New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-01-14


began to think he was not SO much changed
after all.
John stayed fortnight at Bargate, and
before he left Lucy had promised she would
be his wife.
When the uncles. a,lnts and cousins heard
that he was engaged to tisherman's daugh-
ter they were loud in their displeasure.
They talked and demonstrated all to no pur-
pose, and at last turned up their aristocratic
and feet, as John bowed them out of his
door.
Old Mr.. Carlton turned purple with rage,
and vowed he would cut him OFF with a shil-
ling. John shrugged his shoulders, and said
he might, which aggravated the old gentle
man into such fury that, in spite of the
govt in his right foot, he jumped ont of his
chair, rang the bell and ordered the fOotman
to turn Mr.. John Carlton out of his house,
and never to let him iii again.
John was entirely alone in the world now.
His salary was not large enough to keep a
wife, so there was nothing for him to do but
to work, hope and wait. John did work,
though the foggy days and cold. damp
nights brought back his cough, and he grew
perceptibly thinner.
The principal of the Office took an interest
in him. He noticed how hard he worked,
and how ready he was to do any little kind
ness: and, besides, he had known and liked
his father. Seeing how i'll the young man
had grown. he offered him a months holt
day. John thanked him, but said he could
90 on little longer. Christmas passed,
and early in February the principal came
to him again and insisted that he should 90
away for a time.
at shall make no difference to you, Mr..
Carlton, and pray take my advice and go
to some warm place, out OF this foggy at
mosphere, where you will be quiet and free
from work.
John thanked him, and went to Bargate.
1t was on the evening of her eighteenth
Dir hday, and John said to her: ''lf were
to die, Lucy, would you be very sorry =
"Oh, John! you will not die; don't think
OF anything SO dreadful
would you think it very dreadful I!
Come here, my dear, and tell me, do you
love me ("
Lucy came and knelt down by his side.
perhaps / am too old, and not good look
ing enough" said John. She did not con-
tradict him.
Lucy, do you love any one else ?" said
he, grasping her hand, and gazing eagerly
in her eyes
She looked rather surprised, and said in
nOcently: Il have never seen any one else
to love; you are the only real gentleman
know"
John let 60 her hand and turned his head
away from her. $50 you would not like to
marry one of the young fishe rmen who come
to see your father" said he.
ooh, no, no! should be miserable" she
said, vehemently.
IL have something to give you, Lucy-a
present for your birthday said he, taking a
box from under his pillow.
Lucy opened it and saw a handsome
locker and chain.
How beautiful. and how good of You to
give it me-
Look in the inside" said John. Lucy
opened it and found it contained his mina-
ture.
ats very good, exactly like YOU" said
She looking from the original to the por-
trait.
"Will you wear it. Lucy"
80 yes, and will never leave it off.
"My darling" said he, and putting his
arm around her he whispered, ''Do you love
me!'
Not so much as ought to. but III try
to- said she simply. John sighed; perhaps
he expected too much.
The mouth passed. and John, not any
better, was back at his work again. The
principal no sooner saw him than he sent
him home. telling him he should not have
come back And this is not the only kind
ness he did, for, learning from John of the
quarrel with his uncle, he wrote the latter
such letter that, though it made Mr..
Carlton stamp with rage, it was also the
cause of Johns seeing a carriage stop at
his lodgings, out Of which stepped his
uncle.
Mr.. Carlton was warm hearted man,
with very hot temper, which was cOntinu-
ally leading him to say and do things he
atterward repented. He had long ago felt
sorry for his hasty behavior to John, but he
was proud and wanted him to make the
first advance. He came now. expecting to
find his illness greatly exaggerated, wrung
his hand with affection and begged his par
don for his harshness.
Mrs Carlton, who was the kindest, if the
fllssiest, of women, insisted on his giving mp
his post and coming and living with them
till he was quite well; and SO it came to pass
that John left the small house in Pimlico
for the large one in Belgrave square, and
from being hard-working clerk became an
interesting invalid.
Before many days had passed John con-
fided in his aunt and told the whole story
of his love for Lucy. The good, romantic
old lady thoroughly sympathizeC with him.
and set to to work upon her husband to let
Lucy come and stay with her. The old
man stormed and raved as usual, but his
wife took it very calmly.
81 see you mean to have your own way.
Well, let the girl come; there's one comfort.
don't believe he'll ever be well enough to
disgrace his family by marrying her
Mrs. Carlton wrote at once to Lucy. and
before many days passed she made her first
visit to London.
Before she had been with them three
days, Mr.. Carlton Informed his nephew
that she was 1.-The daintiest, prettiest, sweet
est and most beautiful girl he had seen
since his youth john smiled at the sud
den change. but quite agreed with him.
When the warm weather came they went
out for a drive in the park, and Lucy saw
all the fashionable people. She went to the
opera and the theatres; and when John
grew much better Lucy went out a great
deal, and liked London very much.
The doctor had said that John Carlton
was to go to a warmer climate for two years
If he wished to save his life, and he was to
go before the winter came on. AS the time
OF his leaving England drew nearer John
grew very melancholy. On the last night
he said to her: Lucy, if l never come
back"
But you will, John: the doctor says you
will get quite strong" said she, hurriedly.
Listen to me. ! may die, or | may be
killed; no one knows what will happen; but
IN any case have made my will and left
YOU every tulnS possess. III is not much
only what insured my life for-but it will
keep you from want. And, Lucy. if you
marry, hope you will be as happy as l
should have tried to make you"
"Oh, John, you are so good; shall never
be worthy OF YOU" said Lucy, with tears in
her eyes. But, she continued vehement
ly, ''lf l can't marry you I'll never marry
anybody"
as that promise. dearest ?" asked John.
his eyes shining brightly.
Yes murmured Lucy, resting her head
on his shoulder and bursting into tears.
John comtorted her, and his aunt coming
in, he led Lucy to her and said
Take care of her for me till come back