The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1852-07-31

the daughter, coloring very much
"but he may spare himself the trouble"
Geraldinel Geraldine! you always
will then make me unhappy" said her
mother, shaking her head.
"But you cannot want me to marry
Alfred! You told me everything about
him yourself"
But if he is going to marry and be
steady, owe him an apology. But go
and dress-you want to hear the over
ture."
They went to AIfred's box-father,
mother and daughter-but though in
the house he scarcely came near them.
He came in to inquire after their health.
claimed Geraldine's hand for the open
ing quadrile, and went away The
young girl rather haughtily accepted
this offer, and then turned around to
attend to the music and singing.
Next day, tothe establishment of both
Monsieur and Madam Delisle, Alfred
de Rougement proposed for the hand of
their daughter. expressing the warmest
admiration for her, and declaring with
earnestness that the happiness of his
whole life depended on her decision
Geraldine was referred to. She at
once refused him, giving no reason. but
expressing regret that she could not
share his sentiments. The young man
cast one look of reproach at her, rose,
and went away without word. When
he was gone. she explained to her
parents, that though in time she thought
she should have liked him, she did not
admire his mode of paying addresses,
and thought he should have spoken TO
her first Madam Delisle replied that
she now very much admired him, and
liked his straightforward manner; but
Geraldine stopped the conversation by
reminding her that he was rejected,
and that all discussion was now useless.
That evening Geraldine danced sew
eral times with her cousin, Edward
Delisle, young man who for a whole
year had paid his addresses to her
They were at house in the Faubourg
ST. Germain, where the ballroom open
ed into splendid conservatory. Geral-
dine was dressed in white, with one
beautiful rose in her hair, its only orna-
ment Edward had been dancing with
her, and now sat by her side. They
occupied a corner near the end, with
dense mass of trees behind them and
tapestry door. Edward once again
spoke of his love and passion, vowing
that if she would not consent 10 be his
he should never be happy; all this in a
IL E.
pected to be again refused.
"1f you can get mammals consent,
Edward" she replied quickly. II am
not unwilling TO be your wife,"
Edward rose from his seat and stood
before her the picture of astonishment.
Geraldine rose al the same time.
But where is your rosew said sthe
young man, still scarcely able to speak
with surprise.
at is gone-cut away with knife"
replied she thoughtfully. "But never
mind; let US look for mamma"
Edward took her arm, and in few
the whole family were united.
The young man drew his uncle away
from card-table, saying that Geraldine
wished to go home. After handing his
aunt and cousin to their carriage, he
got in after them, quite an unusual
thing for him.
"Why, Edward, you are going out of
your way" said the father.
Il know it, but cannot wait until
tomorrow. NJ. Delisle, will you give
me your daughters hand? Geraldine
has given her consent"
"My dear girl" cried her mother,
why did you not tell Us this before e
You would have saved US much pain,
and your other snitors the humiliation
of being rejected"
81 did not make up mind until this
evening"" replied Geraldine. II do
not think should have accepted him
tomorrow. But he was cunning enough
TO come and propose before | had time
for rehectionn
"You then authorize me to accept
him 2" said NJ. Delisle.
~ have accepted him papa" replied
Geraldine.
That evening Edward entered the
house with them, and sat talking for
some time, When he went away; he
had succeeded in having the wedding
fixed for that day month. Geraldine
looked pale the next day, and when her
mamma noticed it, said she should go
to no more parties, as she wished TO
look well the day she was married,
and expressed wish to go on excur-
sions to the country instead. Edward
came to dinner, looking much pleased
but still under the Influence of the
which had not yet been
efaced from his plump and rosy face.
"Why, what do you think W he said,
towards the end of the dinuer-"Altred
de Rougement has left Paris (! All his
were dismissed this morning,
and his steward received orders to meet
him at Constantinople."
"Indeedn replied Madam Delisle,
gravely, while Geraldine turned deadly
pale. aBut this room is too close for
you, my child"
"No, mamma" said she quietly;
but we are forgetting all about our
excursions. should like to go to Yer
sailles tomorrow, and take all the pretty
DIaces round Paris in turn