Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-11-06
Bright Stories by Members of he Club
THE LITTLE REFUGEE.
CHAPTER VII.
In The Great CITY.

NO Ouc CONlu pEi
&C; Joy as when Vera stepped into a
cry boat at Ellis Island. 10 go to
Few York
Her childish heart was beating like
drum under her cool. gprinE coa:.
$ she felt the boat slipping nearer
nd nearer to shore.
She never tired OF looking at the
tatue OF Liberty. IL had an unusual
fascination for her, though shc did
lot know what II was.
Mother" she said what is the
lame of that sta,uc?"
why. that is the Statue OF Liberty.
Mrs. Robertson said in some surprise.
IL Ia the light Of the world. when
IAN be seen miles and miles away"
In u little while. To their Joy. Vera
md Mrs Robertson found themselves
bn the shores OF New York.
Now Vcra's dreams OF her life had
:ome true and she was at last stand
ng on the shore OF the Land o:
Hope"
Many people were 1t the shore 10
welcome the passengers. Mrs RAD
r.tson looked eagerly around to try
20 catch a glimpse OF one whom she
most wanted TO nee.
Finally. she heard pleasant voice.
and Vera turned In aurpr!sc to see n
handsome. cican-shnvcd man Of per-
haps 40 years Of age. a few yards
IN back OF them.
Mary" no whispered. eagerly to
Airs. Robertson. an she ran TO him.
Luther" she whispered. as she
reached his side.
$50 this Is the little refugee that
Two heard 80 much about" Mr. Rob-
ertgon said, pleasantly. and Vera was
attracted Instantly to this man. Well.
we'll. I'm certainly glad to soc you.
and you are, cordially welcome in our
home"
Thank you" Vera said. simply. as
she extended her hand. II know I'll
just love TO live with you and moth.
er."
We'll. let's go then" nc said. TAX
ing each OF them by the arm. Come
on and I'll show you our grand little
city"
Tho City OF New York Is like n
great monster. dealing harshly with
nome. and bringing fame and fortune
to others.
Vera and Mr.. and Mrs. Robertson
got on bus to feast their eyes on
the sights and wonders OF the city,
which now lay before them.
Vera was especially charmed with
Broadway. the endless stream Of
countless people. the huge sky
scrapers and the people themselves
After a few hours OF wondrous
sights seeing. Mr.. Robertson hired a
tari to go home in.
Il could Taze hours and hours on
one place in New York" Vera wills.
pered to Mrs. Robertson. isn't it
wonderful? The people hurrying to
and fro--and everything. could
write a book on The Wonders Of
New York;"
The taxi turned in the direction
of Fifth Avenue. and "A burst OF won.
der came from Vera's lips.
Mrs. Robertson smiled as she no.
,iccd the burst or asionishment. and
said: Vera. on this beautiful block
|are represented some OF New York's
lwealthiest the Rockcfellers and Van.
dcrbilts. for instance. Aren't they
lovely y d. we'll u.d
your amazemcnt."
The TAX. rw up In front Of
Leautiful house. 1t had n widr.
sweeping lawn. The house Itself WAS
OF brick. a fine. modern home that
would delight any one.
Vera got out of the taxi in Il dream,
went up the walk in dream and
went on the terrace in dream.
At the door neat butler In i'm
maculate black ushcred them Into the
living room. and Vera " a
The room was elaborate with beau.
tiful furniture OF the most expensive
kind. and the wall was covered Will
costly paintings.
Though accustomed to riches IN
Russia all her life. Vera had never
seen anything to equal the Robertson
house.
at certainly is nice to be back
home" Mrs. Robertson said. unbut-
toning her gloves. and then added:
We'll. Vera. how do you like it?"
why, It's wonderful" was all Vera
could say.
She was ushered up into u pretty
pink and blue room. where a trim
maid helped her to undress and get
ready for dinner.
NihS' tanihB shower ana putting
on clean, white dress, she sat down
patiently to walt for the dinner bell
Soon she heard the silvcry peals.
and darted down the broad stairway
.hn. with some difficulty found the
dining
Never in all her life had Vera eaten
such dinner. The lights. the trim
maid and butler. the beautiful room.
and Mr.. and Mrs. Robertson smiling
at her. made Vera want 10 laugh and
cry all mt once.
After dinner they went into the
lovely sitting room, and. after a few
dreamy waltzes by Mrs Robertson
(who was good musician). MIR. Rob-
ertson suggested that Vera sing n
song.
The sweet soft voice and the song
had decided effect on both Mr.. and
Mrs. Robertson. They thanked their
lucky stars that fate had thrown In
their path the little girl named Vera
Ostron.
After the song, Mrs. Robertson
called Vera to her. "You don't know
how lee appreciate your lovely voice."
sho said earnestly. "One of these DAYS
your voice Will thrill the world, you
will be famous prima donno."
Little did Mrs. Robertson dream
that one Of these days tho prophecy
she SO earnestly made would come
true!
BY Pearl, " RJ Iycae