New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-12-11

metal. Carries fellow through where
wiser heads would fail !"
Thus, figuratively, patting myself approv.
ingly. rctraced my steps toward the spot
where had left Miss Richards and Jack
The former was looking in a meaning way
toward the place where she had last seen
ME disappear. An hour previously should
have been entranced at the idea that her
thoughts were of me. Now felt that it was
a matter Of course. l no longer felt my
heart thrObs, nor crimson rlushings. Was it
that loved her the less No! Simply
loved myself the more!
With nOnchalance that surprised me,
threw myself on the grass alongside Of the
pair, and remarked that hoped my absence
was magical. Both started az ,ne as if
was some rare specimen hitherto unknown.
met their looks unfiinchingly.
From that instant there began a war of
wit between Jack and myself that was pos
itively dazzling, until at last 1 had out
HerOded Herod, and Jack silently retired to
hide his diminished head. turned to claim
the reward, but the smiles that generally
met my poorest efforts had fed, aud the face
was cold and stern.
You are strangely gay, Mr.. Haw-
thOIne." she said. in a voice 80 altered that
it almost damped my newfound impu-
dence.
"By JOve. she thinks I've been drinking v
thought; "but that's nothing, for as the
days elapse and she sees no change, she will
know better"
Alas for the best laid schemes. The more
brilliant l became the more reserved she
grew. Compliments, 1 felt sure, would
charm the most obdurate, were actually re-
ceivcd with a sneer. However, l was not
to be discouraged. and with no haunting
fears laid my hand and heart at her feet.
Judge of my surprise when she cOOlly told
me she was engaged to Jack Denning.
whom fondly believed l had completely
silenced. was aghast. 1t was monstrOus,
incredible 1t surely was not my fortune,
for, thanks to my newly acquired abilities,
Therefore, it must be mistake.
Months ago l should have accepted the
decision without murmui; now | asked
for an explanation. Lady highly indignant,
but at last makes me understand that GER
tain money transactions l considered by far
my sharpest practice had come to her
knowledge, and Disguised her accordingly.
as to my real character. In the beginning
she had believed me upright aud honorable,
and now had found that flattery and deceit
were my habitual traits.
Great heavens! did hear Alright! Had
indeed lost her by the very means had
employed to win her! became frantic! /
raved! accused Jack Dcnning of. the sins
she said were minc-all was unavailing
She only smiled in derision, then drew her
self up, babe me good morning, and
left me.
opened my eyes and looked around.
was in my own room. darkened to an unu-
sllal degree. and l was in bed. Good,
nOtherly Mrs. Richards sat near a table, ON
which was an array of phials. tumblers and
other paraphernalla Of ii sick room. These
facts were the result of a future examina-
ton, for at that moment | was only con
sciOus of cold hand on my head and Of
the saddest blue eyes looking down into my
face.
Mrs. Denning" l exclaimed.
s'PoOr Benz" murmured the sweetest voice
in the world ''when will you know me
again.
"Then you haynt given me up!'. l al
most screamed. as a ray of hope seemed to
break over my soul.
"Oh! no, indeed. Papa thinks you'll
come ont all right if you are only quiet and
don't excite yourself"
"What has he got to do with it! Where's
Jack Dcnning !"
You raved SO much about Mr.. Denning
that we thought it best not to admit him."
"YOu must be married then. and l must
have been taken sick after the wedding, or
he wouldn't let you nurse me-.
"Oh, mamma, dear, thought he was SEN
sible once more, but, indeed. he don't know
me r. and tears stood in those blue eyes.
Tears, and shed for me-
Then yOu are not Mrs. Denning! l
asked at last.
"I'll be anything you would have me to
be- she said, in the soothing tone one takes
to coax a cross child.
"Then be my wife. and let Jack 60 to the
deuce" exclaimed, trying to imprison the
little hand near me.
"Well, go to sleep now she continued in
the same tone. land we will talk OF that by
and by"
was so miserably weak that was forced
to abide by her advice. 1t was useless to
repeat how. after / became convalescent, l
made her believe that when l made that
prepOsterOus declaration l meant every
word of it. All that is necessary to explain
is, that at the moment l was grumbling at
my fate. huge limb had become detached
from a tree and felled me to the ground.
When was at last missed and found was
in high state Of delirium in which l had
lived through the scenes depicted.
Maud, now Mrs. Hawthorne. after listen
ing to the recital, nestled closer to me and
whispered: "One portion of your vision
was true. Not for worlds would l have
altered one lineament of that dear face, nor
one trait in your character, for it was them
Learned to love-"
If she is satisfied [ am sure ought to be