The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-04-26


pant, and that lady, stopped in front of the
mansion SO lately the scene of reyelry and
pleasure. Alighting from the aristocratic
looking vehicle, the lady asked of the senti-
mel who slowly paced the pavement to pro-
cure her access to the commanding officer.
Calling an attendant from within, the
soldier committed her to his charge. and
again resumed his wearisome tramp to and
fro.
Showing the lady to parlor, the servant
left her, and shortly afterward she was joined
by young aid-de-camp, who politely in
uuired her name and business.
al wish to see the general with reference
to some matters in the interior. My business
is urgent, and admits of but little delay"
ST will deliver your message; but may
not also convey your name?" inquired the
officer.
"That prefer disclosing to him alone"
cas- you will, madam and he bowed
and left her; but, in a few moments return
isg, requested that she would follow him to
the generals presence.
Traversing several large and splendidly
furnished rooms, her guide at last ushered
her into large, comfortable apartment, hung
with maps and adorned with pictures of
battle scenes. In n large chair, before a
table covered with writing materials, sat a
man nearly approaching middle age,
dressed in the uniform of a major
general of the United States army. He
rose from his chair as the lady entered and
politely handed her to a seat, at the same
time inquiring in what he could oblige her.
"This note" handing him a sealed en-
velop, evil explain to monsieur lie gen
eral."
I" You are foreigner, perceive, madam, q"
he remarked, still holding the note in his
hand, and directing towards her a look of
keen inquiry.
"Yes, monsieur, came from France"
While she was yet replying the officer
broke the seal, and was already deep in the
perusal of the paper.
"Whatl" he exclaimed. 81 thought you
were from the interior, and this letter advises
me that you are most recently from Wash
ington, but former resident of this State"
Eyes. monsieur, am on my way from the
to you"
do you know the contents of this paper?''
'tNot precisely, monsieur but know it
was designed to recommend me to your con-
idence."
"Such it is, and speaks in unqualified
,,rafca 10th ~ 1ox-alNxr nj int
and recommends you as a person in every
way capable of acting the part of a scout or
spy; but you must pardon me, mam'selle, L
clnnont perceive how woman can play this
role"
''Not unless her identity is changed, mon
accomplish"
'.How, pray mans elle ?"
''By simply changing my apparel, and as
Stunning masculine attire"
"But can you do this SO skillfully as to pass
undetected?"
sob, undoubtedly, monsieur"
"Haye you ever done so!
"This will inform you, monsieur" and she
handed him another paper which he perused
with eager curiosity.
"This letter is from Gen. Mcdowell, and
advises me that you have acted as spy and
scout for him with singular success-your
recommendations all appear of the highest
character-and but for the fact that cannot
reconcile it to myself that a young and beauti-
full woman should, of her own volition, wish
to play the role, 1 should not hesitate about
employing you"
"Ah, monsieur, I have my reasons"
"Will you confide them to me?"
"Pardon me, monsieur, but they affect only
myself You need not know them, Le jeu n en-
UGlt pas le chandelle."
"But do you know the country in which
you will have to operate sufficiently we'll to
accomplish your purposeH"
"Oui, monsieur, l have no fear on that
score-much of my life has been passed
among its hills"
"You are young yet, mam'selle, scarcely
twenty, should think ?"
"But have experience, monsieur, that
could scarcely be crowded into twice the age
of ordinary life jy SldS pour mon co,d," she
replied with a sigh that convinced her audi
tor that great trouble, of which she cared
not to speak, was in some way connected with
her present application. But this in no wise
concerned him, and yet the strangely beauti
full girl attracted him greatly. He was lotf
to see her go on the errand she seemed ben
on pursuing. Although absolutely in need O.
her services, yet SO profoundly had she inter
ested him, andso engaged had he become by
her manner and winning appearance, tina
could he have dissuaded her from the under
taking he would have done it, but to all hii
persuasions to the contrary, she returned tn,
Simple answer
"N'importe, monSie,r, je sois pref"
"Then you are determined on this course /?
"Yes, monsieur, if you will employ me-"
''My necessities do not permit me
choice. When can you set out ?"
sfTo-nipht-at once If II be nacaesarv