New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-07-31
fFor the Republican,.
THE ROCkFORDS.
A STORY OF LOVE AND PRIDE

A STORY OF LOVE AND PRIDE
On one of the wide, fashionable streets
of the Crescent City stands stately man.
SION It is substantially built Of stone,
and allows, not only the greatest amour,
of room, but admits of every personal
comfort. It is large, but not stiff IN ap-
pearance, for its outlines are broken by
deep bay windows, and wide, tasteful
yerandah runs across the front, so that it
is really an elegant and pleasing building.
1t has, moreover, the advantage OF being
shaded by several splendid trees, which
are to house what well arranged masses
of hair are to face. They give certain
softness and harmony to the whole, which
can never be obtained by mere beauty of
proportion. A few beds of choice fow-
ers lent beauty and color, giving the house
the aspect of solidity and wealth, COM
bined with luxury and taste. Such was
the house of Clifton Rockford and his
two daughters. Isabel Rockford, the eld-
est, was superbly handsome, not with that
delicate prettiness that We see so often
among our fair American women, but
with that Astounding luxuriant beauty
that fairly dazzles and enthrals the most
Indifferent observer. Her eyes large,
sparkling and intensely black her hair
how can describe the black, shining net
that caught so many hearts rich and
waving, it fell in heavy. glorious masses
around her graceful head. In stature she
was little above the middle height, her
figure full, yet not wanting in lightness.
Carrie, the youngest, just budding into
womanhood, was golden blonde, with
pure, marvelously white complexion; her
rich auburn hair, she allowed to fall in
tawny curls over her sloping shoulders
her eyes, large and soft, their hue that
translucent hazel, which is so rarely met
with. She seldom raised them, yet, when
she dbl, you could not restrain the emotion
OF pity-for she was blind. When child
she had severe illness, her life was spared,
yet at what a sacrifice! her sight entirely
gone. The best advice had been sought
the wise men consulted, and gave hopes of
restoring her sight, yet ten years had
passed, and she had lost all hopes.
The front gate opened one morning and
young man walked rapidly up the fowery
path. As he entered the wide hall, there
was the soft rustic Of silk, and Isabel adj
yanced from one Of the parlors.
..Welcome, Edward" she said, in a
CHEEKY voice, "But your face is so grave.
hope you have heard no sad news" she
continued, as they entered the parlor. He
did not answer Immediately, but seated
himself near her.
Eyes, dear Isabel, have sad news for
you, but knowing your deep love for me
I do not fear to tell it,
"What is it % she asked, looking coldly
at him.
Belle" he said, taking her hand, '.you
know was wealthy"
"Are healthy, you mean, Edward" she
said, interrupting him.
mo; was rich, but now l am poor.
We will, of course, not live in poverty;
but I must sell my beautiful house; but
we can be happy in an humble home;
can we not, darling?"
'Pray do explain yourself Edward, 4"
she said, coldly and with impotence.
He then patiently told her Of his troubles,
of the loss of more than half Of his i'm
mense wealth.
..But I have enough to give you COM
fort and happiness, and you know, dear
est, the day draws near when this little
hand will be mine
She hastily withdrew her hand.
your wife it was because wanted hus-
band with no care lines upon his brow; no
red toilmarks upon his hands. Had you
remained rich, would have endeavored
to make you good wife; but l am not
inclined to give up elegant luxury for
love in cottage"
ooh! Isabel, surely you do not mean
what you say; have been too abrubt;
you Will not break our engagement" he
asked it tenderly, pleadingly.
Here is the proof Of it," said she
haughtily, carelessly throwing upon the
table tiny, sparkling ring She crossed
the room to the bay window, and passing
under the curtains stood in the space
beyond, where the bright light of the
morning sun fell upon her face and
figure. M
Isabel, reflect, this can not be your
final answer" said Edward, following her.
My final answer, Mr.. Holmes. bid
you good morning." and she was sweep
ing proudly from the room; near the door
she paused, and pointing to the inner
room said, There is an angel who cares
neither for wealth nor fame" she added,
with a heartless laugh, Perhaps she
may console you, and cause you to forget
me-" With another naughty inclination
of her queenly head she left him. She
did not see the convulsive start, the death
like pallor Of his face She left
him, and never knew how blightingly
her words had fallen upon his heart. How
long he stood he never knew, but he was
aroused by hearing low, stifed sob; he
glanced around but saw nothing, then as
the sound was repeated, he remembered
IsabeIs words, he hastily entered the
adjoining room and saw slight, white
robed figure lying upon sofa. He drew
nearer and saw it was Carrie, sobbing
convulsively.
"What is it, Carrie, my pet? he asked
fenderly.
sob, Edward. forgive her cruel words,
she knew not what she said, remember
she is young and beautiful, give her time
for reflection and remember" continued
the young pleader, "the great attention
and admiration which has always been
lavished upon her-do not take this as
final answer" She raised her beautiful
sightless eyes to his while her small hand
sought his. :
Long did she plead for her sister, and
as he rose to go, he lightly pressed his lips
upon her shining hair, promising to come
tomorrow and see Isabel once more
Long that. night in the privacy OF their
room, did young Carrie plead for Edward.
At first her sister listened with patience;
~ lact che said eff Won think him such