The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1851-08-02
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TIE MOCK MARRIAGE.
BY MRS. ANN s. sTEPHENs

of the room, and as they conversed in
low voices, scornful laugh now and
then reached the apprentice, who had
become nervous and sensitive, she
scarcely knew why. Miss Smith fol-
lowed her visitor to the entry.
at is well that / mentioned it in
time," she said in a confidential whis-
per.
Miss Warner tore her glove as she
attempted to draw 10 on.
GA pretty speculation for washer
woman's daughterE she said with
curling lip.
"But he cared nothing about herw
rejoined Miss Smith anxiously.
"No, indeed; he was quite angry at
the charge, and consented to stay from
your room forever. if I desired it."
"She would have made splendid
mistress for the homestead up yonder,"
rejoined Miss Smith, with another low,
disagreeable laugh; it is almost pity
she failed in her aim upon it."
"Splendidw exclaimed the bride,
with a light, mocking laugh; "but, no,
no; should not so much regard seeing
him the son.in-law of washerwoman,
but it would break my heart to know
that any one but myself was mistress
of the homestead and property"
"Hark! Did you not hear some one
moving in his Office" said the milliner,
listening apprehensively.
mo, it cannot be; saw him going
10 the house just as | came in"
Let us move away from his door,
there is no harm in that,n whispered
Miss Smith, and they walked down the
entry converslng together.
After little while the sound Of their
but half-suppressed laughter filled that
apartment.
1t would be a capital iokem said
the milliner.
Just the punishment she deserves,
the presumptuous creature~ was the
reply.
"But can you persuade him to join
2" was the next question.
He shdlln
Gilbert was standing that night in
the little portico of his BRIDES dwelling
1t was lovely evening; everything
W dS u1ihSCu WILL d HuOu Va SAfCi4
moonlight, and the dew lay like rain
drops among the crimson flowers which
shed rich fragrance from the honey
sackle vine. She was by his side, his
arm had been around her waist, and
but few moments before his eyes had
been fixed with tender and affectionate
earnestness on her face. but now his
arms were folded, and he looked sternly
upon her.
do you really desire this, Louisa 2"
he said, in deep constrained voice
Would you ever respect me again, if
could do so cruel, so unmanly an
act?n
81 will never love you again, if you
do notw was the petulant reply.
An expression almost of disgust swept
over the young mans face, and his lips
trembled as he spoke.
"Tell me, have you been to Miss
Smiths room to-dayw he inquired.
eyes; / was there just at sunset
But why do you ask !"
"No matter. Have you thought this
all over? Are you resolved to deceive
this poor girl !"
GResolute w
"And are you willing that devote
myself to win her affections So"
"They are already given without the
trouble of asking"
Gilbert's brow contracted, and the
word "Unwomanlyw was smothered
between his compressed lips.
"And you will assist me-will tell
her that You resign all claims on my
hand-on the homestead and the pro-
pertyw he added, with slight and
bitter emphasis on the last words.
She did not observe it, but answered
eagerly
ayes, yes; I will do my part to per-
fection. How mortifying the truth viii
be when she thinks herself Mrs. Gil
bert and finds that it is all jokew
"But think Of the shock il viii give
her pride and delicacyn-
add re6nement-pray add refine
ment" said the young girl scornfully
"pride, delicacy, and refinement are
such common attributes to the daugh.
tiers Of our washerwomen.
You are only doing this to annoy me- y
said the young man; ESQ goodnight;
You will throw off your cruel wish be-
fore morning"
"ShaH II" replied the girl with Low
bend of the head.
Gilbert turned away, and taking his
hat, was about to leave the house, bu,
she laid her hand on his arm and looked
smilingly in his face.
"They tell me the house is finished.
Will you take me to look at it in the
,morningw
aIf You desire il" was the cold and
.abstracted reply.
aWell, I shall be ready At ten
Good-nightw and gaily kissing her
hand, the young creature glided into
the house.
sit scGs her voice, then, and she was
planning her design with that infamous
millineE. would not believe my own
senses, till she confirmed them. BuI
she will not persist in anything 50 cruel /;
it is absurd to suppose se. II abe does
If she doss-I win obey herr