The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1869-05-08


spcct him. By being successful in q
complicated murder case that was en-,
trusted to his hands, he first established
a reputation that soon stamped him as a
just and upright advocate.
Living at Bediordville was Mr. Carter,
gentleman Of great wealth and posi-
ton, who had been cndravoriny for {;
number Of years to establish the claim
Of two children, placed under his care It
the death Of their guardian, to an I'M
:2ense property that bad been left them
without a will. Having met with Noel
while in Philadelphia, and known him
as a boy in BedtordvilIc, he determined
to place the case in his hands. Noel
undertook the responsibility with Il
cheerful heart for it would be an excuse
for carrying him back to BedfordviIp,
where the woman he had never ceased
to love still lived, but from whom he had
never heard.
Noel's arrival in BedfordvilIe created
quite a sensation among the towns ppo-
pie, who all remembered him as the
little boy who had saved Miss AIIvnS
life, and who always seemed so devoted
TO the interests Of his widowed mother.
Rumors of his rising fame in Pniladel-
phia had reached them, and they We're
glad to welcome back the man whom
they had admired as a boy.
The day when the important case was
to be decided arrived, and as Noel, after
hearing his opponents arguments on
the subject, arose to reply, he took a
careful lance around the courtroom.
that was crowded to OVERLOOKING by
many of the best families in and around
Bedtordville. Judge Allyn sat upon
the bench, and as Noel saw the proud
look he woe, his face frightened and
bitter smile of sarcasm hovered around
his mouth, while triumphant light came
into his eyes. AS he glanced around
the room, his eyes met the full loving
gaze of Belle Allyn fixed upon him, aud
the hot blood rushed into his face, and
then recedinc. left him as pale as death,
for to fail before her was to forever blast
his hopes.
With an effort he recovered himself,
and entered upon his argument in favor
of the children's claim, clearly stating
the facts af the case, and concisely speak
ing OF the main points to be considered.
Having answered every question of his
opponent, he commenced his speech, and
for more than an hour the large audience
istenen breathe>sly to his flow ofbriliant
language; and when he took his seat few
present doubted tue result Of the decis-
on being in his favor, for his clear
reasoning, satire, and fine oratorical
powers had worked wonders upon the
ury.
In a short time the jury returned
rom their consultation-Noel had won
he case.
After Noel had received the congrat-
llations Of his many friends, Judge
Allyn came up to him with his hand
and said:
Mr.. Nane, can | offer my congratu-
ations to you, for | never in my life
leard a more brilliant speech than the
me just delivered.
Noel accepted the extended hand, and
proud look came into his eyes as he
ut gives me joy to hear praise from
'ou, Judge Allyn, for l hardly expected
Il know, Vane, [ have not treated
you we'll in the past, and poorly return
d your saving MY daughters life; but
ct all unpleasantness be forgotten, and
accompany us home to dinner, for Mrs.
Allyn and Belle are waiting in the car
iage,"
Noel's heart beat quick with joy, and
blivious of all other engagements to
line and pass the evening with friends,
ccompanied the Judge to the carriage,
where he received most cordial greet
nc from the ladies, and their warm con-
upon his success. As he
net the look of Belle, and felt the slight
'ressure of her hand, he knew that he
vas loved, and with light-heartedness
e had not known for a long time, he
rove home with the Judge to the house
which, years before, he had been forbid
len to enter, on account of his poverty
nd obscurity in birth. Now a change
ad come. and with confidence in MIN
elf he asked Judge Allyn for the hand
his daughter, and heard in answer:
"Mr Vane, I have long known how
early Belle loves you, and it is with
cal joy give my consent to her mar
iage with you, for no one is more wor
by Of her love-
Three months afterwards, Noel Vane
nd Belle Allyn were married in the
little church at Bedfordville, and all
'resent at the ceremony admitted that
landsomer couple they had never seen
oincd together in the holy bands of
yedlock |