New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-01-19
Chapter V.

'As for the mother have looked upon
her as dying since the first hour saw her.
She is a talented woman, full Of noble feel
ing and refined sentiment, and sympathy
explains my interest in her. But that
child claims power over me beyond sym
pathy; strange power can not define, 1
do not love her SO well as my little cousin,
yet if Nellie were to die I should grieve for
her time, then all would go on with me
as before. But if that strange. halEelin
child were taken, l know not what would
become of me. Were in the least super
stitious, would say it was superstition
which had taken hold Of my mind for 1
can not close my eyes without seeing the
strange, half-wild, brilliant little thing be-
fore nae. And her great, black, glistening
eyes, which at one moment give out a deep,
liquid luster, as if the soul were reveling
in extensive spiritual thoughts and fancies,
and at the very next light up, and sparkle,
and fash with some earth-born idea or
wish seem ever looking into the very
depths Of my inner being. And for an un-
chaste thought or feeliag, they chide me SO
sadly and sOrrOwfully that fain would
close the portals of my heart, and shut her
cut frcn lis secret chambers. But if
| draw them to, 10! she is with
in, and they are only closed
in upon her. When with her there is fas.
cination in watching her quick and varied
little elfn face which, try as 1 will 10 fas-
ten my attention elsewhere is ever drawing
my eyes toward her. l do believe love
to give her joy, more to see the changes
which fit like lights and shadows over her
elfn face, or fash out with sudden warm
glow like sunbeams let in to darkened
room than from the pleasure of seeing her
happy. wonder what the little elf will
say when she hears am going away"
Mrs. Bayard had set Tallula dewn to
memorize a short poem to recite to Mr..
Chamberlain ere he left, telling her she
would come in for her when she thought
she had learned it, And when Harry rang the
bell she was not there as usual with her
black eyes sparkling with joy to slip her
hand in his and conduct him into the room.
His face must have expressed disappoint-
ment, for Mrs. Bayard at once remarked,
a have set Tallula down to task which
have tried to render pleasant by telling
her she must repeat it to you when gotten.
SO while she is thus employed we will
have the conversation you proposed"
"Yeu have doubtless OWNED, Mrs. Bay
ard, that to educate Tallula and provide
for her future has become favorite pur-
pose Of mine. She is dsing best with you
SO long as you are spared to her, but life
is uncertain to the strongest Of us, and
would like to arrange for her future in
case the calamity Of losing you should be-
fall her ere / return.
Mrs Bayard's eyes filed with grateful
tears.
"0h, sir, words have seemed so weak to
tell Of my great gratitude for all you have
done that have kept silent, but this, sir,
seems more than my heart will silently
contain. ! must speak, weak as words
are, or verify | think my swelling heart
would burst with joy and gratitude. Oh,
sir, this night you have lifted from my
heart the dread Of death; now, sir, can
go in peace, and well / know the God Of
the orphan via bless you. Please let me
hear Of your planss'
II have made many inquiries as to
schools, and have examined for myself, and