The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-01-05

ments In her childhood, with the brigh
rich faDeies of her young mind, fattered b.
the gorgeous fables told Of the days of Bay
ard and Iyanho, like the old Emir's daughter
she had promised herself to be a warrior,
bride, and be wooed by the clash of arms and
shouts of victory. But her young heart haG
ever turned to one solitary form, the sole vie
tor of all her imaginary wars and conflicts
Grown to manhood, she ever saw her cousin
the hero of every dream, proudly regnant in
his manly beauty, and glorious with honor's
wreath and fames entertainments.
Now the time had come to realize the
| bright imaginings of her childhood Could
! she hesitate to make.the sacrificed No, no
| let what would come she would be found fit
for honor's best appeal. To see her country
| free-to see her people rising in majestic
strength, true to the high memories of the
revolutionary days, and striking from around
her the trammels with which despotic power
had fettered her free limbs, was compensation
for every ill-was cause for which women
must surrender their hearts treasures, and
men must die.
cause like this She had thought of the Joy
the eager pride with which her cousin long,
ed for the strife-how his proud eye burned,
his strong athletic frame grew taller as
thoughts of the anticipated struggle fired his
heart and burnt along his veins. Yes she
would glory in his renown! fame she knew
he would acquire. In the mad dash of battle
sha In, l. L
almost hear his wild cheer now as he dashed
across the crimson plain-in the agony of
the battle his quick and stern command.
On! that she was a man She would go with
him-shield his body with her own and the
fiercest of her daring countrymen should
never tax her with want of courage. To be at
Richards side, share his perils.. his dangers,
live upon the light of smiles from him, would
be pleasure she would not barter for the
universe. She had IT in her heart to envy the
very horse he was destined to ride-like Ro-
meo, she could have asperated the fervent
wish,
ooh, that 1 were glove on that dear
hand"
But everything in life must have an end,
and so had these musings. 1t is strange how
the time passes when the mind is engaged.
1t was scarcely nine in the morning when she
had set down to her musings, and now it was
long past noon.
The ringing of the door bell aroused her:
and very soon her maid Liza appeared at the
door to tell her that Major Hartwell had called
and wished to see her.
"Say will be down in moment, Liza
but first hand me that dark dress I wore on
and by-the-by, had you not as well
arrange my hair 1 suppose the Major is
looking handsome, as usual, is he not?"
asked the lady, as she availed her
self of her servants assistance. Laura knew
that the Major was very high in Liza's estima-
ton; but by no means so much so, as to in
duce the pretty mulatto to wish him to usurp
6 Mars Dicks prerogative, (for it was we'll
known to the servants that the cousins would
one day marTy,) but of all thegentlemen visi- !
tors to the house, he stood the highest in the
opinion of Liza
"Ohi deed an deed, Miss Lau'r, he's
splendid, dressed all in gray, with little gold |
uniform. He's a sojer now-AIars Dick gwine |
to fight too amt he? Dress de Lord, Is glad |
be wont level dem blue eyes o'his'n on me
when he gifts the fghtin' mad on MyLord, |
don't dey shine awful sometimes dough, when |
he gifts on he high hors!" exclaimed the |
Oreathless attendant. But her fast and busy
fingers, never paused, as she fitted the queen
y form for the drawing room.
LILA, how often must tell you to omit |
"a ordinary speech, such expressions as Lord |
md Bless God These are words which |
ought never to be used to testify surprise but
be spoken with the deepest reverence" re-
olied her mistress.
OATS so, Miss Laur, but you see dey les
dipped out-couldn't help it, pom my soul 1
'ouldnt-pears like dey alters ies doris. But
Mss Lau'r is Mars Dick gwine to fight in de
amy toO?' inquired the sable Attendant
She could not view the peril which would sur
ound her young master in the army, with in
Inference. She had played with him in child
God, and loved him with all a trusted SER
ants fidelity. Her anxiety therefore was
cry great. She hoped he would not 90, and
ct from her young masters disposition and
Aaracter she feared the worst
eyes, Liza, he too will have to go-prav
'od, he may not fill bloody grave! Itwould
reok my heart!" and the proud lip quivered
nth anticipated anguish.
Deed would it. Miss Lau'r! all de people
'out de house hoped he wernt gwine, but l
nows him too we'll"
He must do his duty Liza-his country
eeds his services, and Richard Bartrelle
iust be no stay-at-home in an hour like
lat."
" But what for mus he go-ain't dar plenty
id'out him?"
g His country requires it."
who dat Z"
"Why the People-men, women and chill
rem Of his State-Missouri- country we
We in"
"Why don't dey go deyselves ?"
"Ihey will-the men that is; but Won are
me my harriet me co" and the ouaer1,,