The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1853-10-20


offered her his hand-she accepted it
A kiss sealed the engagement-but il
was not such kiss as Frank had given
her, and she could not repress sigh
/ There was a magnificent wedding
! Splendidly attired, dazzling the eye
with her beauty thus adorned, with
everything around swimming in the
charmed atmosphere of fairy land. Kate
| gave her hand to the man her ambition
NOT her love-had chosen.
But certainly Ambition could not
have made better choice Already
she saw her surrounded by a magnifi-
cent court. of which she was acknow-
lodged and admitted queen The IA
vors of fortune were showered upon
her; she foated luxuriously upon the
smooth and CLASSY wave of charmed
life.
Nothing was wanting in the whole
circle OF her existence 10 adorn it and
make it bright with happiness. But
she was not long in discovering that
there was something wanting within
her breast
Her friends were numerous: her hus-
band tender, kind and loving but all
the attentions and affections could not
fill her heart. She had once felt its
cords and sympathy moved by skilful
touch; she had known the heavenly
charm Of their deep, delicious harmony,
and now they We're silent-motionles
-muffied, so as TO speak, in silks and
satins. These chords still and sound
less. her heart was dead-none the less
SO, because It had been killed by a
golden shot. having known and felt the
life OF sympathy in It, unconsoled BY
the life Of luxury. In short Kate in
time became magniicentIy miserable
-splendidly unhappy.
Then q change became apparent to
her husband He could not long re-
main blind 10 the fact that his love was
not returned. He sought the company
Of those whose gayety might lead him
10 forget the sorrow and dispair of his
soul. This shallow joke was unsatis-
factory. however, and impeiled by
powerful longing for love, he went
astray 10 warm his heart by strange
fire.
Kate saw herself now in the midst
OF gorgeous desolation, burning with |
thirst unconquerable by golden streams
that flowed around her; painting with a
hunger which not all the food of fat
terry and admiration could appease.
She reproached her husband for de- |
serting her Thus. and he answered with |
angry and desperate taunts of decep-
tI0G. and total lack of love, which |
smote her conscience heavily.
Iou do not care for men he cried
" then why do you complain that be-
stow elsewhere the affection you have
met with coldness?" 2"
= But il is wrong-sinful," Kate re-
''Yes, I know it,"said the husband
iercely, "Itis the evil of an evil seed.
And who sowed that seed? Who gave
ne hand without heaitl Who be-
came sharer Of my fortune but gave
ne no share in her sympathy? Who
ievoted me 10 the fate of loving un-
owed husband? Nay, do not weep,
md clash your hands and sigh and sob
With such desperation OF impatience,
or | say nothing you do not deserve TO
lear"
l. Very WELL" said Kate ~ do not
ay your reproaches are undeserved-
'nt granting | am the cold, deceitful
hing you call me, You know this state
t things cannot continue.o
Yes, know it.D
Welli"
The brow Of Mr. Wellington gathered
arkly-his eyes flashed with determi-
ation-his lips cnrled with scorn.
Il have made up my mind" said he,
that we shonld not live together any I
1nger. am tired of being called the I
usband of the splendid Mrs yelling
on. / will move in my circle; you c
hall shine in yours. | will place no q
on your actions nor shall you
n mine. We will be Free"
'sBut the world!" shrieked poor Kate,l
embling.
''The world will admire YOU the !
lme, and what more do you desire2 2"
sked her husband bitterly. "This a
arriage of hands, and not of hearts, r
mockery. We have played the farce
ng enough. Few understand the true r,
Gaming of the terms husband and "
ife; but do you know what they should
can? Do you feel that the only true 81
lion is that of love and sympathy u
hen enough of this mummery-fare- b
ell. go to consult friends about the
rms of separation. Nay, do not r,
emble, and cry. and cling 10 me now G,
/ shall be liberal to you. As much n
my fortune shall be yours as you o,
sire .
He pushed her from him. She fell Sc
'on the sofa From heart torn with
guish she shrieked aloud NJ
" Frank Frank! Why did send you !,
IN me2 Why was blind until sight
ouggt me miserys" r.
She lay upon the sofa sobbing and or
seping passionately. Gradually her til
lef appeared 10 exhaust itself; her on
aathing became calm; her eyes and CT
eeks dry; her head lay peacefully ez
her arm, over which swept her dis to-