Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1879-05-17


/ am. l would have cursed the man
who dared hint this years ago, when ]
INDUCED first in the use of stimulating
beverages. now sec my mistake. Oh,
Cod nm lost--lost--LOsr forever |
Mr.. Lester, will you--can you pray for
such vile creature as myselfp
~ blush to acknowledge my unworthi-
ness, Thomas, but I'll try"
He fell to his knees, and in low tones
of deep sincerity and reverence offered
up simple petition to tho throne Of
Grace. But ere the prayer ended the
spirit of Thomas had drifted into the
realms Of mystery.
Rising from his knees Mr.. Lester for
the first timo noticed tho haggard faco
Of woman who knelt weeping on the
opposite side Of the bed.
She was tho wife Of the dead inebri-
late, Thomas. For moment her wasted
form quivorcd with tumnltuous emo
ton, then springing mp suddenly, with
scream of anguish, she fell forward up
on tho body of her husband--deadi Her
suffering md long wrouged spirit had
followed that Of the man she loved bet
ter than life.
The story of her youth was soon told.
Sho was the hundred daughter of u
wealthy merchant, and had married
Thomas against ber fathers will; in
fact, she disregarded his commands SO
much as to run away to be married.
This marriage occurred after Thomas
had thrown aside the ministerial cloak.
/ But she assumed tho vows under the de-
fusion that sho could influence him to
cease his dissipation.
But no was too far gone for woman's
gentle ways to sway his habits, and step
by step he went down, bringing disgrace
upon his good old mother and financial
ruin upon himself
Thus has many fair young girls life
been blighted
And though sho suffered the most bru-
tai treatment, and her life led along the
tho paths of rags and misery, her con
stancy never varied. She drank indeed
tho cup of bitterness for hia sake.
Alas! how vain are hum IN hopes.
Especially loves blind illusion!
Assuring himself that the proper at
tcntion would be given tho dead, Mr..
Lester slowly wended his way home,
rejecting upon tho many sc.,i GUS lessons
furnished as guide to frail humanity.
He believed it to be his duty to make
an affidavit against Hampton, and cause
his arrest, but before tho necessary p,..
pers could DO drawn up and executed
the quietly bird had flown. IIc made
good his escape to Europe, where, in II
short time he was followed by his sister.
Nellie kept her post until JAMES awoke
and the doctor pronounced him, out of
danger. She then went homo and dcs-
troycd all traces of her disguise. Twice
each day she called to inquire concern
ing his condition until he was able to
sit up. Then her calls ended.
He improved fast. At tho end Dftwo
weeks no was upon his feet, and in the
period Of another week, he had nearly
recovered his usual strength and vital
ity.
He made but one inquiry concerning
Nellie, and thon only rs to her health.
He struggled hard to forget, but it was
useless; her dear little image was 'gra-
ven upon his heart in deep and in
ctfaceable lines of love. Timo--time
without ond-could not wear them off.
On the twelfth day of November Mel
lilo was invited to take tea with her
friend, Mrs. Lester, which she did. She
amused herself examining some old
drawings in the cosy little sitting room
while her hostess busted herself with
household duties.
Night had thrown its curtain around
Mr.. Lester, accompanied by James,
slowly wendell his way home. He nosv
occupied tho position of head book keep
or in his young friends large mercantile
establishment.
The story of Hampton Wizards plot
to take his life and Nclle's noble self
sacrifice, which proved SO timely in saw
ing him from tho grim monster death,
proved of intense interest to James. Hi
eyes filled with tears of mingled joy and
pam, when he heard OF her trials and
heroic course. His heart opened again
unreservedly, and she was it's idol in
more angelic form than ever. Love long
neglected expanded witl9, wild thrill,
and the tendcrcst emotions convused
his frame with q longing to meet her.
He was on his way to take tea with
Mr.. Lester also, but at this juncture. he
begged to be excused, that he might in
stantly proceed to her home. But Mr.
Lester was inexorable. He said
~ claim your company until after tea
In the meantime you can iufor,S Nellie
by note that you will be with her inme-
diately after the usual hour"
Reaching home he shsxed James into
the sitting room door, aiid with some ex-
cuso went around the I sluse to meet his
wife in the dining room
Thereon had no light except a dim but
CHERRY coal fire, and divesting himself
of his overcoat, James walked towards
the CRATE.
Nellie knew his step. With but a