The south-western., 1861-08-07
No. So.


desk, "here several letters that have come for you
within the last Few days. and that amidst my various
occupations have quite forgotten to forward"
sat down and opened them. Two were from Rich
ards the earliest in date inviting go and stay with
with him again. The more recent renewed the III
vatlon and expressed the writer's surprise my having
become on sudden so domestic character. In
postscript he added sort of inducement to me
visit him, that he was daily expecting friend of his
wites the beautiful Emily Warren Not a syllable
however about the eight thousand dollars which sur
prised me not little; for Richards was by no means
man to remain SILENT subject affecting his worldly
interests and fully expected he would have felt and
expressed pique or resentment at my sudden with
drawal of my funds. But the contrary the letter.
mad given to Menou, in which requested Richards 10
pay the money in question to the creole was
even alluded to.
There matters in these letters, said to young
Menou, which obige me to- to return Immediately 10
your fathers house"
I 'Indeed' cried the young man, much astonshed
Yes, replied l. Il hear steamboat coming down
the river-I will be off at once"
He looked at me in great SURPRISE Syblle shook her
head. But my character is impatient and impetuous
that when have resolved ything can never bear
to defer its execution a moment. Besides there was
really nothing to detan me at my plantation. The
rangements and improvements THAT / had reckoncd on
finding only half effected were complete: and every mo
ment that now elapsed before could welcome Louise
mistress of my house and heart seemed nie worse
thar wasted. hurried down to the river and hailed
the steamer. 1t was the that had brought me
home two months previously.
'Mr, Howard, said the captainjoyously as stepped
bord the steamer, II right glad you on my
deck again Your plantation looks quite another thing
You are really worker of wondersn
hardly knew how to accept this undescryed praise
One of the best points in American character is the
universal respect paid to industry and intellect The
wealthy dler who carries thousands in his pockeboob
may amongst u.s. look in vain for the respect and fiat
terry which hthe of his riches would procure him in
many other countries; while the less fortunate man who
makes his way and his living by hand and head
work. may always reckon on the consideration Of his
tello~-ctzens. On my return to Louisiana had beer
thought nothing of. | drone in the hiyc-wit;
money, but without skill perseverance. NJ overseer
more looked up than myself; bnt the recent
change in the state Of my plantation attributed how
wrongly, to my presence, had caused revolution
in peoples ideas; and was met all sides with
open hands and smiling countenauces. The change
must confess, was gratifying one for me
The Menous at breakfast the next morning.
when arrived, heated by my walk from the river op-
posite to the paIlor window was received with cry
of welcome.
50 soon back! Nothing wrong Ihope:" said Menou
Nothing, replied l drily; 81 have only forgotten
something"
And what is that
my Louise, was my answer, as seated myself be
side the bushing girl
"On arriving at my wilderness, continued, Il
found it converted into so blooming paradise that
longer without its eve Tomorrow, please God, We
will start for NV Orleans put in requsition the
vice Of Pere Antoine and the worthy rector"
There was cry of CONSERVATION from the papa ana
mamma
There is nothing ready-point de trousseau-noth.
ing in the world. Do not be 50 unreasonable, dear
Howard"
Our northern damseIs, replied l. laughing, ifthey
have only got pair Of Shoes and gown and half,
consider themselves perfectly ready TO be married"
''Well let him have his way said Menou, awe can
manage, dare say equip the bride little better
than that"
'Apropos cried TO Menou, while the ladies were
consulting together and recovering from the furry into
which my precipitation had thrown them-''the eight
thousand dolars2 Richards says nothing about them
L 1t only experiment tried with you" replied
my future ather-n-law smiling 81 wished to see if
you had sufficient frmness OF character your
.oBn happiness Had you not come vicorously out of
the little ordeal. Louise should have been the
wife OF yours if all the plantations the Mississippi
had called you master. As to the money, | advanced
what was wanted You can settle with Mr.. Richards in
the way most agreeable to yourself"
/ The next morning set off for New 0reans-Menou
Louise, and Julie, who to act bridesmaid, and
myself. Madame Menou remained at home. | could
have wished to have had young Menou as my grooms-
man. but his presence necessary the plantation
and obliged to content ourselves with recev-
ing his good wishes passed After twenty hours
voyage we reached the capital and took up quar-
Gcrs i'll the house Of sister Of Menou's,
| was hurrying to find father Antoine, when in turn
ing the corner OF the catheral, ran bolt up against
Richards After the first greeting, and without giving
him time to ask questions
"Wait for me at the Merchants coffeehouse said l.
in quarter of an hour l will meet You there
And left him in considerable astonshment at ms
desperatehaste found father Antoine and the rector
and then hurried off to my appointment.
DO you know" said to Richards, as dragged him
through the streets, that am thinking seriously of
becoming benedict
well" said be, you must come home with me then
Emily Warren has arrived. She is a charming girl and
great friend of my wfe's. You will be sure of Cara
good word, and really think Emily will exactly suit you
81 am afraid not, replied / as turned into The
church
Richards opened his eyes in amazement when he sag
Louise, with heraunt sister, and the whole of the bridal
party walking up the aisle and father Antoine standing
at the altar in his robes
''W hat does this mean?' said he.
made no answer but let matters explain themselves
Ten minutes after Louise Menou was my wife.