ed
more like an angelic visitant than a mortal.

There was nothing strikingly beautiful about the child, but she
possessed that inexpressibly _sweet_ character of face that takes the
human heart by storm at first sight; and this, added to the fact that
she was almost the only one of her sex who had been seen for many months
by any of those present,--that she was fair, blue-eyed, delicate,
modestly dressed, and innocent, filled them with an amount of enthusiasm
that would have predisposed them to call a scream melodious, had it been
uttered by Mademoiselle Nelina.

But the voice which came timidly from her lips was in harmony with her
appearance. There was no attempt at execution, and the poor child was
too frightened to succeed in imparting much expression to the simple
ballad which she warbled; but there was an inherent richness in the
tones of her voice that entranced the ear, and dwelt for weeks and
months afterwards on the memory of those who heard it that night.

It is needless to add, that all her songs were encored with rapturous
applause. The second song she sang was the popular one, "Erin, my
country!" and it created quite a _furore_ among the audience, many of
whom were natives of the Green Isle.

"Oh! ye purty creature! sing it again, do!" yelled an Irishman in the
front seats, while he waved his hat, and cheered in mad enthusiasm. The
multitude shouted, "Encore!" and the song was sung for the third time.

While it was singing, Larry O'Neil sat with his hands clasped before
him, his bosom heaving, and his eyes riveted on the child's face.

"Mr Sinton," he said, in a deep, earnest tone, touching Ned on the
shoulder, as the last sweet notes of the air were drowned in the thunder
of applause that followed Mademoiselle Nelina off the stage; "Mr
Sinton, I'd lay me life that it's _her_!"

"Who?" inquired Ned, smiling at the serious expression of his comrade's
face.

"Who but Nelly Morgan, av course. She's the born image o' Kate.
They're as like as two paise. Sure av it's her, I'll know it, I will;
an' I'll make that black thief of a Yankee explain how he comed to
possess stolen goods."

Ned and the captain at first expressed doubts as to Larry's being able
to swear to the identity of one whom he had never seen before; but the
earnest assurances of the Irishman convinced them that he must be right,
and they at once entered into his feelings, and planned, in an eager
undertone, how the child was to be