UCSB LIBRARY WOMAN'S FAITH. rf Stortjjern life. A 8CESB SOUTHERN UFi. THE BEAUTY WOMAN'S FAITH of S0urtt fife. " Full many miserable yer hath pasted She know* him as on* dead, or worse than dead, And many n change her varied life hath known, But her heart none." MiTuain'i BERTH; v. NEW YORK : DERBY & JACKSON, 119 NASSAU STREET CINCINNATI: H. w. DERBY. 1857. ETID teeordiig t Aet of Congrau. ia tha year 1S&S, by J. C. DERBY, h ft* Owk'i feeling, which the galloping of- my fleet little pony creates, I was com- pletely wild with dolight. And oh, how I wish I could describe to you those magnificent herds of buffalo, which started with such stately steps at our approach, now and then the male leader of the band turning back upon us his wild flashing eye, and shaking his shaggy head, as if half inclined to dispute our passage over his wild domains. I confess all the strength of my courage would have failed, but for father's oft repeated assurance of safety. He said, ' \vi&. his unerring rifle,' which always hangs at his saddle bow, '.he could at a hundred yards bring down that proud leader, when tb i remainder of the herd would at once seek safety in flight.' And again, just as we approached a little grove of holly and, baj trees, we started up a gang of wild horses, which you know abound upon the prairies, and such a scampering, tossing of tails, and noisy neighing, you never witnessed, and my little creole ra.sca) seamed to have discovered some old relative or acquaintance, for it requiied all my power to restrain him, from dashing oft among the swiftest of these nimble and beautiful animals. But I have not time to tell you a tithe of the various objects of interest which enlivened our most charming excursion ; one thing I can assure you, it has given me a most excellent appetite for these warm muffins, and tempting rice birds, which I see Aunt Nancy has prepared for our dejetluer." "Father, you will be pleased," said Louise, "with the progress Mr. Mason is making with our cottage. He is delighted with the Ian you obtained in Paris, but proposes some alterations, required 18 -WOMAN'S FAITH. he thinks by our climate, and the situation of the ground. lie says Blanche has given him directions as to the room for the library, which will demand some changes, and that she will pay no attention to any particular style of architecture, but it must exactly suit her fancy." " Well that must be so, for when I first talked of building, she asked me to promise that she might have the entire direction as to one of the rooms and its furniture," said Lefort. "Supposing the little witch intended her own sleeping-apartment, I told him that her whole wishes, in spirit and letter, should be fully obeyed and carried out, when clapping her little hands, and kissing me some fifty times, she exclaimed, ' The library and its fitting up are all my own.' She had fairly caught me, and her wishes must be law, in regard to this part of our cottage." A TALE OF 80UTHEKH CHAPTER IV. THE predictions of Louise were now realized in regard to Blanche. A change had come o'er the spirit of her dream. Every hour was fully occupied. At night she retired to her chamber with new plans for the morrow, and the sun seemed to her busy spirit laggard on his march, as she awaited his coming to commence the employments, to her, so full of interest. She was at the side of the workmen, with plans in her hands, as they were laying out the grounds about the cottage, which was now in the course of erection, bidding them, by all means, be careful of injuring the old stately trees, which, for ages, had been the monarchs of the wood, assuring them, at the same time, that no garden was half as attractive as the one already provided to their hands. The space of ground, which was reserved as a lawn about the house, occupied more than a hundred acres. This enclosure was to be left in its natural state, the tangled undergrowth merely being cleared away, and to be a safe retreat for the deer, the rabbit, and the squirrel, while the birds should build tLeir nests, undisturbed, as if the foot of man had never trodden these tropi- cal regions. The meanderings of the bayou furnished, at the southern extremity of this lovely lawn, by means of wicket gates, a pond of clear, pure water, filled with fish of almost every hue, from the bright and glowing red-fish to the golden perch. Walks were to be laid out, arbors erected, and a broad avenue, overlaid with 20 MOHAN'S FAITH. shells from the sea shore, for carriages, was to be prepared, forming a pleasant drive through these shaded and picturesque grounds. " What a pleasant place," said Blanche to herself, " will our home be. The air redolent with the most delicious perfumes, the songs of the birds awaking the morning, and hushing to sweet repose at evening the weary children of nature, our out-door life will be most alluring. The cottage, too, so "tastefully planned, so completely adapted to the requirements of our climate, will ever be, for us, a most delightful home. I could not have believed, when pouring my sad regrets into the ear of Louise, that so soon I should regard this spot with so deep an interest. Father, too, is so indulgent that I have only to express a wish to have it com- pletely gratified." " What think you now, Blanche, about this dull, stupid life in the country ?" said Louise. " You seem perfectly metamorphosed, and from your occupations and dress, might well sit for a Flora, if one were wanted to decorate the arbors, which you have so tastefully planned. The only objects that can vegetate here are trees and plants, for yourself, you go over these grounds with the fleetness of a fawn, scarce giving yourself time to eat or sleep, so devoted are you to your employments. " But the novelty will soon be over, Louise. The gardens, the walks, the flowers, and trees will all be arranged according to my taste, the cottage will be completed, and then must I return to my castle building." " It would be so," said