The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-08-25

the middle of field of rich grass.At | the time of Paufs birth Margaret i planted a. cocoanut on the border Of this fenny grousd in order that the resulting tree might one day serve to mark the epoch of her sons birth. Af- ter the birth of Virginia Madam de la Tour planted another cocoanut beside that planted by Margaret. These nuts | produced two trees, which formed the | only records of the two families one was called Pauls tree and the other Virginia's tree.
 At the end of twelve years the two trees rose above the roofs of the cot taees. their tender stalks were inter- woven and clusters of cocoanuts huhs from them over the basin of the foun- tain With the exception of these two trees, this spot was left as nature nad arranged it, gorgeous with troplcal flowers and shaded by tropical shrubs
 Virginia regularly distributed among the birds which abounded there the seeds of rice and millet, ana as soon as she appeared the whistling plack- birds. the amadavid bird, whose note is so soft: the cardinal with his flame colored plumage, all forsook the busn- es: the paroquet. green as an amer aIo' descended from the neighboring ran palms, the partridge ran aIons praas, all hurried promisciousiy toward 6 Panl found an exhaustless source or amusement in observing them.
 Those whose minds are imbued Irom infancy with prejudicies at variauce with happiness cannot imagine all toe instruction and pleasure to be oerNeo from nature. Souls confined to small sphere of intelligence soon reach the 1tyntts of it's artificial enjoyments; but nature ana the heart are inexhaustible.
 rrbus grew these children of nature. an5 surelv thus in the Garden Of Eden anneared our first parents when coh- 1pa from the hands of God they frst sa9 and approached each other. But al the end of childhood, suotle change came over virginia some, times at the sight of Paul sne woulu advance gayly to meet him, but when eSo,,t to accost him. overcome by s,ddep cosfusion, her cheek covered s,,ith h1ushes. she would turp and ice f.n,, those embraces and caresses to 1.,,oinh formerly she had submitted with the loving innocence or emu emu hood. Paul, unused to the secret Wlhu- ings of the female heart VeNeu mn saif in vain endeavoring 10 compre- bend the meaning or these ne" 'iN strange caprices.
 Margaret said to Mime de Ia TOUT ''Why do we not mite our chliuren pS marriage? They have strong attach- ment for each other and my son hardly nnderstands the real nature of his feelings yet great care and "a'chlui- ness will be necessary
 Tme de la Tour replied: They are foo young and too poor. What griet would 1t occasion us to see Nirglnia brino into this world children whom she would not, perhaps. have strength 10 rear. Our negroes are getting old ana infrnn: I myself feel that the past fifteen years have told upon my strength. Our only hope is in Paul. Wait until he has reached his matu- ritv and by his increased strength is able to support us by his labor"
 As usual when the two women had a, perplexing problem to solve. they sought the advice of the kind reciuse across the mountain. He advised that Paul be sent away for a short time. If he went on a voyage to the Indies he might, by commerce. gain enough to nurch. SC a few slaves and could then be united with Virginia But Paul had no Idea of leaving paradise for the purgatory of trade.
 why do you wish me to leave my family and my home in pursuit of this nrecarious fortune?" said he. 'Is there any commerce in the world which so well repays one as the culture of the ground? If we wish to engage in trade we can raise stun for the markets or Port St. Louis-it is not necessary to go to the Indies And suppose any thing should happen to Virginia in my absence! Noi No! will not go."
 But never since the flaming sword was placed at the gate of the first great garden has man been able to win back to the Eden-tree and repose him. self securely beneath its branches, where the wreath of Eve is red on the turf as she left it long ago.; and so over this Eden. in this remote val ley of this remote island, & change was impending.
 It was presaged by a fearful storm