The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-02-23


earnest love could avoid and to this end she
perceived that the most effectual way of accom-
plishing it would be in faithfully adhering
to heincognito Zera sought to preserve. But
she could not help feeling how unhappy the
life must be which necessity compelled to
resort to such expedients. Zera noted this
expression which the truthful face revealed,
and at once sought to remove the impression.
"You are mistaken, dear Laura, in suppos-
ing that am necessarily unhappy. Icould
have avoided the necessity of this conceal
ment by remaining at home-I could end it
by returning to Persi at once. But choose
to incur it, because of the natural affections
which none of us can ALLEVIATE or subdue.
While remain here, it is necessary for me to
preserve this incognito, for a reason that you,
perhaps, have not divined-the habits Of my
country. These are different. from those
which prevail here; and were to openly dis
play my manner of living, this of itself would
excite curiosity, and, perhaps, end in surveil-
ance. L have many of my people with me;
they are necessary to my happiness and pro-
lection. could not domesticate this retinue
in private family or hotel. / could not toll
crate the curiosity of the Americans, nor they
my exclusiveness; besides, these people know
no language but their own, and are partial to
the dress and customs of their country Now
you see some of my reasons" said Zera, smil-
ing in her companions eager questioning face.
"But, dear Zera, L never thought of your
80 aIea &box, here nnr bo,,oa
is large-it could well afford room for dozen
additional servants; besides, in this great city
you viii need some sort of PROFESSIONALLY
can't you stay here?".
"Believe me, dear Laura, I am very CRATE
full, but am well supplied with everything
essential to my comfort and protection. i
have purchased residence in secluded part
of the city, on Washington Avenue, and live
there surrounded by my people. Besides,
dear Laura, You could only afford me room
for dozen servants, while l have over thirty.
1 could never permit them to depart from the
allegiance they owe me, and their manner of
rendering this would excite ridicule in your
republican country. But, will be with you
as much as possible, and the rest of the time
you shall spend with me. And then, dear
Laura, you viii see how an Eastern despot
lives among her slaves" and Zera's rich,
clear laugh triIled like ripple of JOY on the
startled air.
"Oh, that will be splendid" said Laura,
laughing in concert
The low utterance of the ladies fell upon
the ear of the wounded man in soft mon
otone inexpressibly soothing, calming the
flushed and feyered body into quiet repose.
His senses had not gathered the words or
purport of the conversation but the soft,
sweet cadence of the two voices dearest to
him, even in that ftful Sleep. carried to
his mind sense of security, of happiness,
which penetrated his heart with ineffable
content
In this way the light of dawn Frightened
into day, and the long hours stole silently
along, bringing hope to the hearts of the
watchers, and returning strength and con-
seriousness to their patient.
On the pale face had begun to culver
delicate rose tint not breathed there by fever,
and throughout the weakened frame had
begun to thrill sense of animation and
returning vigor not caused by pain. The
pulse had assumed more natural and even
stroke, and respiration was less labored and
easier The hour of danger had passed, and
with careful watching and attention Richard
Bartrelle would recover. -
The doctor came and went; his patient
needed only care; that sound sweet sleep was
gathering healing for the exhausted body fas-
ter than any drug or medicine could lend it.
OIL how their hearts leaped, their pulses
thrilled, as the kind old surgeon smiled his
answer into their eager, questioning eyes.
Faithful nurses! how they loved the old man
for his assurance.
"Let him sleep girls; Jet him sleep; he'll
do well enough, only don'tlet him get excited.
ALL the young dog, to bring so much trouble
on two such pretty faces;" and smiling and
bowling CALAMITY the grand old surgeon quit
ted the apartment, followed by the hurried,
sparkling eyes and faces dimpled all over
with smiles, that flashed and shone like the
sparkle of the dew in the simmer of the sun.
OIL how glad they were.
ITO be continued.l