The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-11-23

enects Oh IL, sne sits down, with Pau by her
side, and 1t is arranged that he shall remain
with her, whilst Zach and Martin yist the re-
mainder of the gallery. Zach does II II acqui-
esce without secret pang, for certain bright
vision, which had been floating in jis mind
since he met that sweet face at the Ftste Pro
renee, has suddenly faded, and left a bank he
would fam fill up. With an effort, however, he
turns away, and he and Martin soon disappear
in the crowd
But Martin, now Lisette is not with them,
loses his gaiety. He is evidently pref coupled,
and replies to Zach 3 observations in al incohe-
rent manner. Grit tries adroitly to bri ig round
the conversation to subject that is uypermost
in his mind, but his efforts prove uns, ccessful
Martin will not entertain it. Presently they
stop short in front of small picture, represent
ing two men seated at table, on which are
cards, and small piles of gold. The hands Of
the clock point to late hour in tho night
which is further indicated by the faring of ono
of the candles in its socket. The countenance
of one of the players is flushed that of the
other, haggard. and dishgured by fearful ex-
preston of desperation. he has evidently
staked his ALL and fortune is sgainst him. But
he is bent upon playing, nevertheless, though it
is clear he will lose. Something in that scene
brings flush into Martins cheek, and kindles
new and strange fire in his eye. !irit is
watching him, and presently their eyes meet
Have they any idea in common, that tSey eI-
change such glances of intelligence? P'rhaps!
Shall we go there tonight" asks 'irit, in
hollow whisper
"Yes yes |" is the hurried, gasping answer.
I" And try something," continues Zsah.
"Have you money!" asks Martin, in the
same gasping voice.
"Well! some!" replies Zach.
I'VE will Co." is the rejoiner.
Not another word is said, and, turning away
from the picture, they walk listessy side by side
thinking of anything but the ipaintinga, until
they reach the further end, when Zach reminds
Martin, who is going out, that they have left
Lisette and Paul behind and must return for
them.
Meanwhile, the young couple have stso had
their conversation. which has been carcied on
in low whispers. 4 h,w understanding ppears
to have sprung up between them. II it that
they have both considered" as they agreed
to do when Paul last spoke to Lisette Of, sub
ject in which his happiness was bouad up?
Time will show. AS Martin and Zach approach
ed, the young folks are speaking of ther7.
Whatever you may say, Lisette,'' OBSERVES
Paul. "and / do not blame you for having
good opinion of everybody, there is something
about your fathers foreign friend that displea-
ses me-"
Sand l repeat, Paul." is her answer. that
you are in danger of Judging hastill. Ny
father is thrown into strange company some
times | doubt not; but that is not a reason
why We should think unfavorably of M9nsienr
Grit Besides, you forget that owe hin, debt
of gratitude"
"Ah, BAH" calculates Paul, somewhat hast
lily; 81 mere act of courtesy-a simple act of
politeness. He ought to have allowed you to
fall, perhaps!"
She makes no reply, lest Paul should become
rufied, for she knows how hasty he i.. But he
presently alludes to her fathers propensity for
the gaming table, and insinuatcs that Zach is
probably one of his companions. Then she
fixes her eyes upon him reproachfully, but in
her gentle voice reminds him that that subject
is one on which they had agreed to be mute.
"What has he to gamble away now?" she
asks. ~ do not say he has not been in fault
but that is long, long ago. He has lost every
thing, and has now to suffer for his indiscrc-
ton. What he obtains from Gaetano Pelligrini
is scarcely sufficient to maintain him; apd how
can he gamble, if he has not wherewithfy
Paul sees that she is moved, but, bxeving
he is right, pursues the theme. II
"You do not know" he SAYS, "you cannot
know the fearful effects of this passiG on its
victims. / will, however abstain from telling
on the subject -
"Nay, Paul. she saws, "if YOU bell, fe this
of my father, and you will old me in scuing
him from the abyss into which he ha. fallen
we will resume it at another moment Sec,
they are here"
at is understood, then, dear Liset e. re-
spends Paul. "To make you happy, iere is
nothing that is possible that would no. do. 1t
has ever been with this view | have sp ken to
you, but you have always closed my mo. TIL"
Enough Enough, Paul" she W ispers
"We are now agreed"
Her father and Grit have by this tim come
up, and a consultation ensues respect ag the
carrying out Of the next part of the programme
which originally embraced drive to tie Bois
de Boulogne, and which, having been Resolved
upon so long ago, 1t is decided cannot IN any
account be foregone. A vehicle is sodn pro-
cured, and the holyday-makers presently find
themselves rolling up the grand avenue of the
Champs Elysees.
The day is splendid, and the fresh ar sur
prisingly revives Lisette. The loungers are
unusually numerous, and the open-air amusc-
ments are being carried on with extraordinary
activity for the time of year. Punch, as usual,
is the popular favorite, and commands the
largest crowds. The roundabouts are rotating
with dizzy celebrity, much to the bewildasment
of the equestrians who bestride the hobby. horses
and who, holding all instrument like Autine.
iron, run wild tits at little brass rings suspend.
ed from the frame. The proprietors. af the
shooting galleries have busy time Of II, too.
especially those who offer a prize of mace sroons
to the marksman who succeeds in drivin an al.
row, shot from a rickety cross-bow, into, ne eve
OF the Grand Turk or the Great Mog3l: or
who koncks down with pellet sundry, igures
in chalk, at distance of four feet. I. Gas
,op ia, hrfo,, hi, st;ol,
making them fly in all directions, to the onder-
ment Of the group of soldiers gathered round
him, and who make up the bulk of his az fence.
There they go; up in the air; down sgain;
caught from the ground in second; Sc, spin
ming over his head round his neck IN. Ter his
legs, first his right, then his left, then bot then
round his body; one two three, half dozen
together-the performer all the while efying
the world to produce another man to 10 the
same thing" and for nothing genteme 4; yes,
absolutely for. nothing, except for the pleasure
of it, and of affording you opportu Iity to
patronize genius" And if there is not tie man
with the flexible hump, poor fellow! Wis gets
an honest though poor living by Elk biting
the horrible facility with which he cauSas his
deformity to shift from his back to hi. chest
Nor does the man who sells wonderful Soma
tum, and who has hair FIVE feet in lengtS, lack
customers. In fact, down to the venEers of
coco, and of that doubtful compound kp .-sn as
Nauterre cakes, every one seems to bs busy
this fine day, and to be enjoying it y
The party in the carriage particula' y, APP
pear to be making the most of it. Sea- cely
group escapes their observation, from tf3 very
entrance Of the avenue to the Ro,,d POND
The absence of two poplars here prorokes
remark from the republican lips of Pskl, not
very complimentary to the regime of tk3 new
President, but he is instantly checked BIZ look