, 1878-05-31
Poor Genevieve.

Shortly after the conclusion of the late
war, gentleman, distinguished rs a
scholar and politician, was preceding
IN the Mississippi. During the trip he
became indisposed, and finally So i'll tha:,
at his own request, he was put on shore
at one of those little old French villages
betw cen the mouth of the OHIO and s..
Louis. The agitation Of removal aud the
heat of summer day So aggravated his
disease, which was bilious fever, that
he became deIrious, and for time he
knew nothing Of what transpired.
His returning consciousness disclosed
10 him female, with d cap such as
French attendants generally wear, a
plain gown, and black silk apron, with
a sweet, gentle AMI expressive face, APP
parestly bearing the impression of deep
solcitude. Perceiving him TO be awake,
she inquired in voice of exquisite mel
ody, ii he wanted anything. Instead OF
answering the question, the sick man,
whom | shall call Hartland, though that
was not his real name, asked two or three
others, in low, feeble tone
"Where am I--and who are yOuf'
"You are in st. -, and | am poor
Genevieve, your servant; can do any
thing for you, sir!'
"Oh, nurse they have provided for
me, l suppose" thought Hartland, 81
shall, therefore, stand on no ceremony
with her. My good girl, | will thank
you for glass OF something to quench
my thirst am burning up, | believe" !"
Genevieve took his hand, and, after
holding it little wlkle, laid it softly
down on the bed, saying, as if to herself
81. does indeed burn like fire." The
touch of her hand was so soft that Hart
land could tell that she pited him with
all her heart At this moment his ply
sician came, and our traveller recognized
in him an old acquaintance, senator
whom he had known at Washington, and
very eminent man in his profession.
He felt extremely grateful at having
so gentle nurse and so able physician.
Yet his recovery was so slow that it did
no great credit to nurse or doctor, for it
was nearly six weeks before his fever was
fairly broken.
One day while the doctor was with
him, it suddenly occurred to Hartland
to inquire where he was, and how he
came there, and, more especially, to
whose kindness he was indebted for such
benevolent attentions.
"You are in the house Of MAIDEN oiselle
de F., yOuug lady of French ex-
traction, great heiress of lands, mines,
and what-not, extending no one knows
where; and withal a most beautiful,
amiable, accomplished woman" replied
his friend. "She is ward of mine, or
rather was, for she is now of age, and
might have married years ago, but for
a singular scruple which she encourages
at the risk of passing the remainder OF
her life in singled blessedness.n
"Ah!" rejoined Hartland, who found
himself not little interested about the
heiress; "ah, what may the scruple beG'
"She imagines, or rather fears, it Is
her great possessions that attract SC
many admirers wherever she goes; and
she once told me she never saw but one
man toward whom she felt almost ire.
sistibly attracted, and he treated her as
if she was nobody"
II should like to see her." answered
Hartland, "for, independent Of the OBJ,
legations owe her, she must be some.
thing of curiosity. Such humanity is
not often coupled with wealth. beauty
and accomplishments. But you have
not yet told me how came to be here
"You were seen by a good old aunt
who resides with the young lady. and
who happened to be looking out Of the
window as you were landed, in state Of
partial delirium. She apprised Made
moiselle de F. of the circumstances
who Immediately gave directions to have
you brought here"
Upon my word, owe her obligation,
which can never repay"
THAT is mere than you know" sale
the doctor, smiling.
The doctor then rose 10 depart wher
Hartland, with degree Of hesitation
which surprised himself, and the colo
rising in his pale cheek, asked: