Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-11-23

condescended to honor my aunt's assem-. ply with your gracious presence. my dear cousin. Perhaps you were in hopes you would not see me-"
 Perhaps you were in hopes I should not come," rctorted the young man.
 'On the contrary" said Adelaide, ''I was awaiting you with impatience. But pray don't be alarmed, 1t was not on my own account. but on that of Miss Leslie that wished to see you. My friend is anxious to ask you about her father"
 T was just about to beg you to in- troduce me to Miss Leslie," replied Mortimer.
 ''Mr. Mortimer Percy, cotton merchant and slave proprietor. my cousin and my future husband. as my aunt says"
 '.Stop, Adelaide, this is no time for testing" said Mortimer. gravely.
 ''1s your news bad then7" exclaimed his cousin.
 "It is not altogether as favorable as I should wish"
 ."Oh. in Heavens name, speak, MT. Percy," cried Cora, pale with agitation, ''what has happened to my father?"
 "Reassure yourself, Miss Leslie." re- piled Mortimer, "when I left New Orleans your father was rapidly recover ing"
 "He had been i'll, then2" "He was wounded in 8 revolt of the |
 Wounded! ]" exclaimed Cora ooh, for pitys sake, do not deceive me, Mr. Percy! this wound-was it dangerous2"
 ''1t was no longer so when left Louis jana. I give you my honor."
 Cora sank into chair, and buried her face in her hands.
 "You see, Adelaide" she murmured, after few moments silence, "my pre- sentiments were not unfounded. Dear est father. and was not near to watch and comfort you?"
 Adelaide Horton seated herself by the side of her friend, twining her arm affec- tionately about Cora's slender waist.
 Strange" thought Mortimer Percy, as he watched the two girls, 'one word from this lovely and innocent creature with loathing and dlsdain."
 The prelude of waltz resounded at this moment from the orchestra and Gilbert Margrave appeared to claim his partner.
 "Ah" exclaimed Adelaide. '.it is you, Mr. Margrave! My poor friend has just heard some sad news
 ''Sad news, Miss Hortonr' ~
 "Yes, there has been 8 revolt of the slaves, in which her father we'll nigh fell 8 victim. Thank Heaven. the result was less terrible than 1t might have been."
 While Adelaide was speaking to MT. Marerave, Mortimer Percy approached the chair on which Cora was seated, and bending over her for moment said, in a low voice, ''Iet me speak to you alone, Miss Leslie."
 "Alone2" exclaimed Cora, with new alarm, then turning to Gilbert, she said calmly, II trust that you will be so kind as to excuse mo, Mir. Margrave. and ask Adelaide to favor you with her hand for the next waltz. l wish to speak to MT. Percy about this sad affair.""
 ''Cora insists upon it, MT. Margrave,'. said Adelaide, ''and you must therefore resign yourself. But remember" she added, turning to Cora, 'that we only consent on condition that we find you smiling and altogether restored to good spirits on your return. Now, MT. Nor timer Percy, after this I suppose you will leave of praising the virtue of your pet negroes"
 'What would you have, my dear cousinY replied Mortimer; ''when dogs are too violently beaten, they are apt to btte."
 .'They should be tied up then, retorted Adelaide as she took Gilberts arm and hurried to the ballroom where the danc- ors were already whirlins round in valse @ deux-temps.
 Cora rose as she found herself alone with the young planter. and no longer attempting to conceal her agitation, ex- claimed anxiously:
 'sAnd ana indeed to believe what you say. Mir. Percy; do you really mean that slaves to this revolts"