The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-01-22


ago, was struck with the resemblance Of
tlis girl to my wife, who has been dead
many years. When l saw her perform
ance / was satisfied that she was my child,
as no one else In this world knows that
song but myself. The name, too, is the
same, Blanca Coreni. Thank God, my
daughter is found at lasti'
Great was the excitement in the village
when 1t was known that Farmer Thorne's
adopted daughter had found her father,
and that he was gentleman of wealth and
dis.inction. 1t was a severe blow to the
Ihornes, however, for they had really
learned to love this girl as if she were their
own Harry suffered the most; he knew
that III losing Blanca he had lost all he
had to live for.
The day of parting came. Signor Cor
renl and his daughter were to sail for sunny
Italy, and perhaps mover to return. Harry
stood with his mother and father on tho
piazza, taking leave of the travellers The
poor boys eyes were filled with tears as
Blanca took his hand to bid hlm farewell.
Don't look so gloomy, Harry dear 4"
she sobbed. 81 shall surely come back
some tlme-indeed l will-so don't weep,
dear brother"
The manly fellow brushed away his
tears and tried to smile, Then slipping a
slender ring On her finger, he said:
''Keep 1t, dear, until you find another
that loves you more than do then throw
it away"
A few more words lie said which brought
the deep blushes to her checks; then the
stage driver sounded his horn; Mrs. Thorne
clasped her in her arms for last farewell.
her father lifted her into the vehicle, and
it rolled away. The farmers family
watched 1t out Of sight, and when they re
turned tc the house it seemed as though
the last ray of sunlight had departed.
-Four years passed, and brought con-
tinued misfortune to the Thornes. First
their house was burned to the ground, the
farmer lost his health, and finally died. 1t
was found, on settling up his estate, that
scarcely anything was left for the widow
and they finally went to New York, where
they took apartments in tenement house,
and Harry found a clerkship in dry goods
house On small salary.
For while letters came regularly from
Blanca; they spoke In glowing terms of
her beautiful home, and of her fathers
great love for her. 'And yet 1 am not
happy, dear mother" she wrote. II miss
you all 30 muchl Papa gave me magnifi-
cent diamond necklace Yesterday, but I
would willingly give it for one day at the
dear old farm again.
After time the letters came less fire.
qucntly, TIL now 1t was nearly year since
they had heard from her.
1t was Christmas eve, and Harry was
hurrylng home to spend the long evening
with his beloved mother, when he was
ovcrtakcn by his friend, Fred Crosby.
s'Just the fellow want to sce!' said
the latter. 81 have couple Of tickets to
the opera tonight; you must como with
me-"
'No, Fred, cannot promised my dear
old mother I'd be home early tonight"
replied Harry, firmly.
"Sly dear boy, you must come with ME
1t may be your only chance to hear the
new prima donna. They say she's divine.
Everybody is raving about her. Surely
you would not miss chance to see Blanca
Correnir'
':Bianca Correni n cried Harry In
amAzement.
"Yes, the new prima donna, you know.
And here we are now. Come on, you
shall see herl'
Without a word more Harry suffered
himself to be led into the opera house. AS
one in dream lie took his seat Blanca
Correni q prima donna What could it
mcan2
He had not long to wait. The curtain
arose, and revealed to his startled gaze Bi-
anca-his Bianca--on the stage, and fairly
ablaze with jewels. The house shook with
the thunder of applause which greeted her.
Harry devourcd her features. Yes, it was
his own adopted sister, the little tambou-
rine-girl, now the idol of the public. "And
the poor farmers son forgotten, forever !"
he thought, bitterly.
But his heart gave great throb as he
noticed on one slender finger plain circlet
OF gold; it was the ring he had given her
when they parted; he knew it at once.
'sShe wears 1t. although she has forgotten
me, " he thought.
'tMlagniflcent creature, chi ?" said his
friend, noticing his admiration. "Not at
all like the rest of then-all paint and
powder on the stage. and frightfI to bo-
hold when you approach near enough to
see through the Disguise"
At that moment Harry fancicd he caught
the singers eye. For moment he saw
her start and gasp convulsively, but only
lOT HlOllcHt; IIlcn BIC Went rlSnL on Win
her delightful music.
He was right; she had soen and recog-
nized him.
Just before the curtain fell on the last
act Harry felt light touch on his shoul-
der. Turning quickly, he saw boy, who
passed him card, on which was written
in delicate hand, which he recognized at
once
"Will Mr.. Thorne please follow this lit
tie boy for tho sake of an interview with
Biancap"
Fred. Crosby must have thought his
friend insane, for he seized his hat, and
started after the boy without word of ex-
planation and excuse.
Arriving behind tho scenes, he was ush-
cred into a pretty room and found himself
face to face with Blanca.
"Harry, my dear brotherl" she cried,
rushing toward him joyously. "Have you
forgotten your little sistcr2'
"Forgolten you Biancaa J. think it is
you have forgotten me- 1t Is q year since
wo have received line from you," replied