Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1879-06-27

One September night found us III
New York. and at the opera, The
house WAS unusually gay, the music di.
vine, but through all the glamour and
perfume of gloreouS toilets, amid the
wailing of the music, and the triumph
ant strains Of the singers, sat uncon-
Scious, almost indifferent, the old yearn-
ing in my heart reused up to strange
and sudden intensity. Only one thought
possessed me, and that was OF my lost
baby, Little Pearl. seemed to he liv-
ing over that terrible morning and long,
long night again. and my soul cried out
for my child with n longing that would
not be silenced. Yet III the gay house
and exquisite MUSIC there was nothing
suggestive OF her short, sweet little life;
why then did she seem So near me =
what was it thrilled and shook me so?
The opera over, we started for our
hotel. At one of the crossings the car
riage made a sudden halt.
Nothing but a strap broke loose, all
right III moment, sir, said the driver
in answer 10 my husbands inquiry.
l leaned out while he was arranging
it, looking over the silent city, and up
into the solemn summer night. The
sky was blue and cloudiess, the stars
mellow and misty, and full moon
hung like golden jewell III the far
west. My eyes filled with tears, and an
inexpressible yearning filled my soul.
where is my hahy-whcre is my
Little Pearl to-aight?' | murmured.
please, madam, just one penny"
The slender, childish voice, mellow
and sweet As the note of n hlackbird,
startled me out Of my revery, and,
looking down, | saw tiny figure and
an appealing baby-face below me in
the misty moonlight.
please madam, never begged he.
fore, but grandma is So sick, and she's
eat nothing since yesterday
Just then the driver sprang 10 his box
and the carriage whrled oil again, leav-
ing the little thing far behind. but
caught ut my husbands arm in breath
less eagerness.
philip l entreated, "stop the car
riage. | must see that child.
He glanced back heSitatmgly, and
there the little thing stood in the moon
light. just rs we had left her.
Il must, Philip" repeated; don't
deny me-
And my husband babe the driver
turn back, which he did with mutter-
ell imprecation.
"Now, my little girl said, leaning
out and extending my arm, come here
and tell me how can help YOU"
"Grlndmarm is so sick, she replied
coming close up to the wheels, ard
raising her soft blue eyes to my face,
"and SO hungry, and | never begged
before, madam"
And where does your grandma live,
dear?'
Right down this street, in that row
Of tenements."
Take her M, Philip, we must look
into this case.
My husband obeyed, and the driver
being promised double pay, turned
down toward the tenements. seated
the little girl beside me, and took
her little brown hand in mine The
bare touch Of her slender fingers made
the very blood in my heart thrill, and
wanted TO clasp her in my arms and
cover her poor, wan little face with
kisses, with longing that was absolute
pain.
"How pretty she is, | said, smooth
ing back the tangled golden hail that
shaded her white forehead and sweet
blue eyes.
"She looks like frightened bird, Y
said my husband, smiling; what will
you do with her, Belle p
"keep her forever, if | cam" ! re-
piled, with feeling of intense happi-
ness Mt my heart.
Just then we reached the tcnements.
That's grandmarm room" said the
child, pointing upward to window III
which a dim light was burning.
We left the carriage, and followed
her up the long flight of stairs, and into
the bare, humble room. On rude
couch lay an old woman, her strong,
worn pallor which never knows
change.
Grandmarm," cried the child, run
ming TO the bedside, here's good, nice
lady come; and she'll give you some
tea, and you'll get well now"
The old woman turned her head, her
eager eyes fastening themselves upon
us.
"Thank God,' she murmured. -
thought | should die and leave her
Alone
what can we do for you, madam ?"
| asked bending over her.
Nothing for me, Pm past help; its
the child want looked after"
Yes, but you must have nourish-
ment-Philip, 20 out for some tea, and
we'll have fire nj once"
Woman" she said solemnly, lis
ten to me. Pm dying-in few hours
| shall be in the other world could
drink drop O. wine, but nothing else"
My husband procured it in few
moments, and after drinking il she
seemed somewhat revived.
Now she said, while I'm strong
let me speak acout the child
when I'm gone she won't have a friend
in the world-you look like rich wo-
man, would you"
9TH take her and be mother to
her" | interrupted, eagerly.
Come round here and let me see
your face