The Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1870-1871, 1871-02-05

vance and greet the new comera ''Yo,
did not prepare me to expect surpris
like this"
20, some of my wares, replied Davidge
with coarse explosion of laughter. %
told you my stock consisted of little o1
Of everything. She's first class, sir
though bit rough as to externals. Herr
Mouse-go fetch glass for the captain
whose ground we are standing upon, and
let it be the best"
"A positive beauty" said Francis Mer.
rivale, as she retreated. What game il
this part of ?"
"All fair and square," rejoined Da-
vidge "she is my daughter, of whom
every day that passed teaches me that I
am so little worthy to call myself the
father" He gave vent to genuine sigh
as he said this, and looked even more
downcast than was his won't "Too good
for me, sir, and fit for any mans drawing
room, though 1 say it."
Captain Merrivale-who was as tho
rough specimen of the bon ui,unt as one
might well wish to see-gazed scrutiniz-
ingly at the pretty Martha as she return
ed bringing the required Hollands, with
look which brought the rich blood to
her cheeks and caused her to tremble and
cast her eyes upon the ground
Il came for mornings sport, among
quail and reed birds, but did not antici-
pate alighting upon q bird of Paradise,
said Merrivale, admiringly. "Never
tremble, my pretty one ; am your
friend. Now, Ned, we will take to the
brush again, and as We go We will talk of
your property"
A few days after this conversation it
was noticeable that o change had taken
place in the affairs of Ned Davidge. He
dressed with more attention to respecta-
bility, purchased a Aashy cravat and
pin, and haunted the lower re-
sorts frequented by the scions of idleness
md vice. The single bright adornment |
of the hovel had disappeared, the little
garden plot was surrendered to the
weeds, and often the voice of revelry
broke on the startled air of night, and |
strange lights streamed from the cram
lies OF the moss-covered cottage. The
age had lost its bright songster.
In the most aristocratic quarter of the
ity resided, in palatial stone mansion
# his own, the wealthy and luxurious
francis Merrivale.
Although man of the highest res
according to the social stand
rd in vogue in certain quarters, init
,acy of the most unrestricted nature
nth Mr.. Frank Merrivale was not cal
ulated to advance one in the eyes of
hose who require something more than
litter Of gold as the voucher for charac-
,r.
His elegant residence was the great
oint of attraction for the wealthy and
dse young men, for strange rumors had
tely begun to circulate of beautiful
eing, not yet escaped from her teens,
no. with governess for sole companion
coupled the more retired portion of the .
but was SO rigidly secluded &
ON the common gaze that none-not
zen the most intimate-of Captain Mer- I
vale's friends, could procure the boon
an introduction. Il
"A favorite relative, left under my 4
large." Captain Merrivale would answer, '
reply to impertinent inquiries, 'for b
hose bringing up I am strictly responsi- t
e." And there the subject would be
'opped. and the identity Of the lady re- a
ain as much q matter of mystery as
er. lp
That he fairly idolized this pet of his b
it were unnecessary to say. o
ct he himself never alluded to her, even n
name, and, without being herself o
rare Of it. poor little Martha had been 81
much a mystery to the people, who e.
swed her from distance, as the Man s,
the Iron Mask to the population of n
lrls. She it was whom this amiable |v'
'ertine, struck by sudden fancy. had o1
dertaken to educate and provide for, q
rendering to her reprobate father for g