New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-07-24

| much variety. In solids they had tn
| choice between two things-bread o
| nothing-and in liquids, water or nothing
The old mans face clOuded. All his fOl
| mer misery returned, and his mirth wa
gone. Dot observed the change.
Il see" she said quietly, ''you're discon
tented, and I'm glad. It's well you shoult
feel uncomfortable for q little-just what
want"
They seated themselves, but he could no
take mouthfuL His eyes were fixed OF
the child with long, devouring gaze. She
indeed, was his sustenance and refrcshment
How could he live without her!
"Dot," he whispered, with sudden effort
don't everything look poor! Wouldn't thu
floor he warmer to tread if it had carpet
and the room feel less cold if the CRATE hello
all the Goals it conld hold! And wOuldn'
curtain at the window help to keep out the
wind! Say, don't you feel it poor!'
She opened her eyes in silent astomsh
mcnt, and looked around her. After few
minutes scrutiny, 81 should say she re
Piled, 'there amt no doubt you're the
pleasantest thing in the room to look at
And in truth that was not saying much
"Tell me-" repeated Tom, anxiously, lis
it poor, very poor |"
The child nodded assent.
"Ah !" he signed, II knew it," then added,
gently, "How would you like to be always
warm and well fed-to have everything soft
underfOot, and no wind to keep you awake
at night! Could you fancy it for mo-
lment !"
She shook her head No, she could not.
shut your eyes," said the old man, trem-
blingly, land try shall describe it to you
as we'll as l can
She obeycd, and he laid the picture before
her in as bright cOlors as he could muster.
When complete, he disclosed the POstnis-
tresses' kind proposal.
my darling" he taltered, when he had
scrupulOusly satisfied his conscience, "yOu
didn't guess was bringing such good news
with me, did you. Can you believe you
have only one more night to spend in this
poor place-Only one more night to be
miserable"
Dot was silent for some time.
STRANGE" she said, musingly, but there
she paused.
Child" said the old man, "Ill go with
YOU to the door tomorrow, but I'll not go in.
! couldn't stand seeing your face when you
learn for the first time what a poor little
bcggar you've been all these years, unbe-
known to you. I'll wait and you'll come
down and say goodbye before l go alto
gether. Don't put on any finery they'll give
to you. I'm far too wretched creature
not to like that frock best. Ill not keep
you minute. Do YOU understand.
Dot nodded. 1t was difficult to guess
what was passing through her mind.
Now" said he, tenderly, "gO to bed.
The time will pass quicker sleeping than
any other way
She obeyed; but before lying down, drew
near the old man and threw her arms round
him without a word. 1t was impossible to
Niscnx6p hot la hahinI tbnca S,.har J,rnx,-y,
eyes. Tom stationed himself beside her till
'he fell asleep. The fire died out, but the
moonlight, streaming through the small
window, shOne upon his mOtionless form in
he same place. Night passed, and the gray
lawn appeared, yet he never moved, nor
lOsed his eyes. He could not bring himself
o leave her. When she awokc, his face was
he first that greeted her.
Dear" lie said cheerily," only few hours
low. Aren't you very happyF'
Their scanty morning meal. consisting of
he remains of last nights supper, was taken
n silence. When finished, Dot put on her
hawl, and arranged her shabby, threadbare
arment to the best advantage. Tom
watched her without a word. The two then
escended the stair into the street. Sud-
emily he turned, and, pointing to the house,
to her
Don't it seem impossible, now. You could
ave been happy in such a place! and
TRANCE that YOU didn't know YOU were mis-
rable there till last night :"
When they reached the postmaster's house
he left him. He followed her eagerly with
is eyes till the door was closed.
II shouldn't wonder he muttered, as he
aced up and down, ''if she were to forget
he after all: it would be only natural,
couldn't it" and he appealed to himself as
, a second person. Receiving no reply, he
Dntinued: lit would be very wrong if she +,
idn't like what's warm better than what's |
Did. and what's beautiful better than what's |
ely! Very bad taste! couldn't grudge |
to her, could l."
BY this time he was again in front of the |
ouse. He stopped invOlumtarily, and clos !
g his eyes, stretched out his hands toward |
, saying:
God bless little Dot, always
When he looked up she stood by his side, |
nd the door was shut. He bent over her |
it'll infinite tenderness.
''My darling" he said, 'I1l not keep you
~ one goodbye, and then CO."
But the child had slipped her hand into
"Just little way up the street, she
i'd.
No, really J" exclaimed he. delighted.
They reached the corner and he turned.
" few steps further" persisted she.
"No, really" repeated the other,
tonished.
Il want she said, as they drew near the
,use, "just to 90 up and give a last look;
|, YOU mind!"
They mounted the'stair, and he fingered
the door,
" Why should you ?" he urged sorrowfully.
Wouldn't 1t be better to say goodbye
re ~
She pushed gently past him aud entered.
" Yes" said he, sadly watching her face;
you didn't know till now how wretched it
as, did you!"
Dot turned to him and hung her head
thout speaking. There was evidently
netting she wished, but was ashamed to
Dad" she whispered at length, "thcre.s
help for it. l was born miserable beg
r, and l must remain SO. Please, I'll
He pointed silently to the few ashes in the
ate and the broken loaf ON the table. She
derstOOd.
no" she pleaded gently, II haven't for
tten, but I'd rather be cold and hungry
d stay"
Receiving no answer, she knelt beside his
air, and put her arms around him.
Are You disappointed Are you sorry :"
g exclaimed anxiOusly.
The old man took the small face in his
o hands without word.
Il see," she said, ''you couldn't believe it
me. could you p and you're very veNed."
: Child" said Tom slowly, did l show
W hated the place, and grudged your
ingw
Dot hung her head.
No." she answered, sorrowfully; it
sn't you, nor nobody but my own mean
ggarfy SELF
: Then you choose to remain!'