New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1852-06-04

voice, winch was hne, was extravagantIy lauded.
and she soon conceived those dangerous fancies
of her perfection which result in coquetry.
Once when strolling in the flower garden, she
observed Henry Walton present the gentle En-
ma with o rich boqnet. Melinda admired the
beauty Of the youth, and was now resolved to
be the mistress of the hearts Of all the handsome
young neil. She therefore culled The most ex-
quisite flowers she could find, which, when
formed into wreath, she gave TO Henry. Emma
cast down her eyes with something like an ex-
preston Of modification, and taking from her
bosom the boquet, said
Take this, too, Henry
No, Emma, will not take back the gift.
Melinda but teaches me to be more magnificent
in my next present
"And she hopes she has taught you to whom
to give il" said Melinda, casting her dark eyes
on Henry. Though Emma observed this, and
well understood its import, yet her lowly cir
cumstances had impaired to her innocent nature
a mild humility, and she remained silent. She
then glided away, perhaps to indulge tear in
secret.
Henry was much attached to Emma, but
never yet thought of love. With blithe aspect,
he enjoyed the practiced witcheries of the CO.
quette, until Miss Anne's voice was heard call
ing to Melinda:
''Come away sister, Mr.. Pearson is coming
'sTell her Mr.. Walton is already here re-
marked the somewhat nettled youth.
'sIwil return soon," said Melinda; ssyou
know don't care any thing for Mr.. Pearson
But Henry hurried away, stung most bitterly.
He did not love Melinda; but how is one to es-
cape the upas influence Of coquette' Love is
not the only passion they excite. Henry was
piqued, too, ut the effrontery of Miss Anne, who
might Mt least have whispered her intelligence
to her sister, and he now hated the cid maid
most heartily
Turning, he beheld Melinda endeavoring all
IN, hnrY Yon1 IN foS Nv
= ''Not care for him!'' muttered Henry, who
now beheld glittering ring on Melnda's
finger, placed there by Jaques. Now con-
tinued the ambitious youth, :" just for my own
qualification am determined to be revenged
will court her every opportunity have, and
then play her own game on her." Saying this,
he strolled onward amidst a labarynth Of rose
bushes and mazy vines, meditating the means Of
effecting his purpose. He paused suddenly as
he heard these words: ssS
Alas, thus it is to he poor!" Through the
interstices Of clustering honeysuckle he be-
held the pale, thoughtful face Of Emma. She
was standing in the summer house, with her eyes
resting on the bouquet, which she yet held in
her hand Without supposing what might be
the cause of her abstraction, Henry entered
and placed his wreath on her white forehead.
&c Did | not say was taught to make my next
gift more magnificent .
90 And were you not at the same time taught
to whom it should be given 3"
81 know what she meant replied Henry,
''but methinks she has already sufficient
number of presents from others..'
And but few-yet l am content sold
Emma.
ssYou appreciate yours, Emma, which she
does not She is coquette, and can never
love-
Emma smiled at this remark of the youth,
and they then returned together to the house.
It was not long before Melinda assailed Henry
with an indignant frown upon her brow
"I saw the wreath gave you decorating the
eyes Of Emma.''
81 see,'' replied he. Mr.. Pearson's ring de-
corating your finger"
'' Had you not cared for the giver, you would
have respected the gift"
'sHad you cared for the donor, you would
not have accepted the ring said Henry, with
some warmth.
"I will soon convince you that care nothing
for Mr.. Pearson said the deceitful Melinda.
That evening they were all at the opera.
Jacques, who almost courted the spinster as
much as Melinda. was now paying marked at
tention to the former. Melinda. true to her pro-
mise, and assured of having too great power
over her rich beau to endanger his fealty, now
practised all her art on Henry, without scarcely
once turning to Jaques. Henry could not but
yield attention to her incessant clatter. and
during a considerable length of time, he could
find no opportunity of bestowing word ON the
mute and silent Emma. The spinsters froWns
and mods had no effect. Melinda continued tho
assault until the curtain rose, and the charming
voice of the celebrated vocalist inspired silence
Jaques affected all that was fashionable
Now his splendid opera-glass was pointed to the
performers, and now to some particular portion
of the audience. He sperted his gold spectacles,
his diamond pin and jeweled watch. He learned
and practised attitudes Of the last foppish cast,
and thought himself being of much Importance,
as did also the spinster and Melinda. After the
end of the first act, Jaques turned to Melinda,
and perceiving the ring he gave her on Henry's
finger, remarked, &c Your ring is gone; has some
one stolen it:''
s.I have it, sir; presume you would not in
sinuate that am capable Of becoming a thief %
said Henry.
sWe know not who are honest replied
Jaques, evidently intending to produce quar-
| rel.
ssLet it rest for the present; tomorrow you
shall hear from me-
sGiye me the ring, Henry" said Melinda,
'Not till you have said you placed it on my
finger yourself" said Henry.
Just then two strangers entered the box and.
after scanning the company some moments in
silence, addressed Jaques: els your name
Pearson 30
sIt is; what is your will with me %
sWe wish you to accompany us to PRISON. re,
marked the other, at the same time arresting the
horror stricken man. Without the ability to
utter word, the fine wealthy beau was instantly
conducted to n vile prison. The next day it was
ascertained that he had long been a counter
feiter. 5zT.s l-4
Melinda protested that she had always hated
Mr., Pearson, aGa but lightly regarded his