A BONNY LASS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3583, 5 January 1883, Page 4

A BONNY LASS.

A. striking instance of the strength of Avoman's resolution and the confidence iv extraordinary circumstances which she can repose in her unsullied worth occurred in a northern city of Scotland the other evening. A young lady, occupying a good position in life, jocularly besought a male acquaintance to escort her to the theatre that same evening. This request, in an ungarded moment, he as jocularly refused to comply Avith ; and the young Avoman, Avithout a moment's hesitation intimated her resolve of raising, by the exorcise of her A'ocal poAvers in the public ear, the necessary sum to secure her admission to the performance. A Avager was thereupon concluded between the tAvo that the fair one would not have the pluck and courage to carry out her resolution. She, however, put her project into immediate execution. Secretly attiring herself in a bed-quilt of divers colors, and Avith the garment AATapped around her head aud face, she sallied into the high street. The moon shone forth brightly, and the warmth of the genial day still lingered in tho atmosphere ; and croAvds of sauntering travellers lingered by the Avay, as if loath to quit a scene that Avas at once, in these days, of soaking rains, so unusual and engaging. In the midst of the stillness of the evening the voice of song burst upon their ears. It was first "The Emigrant's FarcAvell," and then another aud another Avell-knoAvn lyric. A croAvd that in a moment of tune grew into a multitude gathered around her. Their attention Avas fixed and their cars enriched Avith the sweetness and melodiousness of her powerful voice, Avhich rang through and through the broad street where she stood. Passers by stood stock-still, and busy men came from

behind their counters to listen to the ravishing notes that floated on the evening air. Even the constable on his beat forgot for once to ask for her authority to sing in the street. AleaiiAvhile, the calm aud resolute songstress kept her fortitude bravely, and acted to the life the part she had assumed. Success attended her efforts, and in a few minutes she had gathered six times the amount requisite to admit her to the theatre. But soon a Avhisper went round the throng that that slight aud fair form, Avith its captiA'ating A'oice, coidd not be a " gangeral bodie," and that some lady was singing a song "for a Avager." A street rough tried to lay his rude hands on her head-gear to rcA'cal her face, and make known her identity, but the crowd resented his interference", aud she avus alloAved to complete her song iv peace. At times Avhcn a copper Avas put into her hand she had to exert her utmost poAver to return thanks Avithout bursting into a snigger. The moment came, hoAvever, Avhile she Avas in the middle of " Bonny Prince Charlie," and she AA'as forced to leave for ever the scene of her triumph. AVheu fairly clear of her audience, she run in breathless haste to her friends, as much surprised as they were at what she had accomplished.