, 1862-04-10
The Poisoned Almond.

and the glad tdIngs had leaped from the neld Of
battle to the anxious hearts Of the citizens Of
N w Orleans. As night came down upon the
rescued city, the glare Of huge bonfires, the
FISHING Of dancing torches and the glitter Of in
Vulnerable lamps, with iubilant shouts, cries and
exuliant laughter, that met eye and ar at every
rn, betokened the victor's triumph. The hum.
bl. home Of the artisan, and the proud mansion
OF the rich, alike shone with the light and re-
unded with the sounds Of joy. But no house
was so CAV and resplendent AZ that Uf the veal by
and hOspirable General DaineInert, whose twin
burn sons had that day been foremost in the
b1ttle, and who wee now fresh from victory to
zee thriT only sister welded TO William Avern,
a young and distinguished Captain in the Ten
neSsee riffs. Long before Packenham gave his
20 diers the bandit watchwOrd Of Booty and
Beauty" William Avern aud Cara Dainemert
had pliehted their vows and the love having
gained the willing consent Of the General, the
day that should see them united had been fixed
upon, and that day was the 9Th Of January.
Though when the time was appointed, none
dreamed that Il WIS to be q day OF battle.
Honored and unscathed the young rennesSeean
had ridden from the field as the enemy turned in
defeat and dismay, and, with old white haired
Dainemert and his warrior boys, had hastened
to bear the happy news to mother, sister and
betrOthed.
"She shall be yours this night. my dear vii.
liam," said the old General, as they drew rein
before his house. "Wbat happier date for a
marriage anniversary than that which snail be a
ma;rOn's pride. Hal the good news is before
US, he continued, as his wife and daughter sprang
FROM the house to greet them.
"Thank heaven you have all returned safe in
life and limb, was the exclamation Of the wife
and mother, as she embraced her husband and
sons.
Thank the God Of Baths that he has given
our country the victory !" was the response Of
tne stout old patriot.
The lovers uttered not word, but the beam.
ing Of their eyes spoke volumes Oi mutual hap
piness
But il the joy Of the lovers found no tongue,
the camorOus and hearty shouts Of the ebon-
viSaged servants, clustering around with eager
faces, that shone in the tOrchlight made ample
amends
al have promise to fulfil" said the General,
"and We must invite our friends as fast as legs
can carry messages, William is to wed Clara
this night. Come, wife, you are uimble with the
pen; write to those who stand upon etiquette,
aud hurry off verbal invitations to the rest Send
for your bridesmaids, Clara; my sons shall be
your grOomsmen. William, would that your
iather were alive to see this dayl You sprang
from race Of soldiers, my dear boy, and this
campaign has proved you worthy Of your de-
SC nt."
This was spoken as the General led the way
into his parlOr, and every word was heard BY q
dnrk-iaced and naughty young man, who rose
from sofa as they entered.
swell, nephew. we won the 6ght, and Henry
St. Maur was not there" said the General with
4 severe glance, rs the young man met his eye.
"HenTY ST. MAur, when taken prisoner at De-
troit" replied his neI hew, "pledged his word