The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1908-01-10
A Romance of
the Crescent CITY
BY Carrie Elizabeth Logan.
QCopyrlsht. 1909. by ". r. Hearst

t~enptuously viewing the strange scene
from the gallery of her fathers home.
ffiola Convers leaned forward exulting
IN the thick black smoke that an
%nounced the burning of cotton on the
crescent leNee.
Ery Burn the town. They arc WILL
ing to sufl> h most %frightful death
for the beloved cause
Those who shout would be the first
to yell in terror at the flames," said
Gle, quietly.
tiful daughter. Her home was one OF
the finest on Prytania street, an old
%r,lansion with a spacious garden. where
magnolia II fig trees bloomed. She
as intensely patriotic. but undem-
onstrative. Her hair was a glossy black
mass With blu high lights. while her
skin was Of ivory whlteness without
color. Black eyes and proudly cut fea-
lures gave a regal severity to her per-
feet face.
Lieutenant Harmon M%erri1nan. ac-
cushioned to the counting and petting
of northern bellies, was surprised at
the unflattering reception of union
officers by lovely southern girls. Actual
insult stopped after General Butler is-
sued his famous woman ORDER" but
ladies continued to vacate a street car
when a union officer entered. or affect
W eNA'S ~ NAAS t5l VI " DAoS uAla-
form. 1t was hard to have the pretty
faces turned steadily to the wall when
Harmon passed the galleries Of their
homes, but 1T did not actually grieve
him until he caught 4 glimpse of Luz
cile Jansen reading by the fountain
in her old fashioned garden. The young
officer fell desperately iii love.
A block below the Jansen home was
General Buffers headquarters. MI.
Jansen had cruelty beaten a young fe-
male slave named Lucy. He was
warned not to repeat the offense. This
aroused the ire of the dc banker, and
again Lucy felt his heavy cane. Lieu
tenant Merriman was sent to carry out
the generals orders. A chair was placed
on the sidewalk in front of the house.
There the banker was forced to sit in
the sun all day.
Under such unfavoIable auspices
Harmon Merriman met Gle Jansen.
When not IN duty he found occasions
to stroll up Pyrtania street. carrying
back pictures Of the girl, who never no.
ticed him by word or sign.
A fierce tropical rain descended upon
the city and the levee broke. Gle and
Viola were out shopping. They could
not descend from the carriage. as the
water was a foot deep in the streets.
From headquarters the young %lieuten-
ant watched the carriage drive up and
stop. Miss Jansen's head appeared.
Then the carriage drove on. Lieuten-
ant Merrinlan rushed down stairs to as
sist the maiden when the carriage re-
turned, that took Miss Convers home.
and she waded to the stoop. Gle meant
to be equally brave, but when her car
riage halted, there stood that detestable
Yankee officer, knee deep in water. cap
IN hand, in the pouring rain. She hes
itated.
Pray let me assist you. madam
said the lieutenant with grave respect.
bride In nnnao - q 700 o~oy,oS1o1 ~,l .L~
motioned him imperiously to the car
riage door. He carried his lovely bur-
den to the dry steps of her house.. She
dismissed him with a gracious, II thank
you"
Harmon was ordered to search the
Jansen house for arms. Gle had
dressed for dinner in the long, flowing
white gowns she affected. A knot Of
red ribbon in her black tresses and at
her slender waist proclaimed her senti-
ments. She was sitting at the piano in
che darkened parlor when the doorbell
rang. Looking up she saw Lieutenant
Merriman. Was it reflection from the
red ribbon or did a marvellous color
creep into her soft cheeks? She did
not move. Lucy answered the bell.
Laws, Miss Gle, dis union man
wants to search the house."
Tel him to do it," She did not raise
her eyes to the man waiting eagerly at
The parlor door.
But" he commenced. Gle rose
abruptly and disappeared in the dark
n found nothing.
People in New Orleans a plenty to
eat, but those in the country were
starving. Gle heard that her aunt was
suffering for the necessaries OF life.
Humbling her pride she went with
Viola to ask for a pass. Passes had
been so much abused hat General But
Ter gave Harmon Merriman orders to
refuse all, and h luckless lieutenant
was powerless to grant the appeal Of
the beautiful girl he loved.
You will let ar old woman die OF
starvation?! What is you price,"
Harmon flushed. Money cannot buy
my honor. Tell me where your aunt il
and will go to her s%uccor."
There was such a result of feeling in
Giles hitherto Unconditional soul: de-
spair. remorse. gratitude, that tho
queenly beauty fell on her knee. and
kissed the ]~ieutenant's hand.
Harmon was at the Episcopal church.
opposite headquarters. when the service
was stopped because the pastor omitted
the prayer for the president. Like other
officers he was in plain clothes. Gle
recognized him and Missed "spy!" az
she rustled past him in q silk dress
that a seen better days.
This was Giles last insult. The bank
er sickencd under his misfortunes and
IoSl HAS eyeSlSnl from the spread OF
c~ataracts. One night the Jansen home
took fire. Gle helped her father and
sent the frightened Lucy for help. Lucy
Harmed the federal headquarters. but
nothing could save the old home.
Morning found the proud girl in Gen.
eral Buffers parlor. Lieutenant Merri-
man stood at the window.
II have a wealthy uncle in Washing
ton who would care for my poor father,
If | could get through the lines"
That is impossible unless you 20
as the Wife of n union officer"
"Never!" said Gle, palins with an
GER.
Harmon looked out of the window.
You might so as my wife. 7 am de-
tailed to Washington. 1 love you"
Gle. who had risen in anger. stood
irresolute as he turned. II will care
for you both" he continued ardently,
and compel your love by my devo-
ton"
Gle knew she loved him. Don't tell
father she whispered. as she yielded
to the pressure of his arm. Let US
take him safely to Washington"
The Making of a Journalist.
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