The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-08-11
A TALISMAN.
\ STORY FOR YOUNG MEN.

ing dream. Ills thoughts were i'll the
future, and fancy dweit with brilliant
inanes. On the morrow he was to depart
FIR distant city, and there enter law
Office to study the profession he had
chosen. He had talents and was ambitious.
In TO this period of his life he had dwelt
chiefly in the country, receiving his educa-
lion ut a college in the neighborhood. He
was pure-minded, and free from the vices
that sensuaiize SO many of our young
men.
So lost was he in his waking dream that
present things faded out of his mind. lie
saw only success, the proud satisfaction
that awaited him ia the future.
II will stand among the first he said III
his thoughts, with every pulse leaping in
full throbs along the arteries.
kiss upon his forehead dispersed hi
fancies, and instead of unreal things he saw
the face of his mother bending over him.
How full of love it was tender, yearn-
ing. anxious love.
How can [ let you go, Alfred ?" she
mnrmured.
1T is hard, dear mother" he answered.
,lrawinu his arm around her neck, and kiss
ing her fondiy in return, -but it is best.
l L o
hut a lalfa life here in the country. 1oH
know | have talents and ambition for q
wider sphere You shall be proud fyour
son, dear mother.
On the next day he went away.
a large city is dangerous place for a
voun. niun who has 40 charmed home cir
Gle to draw him back from its many false
enticements. If the young mans early
wears had BEEN passed in the country, the
danger is still greater
Il will see what is to be- he said, con-
muning with himself ave must know
the world five would tread its path with
sure foot ] an: rot afraid"
Social, witty and generous, he Was not
long without companionships. Within a
few weeks form the time lie entered the
city he was introduced to cotere Of
Young men, mostly law students, who met
NO or three times week for the purpose
of selfiairGovement. They had a room
fitted up with library, and took many
OF the periodicals OF the day but cards,
wine and GLARS, occupied usually more of
their attention than books and periodica s.
The literary designation of their. club was a
mere feiut to blind parents and cnriuu3ly
teJiHg friends and relatives. 49,
Our young friend saw, on the evening of
LIS introduction f., tha clnh tb., il ,,,.s y
t,lso nrz,ensa ,a,,d its associations ,,..no,.
i,,, H.. I,nnr, ,,,,e., -, % e.. !,
All ,r;',v lilo NO - o,.',;lo,.,,;,,,r a,,,,
,,rI.: aI,,',., ,ir,, a., 49,,
1;mSs iI,in,L s,,i,or, nr 80 -,
80, ,,,i ,,i,h e,s'
iia M, IL =, 81
on1 o,,,ss e,mra-oJ liz ssms 80 l,n J;,.lo
whis and ia ,r;,.d 80 liz, ,, ,1,ir
In ,yant f..,I;,,u u.,f a,,.or"d In,
sr.:e Of fear and shame acco,nnan;eI his
ct. r-oi,r,i =. I.:,i- -, -
-. n :" ~ la ~ "I"t ,ha no 1,,ie
,,I'on ;,,,sr, -. -, ~, -,
},nr Gilwl liz ol..s far him sar;nr"
H., ,fr,;a IF ,h;s 80 ;t;a ~
STRANGER ,,an w,tcr,s
Tia wos Gf,;nT l,;s ol.ss whom his b.,rf
sta,na5 n,ilxas Than ha co, :, aa1o anG
Iid rot toncb ,ba wina ana;n '''
.TLis Is duIl worl, >, eycI,;moa ono q
tho comnapv as he tool, tho nack Of c,,d
and boran 10 sbnfi,a ,he,o a. Tho clnSa -
rho came
~ 80 b,vo sh;ll;,c , s,.te .;,st &,
The excitement of The hing. Even how
Jnn,, ,,l,y m,rhIes far fun not shoot =
non a Pc, ~ ,,;el COOS w;thn.. tho hone .
Winning And what are we but bows of
LARGER Growth ?,'
Portemonnaies were instantly in han,
NIL around the table. Yielding to the com
mon assent Of this propositions, our youn
Tr;an5.s'h a,,J .wamt itaw,, ;n,o ii. = 81 Of
hut ere he drew it forth his hand was NJ
rested alnosr ~ abruntlv rs if extcrna
forea hod ' In NIL tiban r;.;na r.nn
the table he left the room without saving
word. and never entered it aoain.
Knowing chances rossod aro,nd tb
room,
whats mo" asked one
Enlightened " said another.
ooh! you must excuse him! he's Jus
from the country SAID third.
And then the game went on.
Said fellow student in The law ofTice tt
Alfred next day:
a wish | had left with Won last NIGHT
but hadn't the courage to break away"
Then drawing out. his nurse. he held i
up, adding. Every dollar zone Won see.
"What do Won mean2n asked 4 fired
lifting his brow in surprise.
Il am plucked pigeon
"And you knew that it was wrong t.
gambler"
"0f course | did. and wished myself vel
out OF it when stake was promised. I'm
hadh't your manly courage. How in th,
world did you muster up strength of minc
TO brave that whole company / coulan
have done it."
49, because. " Sc was answered, Il saw thing!
Ham, Sl.,s.,