New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1852-06-30


About three years ago, my brother Charles,
who was my junior by two years, graduated
with high honors, and settled Immediately in
this place, where he began the practice Of his
profession, which was that of lawyer. His
talents were exceedingly precocious, and his suc-
cess was eminent. He fourished in his profess
sion, for he loved it; he had adopted it from
choice, and chose rather to mount the ambitious
flight of Fame, than to luxuriate in indolent
ease upon the proceeds of his patrimony. He
was, nevertheless, as might be expected Of o
young man Of twenty-three summers, fond of
society, and mingled quite freely in the festiv-
ties Of the season. Suffice to say, that he had
been there but few short months, when he be-
came acquainted with Bella Sunderland, then
in the height Of her glory, and an acknowledged
coquette.
"Charles was much pleased with his new ac-
quaintance, as you may imagine, when l tell you
that ever after, he was her most devoted adj
| mirer-ever at her side-whether in the prone
| made, the excursion, or in the glittering dance.
And his attentions did not seem to be at all irk-
some to her; for on the contrary, she gave him
| all the encouragement a virtuous woman could
| give the man of her choice-her hearts idol.
Things went on swimmingly; its consequences
first began to manifest themselves in whispers
among the village gossips, which soon swelled
into almost trumpet tones of prophecy, that It's
| all settled match, they're going to be mar
| ried-Alrs. Hhofs-her-name says so = 1t was
the village talk, and every one declared 'twould
be splendid match-the beautiful and accom-
plished Bella Sunderland and the talented and
powerful Charles Howard
"Charles was rather timid in his intercourse
with the fair sex, than otherwise; and he de-
| layed his love for many months But what
need Of words to tell it; They had mutually
declared themselves happy in each others
presence. And the kiss of love had passed and
repassed from his lips struck dumb with Love.
At length, on one eventful evening - about a
year from the time of their first acquaintance
with each other-Charles had determined to pro-
pose, formally, for her hand. Her heart, he
doubted not he had already in his possession
They wandered as usual, in the beautiful Lilac
Grove-near her residence-that evening, and
the time approached when they must begin to
retrace their steps. That was the propitious
moment, and Charles availed himself of it. He
declared his undying love for her in ardent
tones, assisted by his powerful eloquence, and
pressed her to name the time when their happi-
ness should be coEsummated She replied with
a kiss-a treacherous kiss Frank, the very
thought Of which makes my blood shiver in every
VEIN
" Ireachery'' exclaimed Frank, leaping from
his seat in astonishment, &C treachery:"
''Yes, treachery!" groaned Howard but
let me not anticipate She kissed him, and told
she would reply to his demands. Poor Charles
could ask no more, and he dreamed all night of
Bella and happiness.
s'T True to his engagement, ION the following day
he went; and again was the scene of the even
ing previous reacted, with an afterpiece as sus-
pected by Charles, as by you, dear Frank, at
this moment. AS he finished, and looked into
her face for reply, she burst into a violent
and uncontrolled fit of laughter, and by precon-
| nnrta1 ciuoo1 hall on, IF bo,
friends, together with two of his rivals, sprang
into the room to witness his unqualified refusal
and rejection, and to be witnesses of his discom-
future. Sir said she, / never loved you
but l was tantalzed by my friends, by their
saying l had intrigued you into my affections
and they bid me disown the fact, by discardine
you before their eyes, AS she ceased speaking
face, but he could read no pity there. Casting
n Wild nna fnrtive glance fren one to annthpl'
and reading naught but malicious triumph there
he caught his hat and rushed from the house q
maniac. After a lapse of some minutes, How.
ard began again as follows:
9" L had for some time contemplated visit te
my brother, and had that day arrived went
to his hotel, he was not there. however; from
thence went to his office, and that was also
vacant Mechanically | strolled through the
outskirts of the village, and soon found myself
in the beautiful Lilac Grove at the foot Of
which glides deep and sullen stream. As
stood watching its rutfied waters, heard a loud
laugh, whose very wildness froze me with horror
and Immediately afterwards, / saw man rush
madly down the declivity and through the grove
and with another terrific laugh, precipitated
himself headlong into the angry waters My
presence of mind, which had partially forsaker
me, now returned to my aid, and without a
thought beyond the safety of the unknown ma
niac, for such | knew him to be, by his fearful
laugh, dashed into the stream, and being a
vigorous swimmer, | succeeded, after many
struggles, in bringing the unfortunate victim tc
the shore. | laid him down, and parted the
streaming locks from his fair white brow; and
disfgured as he was, failed not to recognize in
him my dearest, only br0the7.t
." To attempt to analyze my feelings at that
moment, would be a task so difficult, that
shrink instinctively from the attempt; you my
dear friend, can perhaps imagine them | bore
his lteless form to the hotel, where l quickly
! procured medical attendance and careful nurs.
, ing; and at the end of three days, / was bles
in being recognized by him and folded to his
heart With much difficulty he recited the past
events which l have endeavored to narrate, bu
in so doing he overtasked himself, and he was
seized with q violent attack of fever, and h,
neuer spoke again. In three days we buried
: him in the cold ground, and the sods tolled hi:
, funeral dirge upon his coffin lid
| ~ IOOF lellOW, ne was CUT down IN the PRIME
and vigor of his manhood. When Hope smiled
: the brightest Fame held out her arms tt
, embrace him-and his eloquent talents hat
sowed the seeds of immortal greatness-he fell
; Fame lost one of her most brilliant candidates
and the world one of it's brightest ornaments
A mother and father lost a beloved son, an6
I, his brother, felt the bereavement with more
5 intensity, that he was an only brother!
&c Pictures of wretchedness, caused by thes
calamitous circumstances, tauntingly hoveret
before my mind, until in the bitterness of m,
soul l vowed revengei Frank, added he il
a voice so husky with emotion as to be scarcel
| audible, the pale cheeks, the faultering stel
and saddened brow of Bella Sunderland, tel
} not one half the success of my vow. You loo
. surprised, my dear FRIEND said he with
i CHASTITY smile, but | will explain. | sougll
e the society of Bella, and became more constant
if possible-than my poor brother had been
Y in my attentions towards her. | studied ever,
4 art that could be employed by man to entral
the affections of a woman, | never tired o
batteries and gallantries, for revenge spurre
l me onward. You are well aware, Frank, tha
# | have the reputation Of being d handsome MAJ
s if such be the case, you will readily imagin
e that with q determination to win her affectio
q my task was not difficult one Besides, tn
!, tragical finale attending the death of my brothe
: had chastened her feelings, and left an impres
sion there, seemingly, never to be effaced. Sh