The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1851-08-16
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THE MERCHANTS WIFE.
By AN ENGLISH PHYSICIAN.

A Thrilling Skstch, founded on Fact.


rallied herself as much as possible an
persisted in declining it, saying she wa
sure she would be better when he re
turned from business in the afternoon
With this assurance the merchant re
luctantlv left her; but scarcely had b,
been gone ten minutes, when, to th,
surprise of Emma, Mr.. Colleti was an
nounced, and before she could decide
whether to deny herself TO him or admi
him, he walked into the drawing-roon
with an easy familiarity of manner
which was especially disagreeable t
Emma, who Immediately rose, resolved
to cut the interview as short as possible
and to show him that she did not con
template his becoming so intimate az
to call whenever he pleased
"I find, charming Mrs. Markham ?
he said, with one of his peculiar looks
@that have missed my good friend
Markham; | intended 10 walk with
him to business this morning"
He has been gone but short time,''
replied Emma, .you may YET overtake
him, Mr.. Colleti.o
"Oh! it don't matter in the least"
said Colleti, seating himself as if he
was quite at home.
Emma was confounded at his assu-
rance, and remained standing, which
he observing, said
'tPray be seated, Mrs. Markham;
wish. if you please, to ask you ques-
tion."
"Sir," said Emma, "you can have
no question to ask of me which may
not be asked with greater propriety of
my husband"
"There you may be mistaken, most
charming of women" said Colleti.
81 must request, sir" said Emma, her
face flushing with indignation, "that
you will not address such expressions
to me. am Mr.. Markham's WIFE,"
"Ahw replied Colleti, giving a hor-
rible leer, ''that is true; but it is so
difficult to repress ones intent and over
whelming admiration. However, | will
be discreet; you may depend no one but
yourself shall ever hear me give utter
ance to an admiration which will be, if
possible, the more intense in proportion
as it is concealed" j
Emma was SO confonntied at the cool
insolence of Colleti, that for some time
she had not the power to speak or act.
The instant, however. that she could
command herself sufficiently, she at
ouce walked to the door, and was on
the point of leaving the room, when
Colleti said
1T was of Mr.. George Grant came
to speak.
Emma paused, and said family
George Grantp
"Yes," replied Colleti: "but |, who
am not so very intimate with him, add
9 Mr. to his name.
What do you meanw asked Emma.
"Mean g' said Colleti, .why, | have
consented to take this young man into
an old establishment and lucrative busi-
ness on Mr.. Markham's representation
that it would very much oblige you, and
| merely wished TO hear from your own
lips character of this young man."
IL do not Wish-o stammered
Emma.
"Do not wish what sn
Emma tried to speak, but every OBJ
Iect swan before her, and she had the
agony of Just retaining consciousness
enough to know that she was fainting
in the arms of Colleti.
She felt his horrid face touch hers
his breath came across her cheek-he |
pressed his lips upon her very mouth in |
D kiss of FIRE.
That pollution would have reused |
Emma from death. She felt renovated |
with new strength, and with great en-
srgy she pushed him from her so vio-
lently that he reeled again.
Monster-wretch!" she cried, "my
husband shall know
That gou loue George Grant !" said
Colleti. "Keep my secret, charming
and | will keep yours! Adieu
or the present"
So saying, he left the room, and
Emma, exhausted by ber feelings, sank
Upon her seat in a torrent of tears.
Emma wept on for several minutes,
ind her tears certainly relieved her
burning heart.
"What have done,n she exclaimed,
that | should be thus tortured! Is
his man, Colleti, my evil genius? But
What have | done? / ann innocent
Iye, innocent even in thought. Have
not suppressed the beatings of my
leart-stified my first love, because It
vas my duty, and still must this strange
md inexplicable man triumph over my
weakness and make me shudder, be-
iaase might be guilty, but am not
must tell my husband all, but-but
hat all must comprehend something of |
seorge Grant Then ! must tell him
hat was sold to him for his wealth, at
moment when my admiration of him
really loved was deepened into ven-
ration by generosity of behavior un-
Oh, Heaven direct me T.
What tangled web is woven around
ne! How shall escape-how free
lyself from the awful meshes in which
am caught-hew rid my shrinking
oul from the horror of that bad man,
olleti % Fl
Covering her face with her hands,
ne burst into passion of hysterical /
teeping, after the subsidence of which I
ID made n resolutions srhieh danrar