nest, and must try her
wings alone. Well, It's best so, as
things threaten!"
And the strong right hand was passed
YEARLY over the large blue eyes, with a
deep sigh. st t". .H
Two years later, in hotel at Nice,
beautiful girl. dressed in deep mourn
ing, and an elderly woman, who seemed
a sort of confidential servant, were seat
ed upon the wide piazza, watching the
groups who passed and repassed IN
large public square opposite to where
they were placed. PIP
Suddenly the girl, who had been
carelessly scanning the many unfamiliar
faces, grasped her companions arm,
saying: "Do you know who that is?"
pointing, as she spoke, to tall man,
with a shade OVER his eyes, who was
seated upon bench in the square. ..
b eyes, ma amselle," said the servant,
in French, 6 that is the blind gentle
man who is here under the care of DR..
Bonnaire. But is it not dreadful So
handsome strong-and hopelessly
blind /" r..
Hopelessly blind?" d a...f'
$50 they say. He was injured by the
work that he did--fne work that tried
his eyes. do not know what it was.
And he came here to DIR. Bonraire,
hoping to be cured. But it is useless;
he eau never see again"
The young lady rose as her servant
spoke, and, crossing the piazza, stepped
lightly down the steps and straight to
the bench upon which the blind man
was seated. Without preface, without
introduction, she said: 81 think, sir,
recognize you as gentleman who
placed child in school in Connecti-
cut some years ago-a school where l
was teacher for some time" -
The sightless eyes were turned quick
" toward the speaker. s.# ..t
ct was deeply interested in such a
child. Can you give me any tidings of
her?" sr.--.. -a..r ....f. .#
"She left the school to travel with
Mrs Elwyn, an elderly lady in feeble
health. Before she had been six months
with Mrs. Elwyn that lady was con-
WINGED that she had found the child Of
a very dear sister, who had eloped from
home years before, and whose life and
death had been ever shrouded in mys-
terry. Further inquiry only confirmed
the facts, as the child remembered
them; and when Mrs. Elwyn died here,
in Nice, six months ago, she left her
entire property to Beatrice Moore, her
niece" %H"""i .@1E'.G "H1 a
''Then Trixy is an heiress % ~ b.
"Yes. It was one of the marvellous
dispensations of Providence we dare
call accident that took Mrs. Elwyn to
to the school. There Trixy's strong
resemblance to her lost sister first at
tracted her notice, and she inquired
about her. Finding she was anxious to
obtain employment, she engaged her as
companion for European trip" .nu.
~ am very glad! Do you know
where she is p .......-.... ..... All.
A little hand fell lightly upon one ~
ing on the knee of Martin Bruce, and
his was lifted to touch a soft, round
cheek. A voice, low and tender, said,
very softly: "Have you forgotten me?'
"Trixy2" he exclaimed. "I have
never forgotten you. But you are no
longer the little child [ left six years
ago." - IT,. asr =.
"No," was the half mournful answer.
I" I am a woman now. But you will
not send me from you. You will let me
remain beside you, and be your eyes
and hands p ae1 III ~" ."-
"Ah, Trixy, no! Your youth and
beauty-for / know you are beautiful
must never be taxed by such heavy
charge. Do you know I can never see
you again? Do you know that in less
than year shall have to find home
in charity asylum? You will come
sometimes and read to me there, per-
haps ?" as. 3. +.
"Never I will never come to
charity asylum TO see you. You break
my heart when you talk so y -......
"Well, little one, then we will hope
for better days -
Trlxy's lip quivered at the attempt to
speak in the old, CHEEKY tones that had
comforted all her childhood's miseries.
Her eyes were dim with tears as she
spoke again, hoping to carry some
brightness to the darkened life.