Baton-Rouge gazette. [volume] (Baton-Rouge, La.) 1819-1856, 1846-11-14
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.
II was not 10 be supposed that n chal.
longe could pass from ono person 10 another
even IN any northern city, much less that
OF Charleston, y. e., without becoming. in
the cotirse of a few hours, the subject Of
general conversation: and among the first
to Whose ears it came, were, Of course, The
cousins, Mary and Anna Ice. The young
lady who was so fortunate ~ 10 be- The first
bearer Of such important intelligence 10 the
betrotled Of the two young mrn, evidently
felt that she had achieved glory enough for
tbo next month--f0r She was never tired
with dlsCanting to her Hutnerous callers ~
on the manner tho two cousins took H.
II is not to he denied that there wa much
foundation Tor her romantic statement Of
the effect produced by this news Upon the
young ladies', for it was no slight matter 10
hear that those who stood in such intimate
relations 10 them, we're expected to meet
in II short timci IL deadly combat. Anna,
however, at once aYoWed her belief that
her lover would not accept tho challenge.
She had often heard bin express his opin.
ion upon the subject, and She had every
confidence in tho nobility Of his nature.
SIC soon regained her usual composite,
therefore, after tho first shock Of the %intclli.
gehce had passed over. But with Mary
II was very different. In spite Of her love
for Edward Farrell, she could not entirely
succeed in binding her own heart to the
knowledge that he was not only very pms.
%si0nate, but also very vindictive in bis na.
ture; and she mourncd bitterly for The pro.
bablo consequences, Of bis wrath. And
yet, 6beying the womanly instincts Of her
heart, she Justified Edward, In some degree,
for the challenge; and scrupIed not 10 ayow
her opinion that of the two Frank wag
much The more TO blame. Frank, she said,
not only Ind made the first insulting speech,
but had also done what was equivalent To
giving u blow.
II was not until Anna, after n little nrpu.
ing Of the matter, frankly admitted tl.cge
points, and acknowledged that Frank was
bound to apologize, that the heart Of her
cousin began to grow lighter and more
cheerful. Deceived in some degree in her
knowledge Of Edwards character by her
affection for him, she had no doubt that If
Frank would offer an apology, he would
not oily accept ii, but make u similar n
for his W words in re%tugn~-and as Anna
was so confident that Frank could be
brought to do so by her cntreaties, Joined to
his W sense Of right, n way seemed to be
opened by which all things could be proba.
bly, restored to their old footing.
But while the cousins were awaiting 10.
gethcr the appearance Of the young men,
whom they had summoned by an impera-
tive note 10 each from his lady love. re-
q~uesting with Ill the eloqncnce Of affection
with which they were gifted, an immediate
Interview, word was brought to them by Il
friend that Frank Mason had sought out
his adversary, had openly offered to apolo.
give, and had been treated in return with
the greatest Coutumely and contempt. Far
different, however, wa the effect Of this
intelligence upon Mary Lee. than what her
previous conduct might have led her friends
reasonably TO expect. The reported con-
duct Of her lover seemed TO be 80 Basc and
nngcnerous, that it Infused a new life into
her breast. For a while she said nothing
then, with Il face full Of determination
and wounded pride, she turned to her co1. ]
sin, and AvOwcd her intention, if upon a
conversation with Edward he could not ex.
ctlPate himself from the charge Of having
ac,ed 80 ignobly and unmaniy, and still
adhered to his refusal to receipt Franks
apology, Or to apologize in return, 10 cast
him out from her heart forever.
Much is a woman bound to overlook
and to forgive, Anna said she, while tears
flied her eyes, but q want Of generosity
and nobIcncss Of soul, no woman worthy
Of the name could pardon.
Leave me now, Anna DEAR continued
she, as a loud knock was heard at the door
-" that is Edward go in and sit with
mother q while; | will soon ascertain
whether he is still worthy of my love-"
As Anna left by one door, Edward en-
tered by the other. His face flushed with
excitment and with drinking, and his tones
were loud and coarse az he saIuted he's,
+" Well, Mary, | received your note, and
here | am, What important matter have
you in hand, that you required my p~resen.
ce go jmmediaeIyz'' said he, 1inging him.
self at full length upon the sofa.
Edward, wish to ask you one question
is it true that Fank Mason ofFerd YOU a !
full apology for all that he had said and
don-and that you refused to accept itp'
. don't know what people cali a full a.
pology-but III allow no coward first to in.
suit me, and then creep out of it in that
fashion," said Edward, angrily.
What more can he do than ~apologizep"
said Mary, in Arm, clear accents. J