The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1856-06-25
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reaanS and IN which she had been deeply IN
terested, and took the cards which the seryan
presented. - ~.
''Dear me, how provoking! Just as am ii
the most exciting part of the story-and tha
pert, disagreeable Emily Archer, too" she ad
: ded, reading one of the cards, "who else won
der?''
Was there magic in that simple bit of paste
board, inscribed only with two words, "Rich
ard Warren?" 1t would almost seem so, 81
instantaneously did her countenance change
The frown that had disfgured her beautfu
brow disappeared, her eyes sparkled, and with
out another thought of the book, she hastily
assured herself, by a glance in the mirror, tha
her toilet was unexceptionable, and left the
room.
As she entered her drawing room, and greet
ed her guests with all that grace and elegance
ofmanner for which she was distinguished, En-
ilyArcher surveyed her with one critical glance
but dress, as well as manner, was faultless.
'lt must bsconfessed that Kate Bennett en-
ters room like queen,' she thought, with E
pang of envy and jealousy, as in Richard War
ren's face she read undisguised admiration o.
the lovely girl before them.
What casual observer, who had marked the
meeting of these young ladies, would have
dreamed that, under all their outward friend
illness, each hated the other with her whole
heart?
. Yet so it vas. Kate and Emily were rva1
bellies, and their claims to admiration were sc
equally balanced that it required no little exer.
ton on either side to gain the ascendency and
be acknowledged the victor
If Kate, with her classical features, queenly
dignity, elegant figure, and exquisite taste, al
| first 81 ght threw her rival into the shade, Emf.
1y's pquant style, sparkling, animated counte-
nance, and sprightIy conversation, were by
many preferred to Kate's statuesque beauty
1t was impossible to decide which was the love
lest; each had their adherents and admirers
but as they were equally numerous, it seemed
probable that the season would draw to close
without the all important decision of the ques-
ton, which had been, par excslence, the belle
| Just at this times Richard Warren returned
! from Europe. The arrival Of SO undeniablv
elegant, handsome and wealthy a gentleman
was All event-all the fashionable world wasin
a futter and the rivals saw at once that the i'm
portant epoch had arrived. She whose claim,
! he advocated whom be favored with his admi-
ration, would at once stand upon the precarious
pinnacle of belleship. Each left nothing un-
done to win him to her side, though their tao
tics were entirely different.
Emily brought to bear upon him the batteries
of her sprghtIy wit, while Kate adroitly laid
the mine OF pparenrqueenly Indifference. AS
yet, though it was evident that Richard admir-
ed both, his preference was not known-per-
haps he hardly knew himself which was the
most charming.
But during this exposition of the claims of
! the rivals, lively conversation had been 60
ing on The last new novel and the opera had
been discussed, as well as some of their mutual
friends, and in the midst of some wickedly wit
ty remarks of Emily on would be fashionable
lady, loud voice was heard in the hall II
came near the door, and the words could be
distinctly understood:
You no-brained, impudent jaekanapes, I'll
teach you manners, I'll make you laugh on
t'other side of your mouth"
The door was flung open, and in walked a tall,
athlethic and sun n-burnt young man, whose re-
ally fine form was disguised in an ill-fttng suit
of evidently domestic manufacture, and who
stood off a moment awkwardly looking around
him; then hastily approaching Kate, he flung
his arms around her, and gave her a loud smack
on the cheek.
She withdrew herself, quickly and haughtily
from his embrace. 3. s=f : 49,
''Sir!'' she said, with freezing dignity.
Law! don't you know who be?' exclaim-
ed the newcomer, in nowise disconnected, "waal
| Go actually believe you've forgot me. Don't
ye know yer cousin Ben? Ye see, l don't like
farmin' no how you can fix it; so I quit that and
came to the city. Jim Simpson was down to
our place. He's doin' first rate here. He said
twas dreadful hard work to get start in the
city, but guess | amt a goin' toslump through
where he gets ahead. III risk it anyhow"
At the commencement of this speech GATH
arne had alternately flushed and paled, for she
was deeply mortified that Richard Warren and
Emily Archer should have been the witnesses
of sua, scene She caught a triumphant and
scornful glance from Emily 1t restored all
her pride .' ..- =" @~~ ~a2t'
With all the grace Of which she was mistress,
she turned to the new conner: ~
"Iou must excuse me, cousinBen,' she said,
chat had forgotten You. A few years make
great changes, and T. can hardly retrace in your
countenance a feature that reminds me of the
land who went nuttng with me in the dear old
woods Of Hampton. Allow me, Miss Archer"
she added, turning to her, ''to present to you
my cousin, Mr. Adams Mr.. Warren, Mr.. Ad-
ams,'' and with perfect composure she saw his
awkward bow and scrape. .r-..
Emily Archer at once mischieyousy core
menced a conversation with Mr.. Adams, and
was proceeding to draw himo most ludicrous
ly, when Kate came to the rescue H.. g,
1ou forget Miss Archer,' said she, "that
my cousin has but just arrived in town, and has
not, as yet, had any opportunity to see the lions.
He will be better able to give you his opinion
of them in few days. when shall have the
pleasure Of acting his concierge ..,,.0
Mr.. Warren, like a well-bred gentleman, as
he was, addressed some remarks to Mr.. Adams
on subjects with which he was familiar, and
shortly after he with Miss Archer took leave.
Kate could have cried with vexatlon, as she
thought Of the sarcastic and ludicrous descrip
ton of the scene which Emily could delight in
giving, but she controlled herself. She was a
kind hearted girl, and could not forget the pleas
ant visits she had paid to her dear uncle and
aunt Adams, or Ben's untring efforts to make
her happy when at his fathers house. She re-
solved to repay him now, and her graciousness