The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1870-06-29
ONLY A FACE.

I was sauntering slowly homewards
one night about half-past eleven, after
having attended at the Adelphi. thea
ter, in common with my brethren of
the press, the first representation of
drama by a very popular author.
Cigar in mouth, and in deep cogita-
ton as to the sort of critique that the
new piece deserved, was startled by
a hand being laid gently on my arm
just touching me ever so lightly, and
no more. My eyes rested on the hand
-gloveless, but resembling fairy
snowflake; then my gaze wandered
farther towards its owners face, and
there it remained for moment or so,
spelibound. Big soft eyes with their
iris as deeply violet as the petals of a
a heartsease, and with their lids firing
ed with long curling lashes, looked de-
precatingly into mine. Bright chesnut
hair waved freely off a low white brow,
surmounting little Greek nose and a
rosebud mouth, slightly open, showing
a row of glistening teeth.
Only face, nothing more; but the
face of a woman angel! Who could
she be? I wondered to myself. this
Titania, this embodiment of poets
dream, this delicate apparition, this
lonely wandering in the evil
London streets side by side with I'M
blushing effrontery and hideous flaunt-
ing vice? Not one of that sisterhood,
l OWNED at glance, as she stood shy
ly beside me, and spoke in hesitating
accents;
go, sir, where is Clearinghouse sta
tion9 l have lost my way, and it is
very late !"
"Charing-cross? Why you M us
have passed it, L fancy"
"Passed it9 But I was so Tighten
ed !" and she shot furtive, nervous
glance over her shoulder.
Noting the suggestive movement,
too turned round, and saw that tho
poor child had apparently fallen into
the camp of the Philistines.
Close behind US, cycling the girl
stood short thick-set man, dark brow
ed, and with the prominent feature:
that appertain to the tribe of Israel
Evidently nothing but q "roaring lioi
seeking whom he may devour," a vul
ture in pursuit of q dove.
My resolution was taken at once
Looking atmy watch, I said -"Wher'
do you wish to goa"
''To Spa-road."
"Come along, then. we have jus
time enough, I think, to catch the las
train"
And leaving the discomftted "Moses
plants I walked quickly off with al
angel-but an angel in a stuff dres
and an unpretending straw bonnet
trudging along by my side. In a fey
minutes We were seated in a frst-clas
carriage-its solitary occupants.
The Responsibility of my exterio
had undoubtedly had it's proper effect
for the rosy lips no longer trembled
and treasured look reigned in til
pretty violet eyes.
elbow come you to be out so late a
alone?" 1 asked her, gently, curbin
as well as was able any undue c,lrios
ity that was lurking in my breast, an
throwing as much Difference into m
manner as though I.was addressin
the Grand Duchesse herself. I coul
see that it never even entered her brai
to question any legitimate right T,
mine in putting the query. Lavatt
, himself must have been terrible in
poster indeed, if guile, or any avrie
pensee, could have existed with tn,
candid brow, that countenance open q
the day.
"My father has been very i'll, and
was worse to-day she replied at ono
: and the depressed culver of the chill,
like mouth, and the panied expressie
that fitted across her face, carried vii
them the conviction of her truth Gar
siI went to call on a doctor in Broe