The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-08-17
VOL. VIII.

Il
| come IN to ask news Of you"
al am better-muoh better,n she said, in
reply; "and | hope to 60 on improving now
shall be quito well in time"
Tomorrow, Tomorrow +" interjected the
starting, looking across at bis mistress
"Ah, ali ! jealous ~ exclaimed the young
girl. I" He has been sulky all the morning.
she continued addressing Paul "Your arri-
val has put him on bis better behaviour. He
is as jealous as Othollo."
"Sacred blue said the starting
"Come, then, monster, said Lisette, holding
out her finger to the bird; "come and make
friends, and then leave US alone"
The docile bird came at his mistress's bid
ding and perched on her foger. She then
allowed him to cares her lips with his bill, and
gave him q email piece of sponge-cake, with
which he Immediately flew away, back to his
cage.
81 have often wondered you do not lose
your pess,n observed Paul, "for have observed
you do not seem to mind even leaving the win
dow open, when they are flying about"
al am not afraid" she replied. "Thoy love
me-" And she emiled.
The young man colored deeply. He had not
thought of that; yet it must be so. What thing
could love her and leave her
"You still work, then, as hard as ever" he
baiO, pESbcutly
allow should | live, else J" she answered
Fortunately, | have only the best work, and
my necessities are fewn
Tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow ~
chimed In the starting
ado you hear what Coco says!" asked the
young man, somewhat gravely.
Sufficient to tho day is the evil thereof
responded Lisette, cheerfully, thinking Of the
great Book.
IL know you are marvellously sustained
remarked Paul; but that notwithstanding
your wise saws, Mics '-hc was now address
ing her playfully and your heedlessness
about the future, you are ever saving, and put
ting trihs by against rainy days"
eve must not understand too literally, al
ways" she replied az the wisdom Of the Scrip
lures. cannot help beirg Industrious, 1t is
necessity of my nature. My real wants are
very few, which is also another natural fail
ing"-sho smled-" and my embroidery is
very well paid. There is the whole mystery"
Yes but pleasure, Lisette."
"And what may you call pleasure, Paul !? "
she responded. off you mean balls fctes, spec
tacies AID such like, they have no attractions
for me, in the first place; and in the second,
my health and strength are not equal to dissi-
pationn
"And all is vanity" added the young man,
somewhat sarcastically.
Yes, Paul" she said, lifting her eyes to his
face as she spoke " You do not see it, perhaps.
| You think me too serious, even may be- But
it is the truth, and believe it."
THAT Protestant pastor has turned your
brain, Lisctte," retorted he, with little
warmth This religion is all very well in its
place but it was never sent to make folks
gloomy, and TO deprive life of its few cOnsola-
| TONS"
Size held her peace, and resumed her en-
broidery 1t was an old theme. They did not
see alike, and she did net feel disposed to pur-
sue the controversy.
He addressed her again:
"But for your over-strsined religious notions,
might have been happy long ago. | cannot
bear to zee you work, work, work, ever and
always work work, work, and, as it seems to
me, without an object | don't wish you to
work. want to work for you. | can earn
enough for both Of us, and to spare"
Lsette continued plying her needle indus
triously, but did not speak.
Besides, does not young motheriess gil
require protector :" he continued; "and
what better, what more legitimate protector,
except perhaps brother, whom you have not,
or father, whom you have, but .
| "Paul! Paul !" che calculated, locking up.
| "WclI, will not cay word about him,
them he said "but in the absence of these,
what better protector can you have than q
husband!n
"To protect me against what J" she asked
quietly.
against what? }" why, against-against !:
do know? Are there not dangers to which
every young girl is exposed?" he answered,
rather pettishly.
AZ have never placed myself in the way of
them, Paul,D she replied. Against the ordi-
nary dangers of life," she added, III require
no other protection than that which Providence
extends to ell who trust in his goodness and
mercy"
know you have en- answer always ready,
no went on to ssy. "You always seem to be
right, and that is why become angry and an
noycd with myself when oppose you IN any
way. Blu; indeed, Lisctte, am very unhap'
The tears stood in bis eyes, though he sthed
the sob that was rising She looked up, and
extended her hand, which he pressed, and Gov
cred with kisses.
aAnd do make you so, PAUL." she asked
eyes and no." he answered; 81 am happy
when reflect that you love me, but wretchec
when find you always averse to hearing me
speak of marriage. | then think you cannot
love me; otherwise"-
"Paul, Paul. she exclaimed, with flushing
cheek and moistening eyes, sit is better toI
, both of us that we should remain as we are !"
"To-morrow-till tomorrow" said the star
ling. =.
! &Allons! There is that provoking bird o
yours, offering his advice, now said Paul, nal
. sngrily but unable, notwithstanding, to re
f press q smile. But tell me why you Away
r say it is better for us to remain 500"
"Do not ask me, Paul, if you love me-" sn,
, responded, gravely. Have | not been very III
, and am sure my term of life -
"There, there always that gloomy lore
) boding," he calculated, interruptiDg her, ye
3 looking anxiously at her frail figure, and pale
s pale face. "Do not, Lsette, talk 80, or yo
: will drive me to something desperate. DO yo
= rot confess you feel better? Are you not bel
o ter, too, really?" he added.
Sometimes" she said; "but do not pres
d the question now, Paul, l copjure you"
D He saw che was affected, for the tears fe
a fast on her embroidery, and she spoke with o
: effort. So he paused. Presently che address
:, ed him again.
i; @And Paul, ;" she said, gravely, "your assoc
r, alton with those dangerous men is to me di
). couraging reflection. l tremble lest you shout
.. be compromised in some of those conspiracit
O. which. we all know, are on foot, and who
!. have brought misery and ruin upon so many
n "Eh. hut what do women understand abo'
r. noliticsIU he exclaimed. "Would you ha'
ne secuted by nv comradese We all have o.
n opinions and we are pledged to abide by thor
ID Besides, if sacrificed them, Lisette, would Tn
It, change your views in respect of our msrriagS
ID Answer mel"
ct Truth obliges me to say it would not fau'
e, she replied, calmly sbut It would increase q
an | ~ ro,, and ke me belieVe W