The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-06-07

'.Do not fear NELL have too much at stake
to give way to supineness and cowardice.
You shall have reason to congratulate me on
my return"
Filling a glass of sparkling wine, Zera
raised it to her lips with smiling encourage.
ment.
q A votre sanie, ,aamseVe," and, bowling
with mock gravity, she suffered Laura to pro-
coed on her way.
Let us precede her.
The same apartment-the same lettered
table; but the occupant of the room was
neither at work, nor altogether idle. He was
pacing the room seemingly engaged in refec-
tons that were far from pleasant. His face was
pale, and the high intellectual forehead was
scanned with wrinkles that were not there a
few weeks before. From the unpleasant
thoughts which were evidently disturbing him
greatly, he was aroused by knock at the
door,
Come in" and servant appeared, hold
ing silver salyer in his hand, ON which a
card was laid.
"a lady, sir, to see you'll"
'Miss Taylor, poor girl am sorry for
her, and she has come no doubt to intercede
for her fathers liberty, or for permission to
visit him. The last she shall have, no mat
ter what objection may be urged to it Nor
do like this mystery in which Lieut. Hayes
has chosen to envelop this whole matter.
But never mind, it will all come out right.
Where did you show the lady2"
ITO the parlor, sir"
There, let her remain. 1 will be with her
in moment" and after giving some attention
to his dress he went to meet his visitor. He
had some acquaintance with her, and he ad-
vanced directly to where she had risen from
her seat and greeted her most kindly.
my dear Miss Taylor, I am very glad to
see you, and am sorry, too, that it is under
circumstances in which cannot expect to see
you perfectly happy. Can be of service to
you in anything?" and he bowed over her
hand with grave and stately courtesy-"Pray,
be seated"
GAS you have no doubt OWNED, general"
she said, resuming her seat, 81 have called
this morning to inquire something about my
fathers arrest The shock of the intelligence
at first untitled me to act, as probably ought
TO have done at once; but at that time /
could have done him little service; but now
he is imprisoned and unable to do aught in
his own behalf 1 must therefore, work for
him. OF course, come to you to learn the
nature of the charge preferred against him,
and what evidence there is to support it. 1
have not, l trust, presumed too much on for
mer acquaintance and your well-known char
acter for humanity in this respect 2"
Miss Taylor, if it rested with me would
release your father ON the instant, but it does
not. A charge has been preferred against him
of holding correspondence with the enemy
the proof is an intercepted letter. cannot
name to you the person who brings the
charge"
cit does not matter, sir, know the man."
'You-you know him are you sure-may
you not be mistaken ?" inquired the genera
in great surprise.
''No, sir, am not mistaken. Lieutenant
Hayes visited me after the arrest, showed me
the letter, and avowed his intention of prose-
cutting my father to the utmost extremity I'M
less l would comply with demands which he
made, and in which case he said he would
tear up the paper"
AS Laura calmly made these statements the
generals face underwent every variety of emo
ton from the widest surprise to the deepest
''What was the nature of that demand,
Miss Taylor"
''That should become his wife, sirl" re-
piled Laura, her face turning crimson at the
statement.
sis it possible9 Can it be possible that he
has dared to make me party to wickedness
Of this sort?"
"You certainly have been"
" Miss Taylor, was that letter a forgery?"
"I cannot say, sir. When shown me was
two much agitated to discern the handwriting,
but if you will have the kindness to show it to
me 1 can tell you, sill" - --.- ...a
81 regret to say that it is still in the posses
sion of Hayes, who is ostensibly away looking
up additional testimony; but letme assure you
that you have opened my eyes to the real
character of this miscreant, and that letter
shall not be brought against your father until
subjected to the most rigid scrutiny. You
have seen the letter and know its contents;
md ifyou desire to visit your father to inquire
If him concerning it or other matters, will
supply you with a pass to do So"
81 am really obliged to you" she replied,
. and will accept your kind Offer
1T shall be sent to your residence in the
morning; and now, Miss Taylor, is there moth
ng else in which l can serve your"
"Thank you, 1 believe not, unless you
'ould show me the letter, which 1 very much |
lesire to see."
eff had it, it should be subjected to your
at once; but it is still in the hands
# Lieutenant Hayes"
81 am very grateful to you forall your kind
less, general, and if you will permit me, will |
low withdraw" and bowling, she was ushered |
H. Al