Democratic banner., 1847-05-31


far as it might afford her the means of being
in the society of the man for whom she was
ready to make any sacrifice. =
The spring was drawing near; and the
lieutenant, having brought to satisfactory
conclusion the public business on which he
had been engaged, was making prepara-
tons to leave New Orleans to Join his
friends at the north. A letter announcing
the illness of afavorite sister, suddenly de-
termined him to quit the city the next morn
ing. Ordering his attendant at the hotel
to see that all his trunks were packed, he
took a carriage and drove round to bid
farewell to the many acquaintance from
whomh he had received attentions. He hes
itated as he entered the street where jose
phine resided; but suddenly rec~ollecting
that an unanswered note of invitation from
her to a small family party lay upon his
mantle-piece, he resolved to call and de-
cline it in person. It was the hour of
morning calls; and several ladies and gen.
tlemen were assembled in her spacious and
richly furnished drawing-room. As JOSE
phine caught sight of the noble figure of the
lieutenant, as he was ushered by the servant
into the apartment, she stopped short in the
midst of a conversation in which she was
engaged, and with sparkling eyes aad Q
smile oftriumph lighting up all heffsatures,
rose, and hastily advanced togreet him
The lieutenantreceived her proffered hand,
with that frigid politeness, which was habit
in his manner towards her. How diff
was the cordially Of look and tone
with which he turned to greet Miss. H,
one of the ladies present. But if others
noticed the change, Josephine was blind to
it.
After interchanging a few of those con-
Ventional common places, which the ~lieuten-
ant could utter as'gracefully as any one, he
rose and approached Josephine, who was
vainly trying to appear to be listening to
The fulsome fattery of a newly-imported
erquiSie, whom one ofthe ladies had brought
to see her for the first time.
Il an sorry / shall not be able to be PRES
emit at your little gathering tomorrow eve-
said the lieutenant.
'Why sop
Il leave New Orleans for New York to-
morrow morning.
At this announcement, sudden and unex-
Josephine's perturbation was strik-
ingly apparent. The color fed from her
Her heart beat and rose so as to
choke her utterance. 1t was some moments
before she could regain her composure sufi<
to say, with an unsuccessful attempt
20 disguise her emotion,
'But one days delay can make no differ
,nce to you. Indeed, you must attend my
party, shall not let you off, haS
News have Just received of the illness
Of one of my sisters, will compel nsrtO de-
ny myself the pleasure of remaining on
my pretext. Indeed, Miss De ValVille,
md ladies, l must bid you goodbye
'But-but you will return next winteris
'aid Josephine, with an attempt to command
Ter voice and to force a smile, the sound
md sight of which were almost painful to
he spectators. .
Il see no present prospect of my return
ng for many years; if ever; but need / say,
hat if duty shall ever lead me back, incli-
nation will most heartily welcome its guild
,nce. Good morning, ladies!'
The Lieutenant bowed and withdrew
Josephine made a movement towards the
bell rope, that she might give her customa-
y signal to the servant to open the street.
ioor for the departing guest, but her
failed her, and swinging round,
The sank into the armchair, upon the back
If which she had been leaning.
The evening had set in befOrethe Lieu
found himself in his own apartment :
1t the hotel He had still many prepares
ions to make and some important letters
% write; and it was with the determination
IF completing his arrangements with all
despatch, that he took his seat at
lis writing-table. He had hardly dipped
lis pen into the ink when a note was brought
10 his hand. 1t was a message from Jose
phine, requesting him to lether see him that
if it was only for five minutes
The Lieutenant bit his lips.
Tell the bearer of this note to wait for
ny reply said he to the negro in attend
ance.
He fhen exneditiousIv nenned a ren1v. in