The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-06-24

his surprise and dismay when he received only
in return cold distant courtesy, which froze
his heart and rooted him to the spot. Bewil-
dered and astonished at such greeting from
bis betrothed, he turned for explanation to the
mother, who, perceiving the general embarrass-
ment, stepped forward and offering him seat,
explained to him that since her daughters re-
turn from the springs, she had, after mature re-
Election and examining her heart, thought it
best to dissolve the engagement that had been
made between them.
The ruddy cheeks Of the suitor became of
an ashy paleness, and his bloodless lips quiv-
cred like an aspen leaf, as he falteringly ex-
claimed
ssAnd wherein is my ofense? Have mer-
tied this? Good heavens! and is this the gen
tie, the tender, the confding Emma White?''
s'Sir, this is not the stage of a theatre, to
enact scenes" now spoke up the daughter,
''let it suffice to know that we are to be stran-
gers to each other. You attempted to deceive
me and pass yourself off for a gentleman, and
it turns out that you are one of the working
GLASS; only printer, portionless joumeyman,
a fortune seeker. If you had an honorable
profession, sir, and was of good family, as !
once fondiy thought, we could be united, but
as it is, | cannot and will not descend so low"
and as the young lady thus spoke, she tossed
her head, and with look Of ineffable scorn
and contempt proudly sailed out Of the room.
Overwhelmed with dismay and stung to the
quick, the young man sat paralysed many mo-
ments, but somewhat recovering from the shock
rose and staggered out the room.
Alas! how crushed were his hopes now. De-
eli Cd hatra
ed, by one whom he loved and adored, alas!
too well, and all for beinga slow bred mechan-
ic.' And rushing madly to the.inn, he sought
his room, and threw himself desperately on his
humble cot, from which he did not rise for two
long weary months; for the unwonted excite
ment and disappointment of the morning had
brought on a burning fever. From morn till
night, and night till morn the patient raved a
wild maniac, calling and conjuring his Emma
to come back to him. and with his impatence
and querulousness wearled all about him save
one The physician despaired Of restoring
him, and resigned him to the care Of the gen
tie Augusta, who watched at his bedside night
and day with unremitting assiduity, bore with
his imbecility, administered to his wants with
kindness and soothed his irritated spirits by
the gentlest words and treatment
| Finally, after the lapse of several weeks, he
began slowly to recover, and reason returned
once more. When having entirely recovered,
he thanked the kind hostess and daughter with
fearful eyes and heart over1owing with graft
tude for their kindness in watching over him IN
| his weakness and infrmities He called Au-
eusta his preserver, his guardian angel, and
| told her he owed her his life, and that he would
| I'LL he, ~, taf, apH
though he was then about to depart and would
not see her again for years, yet when fortune
smiled upon him again, she should hear from
him. Till then he bid her a sorrowful, tearfu
farewell, and departed.
Years passed, and Still the unfortunate stran
ger was unheard of and almost forgotten b,
the good gossips Of Salem, and even BY th'
one who caused his .misfortunes, Emma Whit
herself yet there was one in that little villag
who still gave to him place, not only in he
memory, but also in her heart. It was th
hostess daughter. --..
Five years from the events just related Rich
mond was crowded to overfowing, for the leg
islature was in session, and had brought it
usual retinue of strangers, office and pleasure
seekers. It was BY far the gayest season th'
capital had seen for many years; and balls
parties, soirees and pcnics followed each othe
in quick succession.
Gorgeous lights streamed from a score o
windows from one of Pearl streets statelies
mansions, and sounds of music and revelr,
are heard within. Luscious and sylph-l lk
forms skip over the richly carpeted floor, ant
grave gentlemen sit comfortably in the bacl
ground talking politics, gossipping and admi
ring the ]ighthcarted, the lovely and happ,
beings around them. We will draw near on
of these small groups, that one near the chan
delier,consisting of two gentlemen and youn!
lady, and listen--and as we are incog in mat
ters but little harm wilt result if we are caugh
evesdropping.
cit is Just as you say, colonel White; th
legislature has done but little as yet t,stil Ithin
they have redeemed themselves somewhat b,
one iudicious act in appointing our young frien'
k to the fifth judicial judgeship
e very proper appointment sir, very; bu
yonder he is now-see, the servant is just ush
, erng him into the ROOM"
Ia me, pa!' exclaimed the young lady il
an audible tone, chow interesting he looks ,an'
so young too, to be appointed Judge
'.He is clever young man, and able too, o
he would not have been honored with the re
, sponsble office which has just been conferred
upon him.
Introduce me, pa"
is'Most assuredly l will do SO, and here h
comes now.'
"A pleasant evening to you, gentlemen
Col. White, pray how do you do?"
aQu!te well, quite well, I thank you judge
Permit me to present you to my daughter; judg
K Miss White -
And with a low deferential courtesy the, lad
greeted the gentleman and seated him besid
her. With many an art, and well did she at
tempt to amuse, please, and insinuate hersel
into the good graces of the promising younE
Judge. But her efforts were in vain, her ar
rows were aimed at a heart of steel, and tn
eounten0ce of the Judge wore a contempt
uous and sneering expression that baffied al
her arts and penetration.
#.Heavens, what face! how lovely how
angelic! But methinks | should know tha
countenance!' exclaimed the Judge, as he say
the9eyes of a beautiful lady in a distant corne
of the room rivetted upon him.
ssWho2 the young lady in the black velve
mantila? ha, ha! that's my protege she is al
orphan. Her parent was maitre d. hotel il
Salem Virginia, but being left alone | tool