South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1882-11-17


caught the singers eye. For mo-
ment he thought he saw her start and
gasp convulsively, but only for mo
meLt; then shc went right on with
her delightful music.
He was right; she had seen and
recognized him.
Just before the curtain fell ON the
last act Harry felt light touch on his
shoulder. Turning quick he saw
boy, who passed him with q card, on
which was written in delicate hand,
which he at once recognized
will Mr.. Thorne follow the little
boy for the sake of an interview with
Bianca?' a
Fred. Crosby must have thought HE
friend insano, for no seized his hat
and started after the boy without
word OF explanation or excuse.
Arriving behind the sccncs, he was
ushered into pretty room and. found
himself face to face with Bianca.
Harry, my dear brotherr she cri.
ell, rushing towards him joyousiy.-
Have you forgotten your little sister,
Forgotten you. Biancas | think
you have forgotten me. 1t is q year
since We have received letter from
you,' replied Harry. reproachfully.
"A year Why, Harry, l wrote BY
every mail since we LETT Europe, and
since arriving in America papa has
visited the old village home. but he
could learn nothing OF you. Oh, IIar-
ry, why did you hide yourself from
me? But do tell me OF my darling
mother, is she well9 Does she ever
think OF me?' she ratified away, not
waiting for aieply. Will she be glad to
see met Say Harry would she like me
for Christmas gues,r
Poor lIarry's face flushed. How
could he tell this beautiful creature
that they lived in three rooms in a
tenement house2 I'VE occupy small
and humble quarters now, Bianca-
mademoiselle,' he stammered. If you
could put up with us, I-tlIat is-shc'
Bianca's merry voice interrupted
the confused speech.
I'm we'll used to humble life, liar
ry, | have not forgotten the life your
good parents rescued me from. / am
Bianca Thorne and n tamboarine girl
still. Seer and she caught mp u tam.
BOURNE which belonged to q ballet
girl and beginning one of her wild
dances which Harry admired when
she was a child, danced into the arms
OF her father, who was just ontering
the room
oh, papa,' she said. Ihave found
Harry, and we are going to his house
to spend Christmas, and it will be inst
suoh q dear Old Christmas as we used
TO have at the old farm 2
She had her way, and tho great pri
ma donna spent her Christmas in the
humble tenement house, and assisted
her hostess in her domestic duties.
i ne two weeks that Blanca remain
ed in the city, she was a constant visi.
tor at the Thornc house, and the day
before che was TO leave for Europe a.
gain, she placed III Mrs. Thorne's
hands deed of their lost farm. Sho
would hear no objection and receive
no thanks.
1T Is only slight recompense for
your great kindness TO me, mother
dear, she said. Il shudder now, when
think what might have happened to
me had ltEot Jeen for you. You will
be glad 10 have the dear old home A.,
gain, and when Harry marries il will
he pretty place for his wife, she muir
INJURED, i'll scarcely audible voice.
My child, Harry will never marry
now was tho reply,
Never marry, mother Why uot2'
Because he loves n lady SO far a.
hove him in life that he has not the
courage 10 ask her hapd in marriage.
BIanca made no reply, though sbe
knew by the mothers tell-tale face
who the lady was.
That night Harry attended their
guest back to her hotel.
why don't you get married, liar.
y?' she asked hin bluntIy.
The poor fellow flushed, then paIcd.
Your mother told me you loved a
woman above you in the social scale ,
she continued, not noticing his embar.
rassment. why don't you tell her
your lover Nothing venture, moth.
ing have you know.
Still no reply.
Harry she whispered, slipping her
hand in his, J wear your ring still. DO
you remember what you said when YOU
put it on my finger? o, you stupid
boy. Can't you see love your And
che turned to hide her face.
Bot he caught her in bis arms, and
the sweet blushing face found rest
ing place on his broad shoulder.
Blanca, my darling, pecious one, il
It truel Can you love me? Oh, SAY
those sweet words again =
She was sObbing now.
! III is true, Oh, Harry, / know il was
! bold and unmaidenly, but couldn't
think OF losing you forever