The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-02-03
For the National Era.
(ooPYRIsnr SECURED BY THR AUTHOR
MARK SUTHERLAND:
OR,
POWER AND PRINCIPLE.
BY EMMA d. K. N. soUTHwoRTu
CHAP. UI-Continued.

CHAP. HI-Continusd.
In the mean time Mrs Vivian conducted her
step daughter into the drawing-room commu-
ncating with Miss Sutherand's boudoir. The
room was now brilliantly lighted up, but vacant
of the family. The broad doors were Sudden
back into the walls, revealing the boudoir in its
rich-toned gloom and CLEAN of purple and gold /;
and India herself, standing in the midst quite
lost in thought with one jeweled hand press
ing back the amber ringets from her forehead
and the other hanging down bv her SIDE, clasp
ing the letter of Mr. Sutherland. SO deeply
troubled and perpexed was her look that Va
leria impulsively sprang to her side, exclaim-
ing "What greves you, my dearest India No
evil news trust?"
Miss Sutherland burst into tears, and silent
ly handed her the letter. But before Valeria
had turned it about and found the commence
mept, India recovered her voice, and said in
broken accents, You know how closely have
kept his correspondence for the last few weeks.
Alas ! have had a reason for il, Valeria, my
love Little do his uncles imagine what de-
tains him at the North. But he conoeals moth
ing from me, and he lays the heavy RESPONSE
bilIty of his confidence upon me. For month
past it has been All onerOus burden to my con-
science"
"My love! what has he been doing there
Has he killed his man in duel and got him
self in trouble, in that frozen stiff North, where
gentleman cannot even shoot his rival in a
generous quarrel, without being put to the in
convenience of a judicial investigation | real
ly do suppose that is il, now !"
ooh, no! Would it were only that! That
were no dishonor, at least Oh, no! II is as
much worse as it could possibly be F."
III cannot believe that MIR. Sutherland would
do aught unworthy of man and gentleman"
"Woe to my lips that they should utter the
charge. But read his letter. Vsleria, and ad
wise me- foFI am deeply distressed, said Miss
Sutherland aud she threw herself back into a
cushioned chair, and bowed her face apon her
hands, until all the amber ripglsts dropped and
yelled them.
valera ran her eyes quickly over the letter.
and then she threw herself into a cbair-but
it was to Laugh Miss Sutherland raised her
head in silent surprise and disp!easure. But
still valeria laughed, till the tears ran down
her cheeks, holding up one hand in speechless
depreciation, TO mplore forgiveness for mirth
impossible 10 restrain. When she found her
voice-"Why, my dear, unsophisticated girl,
there is nothing except great deal OF food for
laughter in all this He has been in New
York at the height Of the annual fever, and has
caught it, He has been bit by raging re-
former, and gone rabid He has been stung
by an Aboltionist and is in a state Of virulent
iniamlna atom Not the first hot headed young
Southerner ssnt to Northern college who has
fallen into the same series Of fevers. But they
all come safely through it! When they find
out that to free their slaves means fast TO emp
ty their pockets and 10 b. work with their own
hands or brains, you have no idea how refrige-
rating the effect. Don't fear for Mr.. Suther-
land He will be brought beautifully out Of
it! Only note IL! he will never send son Of
his to be educated at Northern college
Come, cheer up my love- and never mind my
laughing Really it is legitimate food tor laugh
ter! Ha hal ha ha! ha!"
"Oh, don't! Only think Of 1t, even at its
best Here for weeks past he has been ming
ling freely with these wort Of persons--mixing
in their assemblies where people Of all colors
and castles meet on equal terms in d sitting
crowd--oh, gracious Queen of Heaven itba
runous dshonor-an unspsakable insult he has
cast upon me, his betrothed! !" she exclaimed,
rising with all the proud and passionate ener-
~ OF deep and strong conviction.
And again Mrs Vivian gave way to q peal
Of silvery laughter, exclaming, "Why, you sim
plc maiden! gentlemen wiA DO such odd things,
because you see they (poets excepted have no
nstncts--not even any original IDEAS Of refine
ment. But be comforted! He comes 10 Us by
sea- and will have passed through several hun
dred miles Of salt sea wind before he reaches
your fragrant boudoir"
DO not pursue this subject DO not, Vale
ria do not press it upon mo go IL wrongs,
it Injuries me-I feel it does !" said India, with
energetic earnestpess.
"f never saw you so deeply and strongly |
moved befors--nonsense But indeed must
have my laugh out with somebody! IL IL, be-
sides, too good to keep-this ludicrous secret
An, here comes Mr.. Boiling, with Uncle Glenn
ont in his wake, no doubt Tor he went TO fetch |
him! l must tell Uncle Clement OF his soo-in- |
laws conversion or---die
Uncle, Uncle Clement! what do you think |
has happened 10 Mark Listen exclaimed
the vivscious lady, running on with the letter
Miss Sutherland spraog and caught her hand,
and pale ~ death, DRIED out "On your i.fs, |
valsria--on your soul You do not know my |