Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1840-12-26

For an instant they stood amazed-the next
they were locked in each others arms; then turn
ing to Emma, he for the first time pressed to his
bosom a sister. How different was his situation
now, from the day on which he first set foot in the
city Of New Orleans. Then he was poor, friend
less, with scarce place to rest his head; now he
was wealthy, surrounded by friends, and blessed
with fathers, mothers, sisters love. He could
claim now, what her noble father would not have
refused even to the poor youth, had he asked it
Helen's hand; and even her proud mother would
not object receiving for her son.naw, the heir of
the richest merchant in New Orleans.
Mirth and music resounded throughout, and
joy, and gladness reigned predominant in the
splendid mansion of MIR. Merton. 1t was the
birth-night ball Of his lovely and accomplished
daughter, Helen, given on her nineteenth BIRTH
day, and the magnificent saloons were thronged
by the youth, beauty, and elite Of the metropolis.
All paid willing homage to her fascinating charms.
Nor beneath their ferven congratulations did there
Turk ought of malice or envy; for the sweet dis
position and gentle manners Of Helen Merton had
won the good will Of all who knew her. And
now, as she replied to their warm.hearted wishes,
she looked more beautiful than ever. She was
atired in plain white dress, Topped with roses,
and fitting exquisiely to her finely moulded form;
her shining chestnut curls were confined by cost.
ly diamond head-band, that sparkled on her fore.
head, rvalling the transparent beauty and clear
ness Of her complexion. At times when she
would mingle in the giddy whirl of the dance,
G:.aile would play upon her lovely features; but
when over; melancholy expression would steal
into her laughing eye, telling Of something yet
wanted to complete her happiness. She was think
ing, perhaps, how he who many years ago, had
won her maiden love, might, whilst she was sur,
rounded by wealth and luxury, be dragging out
the prime Of his life in poverty and distress, Yes
she still remembered the companion Of her child
hood. Such is woman's constancy and love-
Alas that it should so often be abused.
The evening was somewhat advanced when
Mr.. Merton approached Helen, locked arm in
arm with young man, whose dark countenance,
raven hair, and eyes, and tall, straight form, indi-
Gated a native Of the South.
'Mr. Thompson, Of New Orleans, my dear,
said Mr.. Merton, introducing him to Helen, and
then, after conversing for few moments, saunter-
ing to the opposite side Of the saloon.
who is that handsome young man you inst
now introduced to Helen?' asked Mrs. Merton Of
her husband.
That is Mr.. Thompson, Of New Orleans, the
richest merchant in that city, and his father was
before him. He arrived here but the day before
Yesterday was introduced to him yesterday,
and invited him here tonight, and if the impress,
sion Of his features is not left on Helen's little
heart, which has hitherto been so callous, none
ever will be-
'And if they are, suppose you will regret the
disappearance Of your protege, Charles Elliston,
said his wife, sarcastically.
Mr. Merton did not answer her; he only turned
away.
At first when the stranger was introduced to
Helen, there appeared an air Of embarrassment
but it gradually wore of; and he entered into con-
versation with his usual vivacity. In the course
of it she asked him if he had ever been in the
city before. He replied that he had been when
he was about seventeen years OF age, and that he
had then become acquainted with several OF his
own age, whose acquaintance he highly priced
Among those he mentioned was that Of Charles
E!iston, in particular. AS he pronounced the
name, he bent his dark eye full upon her, and
perceived that she started while for moment,
agitation was visbly depicted in her countenance.
After minutes pause he continued, but have
made inquiries, since my ARRIVAL respecting him.
and hear that he has returned the kindness OF his
beneactor, your father, with ingratitude, by leav
ing his house, and going no one knew WHITTIER
"Oh, no, sir, do not believe that; it is an idle
report. He had reason for leaving my fathers
house, and her voice trembled and tear stood
in her eye.
Just then gentleman advanced to claim hel
hand for the last cotillion, and the conversation
was abruptly terminated. Charles resigned heT
silently; but his heart was full!
1t is strange how the lapse Of few years be
meath youth and manhood will change the face
and disguise the form; the slight STRIPPING that
little while ago clambered on one knee, we cal
scarcely recognize in the full, stately form, ant
staid demeanor OF the man, So it was witt
Chales Thompson, and no wonder Helen and he
father could not see, in the rich merchant OF tn
South, the poor lad, who, six years before, hn
left Them with scarce dollar ip his pocket
1t was the morning following the ball. an
Mr. and Mrs Merton and Helen were sitting i