The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1858-10-20
Frank lees Engagement,

FRANK Lee was hne young fellow, who had
lately commenced the practice of law in our
city; and after filing quite number Of 'decla-
rations' in the courts, the youthful barrister,
following the wont of his guide, in all ages, had
made another species of declaration to a young
lady, whose name was Miss Ellen Orsin and it
was soon understood that himself and the dam
sci, who was of the highest fashion, was duly
engaged-to be married.
One afternoon, about dusk, Frank carefully
locked his Office and sought the bachelor lodg-
ings of his friend, Tom Wellsby Tom had
lately returned from Europe-was anextremely
handsome dandy of twenty eight or thirty
and possessed all those elegancies of manner,
which am told eharaclerizes, invariably the
travelled man.
,"Delighted to see you," was the salutation
of Tom Wellsby, as he half rose from the sofa,
upon which he had been lying, wrapped in an
elegant dressing gown, and extended his hand,
but what In the world are you doing with that
immense comfort around your neck?''
Il take the night train down home, where l
shall be for week or two,' was the young
mans reply, as he lit a cigar. and l have favor
to ask of you before go.''
1T is granted
"That's like a real friend, Tom-and I'll
conceal nothing. You must know then, that l
am engaged'-
"Ah! yes-and you want me- *-'
''To attend to my place during my absence. :"
"Nothing will give me more pleasure, my
dear boy-pray, who is it?''
"Miss Ellen Orsin''
"Ah!-a young lady of the best style. I
think. and rich.''
Eyes, very sprightly, too, and you will not
have disagreeable time.''
Mr.. Wellsby nodded, and said
THAT makes no difference, Frank, but even
at the risk of appearing both vain and presump-
tuous, l must be permitted to make a single
observation"
Il listen"
"Women are strange creatures" continued
Mr.. Tom Wellsby, smoothing his graceful nous
tache, with fopish air, "and it is impossible to
count upon them. Don't be angry, but are
you quite at ease in trusting your lady love with
me? Suppose she falls in love with me-or re-
versing the idea, suppose fall in love with
her?''
Frank Lee smiled, and replied
Il am not at all afraid
"We can't calculate certainly upon women
they are SO capricious."
"Do you think SO? But am willing to risk
the chance
Very well, Frank, it is at your peril. Ny
friendship for you will make ii quite impossible
for me to become enamored Of Miss Ellen and
run against you; honor bright, and there's not
particle of danger there. But women have
a ridiculous preference for my STYLE. you see
I'm thinking aloud ,and if your lady love forgets
you, don't come here and murder me-
"Agaln, am willing to risk it," Frank said
laughing, as he gazed at the inimitable foppish
Mr.. Tom Wellsby, $50 it's all agreed, and
must 60 on"
The young men then shook hands, and sepa-
rated.
Frank Lee remained absent for three weeks,
and on his return looked decidedly gloomy
One morning he looked gloomier still, as be
perused letter which his servant brought
from the post office. lie read the letter again
folded it carefully, placed it in drawer, and
then rising, began to pace up and down his
Office, buried, it seemed, in absorbing and sor-
rowful reflection. .-
He was interrupted by the entrance of Tom
Wellsby, who was clad in the height of the
fashion, and carried his whalebone cane with
exquisite taste, as he stoled along.
"Ah! you've returned, have you, Frank!'
he said, II am glad of it, and give up my
CHARGE
Have you fallen in love with her?" said the
young man with an easy laugh, which was
plainly forced, "why, something must have
happened, for you really are blushing Tom -
"Pshaw!'' replied Mr.. Wellsby, "how can
you make such charge against me, don't you
know | rouge, as they do in Pars?"
land you return me my-my lady-love's
heart whole?"
Quite replied Mr. Wellsby, with sigh,
and undenabIe constraint of manner, s'sbe is
really delightful l can't stop now-I've
an engagement. Call soon, my dear Frank
delighted to see you"
And Mr.. Wellsby fastened. without giving
his friend time to reply. Frank gazed after
him in silence for some moments; then going
into his chamber, which joined the office, he
made rapid toilet, and hastened to the fine
mansion of Mr.. Orsin.
Miss Ellen sent word that she was engaged
would Mr. Lee please excuse her? The young
fellow gazed at the servant with perfect bcwil
derment, and was only awakened from his
reverie Of surprise, so to speak, by the closing
door. Then with an up and down movement
of the head, he retraced his steps and soon re-
gained his Office.
On the next morning he called again; Miss
Ellen regretted that she was indisposed-a vio-
lent headache must be her excuse for not seeing
Mr. Lee
Every well," said the young man, compress
ing his lips, ''to- morrow shall terminate the
affair."
And duly on the next day he made his deci-
sire trial. This time Miss Ellen was not at
home, and her visitor bowed calmly, with the
air Of a man who is not at all astonished. He
walked ten PAGES, and then quickly turned his
head, fixing his eyes upon window which he
knew to be that Of the young lady's chamber.
As he did SO, a conero of the gauze curtain fell,
an arm with a bracelet upon the wrist was
quickly withdrawn. Now this bracelet was
turquoise, which Frank had presented to Miss
Ellen.
The young man went. without a word to the
lodgings Of Mr.. Tom Wellsby, and his visit
seemed to disconcert that gentleman greatly.
'.Why, how goes it, Frank?' he said, point
ing to cigar; 'shavn't seen you for three days
Where have you been?" he added, avoiding
his friends eve