New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-12-25

and to rebuild the fortunes Of the Mo-
Gregor Whitehurst, with drugs, in place
Of the sword. Perhaps tho profession OF
the doctor and the soldier, in those unscien-
tito days, was not 60 widely separated, as
both believed in free bloodletting.
McGrcgor's chum and beloved friend and
eomrade in the town was q handsome.
rather wild young man-Edward Mortimer.
He was Of good family, and had come prop
erty. At first sight, he had fallen desper-
otely in love with Miss Edith, aud had
gained her promise to share his fortunes,
much to her brothers delight, and to her
mother's annoyance, as che had hoped that
her beautiful daughter would marry wealth.
The mother had insisted that Edith should
not wed until she reached the mature age
Of eighteen.
Perth Amboy, like every other little vii.
lage and town throughout the colonies. was
divided into two factions, and party spirit
burned strong between the royalists and
patriots. The Governor Of New Jersey was
loyal, and rs he considered Amboy of come
impOrtance-it was at one time expected
that it would become the great city that
New York has since bec0me-statioaei .
number of British soldiers there, as o gas-
risoD.
Not Tar from AIrs. Whiteharst's, there
lived an Englishman, q Mr.. Bruin, who
prided himself upon his loyalty. He was @
widewer, the wealthy man Of tho town,
and the chief magistrate; indeed, sort Of
petty prince, whose word was law.
Since the difficulties between the two
countries, he had made himself rather OBJ
nexious, and WAS strongly suspected bt.his
neighbors Of giving the Governor such in
formation as had led to the arrest of many
Of the patriots, who had determined to join
the colonial forces; at all events, he was
greatly feared by the town folks. He had
never been received by the aristocracy Of
the place with cordiality.
Nh. Brujn had long admired, at a respect
full distance, the beautiful Edith White
hurst. But as her family, by right Of
descent, belonged to tho aristoctacy, and
occupied position, which, in those days,
money could not purchase, he had never
succeeded in being admitted into the family
on frinndiy footing. "Now then" thought
he, sis my time; these Whitehursts are
rebels. will cali. and in q friendly. neigh
borly way, warn tho old lady to keep her
young folks quiet, and tell her that the
Governor has written to me about her SOC,
and that have had some difficulty in keep
ing him from molesting them, and quarter
ing soldiers in the castle. It must earn me
some gratitude, and who knows but that
may succeed in dazzling Edith by my
wealth."
Mr.. Pruin proceeded at once to put his
plan into execution. He went to Mrs.
Whitehursts. Edith met him. When she
heard his errand, she thanked him courte-
Ously, .but informed him in spirited man
ner that her brother and Mr. Mortimer had
left the night before, to join the army of
their heroic chieftain.
Never had Edith looked as beautiful as
at that moment, when her eyes flashed and
her whole being seemed to dilate with en-
thusiasm.
al am glad, young lady, that they have
got off safely. wish to play neighborly
part, replied her visitor, as he looked at
her with greedy eyes, "and if your mother
Will look upon me as a friend, will do my
best to keep the soldiers from being quar-
tered here. Indeed" no continued, "fair
Mistress Edith. have done all could, and
even stretched my authority to keep oil our
towns folks from being disturbed, although
l have received neither credit nor thanks
for my efforts"
Edith Whitehurst was naturally impul-
sive. Her conscience reproached her, as
che remembered that she had thought and
spoken harshly Of her visitor; her nature
was generous, and to make amends, she
him more warmly than she other
wise might have done, and invited him to
call and see her mother.
Perfectly delighted with his unexpected
success, Mr.. Bruin went home. full Of hope
for the future. He now became constant
visitor at Mrs. Whitehurst's, and tho two
Indies had to thank him for more than one
favor. 1t WAS no who prevented soldiers
being quartercd on them, when all the other
rebel families in the village were annoyed
in that way; he, WHO kept them well supplied
with good fuel. from his own extensive
forests, when money would hardly purchase
. cord of wood. and he, who saw that their
larder was well filed with poultry and
game, and their table supplied with fine
fruit.
Mrs. Whitehurst had objected to receiving
these things as presents, and as she had
some money during the first year of the
war, Mr.. Bruin. to satisfy her scruplcs, had
allowed her to pay his steward. But rs
was going out, and Mrs. White
hurst was naturally very liberal, in the be-
ginning of the second year she found her
means entirely exhausted, and herself and
laughter dependent on their wealthy neigh
oOr.
Now" thought MIR. Bruin, sis my time
coming" and he was more attentive than
,ver; as the second year drew to a close,
.ired Of his slow progress with Edith. his
attentions grew SO pointed that his intcn-
ions became evident; and as the old lady
Knew that her daughter was engaged to
Edward Mortimer, she felt that che could
40 longer accept any favors from her
friend. She at once spoke to Mr.. Br,lin,
explained to him Edith's relationship to
and declined receiving anything
moro from hdS rich ncighbor.
II am sorry, dear madam" he replied,
Ito learn that Mistress Edith is already
promised to another. l admit frankly l
did have hopes; they are gone now. But
you must still let me aid you. This war