Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1879-06-24

we went down at once to attend the set
tlement of his estate. Returning hom,
ward. we made tour Of Niagara an
the principal northern cities.
One September night found US in Nev
York and at the opera. The house wa
unusually gay, the music divine, bu
through ali the glamour and perfume q
gorgeous toilets, amid the wailing of tn
music and the triumphant strains of th
singers, sat unconscious, almost indit
ferent, the old yearning in my hear
rousing up to strange and sudden in
tensity. Only one thought possesse
me, and that was my lost baby, Littl
Pearl. seemed to be living over tha
terrible morning and long night again
and nv soul cried out for my child will
terrible longing that would not b
silencsd. Yet in the gay house and ex
quisite music there was nothing sugges
tive of her short, sweet life; why, then
did she seem so near to me? What wa
It that shook and thrilled me so?
The opera over, we started for our no
tel. At one of the crossings the carriag
made sudden halt.
NothiRgihut a strap broke loose, al
right in q moment, sir, said the drive
in answer to my husbands inquiry.
leaned out while he was arranging
it, looking over the silent city, and VI
into the solemn summer night. Thl
sky was blue and cloudless, the star
mellow and misty, and full moon huni
like golden jewel in the far west. Ny
eyes fllt d with tears, and an inexpres
sible yearning filed my soul.
"Where is my baby-whers is Little
Pearl tonight? ?" murmured.
"Please, madam, just one penny"
The slender, childish voice, mellow
and sweet as the note of q blackbird
startled me out of my revery, and look
ing dawn, I saw tiny figure and an ap
pealing baby-face below in the misty
moonlight.
"PIease, madam, never begged be-
fore, but grandmarm is 10 sick, and she's
eat nothing since yssterday.n
just then the driver.sprang to his box
and the carriage whirled off again, leav-
ing the little thing far behind, but ]
caught at my husbands arm in breath
less eagernsss.
"Philip," sntreated, "stop the car
riage. I must see that child"
"Hs glanced back hesitatingly, and
there the little thing stood in the moon
light, just as we had left her."
II must, Philip" I repeated; "don''
And my husband babe the driver turr
back, which he did with muttered i'm
precation.
"Now, my little GIRL" said, leaning
out and extending my arm, "come here,
and tell me how can help you"
"Grandmarm is sick,n she replied
coming close to the wheels and raising
her soft blue eyes to my face, land sc
dam ~
"And where does your grandma live,
dear?"
fright down this street, in that row
of tenements."
Take her up, Philip; we must look
My husband obeyed, and the driver
being promised double pay, turned down
toward the tenements. seated the lit
tie 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 I wanted
to clasp her In my arms and cover hel
poor, wan little face with kisses, with s
longing that was absolute pain.
"How pretty she is" I said, smooth
ing back her tangled golden hair thai
shaded her white forehead and swee
blue eyes.
"She looks like a frightened bird,'
said my husband, smiling; "what will
you do with her, Belle 2"
keep her forever, if can," I replied
with feeling of intense happiness at
my heart.
Just then we reached the tenements
'"That's grandmarm's room," said tht
child, pointing upward to window In
which dim light was burning.
We left the carriage and followed he
up long flight of stairs, and into th'
bare, humble room. In the rude couch
lay an old woman, her strong, worr
face wearing that pallor which never
knows change.
"Grandmarm," cried the child, run
ming to the bedside, "here's good, nic'
lady come and she'll give you some tea
and you'll set well now"
The old woman turned her head, he
eager eyes fastening themselves upon us
"Thank Cod" she murmured. 81
thought should die and leave he
alone"
"What can we do for you, madam p
I asked. bending over her.
Nothing for me; I'm past help. IT.
the child want looked after"
"Yes, but you must have nourish
ment. Philip, 60 out for some tea, an,
we'll have fire at once"
woman" she said solemnly, "listsl
to me, am dying in few hours shal
be in the other world. 1 could drink
drop of wine, but nothing else"
My husband procured it in few mo
ments, and after drinking it she seemed
somewhat revived.
"Now," she said, "while I'm strong
enough, let me speak about the child
when Pm gone she won't have frient
in the world-you look like rich wo
man, would you"
"I'll take her and be mother to her,
I interrupted, eagerly.
"Come round here and let me see YOU
face"
obeyed, bending down to the dyinl
After moment she drew a deep breath
"Yes," she said, II can trust you
your face is good and honest-God ha
sent you-come here, little Rose-this
your new mother; you must love hel
0uO OO y SOOu 6lIA WHICH, uA 6OAOs
held out my arms, and the litt1
thing nestled close to my bosom, look
ing into my face with wondering eyes
II will De good to her." I said; "a
God hears me, I will"
II believe you, and now I can die il
peace. should a'been dead long age
but for leavin' the child-that kept m
back. She amt q frien' in the world
and she's no flesh and blood o. mine.-
Ten years ago, my old man was aliv
then anu runnin' flatboat on western
river, we fell in with q party of Injuns
They had white baby with 'em-th
prettiest. daintiest little thing ever sc
eyes on. had jest lost my own baby
and couldn't bear to see them carry
the poor little thing away, 80 Ipersuad
ed my old man to buy it. They wer
glad enough to sell, SO took the chill
and raised her as my own. meant t
hunt up her folks, and nursed it afte
my own baby. I had a great likin' 70
the little creature. I couldn't bear t
give her up, but was sorry enough af
ter my old man died, and we come t
want. But I've kept the clothes sh
had on, and maybe, madam, you ma.
hear OF her people some day."
"Let us see the Clothes" gasped m,
husband, his face as white as death.
"Leok In the box and get 'em, Rose.
The child obeyed, bringing a smal