The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1850-10-24

nerhaps-she knew not whom; but
turning her horses head, she resolved
to encounter the new conner. 1t was
inst the hour for the post to arrive; and
for the well-known boy and his shaggy
pony the fair Douglas was wont to
watch and wait, as one whose affec-
tions were not confined within the linn
its Of heath-clad hills. While thoughts
Of hope and doubt succeeded each other
as she retraced her path, horseman
was approaching rapidly, and before
AMY could realize the fact Heron De
Grey had dismounted, and pressing to
her side. threw his arm around her
The violent agitation this sudden ap-
partition occasioned, was sufficiently
evident IN the trembling form OF our
heroine, as-slipping gently from her
saddle. she leaned on the strong arm
that was extended for her support, while
she EXPRESSED her welcome with a
kindly spirit in her dark eye and deep
Tenderness in her heart.
The cavalier who thus uncere-
moniously approached the lady was
tall, handsome young man, with a pro-
fusion of light brown hair, a forid COM
rlexion, a well formed mouth and fine
teeth. Nature had endowed him with
avoice that gave charm to all he
said. and could alike sue or command
with equal chance Of success. He pos
sessed enough OF manly beauty. enough
of military renown, to win very young
and guileless heart; yet, calm OBJ
server might mark in his keen, quick.
blue eve, the restless workings OF
mind too ambitious, too unsteady, TO
hope that deep affection could find in
him the constancy Of attachment
which, from the lordly mansion to the
shepherds hut. can alone insure hap
piness in the adversities of life.
Amy had ridden out that day at the
persuasion of her father, who was con-
fined to his room by an attack of gout,
and so devoted was she TO his comfort
in sickness, that she hardly ever left
him; that day, however, he insisted on
her customary ride, for, having been
himself keen sportsman and much
abroad in the open air, he fully ap-
preciated the benefit OF that healthy
exercise. 1
As the purple hues of evening lent a
deeper. tint TO the distant peaks, and
the deer were TO be seen vending their
way to the thicket, MIR. Douglas be-
came uneasy at her stay; not that it
was unusual for his daughter to be
abroad at that hour, bnt occasional
twinges of the CONT made him perhaps
more irritable ne had, moreovesaSxais-
composed the cushions she had pkced
pider his foot. and his impatience in
lcreased till, ringing the bell, he re-
solved to send a servant to meet her.
AT this moment Amy, who had
walked home, made her appearance.
my dear child, you are very late, ,"
said he.
1T is such a lovely evening" she re-
piled, taking off her bonnet, II thought
to take my leisure. anda as was re-
turning, I encountered-down. Ting.
down." she said to playful little span
iel that sprang upon her; .you are
very troublesome"
You encountered no accident,
hope interrupted her father.
3Oh no, only a guest, come to spend
an hour with u.s."
aBut whom said the old gentleman,
somewhat impaiientlv, for he marked
her hesitation. "Did you meet Perci.
val. or Bruce. or whom, my love?"
AT any other moment Amy would
have smiled at the petuiance with
which her father spoke these words
but she gravely answered:
II only hesiteted to say that Capt
De Grey met me, because am aware
Iof the differences which exist between
Iour family and his. though I am sure
you do not include him in such ole
| feuds.
aMy cause Of enmity," said Mr.. Dou.
glas, 1--WE will not discuss; do no
blame you for an accidental acquain
tance with the son and nephew of my
deadliest foe; nor do l blame him to-
| finding our wild retreat. butt he add
"a, drawing his hand hastily across
j his brow, 1.-THE enmity between on
i house and his will never be extinguish
4 ed till the sods of the valley rest OF
the head of Douglas and never will b.
extend his hand to one Of the caitit
crew."
i Alas, poor Amy Bending down
wards, she sought to conceal her quiver
ing lip, her conscience-stricken look
and replacing the cushions which we.,
pushed aside. her gentle and submis
], sive attitude softened the dark fash
ings of her fathers eye, as, 6ying hi
J hand on her head, he said.
; $50: my child, it is Late See tha
our guest IS attended, thstiS your duty
Think not though-there Be feeling. I
( be siIenced only in the grave,-thinl
not" he repeated in voice much agi
tated, shat my irritation is with You
You at least have never given me
: moment spain, add God will bless 20
| for it.D -
Amy madea great effort to sustai
; her composure. His words had ser
, daggers to her heart, and never, in IN
course of after years, did she feel
keeuar paug than in the momen
|, when invoking blessing. he lain hi
/ hand on the head of-the wife I
Il Heron On6rey