Semi-weekly Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1871-1872, 1871-05-11

$50 you are to he married next month
my dearP" said Mr.. Thornly to his ward
Ellen Neal.
Eyes, believe so," was the rather in.
different reply.
Mr.. Thornly studied his wards face TO,
moment with his keen eyes.
Il don't believe you care two straws
for Frederick Wells"
"Oh! not as bad as that, guardy," said
Ellen, with faint smile; Though I have
sometimes feared that I don't give him
the affection that he deserves. He seems
to be very strongly attached to me-"
"Humph! my opinion of Frederick
Wells is, that he is too much in love with
his own handsome face to be very much
attached to any woman"
"You are too severe. Any way, have
promised, and cannot break nv word. Z"
"Oh, no, certainly not; far better break
your heart"
II don't believe I've got any," was the
laughing rejoinder. IF l have, I've
never been able to discover it. Never
fear for me, guardy; 1 daresay shall be
as happy with Frederick as with any
one."
Yet, in spite of these lightly spoken
words. there rose up before her mental
vision one with whom she knew she could
be far happier. But, even if she had been
free to choose, how did she know that he
would choose her? True, she had some
times foncied-but what right had she to
indulge in such fancies?
When Mr.. Thornly reached his Office,
he found Frederick Wells waiting to see
him; who accosted him with an air of in
constraint, not to say embarrassment, not
at all remarkable, when we consider the
awkward errand on which he came.
Il heard of Miss Meals misfortune last
evening, sir; and I assure you with deep
regret"
Miss Meals misfortune? what the
duece dye mean?" said the old gentleman,
gruffly, with whom the young man was,
by no means, favorite.
"Why the failure of the Bolton Bank,
to be sure" Mr.. Wells responded quickly
the suspicion entering his mind that the
shrewd old lawyer was trying to dodge
the question"
"Oh, ali, yes, think I do understand
you. Well, what of it,"
"Only this, sir, that, deeply as regret |
the necessity, the high regard 1 cherish |
for your ward, and the knowledge that 1 |
shall be unable, at least for some years,
10 offer her such home as she is accus-
toned to and merits, demand the sunder-
ing of cur engagement"
THAT is to Say, in plain English, that
my ward having lost her fortune, Mr..
Wells no longer desires to marry her."
In spite of all his efforts, Mr.. Wells felt
MS cheeks tingle beneath the quiet scorn
IN the eyes that rested upon his coun-
;enance.
"You put it rather harshly," he said,
'orcing smile; "but we won't quarrel
about terms"
Every good. All I have to say is, that
what you are pleased to term Miss Meals
promises to be the best thing
hat could happen to her. Good morn
ng."
When Mr.. Thornly saw his ward again
n the evening, his countenance wore q
furious expression.
Il have important news for you, Ellen;
,ne portion ct it rather bad, but the
,ther so good as to more than make up
or it. Indeed, as 1 told a certain young
nan this morning, I consider it the best
hing that could possibly happen to YOU
first, for the bad: the bank in which your
money was invested has gone up, and
Won't probable pay two cents on dollar.
low for the good: in consequence of this,
dr. Frederick Wells called to express his
egrets, that he must relinquish the hon
II and happiness Of making you his
wife"
l
"Is it possible?" exclaimed Ellen. "How
AVE been deceived in him. I thought
10 loved me for myself alone. Oh, Mr..
'hornly, how thankful ought to be that
have discovered how false his heart il,
nfore Il WAS too late"