The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1851-08-02

at really is ridiculous, the idea of her
believing us. | wish you had seen her
clasp those hands, and wonder how ]
could give you up. Go, go! before she
takes it into her head to follow US. But
say, Gilbert, do remove that horrid
little table with the twisted legs-it is
such a fright"
ait was my mothers," replied the
lawyer, quietly,
DWELL, well, it can be put in the
garret and kept quite safe. But go
along-your lady-loye will be tired
waiting.
Mr.. Gilbert stood motionless in the
hall till his afianced bride disappeared
amid the oaks; he then turned with a
calm, free and resolute step towards the
little room where Ida had been LETT
She was still sitting in the easy chair,
sobbing like child, and tears were
breaking, like half confined jewels,
through the slender fingers that con-
cealed her face.
Gilbert approached with a noiseless
tread, and gently taking one of the
hands from her face, pressed it to his
lips. She started up, and tried to con-
ceal her tears with the trembling hand,
while her brow, face and neck were
deluged with crimson.
His voice was strangely tender and
musical for the cruel part he was act
ing.
"They have told you no falsehood,
Lida," he said, Il do indeed love you-
very much. Will you come and live
with me here in this pleasant old house,
where my parents were SO happy? Can
you love me, and study for my sake,
when we are married2 for if you can
answer yes, to what have said, with
your whole heart, in three days you
shall be my own sweet wife"
The poor girl could not answer-she
was perfectly overcome by the sensa-
tion Of exquisite happiness that thrilled
every nerve.
"Why do you weep SO, Ida? Am |
annoying you by these questionsP
"No, no." said the young girl, half
lifting her eyes to his face, "it is not
that! am so surprised, so shocked
so very happy"-she broke off in con-
fusion, turned her head away for an in-
slant, and then looked earnestly in his
face.
"You are sincere with meW she
said I" half suspected that Miss War
ner guessed how much-I mean, how
well thought of you-and so was try
ing to punish me with false thoughts /;
but you, Mr. Gilbert, you could not have
the heart to trihe with me SO dreadfully
it would kill me, it would indeedw
Gilbert tried TO look in the soft eyes
lifted so full of eloquence to his face,
but he felt the hot blood rush up to his
forehead, and answered hurriedly that
he was most sincere, most earnest to
make her his wife He kissed her fore
head as the words were uttered, and
when she became suddenly conscious
that they were alone in the house, and
wished TO leave it, he drew her arm
respectfully through his and conducted
her to the hall, and went in search OF
Miss Warner and her companion. They
were in the garden, chatting in high
spirits, and full of laughter at the sue
cess of their scheme.
"And how did you succeed2 Did
she suspect? How did she act :" they
exclaimed together, running eagerly
toward him.
"As you predicted" replied the law
yer, with grave smile; "your pleasant
little hoax will be carried out three
evenings from this"
"But have just been thinking-who
can we find to play the ministerW ex-
claimed Miss Warner.
"Hers is a dilemmaw chimed the
milliner.
"Not in the least" replied Gilbert,
az have thought of that already. My
friend Morris, who graduated with me
at Yale last year, is just the man. He
looks as much like parson as if bred
to the cloth. I will ride into town in
the morning, and let him into our little
frolic."
There-now all is arranged. We
must give her wedding dress, Gilbert,
and that will console her for your loss,
said Miss Warner.
They walked towards the house, and
found Ida standing in the hall. She
advanced to the milliner as she came in.
HI am not well enough to work this
afternoon-can | 60 home %
"Oh, certainly! We cannot expect
you TO think Of q trade, now,n said the
milliner, casting glance Of sly ridi.
cule at Miss Warner. Mr.. Gilbert OF
course will see you hone.n
The blood burned in Lida's cheek,
but she answered with quiet dignity,
that she wished to see her mother
alone.
"Then she is not out washing to.
day?n inquired the milliner. with an.
other covert look at Gilbert and his
companion.
Ida could not understand the low
malice of the question, so she answered
quietly that her mother was at home,
and left the party, when they went to.
ward the milliner's work-room.
The next morning the washerwoman
was at our house very early. She came
to consult with those who had been
kind friends to her, regarding the
sfra nra rronosal which har danuhter