The Opelousas patriot. [volume] (Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry, La.) 1855-1863, 1856-04-26
I HE LsF -CASTE
An OH c5obernrss's CALF.

LConcluded.l
The ball produced results not unlikely, when
it was meant for the introduction into society
Of a young woman, handsome, attractive, and
an heiress. A week to two after Xllah's birth
day Mr.. Sutherland called me once more into
his study. / noticed he looked rather paler
and less composed than usual. He forgot even
to ask ME to sit down, and we stood togcther
by the fireplace, which remember was filed
with q great vase OF lilacs thatsZillah had inxl
sisted on placing there. 1t filled the room with
a strong, rich scent, which now l never per-
ceiye without its calling back to mind that
room and that day. He said 6 have had d
letter today on which / wish TO consult with
you before showing it to Miss Ie Poer." /
was rather startled by the formal word, since
he usually said "Zillab," as was natural. at
is a letter--searcely surprising-in fact to be
expected after what l noticed at the dinner
party yesterday; in fact But you had
better read it yourself" He took the after
from his desk, and gave it TO me. 1t was On
earnest and apparently sincere application for
the hand of his ward. The sutton was Of good
family and moderate prospects. I had noticed
he. was very attentive to Zillals at the ball, and
: deal surprised, more so even than Mr.. Suther-
lttiiiy VII lli Wv uNilll NllI lCt
than l. / gave him back the letter in silence,
and avoided looking at his face.
"Wcll, Cassia,' he said after a pause, mud
with an appearance Of gayety, what is to be
done? You women are the best counselors in
! these matters" | smiled. but both be and |
very soon became grave once more. lit is u
. thing to be expected" continued he in a voice
rather formal aud hard. "With Zillah's per-
sonal attractions and large fortune she was
sure to receive many offers. Still it is early to
begin these affairs" l reminded him that she
was twenty-one. "'True, true. She might, un-
der other circumstances, have been married
long before this. Do you think that she -
d I suppose he was going to ask me whether she
was likely to accept Mr.. French, or whether
she had hitherto formed any attachment. But
probably delicacy withheld him, for he sudden
ly stopped and omitted the question. Soon he
went on in the same steady tone 81 think
Iilah ought to be made acquainted with this
circumstance. Mr.. French states that this
letter TO me is the first confession Of his feelings
That was honorable on his part. He is .
gentleman Of good standing, though far her in
ferior in fortune. People might say that hi
wanted her property to patch up the decayet
s bitterly, very bitterly, for a man Of such kint
ItttutS NJ HUI wa tkilds. - SCGlhIA
conscious of it, and added II may wrong
!, him. and if SO / regret il. But do YOU no
= think, Cassia, that Of all things it must b,
most despicablc, most MN, most CALLING to
man of any pride or hona kieeling. The though
a; Of the worlds saving thatKe married his wifi
Id for money, as a prep to his falling fortunes, o
a shield to his crumbling honor? / would di
40 a thousand deaths first y
In the passion Of the moment the red colo
rushed violently to his cheek, and then he be
came moro pallid than ever, l bchcld him m
u ewes were onened now. Iheld fast by the marbl
nd cbimey-p piece, so that / could stand quit
upright, firm, and quiet. He walked hurried
ri to the window, and flung it open, saying til
TIC. scent of the lilacs was too strong. When
lor came back, we were both ready to talk agaii
g., believe | spoke iirst-to save him the pain
doing so. al have no idea" said I, and | sai
pa truly, "what answer Zilah will give to I'll
y letter. Hitherto have known all her feeling
90 and am confident that while she stayed vii
me her heart was untouched. Here | waltt
i for HIM to speak, pIt he did not. ! went on
:" " MIR. French IS very agreeable, and she seen
IA to Ike nm but q girls heart, II OF any vaA
Nj ateall, is rarely won IN three meetings.. thin
III however, that Illlah ought TO be made a
60 1naah,eu WIN this ietlcf' WIN you tel her,
.- shall u
you ana 90 Ia woman can pest &c
Win q woman n n'ese cases, ana, ne add'
/, rlsisg slowly ana looking GOWN upon me lro
ths his majestic height with that grave and Sc
N. possessed smile Whlcn was Likewise as sweet
any womans, !" teil Ailan rom me- that thou
| wish her 10 marry N hef W RANK ana WI
If near e,quaily O 'ortuie, 10 save hef ron
:. nose dangers oi inGrceliarS olets W wileh
ling heiresS Is so cruelty exposed; stlii, both NJ