The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1855-07-18
WCman'S Love

scene which Partisan ball presents to the eye
of the stranger. Not that an English ball room
is not a very delightful sight, but the French
manage these things better Perhaps they are
constitutionally more lively nation; but GER
tain it is that the spirit, animation, and Joyous
ness-the total abandonment of every thing, as
it were, to the spell of the moment-will be
looked for in vain at our graver assemblies
Yet speak not in disparagement-for after
all, give me my own proud, solemn, high mind
ed, and right feeling America. But to return
to my narrative.
The young girl alluded to was exquisitely
lovely, with a petite and child like figure, fair
bright face, and a pair of the most mischievous
blue eyes that could be imagined; although the
occurrences other present attitude made them
appear softened if not subdued. Her head was
bent little forward, and profusion of light,
sunny curls fell upon her white shoulders con-
trasting strangely in their brightness with the
dark emerald hue Of her satin robe, the front
and sleeves of which were clasped with dia-
monds. By her side sat young man, attired
with studied plainness; although the turn of
his finely shaped head, the fire of his dark, me-
lancholy eyes, and the troubled expression of
his pale, handsome features, rendered him an
object of whom one would wish to know more.
''lt is Mademoisele Verney,''e replied the
young count de Tours stthe richest heiress in
Paris, and on the eve of marriage with that
solemn looking parsonage by her side.'
''She must be very young" said the English
man.
'Scarcely eighteen, and wilful as she is beau
tiful,' was the reply.
"And her lover?'
"Ah! there lies the disparity; he has moth
ing, absolutely nothlng-and is as proud as he
is poor. Why Lestelle with her beauty and
fortune, might have chosen husband among
the nobest in the land but she is fond and ro-
mantle, and Monsieur Aubertin, quiet as he
looks has had wit enough to persuade her that
she loves him fondly.'
"Persuade her!' repeated the Englishman
eyes, for she is but a girl, and will have
changed her mind and repented dozen times
before she comes Of age. And as for Auber
tin having any oreal disnterested affection for
her, we know too much of the world to be-
lieve that, my friend!' And the young count
laughed scornfully, as he drew his companion
away.
"You are i'll, Claude?' said Lestelle, anx-
iously, as she watched the changed expression
Of her lovers face, and marked his haughtily
contracted brow and flashing eyes, ''have
said anything to offend?'
"Will you forgive me, dearest, if I confess
that I have not heard word you have been
saying for the last five minutes?" murmured
Aubertin, abstractly.
The young beauty tossed back the curls from
her white brow, and put up her pretty lip, but
she did not reply, and the long silence that en-
sued was broken at length by Claude.
"Shall tell you, Lestelle, he asked, in low
voice, "what the count de Tours has just been
saying about us?-and he speaks doubtless
from the common rumors and opinions of So
ciety''
LAS you Wilt" replied Lestelle, cooring
slightly and trying to speak with Indifference.
s.Hc calls you fond, romantic girl, Lestelle
and me an-advesturer'
"And can the idle words of such as he have
the power to move you thus, my Claude?" said
Lestelle, gently, cor do you Think" she added
with an arch smile, 'that such prize as MY
self is to be attained without exciting envious
remarks? That am fond and romantic con-
fess: ever since can remember, in my dreams
of young romance pictured to myselfan ideal
being whom | could love; but never were girl
hoods visions realised as mine have been
that is, if my gallant here does not spoils by
his too scrupulous PRIDE
''But have not told you ALL continued
Aubertn, while his naughty frown relaxed be-
meath the wtchery Of her smiles, che said, too,
that, but for me, with your wealth and beauty,
you might have commanded one of the most
splendid matches in France
"And would that have insured py happi-
ness?' asked Lestelle ooh that we lived in
the old time Of fairies, and that I might have
one wish.''
"And what would that be-" inquired her
lover.
THAT we might change situations with one
another; that you could have all the wealth,
and be poor girl, blessed only with your af-
fections Claude, I should feel no humiliation
no gratitude, in receiving all from you-love
would have equalsed us
II fear that your creed is rather theatrical
than a practical one, my own Lestelle?' said
Aubertin, with mournfnl smile.
eff | could but convert you to its belief, l
think | should have nothing left to wish for!''
replied the young girl, in whisper; and there
was no shade upon the open brow of her lover,
as he mingled in the brilliant throng with his
beautiful and devoted mistress.
The evening passed away as evenings 90
when we are most happy; for, with all lts heart
burnings, its ppointments-occ per-
haps, by the absence or GOODNESS of the only ones
amidst thousand for whom we have dressed
and smiled-a ball is bright epoch in the lives
of the young.
II shall see you to morrow, Claude?' said
Lestelle in timid voice, as they stood togeth-
er, waiting for her carriage to draw up.
"Of course, replied Aubertin, gloomlly, 81
have received formal invitation to meet your
guardians and the notary, to sign the deed rela-
tive to the final settlement of your property
''It will soon be over!" srid Lestelle, laying
her hand imploringly upon his arm: land will
you bear this trial for my sake, Claude?''
my sweet Lestele! but | make no promises.
You shall see how patiently I will listen to M
Fradel's arrogant taunts, and how humbly and
will conduct myself!'
"Claude!' interrupted Lestelle, almost tear
fully, "you are speaking now in bitterness and
t'No, en- verite!'' replied herlover, laughing
y. tBut good night now, my Lestel]e, and