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

That evening the cousins played anc
sang together until about ten O'Clock
when they took tea, which Edward
good-natured fellow, pretended TO like
prodigiously, drinking three cups ot
milk and water, under the serious i'm
preston that it was genuine Infusion
a practice very common in France
where tea is looked on as dangerous
to the nerves. Next day they went tC
Versailles, breakfasted at the Hotel de
Francais, visited the interminab bic gal,
leries of pictures, and dined in Pans at
late hour. The next day they visited
Montmorenci.
Swiftly passed the hours, and days,
and weeks, and soon Geraldine saw the
last day which was to be her own. In
twenty-four hours she was to leave her
mothers home forever to share that of
man to whom it must be supposed she
was very much attached, but who was
not exactly the companion suited toher
Geraldine was very grave that m'rn-
ing. II had been arranged that they
were to go to St. Germain, and though
the sky was little dark, the yong
girl insisted on the excursion not beng
put off
"This is the last day shall have any
will of my own" said she, $50 let
exercise it."
any dear Geraldine" said her cousin
kindly, "you will always find me ready
to yield to you in everything, shallbe
model husband, for I am too lazy to
oppose any one"
" MY dear Edward" put in Madam
Delisle, "a man who consults his wiies
happiness will always be happy him
self We are very easily pleased when
we see you try to please US. The will
is everything to u.s."
"Then let US start" said Edward.
laughing; " it will pass the time, and
am eager to try"
They entered the open carriage,
which they usually used for their excur-
sions, and started-the sun now shining
very brightly. Edward was fall of
spirits; he seemed bursting with happi-
ness, and was forced to speak inces
sanity to give it vent. Geraldine was
very grave, though she smiled at her
Cousins sallies, and now and then would
answer in her playful, witty way
The parents, although happy, were
serious too. They were about to lose
their last child, and though they knew
she would be always near them, a feel
ing Of involuntary loneliness came over
them. A marriage day for afectionate
parents is always a day of sorrowful
pleasure-a link In the chain of sacri-
fee which make a parents love so
beautiful and holy, SO like that we can
family trace in thought as the love Of
the Creator for man.
They took the road by Bongiral, and
were within mile of that place when
they suddenly found themselves caught
in shower of rain. The coachman
drove hastily for shelter into the midst
of a grove of trees. which led up to
villa that appeared totally uninhabited.
But il was not so, for the porte c0chere
flew wide open as they drew up, and
two servants advanced and requested
them TO take refuge in the house.
"But we are intruding," said Madam
Delisle
mo, madam; our master is ont, but
had he been at home he would inSis,
as we d."
Edward leaped out, and set the ex-
ample of compliance. The whole party
followed the servants, who led the way
into a splendidly furnished suit of
rooms. The. style was that of the re-
naissance of the richest materials, while
the walls were covered with genuine
paintings from the first masters. The
servants then left them, and they were
heard the next minute assisting 10 take
the horses from the carriage. The rain
fell heavily all the time.
upon my word, we are very fortu-
nate" said Madam DelisIe, "for in ten
we should have been soaked
through. The master of the house
must be some very noble-minded man;
no ordinary person would have such
polite and attentive servants.o
"Eome eccentric foreigner" said Ed
ward. "All his servants are men; |
don't see single petticoat anywhere"
Some woman-hater, perhaps" said
GernlI;-n, laughing &c che +o~lr F-nrn
The table before her celebrated satire
against the sex.
"All the more polite of him." said
Madam Delisle, while looking with ab-
solute horror at book which she knew
spoke irreverently of marriage.
"If you will pass this way" said
servant, entering, "we shall have the
honor to offer you breakfast. The rain
has set in for some hours, and your SER
wants spoke of your wishing to break
fast at St. German; but you will not be
able to wait so long"
The whole party looked unfeignedly
but there was no resisting
servant who spoke so politely, and who
threw open door, whence they .discov-
cred table magnificently laid out
Several servants were ready to wait.
"lMa foi ~ cried Edward, "tbere is
no resisting such temptation. You
seem to know your masters character,
and we take your word for it that he
would make US welcome"
With these words he gave Geraldine
his arm, and led the way, setting the
example also of attacking the delicate