The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1841-07-02
British Colonel half estingly, half seri-

81 assure you, brother, she proudly
replied, II do not give my suffrage to
liberty, and yet submit my Judgment to
the guidance of others. | think for my
self"
"Do you ," he smilngly asked, and
putting his arm around her waist, whisp-
cred, "has Lieutenant Beauclerk no in
lluence ?"
"No indeed; you are entirely mis-
taken"
"And his dcscrtion would not affect
your loyalty ?" he again inquired with
playful incredibly, "must | suppose that
too ?"
81 should be sorry for his own sake,
it is true, but assure you, brother Lew
isl and Emma spoke very decidedly,
'.if the whole regiment were to desert,
should still remain loyal 10 America.
But" added she sportiyely tapping his
cheek, "you have imagined an impossl-
bility. There are no traitors in Major
Lees army"
"Be not too confident, Emma. British
gold is very attractive"
"Oh, brother, do not insult the troops
of Lee by supposing them like Arnold.
But here comes Edward" she added
quickly, but with less steady tone, than
marked her previous words, sand he will
confirm my assertion"
Directed by her glance the eyes Of
Col. Courtney turned on two horsemen
who were approaching the house, and he
inquired the name of his brothers com
panion. His sister hesitatcd, looked
again, and then replied she did not know
him.
at is Sergeant Major Fitz-Roy, ] pre-
sumo. He is constantly with Edward"
observed Adelaide Bcauclerk, ward Of
Mr.. Courtney's entering the room as the
inquiry was made. Before Miss Court
ney had time to correct the mistake of
Miss Beauclerk, the two equcstrlans had
dismountcd and entered. Lieut.. Court
ney hastily introduced, "Leutenant Mid
dleton," and then drew chair near the
fire and folded his arms in silence.
"Where are my brother and your
friend, Edward ?" asked Miss Beauclerk.
"Your brother will be here tomorrow.
He is too much engaged to see you to-
night" was the reply.
"Where is Fitz-Roy ?" said his father.
Edward did not speak. Lieutenant Mid
dleton glanced anXiously from the disturb
ed countenance of his friend TO that of
Col. Courtney, then looked into the fire.
"Where is Fitz-Roy" again interro-
gated Mr.. Courtney. Edward rose and
walked 10 a window. Once and once
only, his eyes rested for moment on the
pallid face of his sister, as she turned her
imploring gaze upon him. But he with
drew them without responding to that
appeal.
"What has occurred : Has there been
an engagement Do speak," said Mrs.
Murray the maternal grandmother of
Emma.
ado not be alarmed, madam nothing
very dreadful has happened" said Mid
dleton affecting cheerluness, and attempt
ing to smile, 'only an officer deserted"
"An officer deserted Pray, tell us his
name - said Lewis Courtney with a
significant glance at his sister, to whose
cheeks their accustomed roschue had
returned with perhaps deeper tint.
"Fitz-Roy," said Middleton dryly, and
with some hesitation.
"Fitz-Roy ! impossible you certain
ly Jest, sir ~ said Miss Beauclcrk.
at is true, too true" cried Edward ad-
vancing with flushed countenancc, and
speaking in suppressed tone, "you may
believe it, Miss Beauclcrk. You were
never a friend of his, but |, his friend,
tell you you may believe in his pcrlidy.
lie has deserted, deserted in the most
disgraceiul, infamous manner; has shown
himself a coward, as void Of deicacy as
principle. |, who dupe that was
deemed him noble, brave, generous, he.
roic, and would but yesterday have stakct
my life on his tealty, must admit his ig
nominv. Oh, man, man, what art thou 2
and with this burst of passionate feeling
, Edward Courtney resumed his seat, ant
leant his head upon his hand.
"You are deceived, Edward" whsp
cred voice at his side. He looked up
Emma was near hm-her face was pale
again, but her tone was undoubting.
f "Woud that | we're. but my eye
/, could not deceive me. Let me tell it
/, Middleton" he said, as his father applied
to the latter for ahc particulars Of the in
: formation which had so amazed them
4 "they will know that | speak imparti
r ally" he added bitterly. Middleton lel
G for him; he knew that Edward seemed t
D shrink from the detail of his late friend
singular detection by stranger. ii
u could not bear that tongue less indulger
4 than his own should narratc it, and "
i his tone and language were both like gal
II L.. III