The Worthington advance., 1878-10-03

we 6Ukll NHu stnlu "llu1u,
Nor tasted fruit that lets us not forget?
God knows if it be So
The days go on below,
And overhead the stars, they rise, they set.
-Rarper's Magazine.
Lillian CHURCH..
An Extraordinary Girl Whom L Met
With IN France.
From Chambers Journal.
About thirty years ago was finishing
my education in a French pension, where
there were three other English girls,
mostly qualifying themselves for teach
ing French. was the eldest of the set,
and vas then about II, and beginning to
think with JOY of getting home again, and
away from French fare and fashions.
One day, to my surprise, there came
some trcpidation I obeyed it; but need
not have feared.
my DEAR" he said, looking at letter
in her hand, II hear to-day that am to
expect young lady named Lillian
Church, one Of our countrywomen, not
actually as a scholar, but boarder,
though she will join some Of your studies
She IS Island is bet1othed but her doctor
Judges we'll that in the meantime she
should have perfect change of scene
To you, as the e:dest,I must look to show
her what kindness you can; for l must
tell you there are peculiarities about her,
and you must prevent your companions
noticing them-at least to herself"
Here was piece Of excitement for US,
in the midst Of the usual school-life
monotony! 1t may be imagined how we
four girls discussed the matter, and won
dered what there was peculiar in our new
school elbow. We shared common bed
room, where we expected to have another
bed introduced,as there was ample space.
What, on the contrary, was our surprise
to find that Miss Church was to have a
small separate room opposite ours, and
his appearance, who put strong iron
bars on the windows and paddock on
the door. Here was romance indeed.
Evidently Miss Church must have made
al attempt to elope: nothing else could
account for such strict surveillance. We
could scarcely settle down to ANYTHING
the day she was expected, and awaited
her appearance with the greatest eager
ness. One of the girls, Francis Grev,
had just reported to us that the gentleman
who had come with Miss Church had
driven away, when a message came to say
madame wanted us all. As we entered
the room all our eight eyes turned to the
new conner before madame had time to
introduce her and hand her over to our
care.
She was perfectly different from what
we had expected, bearing not q trace of
English birth about her. She was verv
fully developed. and of medium height,
with face rather broad, but with hand
some features. Her hair, of which she
had great masses, was JET black. and she
had large dark eyes with most peculiar
and weird expression. In short, it was
thoroughly Italian lace; and we found
out afterwards that Mr.. Church, her So
called uncle and guardian, had picked
her up in Italy. He was struck with the
picturesque beauty of the child, who was
playing on the doorstep, and ascertainine
that she was fondling. and that her fos,
ter parents could i'll afford to support her.
had adopted her himself.
Atler u few commonplace sentences had
passed, ina ame asked me if l would 90
and assist Miss Church to arrange her
things. which ! accordingly did, she in
the me ntime sitting by and looking. on
We were thus occupied wnen, looking. at
her, saw her face suddenly assume the
most curious expression; all light seemed
have died out Of her eyes; her form
became somewhat rigid, and she began
speaking in low tone, but rapidly and
tluentiy, III French. was much alarmed e:
bot at that moment madam entered to
see how we were getting on. On catching
sight Of Lilian's face, she murmured To-
me. "Hush! Don't notice it. She's a
somnambulist, and falls into these frances
at times. suppose she has the dread of
us foreigners on her mind. Whatever
you do, do not rouse her; it might be
fatal"
"But madame, her eyes are open,"
Yes, my dear; they always are in
such case" And then madame, think
ing it best to let me know the real state
of the case, though warning me not to
let Lillian know about it, told me the
circumstances under which this Young
girl was sent to school.
For many months the peace of Mr..
Churchs house had been greatly disturb
ed by suspicion that there was a thief
among the servants. The things which
disappeared were Of no great value, and
all belonged to Miss Church-pincush-
ions, brushes, articles of clothing: but
though safe at night, in the morning no
trace was to be found of them. At last
the mystery was solved. Miss Church
who slept at the top of the house, had
friend few doors off who slept on the
same floor. One night this friend was
reused by a tapping at her window.
With wonderful pres, nee of mind she
opened it gently, and in climbed Lii
ian Church. She had clambered all
along the ledge at the top of the house:
put how she had escaped death no one
knew. Ut course, after this her window
was secured, and she was watched: and
It was discovered that she had herself oct
RID OF her things by going down &C night
in her sleep and burying them in the gar
den.
Upon the further discovery of her NE.
cu!larlty, an eminent doctor was con-
suited, who prescribed perfect change of
air and scene and the society of young
companions.
l doubt whether madam had any idea
of the task she was unde, taking. Ger
talniy, 1t she hoped to keep Lilian's con-
d1tlon secret confined to two or three.
she was disappointed, tor this strange
girl used to fall into these frances at all
hours OF the day. The most remarkable
part Of the case was that, although she
was downright stupid, and deficient of in
telligence when awake, as soon as she fell