Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-06-17
arms around her mother, crledi

hIlNNn hl-NtltV
The chlGs lip Quivcrcd, and she
turned away to hide the gathering
tears.
When Ms Ruthyn left the nursery,
Elisa laid the baby in its cot. where 1t
rested in perfect tranquility. With
many inward muttcrings, she washed
Nultic's dirty face aud hands, brushed
the sunny curls into something like or
der, then replaced her old dress by a
pretty pale blue velvet, little satin
shoes of the same shade covering her
tiny feet
Eva looked Mt her fortunate sister
with loving admiration, though tears
dimmed her eyes.
Before descending TO her mothers
room, Ncttic kissed baby and Eva ten
derry.
II wish you were coming, Evic; |
shoud enjoy myself twice as much"
Never mind. will try to be happy
with Bertic. and mamma will let me
90 down next time" Eva answered, as
chcerfully rs possible.
At that moment Lizcttc. Mrs. Ru-
thyn's maid, tapped sharply at the
door.
"ls Miss Nettic rcadyP' she asked
Ncttic. without answering, went for
ward; and, after examining the child
attcntively, Lizcttc led her down.
stairs.
Mr.. Ruthyn was waiting for her
daughter; she smiled approvingly as
her eyes fell upon the lovely child,
whose beauty was shown off by the
dainty dress.
As they entered the drawing-room,
Ncttie glanced cnriously round at the
groups of well-dressed people, both
young and old; but she felt slight
disappointment at not seeing any
children of her own age they were all
grown-up girls and dignitied youths.
After during which Ne;tie
received no little attention from the
ladies, all of whom complimented Mrs.
Ruthyn on having so sweet child
every one went out in the large gar
dcns, where busy preparations were
being made for the fireworks.
While Nettic, her hand clasped
tightly by her father. who, for the first
time, had the pleasure of his little
daughters company, strolled to and
fro, listening to the gay chatter going
on around, sometimes shyly answering
"A stray question addressed to her, Eva,
IN her lonely nursery, was trying brave
" to force back the tears which welled
into her eyes.
Lizettc, free for the rest of the even
ing. came up to take tea with Elisa,
and. between them, the two poor child
rcn were neglected.
Shall YOU come down to see the
fireworks? can see beautifully from
my window; cant you Gomez she de-
manded.
Elisa cast doubtful glauce at her
young charges.
What can | do with themP should
like immensely to SO with you, but how
can l?"
.Put them to bed. No one will
know; besides, why should you shut
yourself up like prisoner for thcm?'
Lizette said sharply.
Very well, | will come slowly.
So baby was hastily undrcssed and
rocked to sleep; then Eva was hurried
into her little cot, and told to 60 to
sleep like good girl.
The child gazcd wistfully after her
nurse as she went towards the door,
carrying the lighted candle in her
hand.
''Are you afraid to be left in the
dark?' Elisa asked, meeting that
glance.
Yes, tmidly.
Elisa turned quickly, and placing the
candle on a small table close to the
child's bed, FASTENED from the room,
anxious not TO mis-, the fireworks.
Time flew swiftly by, and in the gar
dens all was brilliancy and light.
Nettie, perched on her fathers shoul-
der, was enjoying the gay scene to the
uttermost; it was not until the last
rocket had cleft its way through the
air, that she realized the happy even
ing was at an end.
ALMOST uncOnsciously rcgretful
sigh broke from her lips as Mr.. Ru-
thyn lifted her from his shoulder to
the ground, and she glanced towards
the nursery-windOw.
As she did so. startled cry escaped
her. and she clutched her mothers
dress.
Look, mamma-oh, look!'
Mrs. Ruthyn, who had been lost in
a deep discussion with another lady,
looked quickly up as the frightened
voice fell on her ear.
What she saw made her reel sudden
ly back, thrill of fear and anguish
stirring her heart.
The nursery window, before but
dimly lighted, was now in one blaze, an
ominous flame produced by no simple
candle.
stifed shrek rose to her lips, and
urged by an awful dread, she fled into
the hotel, never stopping until she
reached her children's room.
As she flung open the door. a cloud
oil black smoke, suffocating in its dense
ness, issued from within, mingled with
flames Of light.
The small cot in which Eva lay was
wrapped in ruddy glow; and dashng
forward, needless Of the flames which
burnt her delicate hands, Mrs. Ruthyn
dragged her child from the cruel blaze,
whiio Mr.. Ruthyn, after placing his
sleeping boy IN safety, threw water
over the fire, until it at length went
out.
Poor little Eya's life was saved, but
her beauty gone forever, her face hav-
ing been severely burnt; but for that
very reason, the child is dearer to her
mothers heart than any of the others.
Mrs. Ruthyn never forgets it was
through her own negligence the &C
cident occurred, nor will she again
leave her children to a strangers care,
while she rests in tranquility below.
Perfunctory Politeness.
Jp Tnu,, pi,, mn loLD.or o,a. .,.-