New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-01-26


her of all she saw. She replied not, but
elung to him and smiled, while the old
light now and then stole back to the large
eyes. For weeks Harry never left her uu-
til sleep closed the little thin lids over the
great black eyes. Then he would return to
the village, to be back with the first rays Of
the sun. And life was coming back to the
loved child, rouudness TO the little limbs,
the rose was tinging the cheek, and the
little steps were growing quick again
Harry had never before known such
bliss for never before had he so fully
known what it was to be the comfort, the
all of another's life. And that little Great
ure had grown so dear to him in her help
lessness, looking only to him for love, and
aye for life. AS health came back to the
little one ali saw with thankful, glad hearts
that the child had passed through the ter
ror Of her woe, and would entirely recover.
And as the mind resumed its wonted Vigor
she began to appreciate the worthy women
around her, and by degrees Miss Lyons
tender gentleness and noble character was
winning upon her admiration and love.
This was as Harry wished it and he en-
couraged it by warmly expressing his own
admiration. And as Tallula returned to
her books occupation aided in restoring a
healthy balance to the mind. Harry en-
couraged sensible practical views rather
than go much passionate feeling and Miss
Lyons devoted many of her leisure mo-
ments in directing the little heart alcft,
and restoring the simple childlike faith
her terrible less had so shocked.
Harry by slow degrees left her more aad
more with Miss Lyons and her books, that
she might grow more dependent upon them
and less upon him. For Nellie Walden
was to wed Edward Moreau on Christmas
eve, and he had written that he would be
there. He also wished to overlook his
affairs, and if they needed him he would
remain at home; but if not he would return
and continue his travels through Europe
until the completion of Tallula's education
should recall him. The day was fixed for
his departure South, and he was only lin
geFiug for TallBla to become accustomed TO
the idea of parting with him ere her impas-
stoned soul should again be afflicted. Find
ing time drag somewhat slowly in the little
village. he frequently resorted to billiards
to divert time, and sometimes added to the
excitement by betting, which upon several
occasions had run quite high. Miss Lyons
had taken Tallula in for some necessary
purchases, and they passed by the billiard
room just as Harry called out " will bet
you five hundred dollars upon this game,
gentlemen His handsome face was glow
ing from exercise, his large eyes sparkling
with excitement, and the cue was drawn
back for the stroke, as Tallula, without one
word Of warning, darted from beside Miss
Lyons and quickly glided through the half
open door, laid her hand in convulsive
grasp upon his arm, and exclaimed
Oh sir don't do it. pray you don't
do it, God will not bless you, sir, indeed
be will not"
And the hgt tears were streaming from
the pleading eyes as she raised them to bis
hali-vexed face, The cue dropped from
his hand, and he caught TalIula's, and led
her to a quiet corner. As he raised the
little one upon his knee his heart soitened
aud he pressed kiss upon her brow. Fol
she was quiveFing and shaking like 8
young cedar in the blast.
Tallula, why do you feel so much 1
is not very bad to play billiards.
sob! sir, he played them, and cards
and bet as you were doing and God Revel
blessed him, but cursed every hour of hi
life; yes, even in death cursed him for h,
said SO, sir, himself. Oh sir, when he wa
dying heard him tell mother that the dev
lis were already in the room to take hin
down, down to hell. Oh sir, l pray 0
you never do it again, oh, never, never"
And she clasped her little arms arouRC
his neck, buried her head upon his breast
and wept as though her little heart woult
break.
"Tallula, you must not give way to feel
ing in this way it will never do"
But she needed him not, or heard hin
not; but with a cold shudder dartin(
through her veins and settling about hel
heart she went on:
"Oh. sir, have you no beautiful whit,
mother for if you have il will make hel
sick like mine, and she win die because hel
son broke her heart by gambling; and Tai
lula will try no more to get well, but die
too, and &c to heaven where mamma will
love her always. Aud you, sir, can not
come to us, aud to your own beautiful
mother OH for the sake of God in heav-
en,your pretty mamma and MS, never, never
do it again.
Tallula, be quiet; you have gained yOuI
wish. For the sake Of these will never
again bet upon any game" And Harry
Chamberlain, in his widest hours, never
gave q promise and broke it.
Thank God, and you too, sir, for now
Tallula can be happy. Our mothers will
be happy, and God viii bless you"
And The sweet smile Of joy broke through
the mist Of tears upon Harry Chamberlain
as he brushed the gathered drops from his
own dimmed eyes and clasped the strange
child closer to his heart.
WEow tell me, TaIlula. where is Miss