Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-10-16
THE SIGN EFT RING

only JfTee years ago Amy came into tnlE
family of good French people as Cover
ness. She had come from a broken home
and much sorrow Hen father had been
prince among erchants; but failing, h,
killed himself through sheer despair
Her mother had died soon after, sO'grace
full, pretty little Amy was a homeless or
phan.
Protection was offered her by her uncle
out he was purse-proud and Amy had al
ways been stupidity Independent little
body. Again protection was offered, by
a man twenty years her senior, who own
ed many houses and horses; but, protest
ing that she did not love him, said mo ;
Will it be believed, people blamed hel
very muC especially her relatives, for re-
fusing such match. Only one sensible
woman commended her.
Il know a family" said the latter
who are looking out for gOverness. Now
to be a governess in that shOuse, is quite
equivalent to being daughter. The PEG
pie are old and have only one son, and two
orphan grandchildren, a little girl and 6
boy. They are the sweetest creatures
ever saw, docile and affectionate, as only
French children can be"
Give me the address, said Amy, rising
The children are orphans; that is
enough, and she dashed two tears from
her clear grey eyes. 81 know shall sui
them. | have a presentiment that | shat
find home, not only in their house, bu
in their hearts.
Such curious old-fashioned house as
Amy was directed to! Full of quaint al
coVes, dim corners, unexpected turnings
and old-fashioned furniture. But the
rich paintings on the wall, the elaborate
carving, the faultlesS statues all exercised
a soothing and refining influence over the
girl heart. And when the old couple
came in; both together like two fond child
rem, Amy felt the tears filing her eyes
they were so handsome, so graceful, sc
venerable.
Amy fell in love with the children JUS
as she had with the sweet-faced grand
at once by taking Amy's hand caressingl,
in her tiny pink fingers; and Robert
whose magnificent eyes had won for hin
an enthusiastic admirer in Amy, crept
up and inquired con6dentialIy if she liked
music.
Yes; like music of all kinds" saiC
Amy, land | have even learned to play OF
the violin
Then the child looked up at her as i
she We're some divinity, for the little sou
was full OF music,
Amy took up her abode with the La
portes, and no formalities ensued
Every day she rode out with them ant
the little ones in the roOmy carriage
she always took her meals withe the fam
il; they become very fond Of her and sh
of them.
One day little Marie came in beamins
with delight eXclalming: Our dear
dear Uncle Augute is ming home to
day she said
And at dinner a handsome young MAJ
with tawny beard and mustache, will
bits of golden light cleaning over both
was introduced to Amy as Our Son, Au
guste.
Amy blushed crimson, not at sight o
him, exactly but thinking of the man sh,
had pictured to herself. The blush be
came her-she looked like beautiful rose
Of course, Auguste noticed the blush ant
made mental note that Amy was beauti
full, though he was not surprised at that
having listened to d list of her per
fections from both the children and grand
parents.
Amy had lived with the Laportes year
when a fearful trouble overlook them--botl
beautiful children died within a week o
each other.
1t was Amy who shrouded their littl
forms, and made wreatheS and crosses o
purest flowers with which to deck thei
Collins; it was Amy who, with mute cares
ses, strove to console the bereaved grand
parents while it seemed to Ter as if he
heart must break
One morning she had been listlessl
packing up her boxes, when mai
brought summons from Mrs. Laporte
She found the old lady seated at 4 sma
table, the miniatures of the children ope
before her. At her side sat her white
haired husband.
BE seated. Amy" said Mrs Laporte
Amy's heart gave great bound.
''Fifne tells me you are packing u
your boxes?"
Amy, usually so self-possessed, burs
into tears.
My child were you going to leave US :?
Amy dried her eyes.
Il must earn my living" she said, he
voice trembling.
And you shall; but you must stay wit
us. Our angels loved you. To see you
sweet face about the house, keeps US frol
despair. We say to each other. Amy
with the children; she is hearing littl
Robert play his fiddle. and teaching dea
little Maria to embroider' No, no, W
can not part with you; then the hous
would seem dreary indeed. Now, you rt
fleet, as it were, the faces, the smiles {
BUR two idols. Stay with us-if, indeed
the company of two old people will nc
seem dismal to your YOUTH
Amy interrupted her with loving pro
testations. They were the dearest an
best beings she knew; it was happines
to serve them; it was like death to thin
Of seeking another home. So it was settle
Chat she should stay. As to services,
she would read to them occasionally, {
play or sing, and accompany them in the
rides, it was all they expected, and til
salary would still be the same.
Amy could not say No" She love
these people, who seemed to take the plat
of her parents and was never happi,
than when contributing to their hal
piness.
Auguste was travelling, but the fond O.
pair kept him in continual remembranc
Sometimes came little packages filled wit
presents for pere and mere. Once a
exquisite little picture was sent
Amy herself, giving her lnexpresslo
delight