New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-05-28
so unhappy, what is the cause Of. II" cried
the old nian in n Ifitif1l VOICE .------s

LILO Oiu udu u VOfCc.
Il think the money OF my father l am
| the onlvson of one of the wealthiest bank.
ers of London, and, like you, am also a
merchant. If tell you my name, which
| you have, no doubt, often heard, it will
convince you that | am telling the truth
My father died five years ago, and in
herited his colossal fortune From that
moment all men with whom / have come
in contact with have either lied, stolen
| cheated or deceived me. was like an in
nocent child in my belief and confidence
| from my good mother heart which was in
need and looked for sympathy and love
L found hypOcritical scoundrels, designing
| villains, whose sole aim seemed to be to de-
| prive me of my money and to enjoy them
| selves at my expense. Friends, or rather
rascals, whom / called friends and loved
with my whole heart betrayed and ridi-
culed Inc as good -natured fool; but my
eyes were opened at last, and
my heart became hardened with suspi-
| cion. | detected and learned to know
| all these parasites. l became engaged
| to a rich heiress, whose intellect and educa
| ton were of the highest order. perfectly
| idolized her in my childish enthusiasm. Her
| love was to recOmpense me for everything.
| Soon, however, found out that she was
vain and proud fool, who desired to make
| all men her slaves. broke off the engage
ment and chose charming poor child, a
darling, innocent turtle-dOve, TO be the an
gel of my life. Ha! ha / surprised her
one day folded in the embrace of youth.
who was by her beloved. She had lied to
me TO become a rich woman. commenced
a life of dissipation and excuses took to
travelling; every where met the same moral
wretchedness. At last / began to loathe
life. We met each other as wished to end
the miserable farce"
"Poor young man." said the elderly man.
with a tear of sympathy in his eye, show
much pity you. Yes, though poor man,
L have been much happier than you. had
a wife and daughter who came pure and
virtuous out of Gods hand. One of them
has already returned to Him in the same
way, and the other will de so eventually.
| know my Lena. She will preserve her
virtue and her honor. She can not do other
wise" -.
Listen, old gentleman; give me your ad-
dress, and permit me to visit your daughter
tomorrow; l want to judge for myself of
the truth of your assertion. But you must
give me your word of honor not to betray
to your child, by word, sign or look that l
am a rich man." III
The old man held out his hand.
~ promise / wish myself to have you
convinced that spoke the truth. My name
is John Wilkins, and my address is written
on this piece of paper With these words
he drew card from his pocket and handed
it to the other L
'And my nam is James Axe, and | am
the son and heir of Henry Axe. Here is
flO0 note, with the condition that you re
main in this house till | come for you to-
morrow. Waiter! A room, with a good
bed for this gentleman. Coed night. To-
morrow you will see me in different char
acter. But no matter what | do, you must
not forget your word of honor"
The old man could not suppress an ex-
clamation of establishment when he heard
the name of the young man, or that of
joyful surprise when he received the bank
note. But before he could collect himself
his new acquaintance had quilted the room,
and the waiter was showing him to his
chamber; and he forgot soon, in the COM
Portable bed which he found there, the
happy change of his fate.
In poorly furnished, but neat and nice
looking attic room of one of the high, smoke
blackened houses in narrow and dark
back street of the great metropolis, sat
very handsome brunette of about twenty
two years of age, engaged in sewing some
elegant linen. Though her whole attire was
not worth more than few shillings, it fitted
as well and looked as neat and clean as if it
cost just as many pounds. Her dark, chest
nut-colored hair Unframed a face of angelic
beauty and innocence, while in her dark
eyes the purity of her soul and mind could
be read. Everywhere about and around her
was seen the spirit of order, modesty and
purity. Her eyes were heavy with sleep and
anxiety, and now and then deep sigh
escaped her pent-up heart. At last she heard
steps ascending the stairs. and charming
smile illuminated her countenance. She lis
tened; and disappointment began to cast
shadow over her features. A knock at the
door made her start. Scarcely had she
strength to utter the permission to enter. A
young man, attred in a well worn and here
and there patched suit of clothes, entered
the room, and with an humble and awkward
Obeisance, said: Il beg pardon, ma'am,
does Mr.. John wilkins live here3"
Eyes, sir. What is your wish!"
Are you his daughter, Miss Lena!''
Il am"
"Then you are the one desire to see. |
come from your father
"For Heavens sake where is he! What
has happened? Has he met with an acct
dentl for he has never remained from home
a whole night"
Certainly little bad luck"
'Oh, my poor, poor father! what shall
have to hear"
The young man was deeply moved by her
distress and agitation, though he did not
forget to cast look around the room.
Don't be frightened, dear lady. the mis-
fortune is not so great. An old acquaint-
lnce met him yesterday, and invited him to
\ bottle of wine in neighbOring saloon.
After having finished the same he treach-
,rOusly left your father to pay the score,
md he must remain in the tavern until it is |
paid, or else go to prison. Otherwise he is |
we'll and hearty"
''My father, my dear father must not 90 |
% PRISON. cried the young girl, anxiously. |
DO you know the amount of the debit"
Twelve shillings."
ny possession. L will quickly see Mrs. |
Riley, and beg her to advance me nine shil-
ings on my work"
"WhO is Mrs. Rileyl"
"The milliner for whom / werk."
"But if Mrs. Riley does not grant your
equest what will you do thenw
The girl burst into tears. ooh, heaven"
obbed she, II fear myself that she will not
10 it, for l owe her already six shillings,
nd she is very hard woman"
For what have you incurred that debt ?"
She hesitated, blushingly, to answer.
"You may trust me; sympathize deeply
With you, and take great deal of interest
n your fate, and only wish that l could aid
gu; but | am only cOpylst. Why have
on borrowed the six shillings ~
"My father is feeble, and needs strength
ming. l have now and then bought half a
hicken for his soup, or a beefsteak."
Il am afraid that under these circum-
tances Mrs. Riley will not lend you any
lore money. have six shillings, which I
viii give you, but that is all Ipossess. Have
GU not some valuable article which we
ouldpawn"
~ have nothing hut the nraver hook of