The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1856-06-25

formance, while Miss Bennett listened with po
lite attention to his frank and sensible criticisms
| At parties, too, he was her attendant, and thi:
open acknowledgment of her relation quit
blunted the point of Emily's satire. MIR. Ben
nett assisted the youth to situation, and very
speedily his rustieity wore off He had botl
good looks and good sense, and under his cous
ms judicious training, he very soon did her NJ
discredit, even among the crowd of fine gen
tlemen who surrounded her.
Emily Archer saw all, and bit her lip in vex
alton. She could but acknowledge the superi
} orty of Kate's strategy, and that she had tri-
umphed in the event which she had hoped
would humiliate her.
From that time Richard Warren was her con-
stant attendant, and ere long he had openly ac'
knowledged his preference by offering her bis
heart and hand.
"My dear Kate" he said, shortly after THEN
betrothal, Il shall never cease to thank cousin
Ben for giving me my bride. admired you as
belle, but his coming and your reception OF
him proved that you were something better
than most young ladies'"
Kate smiled one of her most witching smiles.
81 certainly do not look upon his NAL propos
arrival as misfortune at present." she said
"whatever may do in the future"
Her glance of loving confidence contradicted
her last mischievous words, and she listened
with downcast eyes and blushing cheeks to the
assurance of her lover that no exertlons of his
should be wanting to keep her from regrettlng
the event which had given him glimpse into
her heart.
Many years had passed. In the sober ma
tron, Mrs. Warren, one would hardly have re-
cognised the dashing belle, Kate Bennett.
Blessed with wealth, a cheerful home, fond
husband, and lovely children, she had led a
happy life, and time had but increased the at
tachment of the welded pair. But coudless as
the life had been, a storm was gathering. Her
husband, always cheerful, grew moody, rest
less and unhappy. She tried in vain to discover
the cause Of his gloom, but he made on eva
sive replies to her inquiries and she could only
guess at his troubles, that they were connected
with his business. She imagined; her surmises
were correct.
He entered the room where she was sitting
one day, and exclaimed, fingng himself ON aso-
ia: "Kate, we are ruined In vanl have strug-
gled for weeks past; it is useless to attempt 1t
longer To-day shall be known as bankrupt
-penness and worse than pennlless. In try
ing to double my fortune, have lost all You
and my children are beggars.'
"Why should loss of wealth trouble you, dear
Rchard," said his wife, tenderly, approaching
and taking his hand ''Thatis, after. all, but a
trifling misfortune While we are spared to each
other, blessed with health and good children,
why should we repine at the mere loss of for
tHne?"
The husband groaned tAh, to be- dishon-
ored, Kate" he said; ''to fear to look men in
the face, because | am bankrupt-unable topay
my honest debts. Kate, the very idea Of this
drives me nearly mad. TO avoid this, what
have done? | have passed sleepless nights
and anxious days, but all in vain
With fond caresses and soothing words, his
wife stroye to comfort him; but alas, he paid
little, heed to her efforts. t.. z.s...
Just then servant entered saying that gen,
tleman wished to see Mr.. Warren.
Tell him that l cannot replied his master,
81 will see nobody"
| But you will, - replied cheerful voice, and
gentleman, who had closely followed the ser
! want, entered.
GLOW is this, my dear Dick?' he said, "you
are in trouble and did not apply to me-. That
was not right ~....--
'And of what use would it have been?'' re-
turned Warren: Il am weary of borrowing
from one friend to repay the other, day after
day. Even that has failed me at last, and |
have come home to hide myself from the pry-
ing gaze of those who will too soon talk of my
dlsgrace.'' ..-
Z had heard rumors Of this, Dick, and went
to your Office to see you;sas you were not there,
followed you here. Now, my dear fellow, lis
ten to me- You have two hours yet before
bank hours are over. Here is a blank check
fill tup yourself, and it shall be duly honored.
Repay it at your convenience. No thanks; it
is only a loan. know your business well. and
that in little time, with perhaps a little asss-
tance, all will be right again.
Totally overcome, Richard could only grasp
his friends hand, while his eyes filed with an
unwonted moisture.
How can we ever thank you enough, dear
est cousin Ben?' cried Kate. "How can we
ever repay you?"
Tut, tut, Kate, ! am only discharging part
Of a debt owe you, my dear girl. l owe all |
possess-all am---to you. When | first came
here raw, ignorant country BOBBY, you were
not ashamed of me-. You took me cordially by
the hand, influenced your father to assist me,
and more than all, by unvarying kindness, of
fered me home and innocent amusements in
your society, kept me out of the many tempta-
tons that beset lonely, inexperienced lad,
such as, without. you, should have been, |
thanked you for it then, even when did not
appreciate the sacrifice it was to fine lady to
have pumpkin like me about her; and when
knew more of the world, and understood the
rarity of such conduct, I loved you the better
for it, and felt the more grateful. I have had
no opportunity to show it before, in any sub
stantial form. But now you see you are under
no obligation; am only getting rid of little
of thes heavy load you have placed me under
long ago. Be off with you, Dick, and hereafter
rely on me in all cases like the present. Don't
be discouraged too easly-business men, of all
others, should have elastic temperaments.-|
'sGood bye, now," he added, as Warren dis
appeared, kissing tears from Kate's cheek, "and
be assured that Ben Adams, the millionaire,
has never forgotten, and will try to repay your
kindness to your poor and awkward cousin
II am richly repaid" she murmured. "How