The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-11-03
A Very Romantic story.

very Romantic Story.
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD
9oR AN ITALIAN LABORER's WIDOW AND
CHILD.
Iecheneciady Union. October 30thJ
A gentleman who gave the name OF Pc
tcrson, and who said he was lawyer from
Philadelphia, called at the Union Office
Yesterday and asked the privilege OF search
! ing the files Of the paper for the past lew
months. He told a remarkable story. lie
said he was looking for traces OF Thomasso
Panini. who had been employed on the
West Shore railroad. and who, he be-
Iieycd. had been killed by an accident
10 construction train near this CITY
n few months ago. He sad Pa
mini was the son OF very wealthy
Italian residing near Florence. He was
the only child. and gave ut an early age
evidences OF rare artistic talent. His father
had resided in Padua, but moved his fam
| ily 10 Florence to give the son opportuni-
| ties TO pursue the study OF art. The son
and daughter two years his junior were
the only children. Ten years ago, when
The son was twelve years old, he and his
sister were enjoying a sail near the fathers
country-seat. when the boat upset. The
girl was drowned, although the brave
lad tried hard to save her, and, in fact,
sank with her to the bottom, but was re-
suscitated. The sister could not be brought
back TO life. The death OF his only sister
made the hoy very respondent. His father
took him back to Florence and tried to dis
pei his gloomy thoughts by visits to the
great picture-galleries but the lad would
not be comforted. One day four years ago,
while the Young man was walking along
the street in Florence. he passed a little
fruit OF market-stand, behind which sat
girl Of about sixteen years. She was poorly
dressed, hut very tasteful in her attire and
gracious in her manner. as she politely
invited ParinI to make a purchase.
He scarcely glanced up before his
gaze became rivetted and he stood
spell-bound. Asking pardon for his
rudeness, he begged that he might know
her name. She gave it to him. He
called thereafter daily at her stand, and
was liberal purchaser. A strong friend
shin grew up between the two young peo-
pie, and finally PaninI painted picture Of
The fair young fruit-seller, and took 1t
home. IL was the picture not only OF the
fruit-girl, but also OF his dead sister. The
resemblance was wonderful. When he
exhibited The painting at home his parents
could hardly believe his story about the
girl. The result OF the incident was the
adoption OF the iruitselor by Mr.. Panini
as his daughter.
But the Young mans devotion to the girl
was something more than affection. He
loved her, and his parents strenuOusly OPP
posing such an alliance proposed to sepa-
rate the two. On the day OF the proposed
separation the young couple elOped, were
married secretly. and fled to America.
Thomasso lett a brief note saying he had
gone forever. He took with him only
,000f., or about 5000. Reaching New York
he tried hard to support his wife by
sketching, but failed utterly. After re-
sorting TO every eXpedient 10 obtain
a living he finally gave up in despair. His
young wife then proposed that she resume
her occupation as fruit-seler. This
reused him again, and he said he would
make one more effort to provide for her
and for the babe that had been born TO the
couple. He sought and obtained a posi-
ton on the West Shore road, and RENTED
sufficient to provide for his family, who
lived for u time near Baxter street, New
York.
A few months ago the young wife re-
ceiycd a letter from her husband dated at
Schenectady, in which he said he felt at
last us ii it would be right 10 tell the story
OF his wandcrings to his father and seek
again the happy home of his youth. He
added that he had written to his parents
telling his whereabouts. and asking if he
could return and be, with his wife and
child, cordially and kindly welcomed. I he
oYerjOyed mother received this letter with
indispensable delight, and waited patiently
TO hear again from her husband. But she
had received his last letter. Within two
days young Panini was accidentally killed
while at work. He was buried in a field
somewhere near the city, as Dir. Peterson
believes.
The first news the young wife had OF the
tragic occurrence was brought to her by
the wife OF an Italian who had been work
ing beside Panlni at the time Of the lat
ter's death. Mrs. Panini could not survive
the shock. She became craZed and wan
dered about with hei child. She was last
traced to Philadelphia, and it is believed
she and her little one are there alive or
dead. After his disappearance letter
came from Paninl's father begging him in
touching terms 10 return, and saying he
had been forgiven over and over again;
that his mother had died OF broken
heart, and he himself was fast nearing
the grave. As no response TO this
letter was received Mr.. Panini sent an
agent TO trace out the matter, and he made
The above disclosures. He retained Mr..
Peterson 20 continue the search. The agent
went back to report the sad facts TO Mr..
Panini. Mr.. Peterson says that week
ago he received cablegram from Italy,
announcing that 100000 reward would
he paid for the discovery of the mother
and child, dead or alive. No trace of the
missing ones was found in this city, and
even the bural-pace of young Panni cam
not be found. Mr.. Peterson left this morn
Ing to continue his search further West.
He Seys he will travel, il necessary, afoot
all along the line Of the West Shore road
until be finds some trace OF the remains OF