The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1853-01-27

WHllSt HIS parents QlQ not neglect 10
hint, that he could not do better than
prosecute suit which the young lady's
evident partiality justified. Pleased
with the prospect of their sons making
so good match, they even ventured
one day dull jest on the subject in
the presence of Frances-a jest which,
heavy as it was, aroused her 10 rehec-
ton. Flirting with man, and an
Cling for his admiration, is one thing !;
loving and marrying him, is another
For the first, Vincent Dunbar answered
exceedingly we'll; but for the second,
he was wholly unfit. In spite of her
little weaknesses, Frances had too much
sense not to see that the young lieu-
tenant was an empty headed coxcomb,
aud not at all the man with whom she
hoped 10 spend her years of discretion
when arrived at them-after an am
pie enjoyment of the delights that
youth. beauty, and wealth are calcu-
lated to procure their possessor. Her
eyes were opened, in short; and the
ordinary effect of this sort of awaken
ing from an unworthy penchant-for at
tachment it could not be called-en-
sued; the temporary liking changed
into aversion, and the attentions that
had flattered her before became hate.
ful. In accordance with this new
state of her feelings, she resolved to
alter her behaviour, in order 10 dissi-
pate as quickly as possible the errone-
Gus impression of the family; whilst,
at the same time, she privately made
arrangements for cutting short her
visit, and anticipating the period Of her
removal to the house of Mrs. Gaskoin,
betwixt whom and the Dunbars the in
terval of her friends absence in Russia
was TO be divided. In spite of her
stratagem, however, she did not escape
what she apprehended. Vincent's
leave had nearly expired too; and
when the moment approached that was
to separate them, he seized an opportu-
nifty of making his proposals.
There is scarcely woman to be met
with in society, who does not know,
from experience, what a painful thing
it is to crush the hopes of a man who
is paying her the high compliment of
wishing to place the happiness of his
life in her keeping; and when to this
source of embarrassment is added the
consciousness of having culpabIy raised
expectations that she sbrinks from re-
alizing, the situation becomes doubly
distressing. On the present occasion,
agitated, ashamed, and confused, Fran
ces, instead of honestly avowing her
fault. which would have been the safest
thing to do, had recourse to subter-
fuge: she answered, that she had been
betrotEed by her father to the son of
his dearest friend, aud that she was not
free TO form any other engagement. Of
course, Vincent pleaded that such
contract could not be binding on her;
bu, as, whilst size declared her deter
mination to adhere to it. she forbore to
add, that were she at liberty his posi-
ton would not be improved, the young
man and his family remained under the
persuasion, that this premature en-
gagement was the onl y bar to his hap
piness: and with this impression, which
she allowed him TO retain, because it
spared him and herself pain, he re-
turned TO his regiment, whilst she, as
speedily as she coulI, decamped to her
next quarters, armed with thousand
good resolutions never again to bring
herself into such an unpleasant dilem-
ma.
Mrs Gaskoin;s was different sort of
house to the Dunbars. 1t was not gay,
for the place was retired, and Mrs.
Gaskoln being in i'll health, they saw
little company; but they were young,
cheerful, and accomplished people, and
in their society Frances soon forgot the
vexations she had left behind her. She
even ceased 10 miss the admiration
she was accustomed to; what was
amiable and good in her character
and there was much-regained the as
cendant ; her host and hostess congratu-
lated themselves on having so agreea-
Bile an inmate as much as she did her
self on the Judicious move she had
made, till her equanimity was disturbed
by learning that Mr., Gaskoin was ex-
pecting visitor, and that this visitor
was his old friend and brother officer,
Major Elliott, the person of all others,
Vincent Dunbar excepted, she had the
greatest desire to avoid.
g cannot express how much / should
iislike meeting him." she said TO Mrs.
Gaskoin, TO whom she thought it better
% explain how she was situated. "You
must allow me to keep my room whilst
ne is heren a3 WA. ss.
"If yeu are determined not TO see
lim, | think you had better go back TO
he Dnnbars for a little while,n an
;wered the hostess; but really think
7ou should stay, and let things take
heir course. If your aversion contin-
les. you need not marry him; but my
husband tells me he's charming; and
n point of character, know no one
Fhom he estimates so highly.
But Frances objected, that she should
eel so embarrassed and awkward.
" In short, you apprehend that yon
will appear to a great disadvantages"
aid Mrs. Gaskoin. "That is possible,
certainly; but as Major Elliott is only
coming for day or two, | think we
night obviate that difficulty, by in.