The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-08-05

| With his coming Edward saw all hope vanish.
The fellow kept Mnnie's ear continuallY-ap-
peared to fascinate her. Edward at first pout-
ed, then raved, then scorned; and many hot
battle ofWoods passed between him and Minnie
One day he walked up to her abruptly, and
said
"Minnie, you musttell me-do you love me
or not? want an answer-yes! orno?"
'sDear me, Edward, how determined you
look. Of course love you-and all mankind,
l hope.'
There! there! you are playing with me
again.
"Why do you nibble, then, at my hook?''
"Minne, you are driving me mad. You
are making me desperate l shall leave Eng
land-hee to the wilds Of America, where, amid
the terrible forests, the ferocious beasts, the
cannibals-''
"Will they eatyou?" -..........
''That's right; mock me, Minnie! But fare
well-you shall never see me again?' And
off he rushed.
He stayed away whole day, and Minnie
became alarmed She flew in rage at her
cousin, Edwards rival, drove him away with
angry words, and went to bed that night posi-
lively weeping.
The next morning at breakfast there was no
Edward. Minnie was sad, and did not eat
| An hour later she went to his apartment. It's
| desolate look struck her to the heart. She be-
gan to weep again. Her merriment and her
wit were all gone.
In an open drawer lay miniature. It was
his own. Minnie seized it with avidity kissed
it, cried over it, as what woman would not, and
ended by putting it in her bosom. She felt
more relieved after this, and began to hope
that he was not going to America after all
Still the hours passed without his return,
and she grew more troubled. She even thought
of going to her father, and confessing al-and
urge him to prevent Edwards rash purpose.
Almost resolved on this, 10 her, desperate step,
she was entering the drawing room, in an
abstracted manner, when suddenly she became
aware of Edwards presence. He was seated
in cool Indifferent manner, toying with his
cap For moment Minnie flushed, and an ex-
clamation of pleasure almost escaped her lips;
but in less than seconds duration she had
assumed her usual manner.
Dear me, you here? I thought we were
rid of you. Twas contemplating the pleasant
feast the cannibals had in store; and congrat-
ulating the world that at last you were likely
to prove of some use to mankind -
Il have concluded that the best way | can
be of use to the world, is to stay and torment
you into consumption
"You do torment me into good appetite
"And mean yet to torment you into love-
sInto marriage possibly, SO that can be rid
of you?''
s'Do you know what brought me back?''
"No, and am quite Indifferent
| because you sent away cousin Charles
"Then I'll have him back in ten minutes -
'sNo, you won't!'
"Won't?'
''No, for in less than ten miutes shall have
confession from those lips"
care you mad"'
"Madly in love. once, now mad with joy; for
I see victory"
He was reclining carelessly on divan, and
Minnie was standing near.
s'You are fool, Edward! What do yor
mean?"
''Mean that you love me, and know it,
Glove you! I love nobody. What's love
to me? am happy as am. l ask for moth
ing more.''
- GU reused 10 CONFESS!
eyes"
Edward seized her hand. q
"And do not love me?"
"When l have lost my wit, and am hopeless
ly fool then I'll think Of it,
"And will not marry?''
"Not the king himself, if he were marriage
ables and at my feet"
Il believe you, for your choice would be
nearer home"
ssI have no choice. Have done with this
absurd talke Edward. I love no one-''
''Then what does this mean?'
He snatched the miniature from her bosom
the cord Of which he had detected almost the
moment she entered the room, and held it ur
exultingly before her face.
Minnie was all confusion. Her usual cool
ness and ready wit forsook her. She turned
her head and tried to break from him, while
blush upon blush, in rosy waves, rushed uE
over her cheek and brow.
'Look! look!'' exclaimed the elated Edward
leaping to his feet, and clasping her waist
Look! am | not victorious? You love no
one, eh? Look look!''
He forced the miniature before her gaze; e;then
with loud laugh, caught her struggling in
his arms, and snatched kiss from her blazing
cheek.
Minnie was fairly conquered. She could dc
nothing but yield. Edward did not release her
until she confessed her passion: nor did they
part before they solemnl pledged their loves,
and we're betrothed.
cit was those American cannibals that did
! it, exclaimed Edward, when all was settled.
"You never intended to go, you provoking
wretch said Minnie.
"It was a plot, l confess, replied he.
"What, the miniature left exposed and ALP
"Yes.,'
"Ob, if had but suspected it! To think
have been ontwitted? could hate you for it
| Edward
'tNot hating me-what then?'
"Why, the next thing to it'll marry you
for it!''
| ~~g~~-~~-~-~-~-~~-~-~
Sir John Bowrng found the siamese very
tolerant in religion. Their common remark
was, sssYour religion is excellent for you, and
ours is excellent for US. All countries do not
produce the same fruits and flowers, and we
find various religions suited to various nations .
Even the king Of Siam said to some christian
missionaries: Persecution is hateful; every