Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-06-04

ployment, and above I'll she liked her
employer. Many substantial evidences
of his kindness had found their way to
the little cottage, and many an extra
dollar had found it's way to Nellie's
pocket.
As his face grew thinner and his step
slower, he seemed to turn to the young
girl for sympathy, and the sound Of her
sweet voice, or the touch Of her cool
hand, had power to soothe him to rest
when all else had failed. He often
watched her as she moved about the
room, in her bright cheerful way, with
strange wistful look in his fading
eyes.
One morning as she took her seat by
his couch, he laid his thin, transparent
hand on her own, saying as he did SO:
81 feel that I have but a few more
hours Of life, and I wish to talk to you,'
and he smiled almost sadly as he met
her startled glance.
eyes," he continued slowly. II shall
soon be gone, and there will be no one
to truly mourn for me, unless it be the
little girl / have taken such an unac-
countable interest in. You will miss me
Nellie ?"
For answer she bowed her head over
her clasped hands, and wept.
He waited few moments, then taking
one little palm in his hands and caress-
ing it tenderly, he said:
"No doubt you have often wondered
that l, a perfect stranger, should have
given you employment without question
or reference. can hardly tell why !
did so myself. Perhaps it was look
on that pitiful young face SO like dear
face used to love. l have carried the
memento of that face, all through life.
had only been married o few weeks
when l was summoned to England, and
when returned I found the house
where had left my dear one, deserted,
but was told she was dead.
"My uncle, at his death, left me his
property, providing l would take his
name, but oh it has been a long sad life
without my darling.
! ~ have taken strange interest in
you child, and my heart seems to cling
to you in my last hours. | have taken
care of your future, my dear, and there
is neither wife nor child, brother or
sister to question the right Of the viii
that have made in your behalf. Some
how, ever since / have carried out my
intentions respecting You, ! feel so
peaceful as though there was nothing
lett undone and am ready to CO."
He was interrupted by fit of cough
ing, which lasted 80 long that Nellie
was frightened. After she had laid him
back on his pillow, she saw his lips
move, but the words were 80 low that
she had to bend over him to hear them.
"When am gone, Nellie, open this
little ebony casket. Inside you will
find my wife's picture. You may look
at it, but want it buried with me-"
He lay back on his pillow and closed
his eyes YEARLY. A strange calm stole
over his features, and an icy chill crept
into the hands clasping hers-a chill
that sent thrill Of terror to her heart.
She bent over him and spoke his name
OH so tenderly-but be heard not the
young voice. He had passed beyond its
reach.
The next day as be lay in his coffin,
Nellie opened the little casket and took
out the picture be had treasured. Co.
ing to the window, she opened the case
and looked upon the sweet, girlish face
smiling up at her. One moment, then
a quick, gasping cry escaped her lips
and she fell into the arms OF an atten-
dant. The face of her dead friends lost
wife was the face of her own mother.