New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-04-17
cealing something in the bosom of her

cealing something in the bosom OF her
dress.
kitty, can you tell me how I can com
municate with Mr.. Lawrence Douglass?'
''If it is to separate he and dear Miss
Laura, can not, but if you are adding to
her happiness, will give you ali the assis'
lance i'll nay power
l admired the spirit of the girl, 81 need
your services Kitty, and your secrecy will
be rewarded. With your assistance think
can prevent the marriage of Mr. Stanton
and Laura
81 do not want any reward for serving
Miss Laura. | will show you that | can be
trusted" She drew a letter from her dress
and placed it in my hands, asking me to de-
liver it immediately as the bearer was
waiting in the garden for the answer.
"Then Lawrence has not gone to Hon
duras, as we thought. He babe us good
bye. expecting to sail in the Nantucket"
mo, Miss Fie,her, heswas prevented by
illness brought on by exposure"
Knowing that he would explain all in his
letter to Laura, hastened to her room.
fou ID her stil dressed in her thin evening
dress. sitting BY the window, gazing ont
upon the river, she turned as l entered, and
l saw she was weeping. wipe away those
tears, dear Laura, l have something for you
that will give such joy to your heart that
all sadness will rapidly disappear from your
face. No more despoudency, no more sishs
of regret | said, IS | placed the letter in
her hands.
One glance at the envelop was sufficient.
With cry OF delight she pressed it to her
lips.
From Lawrencei l thought that ere
this the ocean rolled between us
| suggested that she would read this let
ter. | watched her as she read the few
lines, evidently penned by weak and trem-
bling hand; put as she read the blush deep
ened on her cheek, the brightness returned
to her eyes.
''You find the contents particularly pleas
inS?' l asked, as she slowly refolded the
letter.
There is limit to filial obedience she
exclaimed impebuously, 'bns the contents
of this letter distress almost as much as
they delight me. Listen: My darling
Laura have almost recovered my usual
health, yet not to speak of myself do write.
but to communicate something which |
know is a secret yet to you. Your parents
contemplate your immediate union with
Mr.. Stanton. How your father learned of
my presence here | know not, but | received
a short note from him, to-day, expressing
his desire that would not attempt to see or
communicate with you, as very soon you
would be the bride of Mr.. Stanton. | can
not, will not, release you. You vowed to
be mine. Dear Laura, prove your love for
me By clandestine marriage, and trust to
the depth of your mothers love for pardon.
l wait your answer. Think we'll over it,
and decide. and I'll abide by your decision.
You can make me miserable, or still your
happy, loving, LAWRENCE. ,"
We both remained quiet for a few m moments.
Laura too much detected to speak, weigh
ing the possibility of Lawrence's suggestion,
and concluded the first thoughts of the
yonng Ilmpassioned lover would do to act
upon. All that remained was for me to
convince Laura that it was best to yield to
the wishes of her lover. The task was not
difficult, and succeeded so well that ere l
returned to my room, l dictated the answer
to his note. / commenced active prepare
tons for an elepement. Every one was IN.
suspicious and appeared disposed to allow
Laura to remain undisturbed. Both Judge
Douglass and his wife placed unbeunded con-
betraying it; yet was acting best for Laura
and myself. Several times during the next
day was in Lsura'5 room, but coud COM
municate nothing, until l had heard again
from Lawrence. At five in the afternoon
his expected letter was received, containing
full instructions. We were to take our
usual walk at six O'Clock, meet him at the
bridge that spanned the small stream be-
hind the garden. Only q short distance lay
to return home and conceal Laura's absence
as long as possible. Lawrence had engaged
The services of young clergyman IN New
burg-thev would proceed Immediately to
his home, there be married, and then pass
into New Jersey. I approved Of the plan
but found Laura timid and undecided, and
perhaps all would have failed but for the
opportune entrance Of a servant with an H.
vitation TO grand dinner given at Stanton
EalI he al
sent it to her mother, saying she would con-
suit her when she returned from her walk.
f4'Come, Laura, decide my dear child; you
have little time. Will you meet Lawrence,
who already awaits you with love and
happiness, or will you remain and wed the
aged owner Of Stanton Hair
I knew this would arouse her hastily.
Tying on her hat, and throwing a light
shawl around her, she caught my hand,
simply saying, Come"
We walked carelessly along until screened
from view by the high garden wall. Laura
caught the first glimpse Of Lawrence as he
leaned upon the bridge. All fear left her
as he caught her in his arms-his pale face
flushing with happiness. l accompanied
them to the river bank, received Laura's
kisses and his thanks as | turned to leave
them. Laura begged me to write all that
TRANSFERRED at home.
s'Mfss Fletcher, I lave you to thank for
my BRIDE" said Lawrence. as he warmly
pressed my hand, and promising to write
soon left them. When l gained the little
bridge again turned toward the river and
saw two handkerchiets waving adieu; they
had reached the centre of the river, thus
giving them an hours advantage in case
their flight was Immediately discovered. l
found the old people at the tea-table; both
looked up with a smile, thinking it was
their daughter. My conscience twitched for
an instant, and then, knowing regrets would
not help the matter, smiled in return and,
offered an apology for Laura's absence.
Then, with an absolute fslsehood, ] said,
"She has retired with headache and does
not wish to be disturbed"
"Ah! poor child! Kitty see that your
Miss Laura is not disturbed. She will be
brighter and more cheerful tomorrow, if
she enjoys long quiet rest"
And Mrs. Douglass turned her attention
to her husband. I drank my tea in silence,
and babe them good night, pleading letters.
as my excuse for leaving them SO early, telling
Mrs. Douglass | would see if Laura was
comfortable, before / retired for the night.
Again my conscience was disturbed, and
almost regretted that had acted with such
precipitancy. Early the next morning |
sought Mrs. Douglass, thinking it better to
acknowledge all, than toswait for discovery;
she could only bid me leave her house i'm
mediately, and what was governesses sal
airy compared to the sum l was playing for.
l found her still in bed, with eyes red from
weeping On account of her harsnness to her
only child.
Good morning Miss Fletcher, how is
my darling? If she is up, ask her here"
Mrs. Douglass your daughter is so much
opposed 10 this union with Mr.. Stanton, that
if you persist, fear serious Illness will be
the consequence"
"Do you believe mental suffering will
really undermine he health?"
do will no "