The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1852-10-02

tlldH Inc mass OF men.
1t was at party, given by one of
the elite, of his own circle, that his gaze
first rested on the form of the beautiful
Dora Goodwin. She seemed alone, for
no one noticed her amid the crowd of
the rich and fashionable ladies and
gentlemen that crowded the apart
ments. She was dressed with the
utmost simplicity, and though unno-
ticed by the mass, yet her sweet coun-
tenance attracted the attention of the
young man; he noticed the coldness.
yea, almost rudeness that she met with
from those who thought themselves
above her.
Although he had from his youth up
ward been constantly thrown into the
society of the most beautiful, his heart
had ever remained impervious to the
shafts of love that had been nnremit-
ungly launched al him but now as he
leaned against pillar near side door,
and gazed upon the sorrowing face Of
that neglected girl, who sought in vain
for retirement from the observation of
the unfeeling crowd by seeking rest
ing place by an open window. he no.
ticed tear steal silently down upon
her cheek, and after resting for mo-
ment there, fell upon the carpet. A
thrill such as had never before inhu-
enced his heart shook his form; his
cheek giowed, his eye flashed brighter,
and his soul warmed towards that ap-
parently friendless one. He did not
suspect that the little mischievous god,
Love, had marked him for victim; the
idea would have been deemed preposte.
rous, had il been entertained. What!
the gifted, the rich, the noble. thus act
50 foolish part? No. no; it was but a
feeling partly of admiration and CON-
passion blended, that urged him for
ward 10 offer her his arm for a prone
made; and even before he had well cal
culated the effect it was TO have upon
his future happiness, he. had gone
forward, and after introducing himself,
requested the pleasure Of her COM
pany. A blush mantled her cheek, but
a glad expression shone in her speaking
eyes as she accepted of the kind offer
The sound of her voice filled him with
a strange and mysterious sensation, it
was SO deep and rich, and he felt that
he had never before enjoyed the society
of any as he did that of the friendless
girl.
As he led her forth, disdainful words,
and whispers Of surprise, fell from the
lips Of the naughty bellies Of the even
ing, as they saw the one who was ac-
knowledged the leader of fashion, and
whom alt would have gladly sscaEed as
a prize, pay those eRvied attentions 10
one with whom they had not deigned
10 associate Anna Grant, the most
haaehty of all-one, loo, whom most
were constrained to acknowledge as the
faitest one who graced the assembly,
came eagerly forward as the young
man led forth. the sweet Dora "Ah
my cousn,n she exclaimed, "I shall
hatdiy forgive you for having carried
off Mr. Grayson y and though smile
was npon her lips, yet when she turned
away, dark and bitter was the express
sion that for an instant remained upon
her face.
Sanford was filled with amazement
as he heard this greeting; he under
stood that look, and his penetrating eye
discerned all the reasons that gave rise
to il. He had paid some particular al
tention TO the fair Anna, and more than
once had his parents urged him TO make
her his wife. He had heard vague
hints. however. that her disposition was
bad, that she was cold and cruel TO the |
orphan daughter of her mothers dead |
sister. But he had not believed the |
reports, for that cousin he had never
seen. He knew it all now, however,
and his resolves were made.
The evening passed like dream to |
him: he felt that his destiny had that
night been sealed; each word, each |
Iodk of hers, &as treasured in his soal.
Ali the love that had before lain DOR
maht was now awakened. Life TO him
wore a brighter hue, And how was il
with the poor girls Was she, too, simi-
Iarly affecteda Yes-her cherries lot
was SO no longer; she had found one
who could appreciate her worth; and all
hose eloquent sensations that had been
forced back by a long course of con-
IiRued cruelty, were now aroused as if
By the touch of a magic wand. Her
heart had rebounded from its state of
misery, and sense of deep; all-per-
tading happiness was there, No one
Ii all that assembly could fefrsin from
loticing the attentions that Grayson
avished on her, and there was one eye
ha, was mol for moment idle in 1ra-
ling every look and action. Anna
Grant was very fend in heart, though |
10 angel in her personal manners, and
leep and vindiciive was her silent VOW
# vengeance. She had looked upon
sraysoa as almost her husband. she |
ho6gM him IN the net that she had SET
Q. entrap him, and she had revslled 10
he Imagination of the bliss in Store for /
er;, but now, when she looked upon
or hopes as about to be fulfilled, that |
etested cousin whom she for years had |
ieased as a rnenial, stepped forward |
nd sRaiched the tempting fruit from
or grasp. The poor, neglected girl
ad been permitted to accompany her
rat evening for the first time, and that i
as tTahe had been sufficient. .ap,l
r. .4s3.. d:I kh1f .,aeu~ rnon iraoxfz nf :,