Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1878-12-06
THE BLIND MUSICIAN.

The foregoing title was the inscription
/ read in antique characters upon the
furnished door-platc rs | rang the bell.
simultaneously with the FAINT tinkle
in the basement there arose u weird
noise, half shrek, half laugh, that ne tcr
could have proceeded from any human
lips--almost iicndish in its wild fierce
ness, and then gradually dying away in
accents Of despalring piteousness.
] started back involuntarily and was
still standing confused, and bewildcred,
when n young girl opened the door,
and aB asked to see MIR. Ballendrant
could not keep my eyes from viewing
her countenance, which struck me az
being the faircst and msot expressive
had ever seen.
Out Of the ilorid type Of beauty. No
golden hair and melting azure eyes;
hair Of rich dark brown around II
broad white forehead; eyes Of deep,
dark gray truly womanly eyes, elo-
qllent to those who could read them
Alright, with u story of mingled power Of
mind and faithful love.
Her form small and delicate, yet with
y supplcncss that told Of health, while
Ill her features were regular and her
teeth were pcarly white. Yet there was
something IN her face, with I'LL it's deli
cGtc beauty, Tint told roses had not IL
ways boomed through tho summer Of
her youth.
could not help noticing the troubled
expression, almost n look of pain, that
swept over her features rs | spoke, and
FASTENED to explain that Ind letter
of introduction from professor of the
college where had studied, saying that
| wished to takc some lessons in music,
and thinking that he might be disposed
to teach me.
Again the troubled look, intensified il
ANYTHING. Sho did not reply, however,
but led the way into q dcsolatc little par.
Tor, and asking me to be seated, went
out, closing the door after her.
looked around the cheorcss, drcnry
room, and out Of the window on the not
enliyoning prospect Of back yard closed
around by the rear Of dingy brick
buildings, and thought what joyless
place for one 50 young and fair to live
III. Then my mind reverted to the
weird noise had heard, and | wonder
cd what itcould be.
AS | was thinking, the door opened,
and u tall man with long gray hair and
lowing beard entered, accompanied by
his daughter. His figure was much
stopped at the shoulders, aud his once
handsome face was crossed by many Il
wrinkle, and, moreover, bore most pc
culiar expression, rs though he con-
stantly strovc to catch some ar-ofi
sound
Miss Bellendrant's words explained il.
Papa has lately had the very sad
misfortune to lose his powers Of hear
ing she said. Indeed he has be-
como wholly deaf, and YOU will have 10
communicate your wishes in writing"
lie seemed to know what she was shy
~. sA
Yes" he said, j" my hearing is be-
coming weakened, and shall trouble
YOU to write anything you wish to say,
or let my little girl do il for you"
Miss Bellodrant turned her eyes upon
him with II fond expression, and through
the medium ofa small slate which hung
1T her waist, lot her father know thntas
had stated before, il was principally
practice upon the piano under y com
tho timo for tho first lesson Oh lhe fol
lowing day.
was on my way TO the door when
Miss Bcllendrant nervouslv spoke.
Il should haye-indeed meant TO
nave told you--that papa is often I'M
well--and, perhaps, if you do not Oh
ieCt, shall have sometimes To take his
place.
have no doubt my face showed thc
surprise felt, for she walked quickly
10 the pianothe only article of value
IN the room--opened it. and sat down.
DO you doubt my ahiliiy2' she said,
with n touch Of pride.
She did not give me time to reply, but
running her fingers over tho keys for Il
moment, awokc them into life, making
tho mir vihrate with volume of music
something like Beech's, almost startling
one to hear the crash and rumble like
nn Alpine storm-a very avalanche of
tempestuous harmony.
After the dull gloom that pervadcd
the room but moment before, one
could easily imagine it to be III I'M
passioncd account Of the creation, and
that the quivering chords under the
touch Of those delicate fingers gave
forth the music Of tho shores and tho
rush of the waters rs they surged over
tho shorccss world.
Then came grand triumphant
hymn, y rapturous song of praise that
might have swcled from the throats Of
the angels proclaiming the approval Of
the Holy Spirit that It was good
Then ~ dreamy, moonlight sort III
song without words, typical Of Nature