The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1852-12-25

dak, gray eye, and watching the
Tafed expression of her intelligent
coEtenance-could avoid exclaiming
"how lovelyw She had the most
charming mouth, the whitest, smallest
teeth, and her raven ringlets shadowed
8 cheek on which the rose of health
displayed its richest tint
Mrs. Neville had loved her from her
childhood, for she was the only daugh-
fer of cousin-the dearest friend of
her youth. Irene;s attractions, she
hoped, would win the love of Charles,
AMI thus her long cherished hope of a
union between them be realized. But
alas /! she, knew not that the mind of her
sou had been tainted by his infamous
associates, and that the vicious COM
panionship he had sought, had blunted
his fondness for the society of pure and
lovely girlhood.
Irene arrived, and was welcomed
most cordially. When Charles came
home to tea, his mother said:
EMy son, we have prepared a pleas
ntsurprise for you"
"Ah! what is it? My dear mother
andsister are always so kind-too kind.m
and he turned away with saddened
countenance.
"You will see directly. Come, your
best looks, for here they are"
At this moment, Irene and Lucy en-
tered the room. The latter, with her
golden hair, and deep blue eyes, FORM
ing charming contrast TO her cousin
"Ah my old playmate, Cousin Irene!
this is indeed SURPRISE" exclaimed
Charles. 81 am delighted to welcome
so agreeable an addition to our domes-
tic circle"
Before the evening closed, Mrs. Ne
vile had the satisfaction to observe the
admiration of his cousin expressed in
the countenance of Charles, whilst
Irene exhibited evident tokens that she
would not, at any rate, dislike him rerv
much. How could she be Indifferent?
He was of noble form, had fine, inteIli.
gent features, and highly cultivated
intellect. His father had educated him
expressly for home pleasures. He could
play exqulsitely upon the flute, and
could accompany his sister with his
voice, which was clear-toned and melo-
dious; so the evening was spent in mu-
sic and conversation, until the usual
hour for retiring came to interrupt their
enjoyment.
1t Is not necessary to picture what
has been so often described-the fall
ing in love of two young beings fitted
by nature for each other; let me say
only, that Irene cherished in her heart
a pure affection for him whom she
thought was all nobleness, goodness and
worth; while Charles, as | have init
mated before, though not now capable |
Of a passion exalted and pure. was
captivated by her loveliness, her intel
Ilgence, and the exceeding charm of
her manner; and as she was an heiress
in prospect, and his mother had told
him how happy their union would make
her, he had almost concluded to en-
brace the first opportunity to declare
himself.
Meanwhile Philip Orridge and his
were faithful in their at
endance at the Club-devoted TO their
cups and their games. Never did thew
meet without regret that Charles
Neville was beyond the pale of their
influence, and never did they separate
without VOW to allure him back
Foremost in this resolve was Philip
He was more deeply in debt than ever
Ind he had no resort but the desperate
me of alluring back his old friend.
He knew Charles's weakness and his
'wn former unbouuded influence, and
determined TO pursue him until he
yained the victory. With this aim he
ought him in every thoroughfare where
was probable Charles would pass on
lis way homeward. They net. Ne
lille would have passed on without
my recognition, farther than a distant
low, but the other was not to be so
asily thwarted Taking Charles by
he hand, he expressed, hypocritically,
is regret at their estrangement, and
y the most insinuating Hattery gained
ONE little advantage over his intended !,
ictim. They walked on, side by side.
1rning involuntarily into a less fire. /
uented path for it was near the close {
a pleasant day in the latter part of
Ipril, and the principal street was
rowded. At last, suddenly, Philip
alted, and exclaimed
All! we are at my door-come in :
nd take glass of wine; for the sake
T old friendship you will not refuse 2" $
ayes, Philip, | must refuse; indeed :
ave wandered about with you quite ?
uconscious of the time, while my
lother and sister will wait tea for me.h n
49," jeeringly replied the COM $
anion, "you are still in leading J,
ringsw u
"No, but you are aware of the n n
lemn pledge | made after having a
locked them with the sight of my k
on that night when-" F
"Oh, is that all w replied Philip
What harm can there be in taking
ass with an old friend? | shall feel
lite hurt if you don't come IN p 7
= # 4 y 4 4 i
Let me record, in few words, how pc
or Neville yielded TO the tempter: y; W
W he drank glass after glass; how, "
=, s,,Ho sc bo If l. | 1