The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1852-11-06

when a sweet well-known voice sent a
thrill through his heart. 1t was. Emily
Harwood's voice. apparently conversing
with another young lady, so close TO the
curtain that he could not avoid hearing
every word He was abont to dart for
ward and address them, when the
words, old cloak" " fell upon his ear
Now" he thought. perhaps | shall find
solution of the mystery" No" said
Emily, 8 will not hny snch gay hat
as this 1t would not snit at all with my
old cloak" DO, for PHYS sake. my
dear Emily" exclaimed her companion
tell me why you have worn that same
cloak this winter. believe it is the
third winter yon have had it. We have
all wondered why YOU did not get a
new one. and that spiteful Caroline
Howard has talked abont it at every
party this season."
Il am veryF sorry" replied Emily,
laughing. "that Miss Howard has been
at such Il loss for subjects of couversa-
ton as 10 find rothing more Interesting
than my poor cloak. However will
tell you my motive for wearing it.
and | am sure, dear Helen, that you
will approve of it. But first promise
me that you will tell no one else.
should not think of explaining it 10 any
but you"
Here Mr.. Norton almost resolved 10
show himself. He felt it breach of
honor TO hear what was evidently a Sc
cret; but his interest in the fair Emily
was so strong that he excused himself
on that plea. and remained silent.
Helen made the required promise.
and Emily proceeded" You remem-
Der hearing of the death of my uncle
Murray. last summer He had failed
just before, so that his family were lett
quite destitute. Catherine. the oldest
daughter, has been at Mrs Willardfs
school for the last year, and she was
very desirouS of remaining another
term, after which Mrs Willard would
engage her as a teacher. She con-
Siders her one OF her finest Scholars
But 1t was not possible for her mother
to continne such an expense. and nv
father said that he could not offer 10 do
ltunleSs We should make some retrench-
ment IN our domestic affairs. There
fore offered to wear nv old cloak an
other season, and 10 give little Julia
music lessons. instead of her having Il
teacher. Now. do Won not think that a
sufficient motive2 assure YOU have
felt more pleasure this winter in wear
ing that old cloak. than should have
done IN possessing one even more splen-
did than Miss La Nodes. for now nav
poor cousin will be able to support her
self and assist her mother in educa-
ting her brothers and sisters
THAT is just like yourself Emily"
exclaimed her friend, enthusiastically.
" only wish could tell of it. How
ashamed Caroline Howard would be of
all heriI-na,ured speeches."
1t is needless to say there was an
other auditor who shared in the adrni-
ration of Helen. Mr.. Norton was 50 de-
lighted with the sinple recital of Emf
ly that he lonaed to clasp her to his
heart and tell her that his happiness
depended on her alone. He saw the
young ladies' take their departure. and a
few moments after hastened away, for
getting his amt and all her commits
Sions, and leaving the miIliner lost in
astonishment al his abrupt departure.
He reached Mr.. Harwood's almost as
soon as Emily herself, and as,onished
her by warm declaration of his feel
inns. She did not bid him despair, and
il was soon after announced that Mr. f!
Norton and Emily Harwood were ELL
gagged, much to the amazement of Miss |
La Mode, and Caroline Howard, who |
could not understand why she was pre-
ferred 10 themselves.
Mrs, Hinton was delighted with Mr. |
Norton's choice, and predicted that he
would have a pattern wife. She never
forgot her goodfesolution, but her per-
suasions were lost upon her former
friend Caroline. who was, however.
soon forced.by the failure of her father
to renounce her extravagant habits.
We must do Mr., Norton the justice
to say that he had the candor to con-
fess TO his wife, soon after his marriage,
the means by which he obtained a
knowledge of her motive for wearing
the old cloak, which was ever after pre-
served as precions relic can as
sure my readers that she did not blame
him severely, and should This tale ever
meet their eyes, trust that they will
both pardon the use have made of
The incidents related to me.