The Placer herald., 1874-08-01

! lifetime 10 kiss. l murmured to myself,
How beautiful" But .tll the influence
held me, and do what would | could not
throw it of.
Slowly the fire burned down, and with it
burned out the beautiful picture. For
moment only did the fire wane, and when it
sparkled up anew | saw far back through
the marble easement Jana believe now, to
day, that did see it, for will swear my
eyes were open) tiIe form Of the beautiful
woman One hand was pointing downward
and the other in position beckonng to me.
Slowly the halo that enveloped her form
faded away and left total darkness The
fire burned low again, and again that same
beautiful face gazed on me from the bed of
Goals in the CRATE 1t was with the wonder
and delight that thrills every male when gaz-
ing upon heavenly-face that kept my eyes
riveted on that rapturous picture. Suddenly
the rosy lips moved, and fixing the eyes in
tently on me, said:
"Go; you have hear.'
Startled as was at this strange speech,
did not awake, but still continued to gaze on
her face, when the figure reached out it,
arm and graTped my hand, as if to lead me;
at the touch of her fingers il seemed az
though red-hot iron had been applied to
my flesh, and jumped up with a start
and awcke. The stump OF my cigar lay
smoking on the hoor .,nd II large white blis-
ter on my hand told how had been burned
looked at the caock-it was just half
pact twelve. and muttering to myself that it
was "Cursed queer" l prepared to ge,
away from such wiicireries as soon as posi-
ble The vision had left its impress on my
eyes. for ! could see that beautiful face,
look where 1 might 1t was in the face of
the clock; it was inside the library; in the
safe, and even when locke our in the cold,
dark hail, l could see it beckoning me 20
come. felt but one impulse, and that was
10 get out as soon as possible.
The rain wne surging against the windows
and the wind ratlling the ashes, and it was a
time well calculated to make man nervous.
Not much space was consumed in the pre-
Iiminares Of extnguishng the gas and lock-
ing the door, and, wrapped in II large over
coat and warm gloves, was on the street in
Il moment. A terrible blast took me full IN
The face and threw me back a morrent, but,
rallying, went out and up the street. As
passed an overlanging doorway ! iunag-
ined heard stiAed sob. and few steps
more, another. Something impelIed me
to stop, and in spite Of myself, turned
. back
. Crouched in the doorway have mention
, ed, and sheltered from the wind and rain
that whrled around the corner, was the
slight delicate figure of little girl. Through
/ the darkness, and by the uncertain light OF
n Pickering lamp, deserted pinched, hun
cry face and cadaverous eyes, almost COW
cred by an old hat that surmounted the
head. The figure was very slight, and in
d fferently clad in an old, taitered dress, be-
meath which protruded two little bare half
frozen legs, which ended in an old pair Of
rubbers. He hair was long and hung over
her shoulders, but was knotted and gnarled
and wet will, the rain. In her arms, and
covered with a corner of The old tatiered
dress, was little dog, whose head prorud-
ed, and who now and then gave vent to
low whine of distress.
Such a picture was well calculated to move
the pity of any man. even if he tried to re-
sig; it. which did not. had often had
such portraits drawn to me, when solicited
to contribute to charity but never IN my lif.
had witnessed such pitful object as was
before me. The child could not have been
more than seven or eight years old, and was
now evidently in need Of friend. If ever.
md went to her aud said, in the gentles
tone possible:
"What is the matter, little cne9"
She raised her eyes to my face, and gaz
ing at me moment, put The little dog up to
her cheek and burst into tears. was
touched by this singular demonstration, and
only turned away to brush rear from m,
own clleek-the first tiat had been there for
twenty years-ard continued:
"Dont cry. my dear; what are you do
ing out this terrible nighi?"
"Calse l'aint got no where's else to
go9" with another sob.
"Where is your mamma, little one?"
"In heaven" with which her tears burst
out affesh, and sire sobbed as if her heart
would break. The little dog, too, seemed
to partake of her grief, and he howled dole
fully. was struck by her sweet voice and
sorrowful manner. and with difficulty could
restrain my own tears from mingling will,
| hers.
"What is your name, little girl?"
| Bessie.
Haven't you got papa?"
ono, sir"
"And no homer"
"No, SIR"
"No home, no father, no mother; we'll
come with me, little one, and will take
care of you." And took the little half
froze1 hand in mine, but she he'd back
"Pease, sir, may bring Pepper? He is
good little dog" and she hugged the dis
consulate puppy closer to her breast; and
verify believe if it had been one of the con-
dtions to leave pepper" she would have
refused to come; and knowing such were the
feelings Of the little waif. said;
"Yes. Of course. you may bring him"
led her out of the doorway, up the stairs |
and into my Office. The fire had not ye,