Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-09-29

My r1ghttul name was DorcaS Caleuon,
but until had attained womanhood I was
known as Dorcas Lynn. My first name,
however, was my only rightful legacy, for
was founding, picked up on the steps of the
B founding asylum one bitter winter
night, evidently deserted by those who
should have cared for me. The matron,
Mrs. Lynn, of course took me in and kindly
cared for me; perhaps the fact that she had
a few days before lost her own little daugh-
ter, made her more tender to the little waif
left to her mercies, AS near as she could
judge from my size and appearance must
have been six months old when was left at
the asylum. The person or persons who had
placed me there had evidently not intended
that should perish from the cold, for was
warmly wrapped and q goodly supply of
clothing was also in the basket beside me.
But no clew was left to tell from whence
came; only the simple name Dorcas upon
various pieces Of linen told that had evil
IDENTIFY been the recipient of a mothers care
at some time.
Accordingly was adopted by Mrs. Lynn,
and in absence of any other name she kind
" gave me hers, and as Dorcas Lynn was
known henceforth. ! grew and thrived
under her care very well; but when was
seven years old my foster mother died and
again was alone.
1t was then decided by the managers to
transfer INC W Juo III u
distant part of the State OF my journey
there 1 remember nothing, being too
badly frightened to recollect what hap
pened. It was only when received by the
kind arms of one Of the teachers and listen
ing to her soft, soothing voice, that again
realized that ! had friend in the world,
since kind Mrs. Lynn had died.
Oh! how can we homeless ones, forsaken
by those whose duty it is to care for us,
b. do for %ha nd
services rendered US by these sisters of
mercy. Such haven of refuge to the little
waits whom poverty and brutality have
| made DEPENDENT
At the Home every thing was carried on
| with the greatest nicely and regularity of
| arrangement. We were compelled to obey
the rules to the letter, but these, though
strict, were not unnecessarily rigorous or
unkind Our teachers were firm, but ever
| pleasant to US. And, on the whole, we were
as merry set Of children as one would
| wish to see,
There are 80 many different grades of
| children here brought into immediate con-
| tact, that the greatest care must be exer-
cised that Partially is not shown to some
| of the more attractive-a thing which I will
| here say is never allowed in the Home.
Some Of the children are quiet, soft
spoken, with bright faces and dainty ways,
L
dariings who parade Fifth avenue in silks
/ and ermine, and, no doubt, are of good birth.
| But. Also there are loud, brutal-looking
children, whose low foreheads and wide
i mouths, together with rough, unpublished
| manner, show the plebian blood Of the lower
classes. Others are wan, shallow children,
inheriting, no doubt, the traits of weak
silly mother, or the dissipated tastes of the
father, And SO on; all classes, grades and
kinds mixed together In one promiscuous
heap, yet presenting, under the watchfui
4 exacting eye of the manager, a very re
spectacle whole.
The reader will no doubt be curious to
know to which Of these classes belonged
and that question 1 often asked myself
Yet I never fully determined, for the rea
| son that I did not seem to belong to any in
particular; in fact was Q quiet, shrinking
child, never going forward but rather wait
| ing to see what others did. This fault, fol
such ] designate it, might, had been sub
| iected to some kinds of companionship, have
led me into trouble; but had a grave con
scientious sense Of duty, which in one 81
young made me appear unusually silent anC
thoughtful. IneVer seemed to be at homt
ouite as the others did, rarely eve
romped or played as they did, but earl.
developed love for books and receive'
much praise for my aptness in my studies
had many friends among my playmate
| and teachers, and so my life passed Quietl.
and calmly until was ten years old.
CHAPTER II.
u was q lovely May morning, and as wa
the custom we were all in the yard enjoy
| ing the soft breeze the bright sun and tn