The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-07-08


her blushing face. She wanted to push him
from her, he was so hateful; but she remem-a
bered the mysterious orange, and looked him
in the eye, with passive obedience. Overjoy-
ed by his success, he paid the jailer his fee,
drew her arm within his, and hurried to the
carriage. fser
Z How many huniliations were crowded into
That short ride! How she shrank from the
touch Of his soft. swabby handl How she
loatbed the gloating looks Of the old Satyr =
Eut she remembered the orange, and endured
It all stoically. k
Arrived at his stylish house, be escorted her
to large chamber elegantly furnished.
81 told you would treat you like prin-
cess, 50 he said; ssand will keep my word"
He would have seated himself; but she pre-
vented him, saying. 81 have one favor to ask,
and shall be very grateful to you, If you
will please to grant it."
"What is it, my charmer?" he inquired
81 will consent to anything reasonable"
She answered, 81 could not get wink Of
sleep in tina, filthy prison and am extremely
tired. Please leave me ill tomorrow"
"Ah, why did you compel ms to send you
to that sbominable place? It grieved me to
cast such pearl before swine. Well, want
to convince you that / anna kind master; so |
suppose must consent. But you must re-
ward me with kiss before CO."
This was the hardest trial Of all but she
recollccted the danger Of exciting his sush
picions, and complied. He returned it with
SO much ardor, that she pushed him away i'm
petuously; but softening her manner immedi-
ately, she said, in pleading tones, 81 am ex-
ceedingly tired; indeed | amp
He fingered, and seemed very reluctant to
go |; but when she urged her request, he said,
.sGood night, my beauty! Twill send up some
refreshments for you, before you sleep"
He went away, and she had very uncom-
Portable sensation when she heard him lock
the door behind him. A prisoner, with such a
jailer With quick movement Of disgust,
she rushed to the water basin and washed her
lips ani her hands; but she felt that the stain
was one no abiation could remove. The sense
Of degradation was SO cruel bitter, that il
seemed to her as lf she should die for very
shame.
In a short time, an elderly mulatto woman
with pleasant face, entered, bearing tray
OF cakes, ices, aud ieuon-arie.
II don't wish for anything to eat" said Loo
Loo. despondinsy.
sob, don't be givR' up, in dat ar way,"
said the mnlatto, in kind, motherly tones.
"De Lord amt a-gwine to forsake ye. Ye
may JUS breeye what Aunt Debby tells yer.
pse poor ole niger but hab Starved dat
de darkest time alters jus afo-e de light come.
Eat some oh desc yer goodies. Ye oughter
keep yourself strong fur de sake OBJ your
friend..'
Loo Loo looked at her earnestly, and re-
peated, ssFriends? How do you know l have
any friends?
"oh, I'sc poor ole nigger," rejoined the
,nulatto, ''Idon't knows nottin.''
The captive looked wistfuly after her, as
she left the room. She felt disappointed; for
something in the woman's was 5 aud tones had
excited hope within her. Again the key
turned on the outside but it was not long be-
fore nebby reappeared with a bouquet.
Massa sent young Missis desc yer fowers,"
she said.
..Put them down." rejoined Loo Loo, Ian.
guidly.
"Whar shall put 'em ?" inquired the SER
want.
Anywhere, out Of my way" was the Gu,
reply.
Debby cautioned her by shake of her fn-
ger, and whispered, ssMassa's out Gar, waitin'
fur de key. Dar's writin' on dem ar towers
She lighted tae lamps, and, after inquiring it
anything else was wanted, she went out say
ing, "Good night missis. De Lord send ye
pleasant Dreams"
Again the key turned, and the sound Of
footsteps died away. Loo Loo eagerly un-
twisted the paper round the bouquet, and read
these words: s.Be ready tor travelling
About midnight your door will be unlocked.
Follow Aunt Debby with your shoes in your
hand, and speak no word. Destroy this pa
per-" To this Madam Labasse had added,
"Ns craigner rien, ma chere." 81
Loo Loo's heart paipitated violently, and
the blood rushed TO her cheeks. Weary as she
was, she felt no inclination to sleep. AS she
sat there, longing for midnight, she had ample
leisure to survey the apartment. 1t was, in
deed, bower fit for princess. The chairs,
tables, and French bedstead were all OF "a.
mentet with roses and lilies gracefully inter-.
twined ON delicate fawn-coored ground. The
tent-like canopy, that partially vsiled the
couch, was formed Of pink and white striped
mus.in, draped on either size in ample folds,
and fastened with garlands Of roses. The
pillow-cases were embroidered, perfumed, and
edged with frills quilted as neatly as the pedals
of daLlia. In one corner stood small table
decorated with very elegant Parisian tea
service for two. Lamps Of cut glass ilumin-
ed the face Of large Pscychs mirrior, aud on
the toilet before it diamond necklace and
earrings sparkling in their crimson velvet
case. Loo Loo looked At them with a half
scornful smile, and repeated to herself:
.He bought me somewhat hlgh;"
Since with me came heart he couldn't buy,'
She lowered the lamps to twilight softness,
and tried to wait with patience. How long
the hours seemed! Surely it must be past
midnight. What IL Aunt Debby had been de.
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