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

shllOnS VI lIle WOllueIlhl HlJSIeig vi
life.
Beautiful" was all could say as
she arose, her lovely face aglow with
the delicious pride which springs from
the consciousness Of power
"Miss Bellendrant," ] said earnestly,
after pause. ] never fora moment
doubted your ability to instruct me,
but had | done 80, your performance
would convince the most skeptical.'
This was our Introduction to each
other. What her feelings may nave
been cannot tell; neither can analyze
my own-charmcd, bewildercd, with
allthe romance Of my nature awakened,
and my curiosity aroused ~ to the
source Of that unearthly cry.
The next day ut the appointed time
was there, and for IL week ! went regu-
arly, until ] came to regard it rs the
only period Of real pleasure in the day.
My beautiful instructress and be-
came excellent friends, and liked to
tell myself that when ! was with her
that anxious look became less marked
and her whole being frightened up.
Her father ever sat in the rocking
CIlhlI uuIlIlR IllC ltsoOIi6J l1tlL hGlhOII
speaking, except to his daughter, whom
he usually called "his little girl" but
sometimes Camille.
One day / saw that he was annoyed
at something, and Camilics face did
not brighten up Us was her wont.
We went through our lesson mechanic
cally; she was evidently troubled about
something, and was conscious was
intruding upon some household dis
tress.
When the lesson was over and rose
to take my leave, the old man address
cd me.
"Miss BeIlendrant," he snid-it was
the first time had ever heard him add
dress or speak Of her" has been try
ing to persuade me that ] ann growing
childish, and that my hand has forgot
ten the instrument have played since
my childhood. ! shall leave it TO you
you whether she speaks the truth or
not"
As he spoke he took violin from
u case beside him, md, arranging the
strings, glanced triumphantly towards
his daughter, but She had buried her
face in her hands and was sobbing
silently.
The moment he drew the bow across
the strings thought there was some
thing nmiss, and then, oh, powers of
discord: the noise | had heard when ]
first stood upon the steps such hideous
walings and shreks rs filled the room
No one with the vcriest knowledge of
music could have touched those strings.
Had an infant the necessary strength Of
arm and wrist, he would produce rs
much harmony.
Surprised and bewillered, and not
wishing, for Camille's sake, to sit and
hear, and not Wishing for the same rca-
son to offend the old man bytnking my
leave, knew not how to act.
Suddenly Camille started to her feet,
her face flushed crimson and her eyes
swollen with tears.
Are you gentleman" She cried
hysterically, Ito stthero and see an old
childish man make fool Of himsel(?'
Perhaps, Though, it nmuscs you. If so,
pray enjoy IT.
Camille" | pleaded, you are I'M
just"
"Gop she shrieked wildly, pointing to
the door.
"You are unjust" sa id again, "but
believe me, pity you from the bot.
tom Of my heart. BY and by, when
you can think, remember | am your
friend till death"
| walked miles that afternoon, but
the house had fascination for me, and
almost unconsciously retraced my
steps.
AS / drew near | saw II crowd gath
crcd around the door, and hurrying on,
! asked one of the bystandcrs what was
the trouble.
"rroubc enough. The old foRer's
dead, and the girls gone half crazy, and
keeps ON crying out that she killed
him.
! found il was too true. The violin
the old man was dead, and his daughter
lay III n swoon with II physician trying
to restore her
ness, but only TO break 80 ~ W. V W.; f.I
denunciations of hcrselfaS ~. mo ,iiiti6d
him. At length, however, showoro her
"oil NoHlpl'tclN otllt alll, ulueI inc uOt-
tors management, sank into II deep
slumber.
The coroner gave the verdict thatthc
old man had died of heart discase---ac-
tolerated y unusual excitement. Then,
giving the doctor II carte blanche saw
that everything that money could do
was done before left.
| called the next morning early, and
found Camille sitting UP i'll an easy
chair, but very weak and exhausted
81 wished to see YOU" she said, TO
thank you from the bottom of my heart
for tho kindness YOU have shown. but