Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1877-07-02
From the Plattsburgh Sentinel.
A Blighted Life.
BY MRS. PRUDENCE BROWN.
CHAPTER /.

RNRN~'
Nor would 1 if had to draw my ma
terials from my poor, dull imagination.
The story l have to tell is of what |
heard with my own ears and what l saw
with my own eyes.
At the time my tale commences, Mr..
Brown and l we're living alone, all our
children having married and gone for
themselves.
Some ten years ago, in the early part
of the month of May, while l was doing
up my forenoon's work, l caught the
glimpse of a lady and child passing by
the window. In moment, she knock
ed at the door, and l bade her come in.
She entered, and introduced herself as
Nellie Graham, and said her little girls
name was Blanche. She inquired for
Mr.. Brown whom l informed her was
away from home. l asked her to put
aside her wraps and wait his return.
When she entered, her face was par
TALLY hid by her veil, aud upon remov-
ing it, was not a little surprised at
the singular beauty and sadness of her
countenance. 1t was so clear and trans
parent that every emotion of her mind
could be distinctly read therein. Though
only about thirty years of age, she had
a look of WEAKNESS, as though her bur.
den of life had been too great for her to
bear. Her eyes were dark hazel and
full of deep and tender sympathy though
very sad in expression. Her form was
fine, though little bent as if with grief
and care. Her dress though not rich
was mado With taste, and her whole ap-
pearance was of woman of more than
ordinary abilities.
The little girl was in many respects
like her mother. There was the same
transparent complexion, hazel eyes and
delicate figure, but there was an entirely
different expression upon her face. Her
eyes were piercing as though she would
look quite through one, and her whole
expression and manner was that of a
person who had lost all confidence in
mankind, singular look for one SO
young and who had seen SO little of the
faithlessness of the world. l spoke to
her kindly as L would to other children,
trying to win her to me, but she clung
the more closely to her mother and eyed
me with greater suspicion. Then she
uttered one word, Mamma p in so wild
and plaintive a tone that l was fright
ened.
Don't your little girl talk p I at
length asked.
NO." she answered, and great sad
ness quivered in her tones, "she has
never spoken only the word you have
just heard, and she seldom says that.
When she does say it, it pierces my
heart. She cannot for moment be in
duced to leave me.
"She was born into the world with
her faith in mankind all blighted, and
no one but myself has power to gain her
confidence"
So here were two strangers and YET
all my sympathy was drawn out toward
them. was sure that the lady had
passed through great sorrow and that il
was in some way connected with the Pc
culiarities of her child.
She had as yet said nothing as to hel
business with Mr.. Brown, and there was
something in her manner that prevented
me from making inquiries.
81 used to teach school before | wal
married. and have made up my mind t.
try it again if l can get into some quiet
neighborhood. was directed here, anc
to Mr.. Brown in particular"
"our school has very good reputa
tion and is not yet engaged. 1 heart
Mr.. Brown say this morning that h
must look up a teacher; and if he doe
not find one to-day, feel quite sure h
will let you have it"
She thanked me cordially for thes
words of encouragement
Mr. Brown came at length, and l in
|, troduced them and stated the object o
her visit.
Mr.. Brown regarded her earnestly fo
, a moment.
!, "Mrs. Graham, you are stranger t
; us-do you bring any recommend from
some responsible person in regard t
yourself"
: "No, sir" she replied in a low bu
. clearly modulated voice.
"Where are you from %
I "From several hundred miles away
u and was never in these parts till tc
day." Then looking pleadIngly int
his face she said. "Mr. Brown, l woul
: be excused from telling any of my pas
' history at present. Only have confdenc
/, in me now and 1 will ever be gratefl
j. to you"
g Her plaintive, earnest tones visibl
l softened Mr. Brown.
! Seeing Blanche clinging to Miss CIR;
Is ham as if in fear, he asked:
> 'Is that your child-is your husban
p, living?"
a.Th;a u M Lila a.I mn L.akax