The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-10-20
reosr1NuEp FROM FIRST pAeE]

with smile oftriumph, then went on.
ayes, it is that. How excellently
have triumphed over Cora Beverly |
The creature will be terribly disap-
pointed. She was trying to win Henri
that was plainly to be seen. Only
think, Janette! shall soon be mistress
of Marvin Halln
Chapter "
Henri Marvin was puzzled, perplexed
with himself He had not gone to Mr..
staniey's house that evening with the
intention of proposing to his daughter,
but in some strange manner he had
been led on and on until he had at last
walked forth with the promise of Maud
Stanley to be his wife. It was daz-
zing prospect-to win tile regal Miss
Stanley from host of other competi-
tors. Of course Mr.. Marvin duly ap-
preciated his good fortune. But, then,
Cora Beverly. He was interested in
her. He would have liked exceedingly
to have extended his acquaintance
with her. Not will, any serious inten-
tions, however. Oh no, of course not.
Mr.. Marvin elevated his handsome
n,ustaclie at the mere idea. Sill,
slight Irritation would have been emil
nently agreeable.
SHY dear Henri, here is q letter for
you" said his tall handsome mother as
she entered her sitting room. 81 think,
from the dim post-mark, that it is from
Florida. Your cousin Laura, | pre-
sume."
Henri took the letter and broke the
seal abstractedly. He was, evidently,
decidedly uninterested in the contents,
and was about to refold the letter when
his eyes fell upon the POSTSCRIPT and he
uttered an exclamation Of surprise.
"What is it, mon .flls!" questioned
his mother. He read aloud:
| "By the way, dear Coz, is not Cora
Beverly creating qnite a sensation
there Z Every one has been raving
about her. To my certain knowledge
she received three offers of marriage,
and rejected them all. They were all
mercenary, how ever, and if she had
not been Col. Beverly's heiress wonld
not have been made. Col. Beverly's
son died. therefore lie made his niece
sole heiress. She is scarcely seventeen
and has been away to school all her
life. Exert all your powers Of attrac-
tion, Henri, and if you will win the
beautiful creature, I promise to visit
you in the fall"
"Henri!"
His mothers hand was laid upon his
shoulder, and she looked down at him
excitedly.
$50 it appears that Miss Beverly is
rich as well as beautiful and talented"
Mr.. Marvin suddenly discovered a
number of charms i'm Miss Beverly that
he had been unable to see before.
Henri, you must win Cora Beverly"
He remembered his Encouragement
and shuddered. 8 s
"Hcnri, will not take no for an
answer. Go to her, now, Immediately,
and do not return to mo until you
have her promise to be your wife,"
1t was with these sudden imperious
outbursts that Mrs. Marvin always
ruled the flexible nature of her son; and
now, without a word of opposition, he
took mp his hat and left the room. Mr..
Henri Marvin was so much excited that
he forgot his habitual Incidence, and
did not order his horse. =
1t was sunset when he entered Mrs.
Beverly's gate. Cora was breaking n
bunch of crimson roses, and her hand
was raised to place it amid her curls.
HAllow me, Miss Beverly"
He took the roses from her hand, and
placed them in her hair with the air Of
tender assiduity with which he had
placed roses in Miss Stanley's hair
about two hours before. Cora submit
ted, her lips curling with undisguised
scOrn. - - @sz =
"Will you conduct me through your
little garden, Miss Beverlyq L am
really anxious to examine all its beau
ties.n
II shall be pleased to oblige Mr..
Marvin.n kIfs6i IS
''Miss Beverly, have just received
letter from my cousin Laura In
Florida.n
"Ipdeed! was slightly acquainted
with her," Miss Beverly inquired con-
eerning Laurass health as cooliy as
possible.
"She mentioned yon in her letter
Miss Beverly. In fact, she wrote some
thing that surprised me very much.
Why. did you never tell me that you
were related to my mothers old friend,
Col. Beverlyq And who would imagine
that you could bury yourself In this
obscure retreat"
81 had undertaken the study of hu-
man nature, Mr.. Marvin, and this is the
hest possible place in. which to carry
out my Intention"
Was there a thtcli of sarcasm II, the