The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-09-29
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thought that site vas NOT false to me
living, was DROP # comfort in the
desert of my despair, and thinking she
might be happier, resolved that she
should never know of my existence.
Acting upon this resolution, I took
passage for the United States. On the
ship I accidently learned that Jessie
and her husband had gone out to
Canada, whittier his regiment had been
ordered, and resolved to steer clear
of their vicinity, but could never erase
her image from my mind, and in my
dreams lived over the past only to
mock my waking hours. ,e.f' - a3.@tg T
About two years after I arrived in
New York, while, I sat on board one OF
the floating palaces Of the Hudson, idly
scanning the few passengers, my heart
stood still as recognized Jessie prom
enading between her husband and
fatl,er-in-law. There she was before
me, slightly pale, with a shadow OF
detection upon her brow, but more
beautiful than ever. "a 9tow sais ssf1 8,
AT the sight, her dear prototype,
which thought lay buried, beneath
the snouldering ashes Of expired hope,
on the altar of my heart sprung into
life quicker than thought. 1t was not
dead, but a thing of life, and its
quickening power thrilled along my
veins like an electric shock. '-1- 30
II retained the consciousness that
was changed beyond possibility o.
recognition, and stood near their line
of promenade. My heart seemed
bursting while drinking in the delicious
joy of her presence; but when she
disappeared down the stairway chill,
ling darkness gathered over again
and for one lighting smile of recogni
ton I would have given all that year
to come held out to me ! For the breatl
of one loving word upon my heart
would gladly have laid down my life
Then the grim spectre" what nigh
have beenn-reveled through memory
halls, oyerturning the pedstals of it
sacred hopes, and reflected back
smile of derisive mockery. ~ = & - 81
There was no sleep for mo so nea
her, and continued my promenade
on the cabin guards until late at night
Ihad scarcely thought of a lady VIII
had fallen asleep upon a. sofa jus
beyond the point at which / turned il
my walk, until saw Sir John approach
throw shawl lightly upon the sleep
ing form, and retire. That was Jessie
The madness of despair rose within me
and resolved to have one kiss if i
cost both our lives. a.ii in rH.'3 % ~
was bending over with. my lip
almost uron her cheek, when Sir JOIN
opened one of the doors leading to tn
saloon, in the light of which I wa
distinctly visible. He sprang ait me
but with supernatural strength
crushed HIM to the floor, and with m,
left hand upon his throat, and my opel
knife in the right, Ihoarsely whispered
I'D am Edwin Morris. Your son
thinking me dead, robbed me of tina
woman, who, was all the world to me
1T is better they still think me dead
Here you must swear never to reyea
my existence to living SOUL" }n7uU
When he had sworn I released nj.
hold, and he warmly grasped my ham
saying:io oqi e s1aaif1adn1 asZ
a'Yon are q noble fellow, and deserNv
o better fate tsdi75aaas WsE -.isl q
Ibid not reply, but bent again owe
the pure, little woman before me-, an
pressed my lips upon her cheek. Sh
partially awoke, and putting her arr
about my neck, kissed me in return
while softly half consciously came th
whispered words: ~ ;. 's.'.-g ~ :
Good night, darling.n irsaassif, e
al knew that kiss was stolen, and til
words addressed to another; BID
they seemed the good night to hope j
my heart, and I staggered away, onl
regrettipgI was denied the boon {
dying then, with her arms around m
neck. 49, $780,.
Since that hour, time seems to hay
gone wrong with the, I cannot remai
idle and have no heart to work.
know that an, on the downward pat
of life, but when the end comes ca
feel that have not existed in vain
that there are those who are happie
that have lived. 't,t< l.ss.a.,s, .ill.''
While days come round to me wi
the evening zephyrs leave her co
breath upon my cheek, and as til
restless waves chaunt the requiem
departed hope, I can hear in the
myriad voices the whispered word
'sGood night, darling.n M