South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1877-03-09

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factor. Then she wrote she had been
offered situation TO travel with an in
valid lady, and would probably be in
Paris before the letter had been there
many days. Every line OF this commn.
nication was full of gratitude 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 r.
As the strong right hand was passed
YEARLY over the large blue eyes with n
deep sigh.
Two years later, in ahotel ut Nire,
beautiful girl. dressed in deep mourning.
and an elderly woman, who seemed n
sort Of confidential servant, were seat
ell upon the wide piazza. watching
the groups who passed and repassed in
a large public square opposite to where
they were placed.
Suddenly the girl who had been scan
\
her companions arm. saying; do YOU
know who that is?" pointing, as she
spoke, to tall man. with shade over
his eyes. who was seated upon bench
in the square.
"Yes, ma amsclle." said the servant,
in French, THAT is the blind gentleman.
who is here under the care of DIR. Bon
naire. But is it not dreadful? So
handsome-so strong and hopelcssly
blind -
"IIopelessly blind?"
$50 they say lie was injured by the
work that he did, fine work that tried
his eyes. l do not know what il was
And he came here to DIR. Bonnairc. hop.
ing to be cured. But it is cured lie
can never see again.
The young lady addressed rose ms her
servant spoke, and crossing the piazza,
stepped lightly down the steps and
-trai hit TO the bench upon which the
blind man was seated. Without preface.
without introduction, she said, II think
sir, | recognize you as gentleman who
placed child In = school in Connect
cut some years ago-a school where
was teacher for shoot time
The sightlcss eyes were turned quick.
ly towards the speaker.
81 was deeply interested in such q
child. Can you give me any tidings
OF her?"
''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 convin-
ced that she had found the child Of a very
dear sister, who had elopcd from home
years before, and whose life and death
had been ever shrouded in mystery
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 pro.
perty to Beatrice Moore. her niece"
Then Trixy is an heiress?"
YES. 1t was one of the marvellous
dispensations of Providence we dare call
accident that took Mrs. Elwyn TO tue
school. There TriXy's strong resem
blance to her lost sister Grst attracted
her notice, and inquired about her.
Finding she was anxious to obtain EN-.
ployment, she engaged her rs compan.
ion for an European trip
Il am very glad Do you know
where she is?"
A little land fell lightly upon one
lying on the knee of Martin Bruce, and
was lifted to touch a soft, round cheek
A voice, low and tender. said very soft.
ly, "Haye you forgotten me?"
"Trixy?" he exclaimed. have never
forgotten You. But you are no longer
the little child left six years ago
mo. was the half mournful answer
IL nm woman now. But you will not
send me from you. You will let me re.
main beside you, and be your eyes and
hands?"
"Ah. Trixy. no. Your youth and
beauty--for know you are beautiful go
must never be taxed by such a heavy
charge. Doyou know can never see you
again. DO you know that in less than
year | shall have TO hBd home in q
charity asylum? You will come some.
times and read 10 me there. pcrhapsy'
Never! will never come % a char.
ity asylum 10 see you. ION break my
heart when You talk so 80
well, little one. then VIC will hope
for better days
Trixy's lip quivcred at the aitcmpt fo
speak in the old. CHEEKY tones that hqd
comfortcd all her childhood's miscr.es
Her eyes were dim with fears as she
spoke again hoping % carry some bright.
ness TO the darkcned LIE.
Poor. blind Martin Bruce who hal
lifted her from the darkest misery and
suffering TO place her where she could
improve--who had pat her where Der
aunt had discovered and adopted her.
her benefactor and only friend heip.
less blind pauper
Was IL wonderful that thc u1mau's
heart thrilled with pain aud lDge. aad
that the gratitude OF years suddealF
confronted her in a new form--thc love
OF her woman's heart, Size realized
suddenly, forcibly. that 10 Martin Bruce
passed out OF her life again Dee lrrt there