The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1851-08-23

other interview that it should be thu
last, let it cost her what effort it might
With shudder she recalled to mint
the appearance of Colleti as he stool
outside of the window, pointing at he
and her lover She felt now that she
as well as her husband, was in tht
power of that dreadful man, and she
felt, too, that her only hope of safety
from his prosecutions was in the imme
diate departure of George Grant from
England.
yes, yes" she whispered to herself
II will urge him to go. Then when he
has left me forever, | will on my knees
tell my husband all. I will tell him
that honor, respect, and hold him dear,
and ask him TO forgive the past and
trust to the future for much calm hap
piness"
A gentle slumber now stole over her
exhausted frame. and when she again
awoke the sun was shining brightly in
the heavens, and she saw Mr. Mark
ham bending tenderly over her, quietly
watching her slumbers.
emma" he said, "thank God you
have had a long and, hope, refreshing
Sleep"
Emma started.
"What is the time?" she asked.
alt is past eleven"
"Then you have stayed away from
business this morning?'
"Could | leave you, so unwell as you
were 2" inquired Mr.. Markham, affec-
tionately s..-
"It was very kind in you" replied
Emma.
II have sent note to Colleti,o said
Markham, "telling him not to expect
me, and shall pass the day with you,
Emma
Emma sighed.
s'Ah! you know not" continued Mr.
Markham, "what | have suffered on
account of your indisposition Emma,
we never know the real value of any,
thing, and consequently do not fully ap-
preeiate it, until we are apprehensive
of losing it."
"How true that is" said Emma with
a shudder, as she thought of George
Grant
A low knock at the chamber door
summoned Mr.. Markham to it; and
Emma, raising herself up, heard the
servant say
"Mr. Grant has called, sir"
"Mr. Grant, | trust, has not gone
again % asked Mr.. Markham.
=" No. sir. he is in the drawing room.f
~ am very glad of it" said the mer-
chant. Emma, will persuade Grant
to stay with US whole day-it will
amuse you more than anything else, TO
talk with him of old occurrences and
old friends.n
Emma could not speak The unsus-
pecting fondness of Mr. Markham SEN
sibly touched her heart She strove to
say something, but the utmost she
could produce was faint and sickly
smile.
SECT up as soon as you can, if you
feel well enough" added Mr.. Mark
ham, "while | go and secure George
for the day"
So saying, he left the room to well
come George Grant, and to infict un-
known pangs upon his generous heart
BY his professions of esteem.
Emma, left again TO herself, Strove to
decide what she had better do. Then |
'he resolved it was better as it was
Her husbands presence would act as a
upon any outbreak of feeling
either upon her part or on Georges, and
some opportunity might occur to tell
lin that she desired to see him no
more, and to make that his last inter-
,iew.
With this feeling Emma rose and
made hasty toilette, which she had
carcely completed when Mr.. Mark
lam returned.
"My dear,n he said, "George has
to stay, but | had great
eal of trouble to persuade him. don't
NOW what can be the matter with him.
1e looks the very picture of misery"
"Indeed!" gasped Emma, and she
would not have uttered another word
OF kingdoms.
"Yes,n continued Mr.. Markham, "he
ositively rejects the share in the busi-
ess, and really | don't know what to
make of him. He is most wonderfully
hanged. / feel quite sure that there
J something upon his mind that gives
i'm great uneasineSs."
You think so 2" said Emma.
II do; and tell you what will be
ne best plan. He won't tell me what ;
fleets him, but | dare say he would not
sfuse to confide it to you. Now, after
inner will run down to the counting
ouse and see what is doing, and while
am gone, you may perhaps find out !
hat hangs SO heavily on his spirits {
dare say it is something about money ,
latters, and that makes me anxious to
now, because he shall be at once re- |
eyed and accommodated"
This speech fairly overcame Emma,
nd she felt that if she attempted TO c
'eak she would betray her feelings; {
le placed her arm within her hus- a
snds and allowed him to lead her to
e drawing-room. P
Her first glance at George Grant
owed her he too had suffered. He a
as very pale and his voice trembled h
he paid the usual compliments of the
orning.
L .1ar ~