The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1884-02-23

In three days" she whispered.


1.-The time is short; but we must not
hesitate If it is for your good, my child. -
said the old man, tondly caressing the
little hand he held
Three days afterward q handsome car
riage drove up to the door OF the parson-
age.
Is Miss Somerset within f. asked the
lady from the carriaga
| "Yes, madam"
II wish to see her." and Mrs. Watkins
stepped up to the door,
The servant ushered her into the
humble parlor, and in Q few moments
the trembling Geraldine stood before
her.
Geraldine looked at the lady, whose
face expressed admiration, and was one
to invite confidence.
Come here, my dear. said Mrs Wat
kins, extending her hand to the trembling
girl. "Are you Miss Somerset2"
Geraldine bowed.
"And the young lady who is desirous
of leaving home for short time as com
panionl' she asked, looking pityingly
into her face.
Geraldine's quivering lips framed the
reply; they did not speak.
81 am sure you will suit me. When
can you Gomez I leave the country for
town tomorrow. Can you come with
me!"
At that moment the door opened and
the blind father, led by his younger
child, entered the room.
"Geraldine, he said, lead me to the
Lady with whom you propose to make
your home"
Pardon me-" said Mrs Watkins, cd
vancing aud taking his hand; ''I was not
aware of your intir1nity. I wish, Alr.
Somerset," " she continued, ''to secure the
services of your charming daughter as my
companion. I will endeavor to make her
as happy as I can, and use every means
to re-establish her health, which seems
somewhat shaken. Can you spare herr"
| Il can, madam" said the old man, in
voice full of emotion. 'Her health is
more precious than my own wishes
Very kindly considered, my dear sir;
and when may I have the favor of her
company! Tomorrow leave for town,
and as l travel in my own carriage, I
think it would be delightful to have her
! for companion"
"Can you be ready, my child?" he
| asked, III trembling voice.
"Yes, papa" she mu,mured, hoarscly.
"Then, madam, will accept for MY
child your kind protection. She shall be
ready tomorrow"
"GOod-by till tomorrow, then" said
Mrs Watkins. in kindly voice
The rest OF the day Geraldine wandered
through the house, up stairs and down,
III doors and out, AMI but for her sister
Constance would have been unable TO
make the necessary PIE; ;,araions for her
departure.
The hour at length arrived when Mrs.
Watkins had promised to call for her, ard
Geraldine stood within the little parlor
ready to depart. Her trunk was corded
in the hall, and she had only to take her
MY child" said the blind father,
striving to repress his own agiiation,
my darling Geraldine, farewell. You
are leaving your home, beloved one, for
the iIst time as dependent. Doubtless
You will have much to bear WITH but re-
member you have still home, still a
shelter on this bosom. Oh, Geraldine
may You return to me once more ere ]
depart this vale of tears -
No, no!' shrieked Geraldine; mot
that, dear! Not death-you will not die
and leave your ciiild!"
thee, my child! You have been staff to |
M feet and light to my eyes. Can I !
recall one uniand woru-one wrong
deedl"
Father, dearest father, your fondness
blinds you. l have SO many faults; but
say, oh, say you forgive me, before go,
fer everything thing, dear father"
Forgive you9 Why, your faults |
would make the angels smile. Still, since
you desire il, I forgive you"
{" And bless me "
'And bless your he said, laying his
withered hand upon her bowed head and |
raising his sight1ess eyes.
The bowed head sank lower and lower
under his hand, and she clasped his feet |
in an agony CT remorse.
The sound Of Mrs Watkins voice in |
the hall recalled her to her senses, and !
staggering to her feet she awaited the
.ady's presence.
Mrs. Watkins wss all smiles and kind
ness She gently child the sobbing Cen
stance, and assured the blind father over
and over that Geraldine would be treated
by her as daughter She placed her
strong arm round the waist Of the half
saintlng girl, tearing her from her father,
to whom she frantically clung, and placed
her in the carriage.
The last object the tortured girl saw
was the venerable form OF her father, as
he c!asped the sobbing Constance in his
arms and waved an adieu with his disen-
gagged hand
Then insenmbility mercifully stepped
her senses in oblivion.
CHAPTER ~.
There was q subdued hustle in Mrs