The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-03-17
LAFITTE,
THE BARBARIAN CHIEF
rALB FOUNDED on FACT.

l replied !; +" for desiring the happiness
of calling such a treasure his own Yes
Mary, you will believe me when | tell
you, that though would rather die a
thousand deaths than witness such an
event, yet his feelings are SO far in uni
son with my own, that I feel more dis
posed to pity than to blame him.
No more, Mortimer no more; SO
far that will believe that you are in
earnest--that you do not intend what
you have said to be merely complimen-
tary yet let me entreat you to be eau
tious Should George become apprehen-
sive on my account, his suspicious might
fall on you, and remember the conse-
quences would be fatal"
Only say Mary" that you would
feel an interest in my happiness--and
forgive me for doubling it after the
proofs have already received--only
say that the most ardent attachment Of
person as unworthy as l am, would
not be viewed with Indifference, by you,
and could venture the displeasure Of
a world"
You are becoming too serious for q
sick man." said Mary, smiling "but if
it would be any pleasure to know that
/ felt interested in your happiness, or
willing to contribute to it, (since have
never been in the habit of assembling
my sentiments,) | shall tell you frankly,
that if the sincerest wishes for your
welfare will be the means of averting
evil, you will long be happy
[ was in the act of attempting to ex-
press the emotions of my throbbing
heart, when Mary again placed her fin
ger on her lips, and blushing in ell the
loveliness of innocence, half returned
my embrace as 1 clasped her to my
bosom.
The next day came, and, accompanied
by the lovely Mary, we repaired to the
mansion of Gen. Garnett, with whom
George and Miss Hanson resided. We
were received with all that attention,
that ease and courtly politeness, which
distinguish the well-bred in all countries
Miss Hanson received the compliments
that were paid her without embarrass
ment; and George almost forgot the air
of man who had seen f" vastly fine
things in his day." He soon seated
himself by me. Mortimer said he,
Il vow [ would be sick half year
myself, if by that means could secure
the company of Mary as you have done F"
There is little pleasure in sickness"
replied yet acknowledge it might
be something of a temptation to suffer,
/ if we would be certain of having the
hours cheered by the attendance of such
girls as Miss Hanson and Mary"
But every one," he continued,
"would not be noticed as you have been ;
it is natural, l believe, for the female
sex to bestow their sympathy and their
love on strangers with whom they are
unac1uainted, and of whose character
they can know nothing"
There was an i'll naturcd emphasis
given to this last sentence, which [ sus
pect slightly crimsoned my countenance
but instantly regaining my composure
without appearing to notice the manner
in which the words were spoken, re
piled, I" | believe he must be mistaken
for, although, was stranger, and fell
, most sensible the favors which had beer
conferred upon me by the polite atten
j tions Of the Charleston fair yet never
could believe that man who conducted
, himself as became gentleman, woult
suffer in their estimation by time or &C
quaintance"
"Perpaps not" answered he coldly-
Gentlemen" said Mary Interrupt
ting him, " | take the liberty of pro
testing in Miss Hansons name and IN,
, own, against your having all the con
, versation to yourselves; we must b.
, permitted to assist you" and her eye
met mine with an expression which sait
"remember-beware !'
; Certainly" said L: and she took he
seat between us on the sofa, while Mis-
t Hanson placed herself beside me, and
|, with her usual gaiety and volubility
: commenced conversation. But fe,
minutes, however elapsed, before a ser
J want entered with message, requestin
Q Mary to return Immediately, as her me
, ther had been taken seriously i'll sine
we had left home. The carriage wa
Immediately ordered and Mary too
advantage of the momentary absence 9
Mr., Hanson to request me to spend tn
afternoon where l then was
i " l shall obey you, though unwill
ingly," | replied.
j +" / know it, feel it." answered sh
: smiling; "still you must obey. Re
member ! am to be your guardian ange
Come George (who at that momep
' entered the room, )you shall be my beau
/, Mortimer / shall leave to make you
sister amends for my absence
George bowed apart, and with littl
t abatement of his customary haeuteul
handed Mary into the carriage, VIII