The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-08-11


talismaa, and virtue of that he was enabled
to stand amid temptation where 50 many
fall
A year of city life wrought changes in
our Trend. He had grown manlier III ap-
pearSnce, aud moved with u firmer step and
more confident air.
The experiences Of that first year--thc
dangers and escapes-the new aspect Of lite
1T had revealed to out young friend, were
lessons not to be uDheeied.
One day during the fist month Of his
second year in the city, our young friend
was sitting alone in his proprietor's office
late IN the afternoon, when an acouaint
ance came in. He was anont Alfrcds age
a youth Of superior talents, aud like him
lad spenthi earliest years in the country
ihe city ainre.aents had been too strong
for han. He had fallen into many vices
and ihey haa woven, like busy spiders
Il cir h,.T Invisible cords about him, until
tie Whs held an almost powerless captive
-e WIS pale; his eyes wAre congested from
recent dissipation his hand was hot and
trembling as he laid it in that of his friend
''iiow are Won ?" asked Alfred
'Iopt ask me !; you see how ] an
wfetsllGd' was The unhappy reply.
"Are you sick?"
~ es in body and mind. Oh, wtsl
| Were dead
"Ihere is a better, a hrayer. AMI Il man
lier wish than that" replied Alfred.
For one like you, perhaps, who lave
gone through the fire unliafnicd: but not
for me, | have no will no powcr Ny
good resolutions are like fax AID ap
petite like Tune. How did you sfaud
when |, and SO many like me, went
down 2" s.r
Not in my own strength" replied Al
fred, his face growing serious.
You moved against those evil allure
menis as il you were in arnor against them
All !! how often have | envied You youl
power to stop at the right moment. hav,
seen you leave a card table when d stake
was proposed saw you push aside th,
bottle when others We're drowning rcuso,
and self-control | have seen you turn YOU
back shuddtring when siren voices were il
your ears. and Others went mady on to
folly and disgrace. How was it ?'
Il had talisnap," said Alfred, "ant
through that was Safe
"Vhat is it 2" The young man looked
up quite hopeful to his friend.
LET me tell you about it, Alfred,
voice softened, and his eye had tender
light. ''On the day before left home
was lying on the scfl dreaming of the fa
ture, My heart was full ofgrand anticipa
tons; l saw splendid career before me
The picture that my fancy created was full
of allurements. From this dream | was
suddenly awakened. A warm kiss touched
my forehead, and feel it now with strange
distinctness. Then comes vision of thai
tender, loving face, and start back shud
der. 1t seems for time as ii mother.
eye was resting upon ME"
Silence followed.
Il have no MOTHER was answered in {
sad voice. when / went out from m,
home, no talismanic kiss was printed GU my
turhead."
"Have you sister ?'
A faint light flashed into the young
mans face.
Y s," he replied. and his voice tremhlet
a little. 81 have sister. Dear girl 4
would break her heart to see me as | an
now 2"
is not her pure kiss now on your lips
and cheeks !"
Yes, yesr' The voice shook, still
more.
"'rhen be that sisters kiss your tails
man.
God bless your cried the young man
grasping Airedss band, My feet ar,
touching bottom / feel the commenc
ment of resisting power. Oh the foot
shall not overwhelm me again. My sister
kiss shaiisa me =
He trenlbled, light warmed lis pale face
hope looked out Of his eyes.
Let it he talisnan to restrain as wei
as protect" said Alfred Let its swee
Influence hold you back. from dangerous
ways and evil comPanionship. Weottel
fall for going into slippery places. 1t i
easier TO keep away from temptation thai
to resist its influence"
Thank You, my fiend, for that warn
lng," answered the young man. 1T shall
be needed - Yes, yes" he added, speak
ing hopefully almost cheerfully my tai
isman shall restrain"
Yoh would hardly have known him
mouth after. The pale eShac stion Of hi
face was gone, his mouth was firm an
confident, his eyes clear, his step elastic.
"iiow we'll You are looking!" said A
fred. meeting him one day.
"Ion keep the tulisman
"Ah! il is here" and he laid tinge
softly on his lips-"My sisters kiss. Go
bless her!'