Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-07-29

1edllS. On MS last WISH TO England, d
year ago, [ implored him to take me
back with him; but he was deaf to all
my entreaties. 1t is because | love
YOU he said, that I refuse to take you
with me- perhaps it was the climate of
Louisiana that he feared; that climate
may have been the cause of my moth
er'S DEATH"
Il was sure of it," thought Mortimer,
she is entirely ignorant of her origin"
All that could obtain from him in
answer to my prayers" continued Cora.
was promise that this separation
should be the last; that he would sell
his plantation at the earliest opportu-
nifty: and come and establish himself
in England"
and since then" said Mortimer,
has he renewed that promise?"
with reservations that made me
affairs are embarrassed, and will de-
tain him from me long after the prom
iSed time of our reunion"
Alas, Miss Leslie, you are not de-
ceived," said Mortimer, earnestly;
Mr.. Leslie has experienced great loss
es. The death OF Mr. Treverton, his
partner, who was killed in a duel a
year ago, at the very time Of your faith
CT s return Trom England, revealed de-
fciencias that he had never dreamed
Of. He was obliged to have recourse
to heavy loans; and since that, the re-
volt of his slaves, in damaging the
harvest, has given the finishing blow
to his difficulties"
"Then my father is ruined, Mr.. Per-
cy," cried Cora, clasping her hands:
"oh, do not imagine that the aspect of
poverty alarms me, it is not of my
self that think, but of him. What a
life of anxiety and effort he has en-
dured, in order to establish a position,
which he only seemed to value on my
account! Never has he allowed me to
hear one expression of uneasiness drop
from his lips; never has he denied the
most extravaganza of my caprices. All,
if he but knew how gladly [ would ex-
change all this worthless splendor for
the happiness of sheltering my head
upon his noble breast. If he could but
tell how dear the humblest home would
be to me after the long isolation of my
youth. Who can tell now how long our
separation may endure"
NAY, Miss Leslie" said Mortimer
soothingly; your fathers position is
far from being desperate, though he
may require a long time and considera-
bic courage in order to eXtricate HIM
self from his difficulties"
"a long time! Some years, perhaps?"
asked Cora.
81 fear So"
and during this heart-rending
struggle" exclaimed the young girl,
he will not have creature near him
to comfort or to sustain him. And if
new dangers should menace him-for
this revolt has been avenged by the
blood OF the slaye-leaders, has it not?-
and fresh cruelties may cause new re-
bellion. Oh, heaven! the thought
makes me tremble! No, my father
shall not be alone to struggle! If he
suffers | will console him; if he is in
danger [ will share it with him."
What do you mean, Miss Leslie?"
cried Mortimer.
You leave England in a few days
with Mrs. Montresor and your cousin
Adelaide. | will accompany you"
But, Miss Leslie, remember" re-
monStrated the young man.
Il remember nothing but that my
father is in danger, and that a daugh-
ter,s place is by his side. See, here
comes Mrs. Montresor; | know she will
not refuse to grant my request"
The goOd-natured hostess had come
to the ante-chamber to look after her
wall-f1oWers, as she called them.
"You are running away from us,
Coral" she said; 1--WE shall certainly not
allow this matter of-fact nephew of
mine to deprive us of the belle of the
ROOM"
ooh, my dear Mrs. Montresor," ex-
claimed Cora; "a great misfortune has
happened to my father"
Il know it, my dear child" replied
Mrs. Montresor, "but, thank Heaven,
that misfortune is not an irreparable
one"
mo, madam, nothing is irreparable
but the time which we pass far away
from those we love in their hour of
trouble. [ implore you to take me back
to him.
"But, Cora" answered Mrs. Montre-
sor," do you forget that your father
formally expressed his wish that you
should remain in England"
Yes, madam; but the motive Of my
disObedience will render it excusable.
and my first duty is to go and console
my father"
Pardon me if still interfere, Miss
Leslie" said Mortimer Percy, earnest
ly; "but think once more before you
take this rash step. Your father may
have some very serious motive for for
bidding your return to New Orleans"
"What motive onnld a father have
Tor separating himself from his only
child? But stay" added Cora, struck
by the earnestness of Mr.. Percy's man
ner, perhaps there is some secret,
some mystery which you are aware Of.
Tell me, sir, is it so? Your manner
just noW-the strange questions which
you asked me, all might lead me to
suppose"
Those questions were only prompted
by my interest in you, Miss Leslie" re-
piled Mortimer; "but it is the same in
terest which bids me urge you to aban-
don the thought of this voyage. Your
fathers welcome may not be as warm
as you would wish"
Il know his heart too we'll to fear
that" exclaimed the excited girl; "be it
as it may, my resolution is irrevocable;
and If you refuse to take me under
your charge, Mrs. Montresor," she adj
ded. Il will go alone"
WHAT" cried Adelaide, who had
entered the ante-chamber, followed by
Gilbert, in time to hear these last
words, "You would go alone, Cora:
and who, then, opposes your depart
ure? We will go together; will we not,
dear auntie?" exclaimed the impetu-
Gus girl.
Eyes, Adelaide, since your friend is
determined on leaving, it will be far
better for her to accompany u.s." re-
piled Mrs. Montresor; "but / must own
that | do not willingly give my consent
to Miss Leslie's disobedience to her
fathers wishes"
But my fathers thanks shall repay
you for all, dear madam" said Cora;
Il shall never forget his goodness"
Come, come then, naughty child, let
US return to the ballroom. You must