Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-11-13
THE LITTLE REFUGEE.
Chapter VIII.
The DtHcoyer,


Many weeks and months have
passed, and Vera is now completely
settled in the city.
She was established in a school.
and soon made friends OF everyone,
boys and girls. In school she would
tell quaint stories OF the land of her
nativity, which they never got tired
nf hearing. and the end OF the term
Vera was rewarded a gold medal for
her splendid work In school.
When Vera had leisure hours she
would tell the old servant. Martha,
TO take her UP the winding Btairs
into the attic. There she would play
for hours. and look at the scenery
from out of tenr-dimmed eyes.
Every Saturday Vera would 20
shopping with Mrs. Robertson. They
would have a fine time ut the parks
and geological gardens.
After months OF seeing New York.
she never tired of II. The mass of
people, the cars. the parks. every
thing charmed her. and she was es-
pecially at Mr. and Mrs. Robertson.
All that wealth could bestow they
gave her, and loving kindness which
knew no equal. they gave to the
little Russian girl.
One day date In july beautiful
silk and lace dress came for Vera,
and Mrs. Robertson said with
smile that big party in her tYera's)
honor would be celebrated the fol-
lowing night by Mrs. Robertson.
Vera had been to many parties in
her life. but che never looked for
ward to any other as she thought
OF this one with breathlcss antici-
patton.
and for the first time Vera knew
wished that all OF her life she could
feel the touch of wealth. silks and
sat!ns. and big brick houses like
Mrs. Robertson's!
Vera was In her pretty pink and
white bedroom. an hour before the
party. There she sat while the maids
noisilessly went from room to room
OF the big house.
The beautiful dress was put on.
a pair OF white buckled pumps wero
put OH her dainty feet, and her hair
was fixed In soft curls over her
shoulders.
The guests had assembled. and a
burst OF admiration came from the
tripping down the stairs. n smile OF
welcome on her lips. There was
noted artist In the throng, who. after
being introduced to Vera. whispered
aside to Mrs. ROhertsOn:
MRS. Robertson, the little girl
whom you have brought to America
IS "a prize worthy Of anyone. Surely
painter has formed her face
and figure. In all my travels over
the world. have never seen any
one with the exquisite lovcliness
which she has She has soul OF
beauty. If her heart Is as good and
beautiful as her face. men will pro-
claim her immortal.
Vera was introduced to everyone.
boys, girls, women and men. and
was the belle OF the party. Her
simple loneliness won all hearts. and,
before she knew 1t taftcr the sump-
tuous banquet) all OF tho young
boys were nockinE around her. heg-
ging for a dance with her.
She danced and danced. tripping
like fairy over the polished floor.
her checks MS pink rs peach bios
element
1t was about 10 o'clock before the
company left the dancing hall, and
went into the beautiful drawing
room. ON wager anything" said tho
artist when ne had q minute with
Vera, that you can sing as you
dance"
Vera bIushed. and tho artist whis-
pared trium phantly to Mrs. Robert-
son. who was standing near: See.
was right. her voice Is as sweet as
she Is"
you are right" Mrs. Robertson
smiiingiy Haid. Her voice Is as
sweet as any birds"
~ song! A SonR!" the whole COM
pany shouted. az Vera and Mrs. Rob-
ertson came Into tho room. Some-
how someone had spread the news
that Tho little girl" could sing.
Very embarrassed, Vera won't TO tho
plano, and sung a sweet -apng, while