The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1851-03-08

that sealed the after fate of the tw
pure beings. But in my thoughtfulnes
rushed heedlessly on, IN whatever
undertook, regardless of consequences
My wild reckless spirit had never beel
tanned.
! Finding that there was but one alter
native, and that to submit cheerfnlly
TO my whim, he suffered himself to be
arrayed as my fancy suggested, will
good grace, and even laughed quite
heartily as added garment after gar
ment, in order to make him look a:
frightful as possible; yet, after all,
could see that his mind was i'll at ease
and half condemned myself for being
the cause of his unhapiness.
When at length all was arranged to
my satisfaction, placed the horrid
mask over his face, and led him to the
mirror. He started back and invoIun-
tarily placed his hand to his head, as
if to take it away, but my interference
prevented him. He pleaded that the
penalty had threatened to infict in
case he refused to 90 might be spared
him. But | was memorable, was anX-
ious TO see the result. and the delay
caused by his unwillingness vexed me.
A renewal of my threats of expo
sure succeeded in removing all obsta-
cles, and we Immediately set about
our adventure. Cautiously as thieves
we crept through the yard, and each
took his station, Robert at the door and
/ 81 III N f,,1- n l.
The curtain was partly drawn, so
that could easily distinguish every
object in the room. As | had antici-
pated, she was alone The domestic
had retired, and knew her old father
TOO well to believe that he was any
where but in the arms of Somnus; for
he was one of those sensible persons
whose maxim is, Early 10 bed and
early to rise.'
Julia-and | Shall never forget how
lovely she waS-sat beside small ia
bic in the centre of the room. apparent
ly deeply absorbed in book Her fair
hand supported her head, and her hair
fell gracefully down her neck in bean
tifnl natural ringlets. She was a deli
cate wild flower, that=had budded and
blossomed under the shelterof fathers
roof, and the sunshine of giadness and
the dews of affection had ever lighted
and cheernd her way.
AT length | gave the signal, and a
loud rap was given. She paused tor a
moment, listened attentirely. and then
laying down her book, arose and ap-
preached the door, ehl. onened4: 4:,l i
the mask stepped boldly N, according
to my directions. How shall describe
the scene that followed Even now |
shu1der to think Of it. Instantly all
earthly hue had fled from her face, and
with a piercing shrek she staggered
back few PAGES and fell heavily to
the floor. Quicker than lightning |
sprang through the doorway, and .knelt
at her side. I grasped her waist-lts
pulsation had ceased; placed my
hand upon her heart-that was also
still! She was dead.
/ can recall little else that took place
that night. The domesties, who slept IN
an adjoining room. had been awakened
BY that terrible shrek, and came rush
inc in, 10 learn the cause. of the uproar-
| could not have spoken, even had ex-
planation been necessary ] was over
whelmed with grief and self-condemn-
alton. could only point to the llteleSs
form of poor Julia, and at the mask
which Robert had torn from his face
and dashed to the floor. He stood
gazing at me with cold. vacant stare,
that | but too we'll understood More
| cannot remember,
Ten days passed, and woke from a
rariug delirium. My first inquiry was
for Robert. They led him TO my bed
side: but oh, what change!
stretched out my clasped hands, in an
agony of grief and remorse, to lmplore
forgiveness. He neither moved nor
spoke, but that same unmeaning stare
drove home TO my heart the fearful
conviction. Alas! he was a hopeless
IDIOT,
Fifteen years have elapsed since thai
never -to-be-forgotten era of my HE
never have, never can forgive myself
| for having been the cause OF so much
misery. though have sought and hopee
for forgiveness from on high. | nevel
can look upon mask without shud
der. or hear It's use denounced withou
alluding 10 my experience. And you
my young friends, when you are tempt
ed 10 play tricks upon others, am sure
YOU will stop to consider that VIVA
seems SO innocent and harmless may
perhaps in the end prove " a fatal joke