Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-07-22

me to escort my niece home and assist
at her marriage with this hare-brained
boy, would never again set foot upon
the accursed soil of louisiana; but I
must not say more to you now, for
here come the young ladies. Adelaide
is but child as yet, and has never
thought seriously of the matter; while
before him, is a determined advocate
of slavery. Once more, adieu" and
the elegant, although portly, Mrs Mon
tresor glided from the room, her rich
robes OF sky-blue MORE antique rust
ling around her.
Gilbert" said Mortimer, hurriedly.
! as soon as his aunt was out of hearing.
remember, beg, do not breathe to
a mortal one hint of what I just
now told you, with regard to Miss
Leslle's origin. I suspect some painful
mystery here, and would not, for the
world, that any idle talk Of mine
heart one throb Of sorrow or one thrill
of shame"
You may rely upon me, Mortimer"
exclaimed Gilbert, with enthusiasm.
My lips are sealed forever"
He had scarcely spoken, when the
two young girls approached, arm-in-
| arm.
There was a marked contrast be-
tween the two friends. Young as Ade-
| lalde Horton was, she had already all
| the finished elegance and easy conf
| Qence OF a woman OIL IdsnIUn. rrIyOl-
Gus, capriciOus, and something of a
| coquette, she was born to charm in a
ballroom, and to shine in a crowd.
| Cora Leslie was creature of an utter
| ly different nature. Like some wild
! flower from the luxuriant forests of
| her native South she seemed destined
| to bloom with a sWeeter perfume in
loneliness. To blossom for the silent
stars and the midnight skies; to ex-
pand her fairest petals to the sunshine
OF one loving heart.
| L do not care to see my cousin Just
| now" said Mortimer, $50 will leave
you, Gilbert, to make yourself agreea-
BILE to the young ladies, while I go and
smoke cigar in the balcony opening
| out OF the conservatory"
The young man strOlled through the
eurtalned doorway, leading into the
cool retreat as his cousin and her
friend entered from the ballroom.
| Here, at least, my dear Cora, we
| shall be able to BREATH" said Adelaide,
as the two girls approached Gilbert.
"Ah, Mr.: Margrave," she added, per-
ceiving the young artist, at is here,
y
self while a hundred lion-hunters have
been trying to chase you. Cora, allow
me to introduce to you Mr.. Gilbert
| Margrave, engineer, artist, pOet,-lion!
| Mr.. Margrave, allow me to present to-
| you Miss Cora Leslie, my friend, and
| the most elegant Waltzer in my aunt's
crowded assembly,"
Il beg, Mr.. Margrave," said Cora
Leslie, that you will not listen to Miss
Horizons assertions, she Only g.a11uo
me this eulogy because she knows that
she WaltZes better than l."
Will you permit me to be the Judge
of that, Miss Leslie?" said Gilbert.
land, il order that [ may be so, grant
me your hand for the next WaltZ?"
oh, yes, yes" cried Adelaide, laugh
ing, well waltz with you. | promise
for Cora. Now, pray go back into the
ballroom, Mr.. Margrave, and satisfy
those good people who are pining to
stare you out OF cOuntenance, which is
the only English tribute to genius. Go
now, you shall summon Cora as soon
us the first notes OF the waltz strike
up"
al reroir, Miss Leslie, till come to
claim your hand"
Gilbert bowed and left the ante
room, not WlJnouJ one Enthusiastic
JouSianian.
There goes another of your admi-
rers, Cora" cried Adelaide, as she
| flung herself into one of the luxurious
easy-chairs, While Cora seated herself
on a sofa, q few PAGES distant and laid
her bOquet Of dollhouse flowers on a
tiny table at her side; Il declare, Miss
Cora Leslie, that begin to think that
did a very unwise thing III persuading
To
this farewell reunion to our English
friends, for you had only to make
your appearance i'll order to steal
every admirer / have. 1t is general
desertiOn to the camp Of the enemy. |
should not wonder if Mortimer him
self joined the renegades, and left me
to sing willow for my inconstant
swain"
But I thought from what you told
me, Adelaide" replied Cora, laughing,
that Mr.. Percy was by no means a
very enthusiastic or romantic person"
ooh, no, indeed" said Adelaide, with
an impatient sigh; 'you are right there
| my dear Cora, never was there such
| cold-hearted, matter-of-fact being as
| that cousin and future husband of
mine. Ii he pays me compliment, it
| is only an artful way of drawing atten-
| ton to one of my defects, which, will
| own, are rather numerous. Ii he ever
| utters an atfectionate word, [ always
| feel convinced that he is laughing at
me. Imagine now, my dear Cora, was
| it not tiattering to my WOmanly vanity
| to hear him say, when he arrived i'll
London month or two ago. after
separation Of four years, My dear
| Adelaide, my aunt has taken it into
| her head that l and you ought to mar
~; | don't want to oppose her, and /
| suppose you don't either"
And you replied-?"
ooh, no, my dear cousin; I've no OBJ
| lection to marry you. But pray don't
! ask anything else.'"
But why did you give your consent?"
| asked Cora.
| Il scarcely know. I am impetuous,
rash, passionate, capable of doing even
| a wicked action when under the intlu-
| ence of some sudden impulse. l am
! daring enough, Heaven knows, but
| there is one species of courage that l
| lack-the courage which gives the pow
er OF resistance. l could not oppose
| my aunt. Has she not been the tender
| est Of mothers to me? Besides, l did
not love any one else, or at least
| Why abandon myself to dreams that
| can never be realized? Again, as the
wife OF my cousin Mortimer, l shall
| never be an exile from my dear native
South. II you see me gay and happy,
| Cora, in spite OF my approaching mar
| riage. it is that | shall soon behold the
blue skies of my beloved Louisiana"
Forgive me, dearest Adelaide" said
Cora Leslie, but from a few words
| that escaped you just now, | fancy that
| l have a secret of your heart. Has Mr..
| NFsrCrl-lI-n l,y-a chance made 4