The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-03-06
oRIoLE.

A woman's voice rang out, clear, aud full
and sweet, above the din and noise of the
busy streets, in the merry, mirth- loving
Paris of America-the fair city of New Or
leans.
Only a street-singer, carolling wildly a
selection from an opera, popular air, which
she sang in her own native Italian.
Two young men, strolling leisurely along
the fashionable boulevard, paused involun-
tarily.
Both were tall and slender, with that in
defnable air of good breeding and suavity
which marks the man of society; but one
was a blonde, and handsome, with frank
careless face, while his companion bore the
jetty locks, dark eyes, and olive skin, which
betokened southern birth.
He removed the cigarette from his mouth
and glanced around in surprise.
81 say, Carl" he cried, with unusual ami
street singer. Let's interview her.
Carl laughed, good naturedly.
"Cela depend" he answered, lazily. az
she's ugly, it will be waste oftime; but
He paused in the midst of his merr,
speech with start of surprise.
They had approached the singer now, anC
stood before her. No wonder that the youn,
man was astonished
She was girl of perhaps twelve years o
age, with face of rare, most exquisite beau
ty. The clear, satny complexion of the
tropics, perfect features, glorious eyes, anC
clouds of raven hair, falling in picturesque
disorder over the worn dress of faded Grim
son. By her side stood an old woman, vel
low, wrinkled, hideous.
One hand held thin shawel about he
shoulders,a and the other, ,shrivelled and grasp
ing, was extended to receive the few coin
that were occasionally dropped therein ,whil
over all the girls voice pealed, with proud
mournful glory, all its own.
Carl Sturtevant turned to his friend, will
low whistle of surprise.
Wonderful, isn't she, Severance
The dark eyes of Guy Severance flashed
then a cold, sneering expression darkene
his naughty face. He came OF a race who's
boast was blood and lineage,and whose ioun
datlons were pride and avarice. 1t was i'm
possible for him to admire a woman VIII
was only a street singer.
"Well gotten up" he drawled, cuttingly
"But she sings badly. Made several falls
notes in that last bar"
"That is not true p cried the girl, in pei
feet English, and turning an angry glanc
upon the two men. "You are no judge
music, or you would not say that. The son
was taught me bv the great Leonelli, tn
maestro oil whom all Italy is so proud. II
knows, and would believe him against til
world"
, "Whewp cried Carl, in unfeigned astor
lshment, "you learn of Leonelli, you,a stree
singer?"
"Yes, sir!" answered the girl proud.
"When was younger, he was my maste
! We were not poor, then; and he wished II
. educated for the music stage. He new,
dreamed that would make my first appeal
ance here !"
There was bitterness in the clear voice
her eyes flashed angrilyj she turned to moN
away.
"Stay, little girl !" cried Carl eagerly.
would know more of your history. al
German, and we Germans love music. Yo,
wonderful voice should be cultivated. VIII
is your name, little one?"
"Bianca. But since have lived in Ne
Orleans the people who know me call n
+ Oriole. They say it is the name of bird
"You are rightly named," said Carl, az
miringly. "Will you tell me where yo
! liveT
"No!"
: "You will not? Why?"
at does not concern your
q "You are wrong; it docs. would be
service to you. Who is your companion
indicating the old woman, as he spoke.
"she ioas my nurse-she is my on
friend !"
There was proud sadness in the soft voic
"Good morning, gentlemen" she adde
4 as she placed her hand in that of the ol
I woman, and again prepared to move on.
Is "You are an admirable beggar," said Sc
eranee, sneeringly, "and fully understau
. your trade"
He took some money out Of his pocket al
Il pressed it in the girls small hand. With
IL flash of the proud eyes, aud a naughty g
n, ture, she tossed it in his face.
"Keep your money, sirl" she exclaime
"Were l indeed a beggar, would starve
the gutter before would accept aims fro
a gentleman who stoops to insult friendl,
grill"
q. The mans face paled. He looked tri
ed ashamed of his rudeness.
SUe "Then take it in payment of your SOM
III he said, earelessly.
THANK you, mol You tell me fall
4 - - z L -