Louise, " if all these grounds were not to be kept in order ; if books and paintings would arrange themselves upon the shelves, and along the walls, and all household affairs would go on steadily and in order, as if some law, unerring as the physical laws, would keep everything in harmony and at work. But you will find enough to do in superintending those, to whose care you may commit all these interests, and each evening you A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 21 will wish that the demands of the day were not so urgent and pressing." " I forgot to tell you," said Blanche, "of a call father and myself made yesterday upon Mr. and Mrs. Lamotte. The house had a dingy appearance, a queer and antiquated sort of Spanish con- struction. I expected to see some rickety chairs, and sanded floors, with ill concealed attempts at gentility. Judge of my astonishment, upon the servant throwing open the door, to be ushered into a wide handsome hall, and then shown into a draw- ing room, Parisian in all its furniture and decorations. Every- thing, the large spacious rooms, all the windows extending from the ceiling to the floor, the light graceful furniture, so adapted to the climate, it was truly charming. And Mr. and Mrs. Lamotte received us with such politeness and hospitality, so thoroughly well bred were they. I know not when I have met with such an agreeable surprise." " Did they speak of the society about Oak Lawn ?" said Louise. "Yes," replied Blanche, "and assured me that I should find it most agreeable. The gay season, they said, was over, but the young ladies and gentlemen continued to amuse themselves in pic-nic parties, yachtings upon the gulf, and occasionally in large companies upon horseback ; partaking on their return, a dejeuner a la fourchette, a most delightful repast at this season of the year." " From her description of them they must afford great amuse- ment." "Are they Americans in manners and conversation?" said Louise. " Mrs. Lamotte spoke almost entirely in French," said Blanche. "Her daughter conversed with her mother in that language; while with us, she seemed to prefer the English. Meeting them in Paris, you would hardly dream they had been out of France. Their complexion, their dark hair, their peculiarities in speech and manner, all remind you of our native home. The English of Miss Lamotte had just the accent that we find in our best edu- 22 WOMAN'S FAITH. cated Parisian ladies, who have spent some time in England to acquire that language." "Each new acquaintance formed," said Louise, "and every familiar scene assures me that we shall be fully contented with our adopted home. I do not believe in the proverb, which has come down to us from the middle ages, Nihil sine Gallis, that there is nothing outside of France, but that we shall find in the wilds of America, as some flippant foreigners affect to speak of this noble country, in character and scenery, in society and occu- pation, here, the happiness, which we seek. Father says, this is but a fair specimen of the society which you will meet in this neighborhood." " Well, if he is not mistaken," said Blanche, " nowhere will you find more polished and agreeable families. And their hospitality is unbounded. ' You are at once received with all the cordiality of old acquaintanceship. They appear as if you were bestowing a favor upon them by the visit, rather than conferring an obliga- tion upon you. Their hearts seem to partake of the warmth of their climate. Affable, polite and cordial, you are at once put upon the footing of old familiar friendship." "The fashion which obtains with them," said Louise, "is somewhat trying, of expecting the first call from the new comer. It must be most significant if the call should not be returned." " They say," replied Blanche, " that it is the more correct and agreeable, for the stranger is not forced to the interchange of civili- ties, and if entitled to attentions is sure to receive them. I shall never forget the kind, heartfelt welcome with which we weft met upon our arrival here, entire strangers ; their doors were thrown open for our reception, as if we had been relatives of the family, returning home after a long absence. I am not surprised at the wide and general reputation they enjoy for the most generous hospitality." A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 23 CHAPTER V. THE cottage to which we have made allusion will require some more particular description at our hands, as we desire our readers to become domesticated at Oak Lawn, and thereby become familiar with those, whose lives and characters are the subjects of our portraiture. For with the house and grounds, the taste exhibited, and the peculiarities displayed, we naturally form our opinions of those who inhabit them. The wicket-gate, which opens to the humblest cot, invites one most winningly, surmounted as it is by the sweet woodbine, grace- fully creeping over a little arch, which the sturdy beech had lent, and through which you look upon a well-swept walk, the care- fully tended garden, and the wee little dwelling, nestling beneath the vine and the rose. You know that, within, an industrious housewife, neatly apparel- led and with a smiling face, throws a charm around a happy domes- tic circle, while the very approach to yonder square-built house, a burning sun pouring its rays upon its defenceless porch, an ambi- tious gateway decaying, ere it was half completed, the unfinished well, telling you that no cool water from that source may slake your thirst, all assure you that a thriftless man, without counting the cost, built that habitation, and that snarling .discontent, and squalid poverty dwelt within. But we must return from this digression. In the midst of a beautiful grove of live oak and magnolia, upon a slight elevation, commanding a wide extensive view of the prairies, and in sight of a stream, which in its graceful serpentine meanderings was pour- 24 WOMAN'S FAITH. ing its waters into the Gulf of Mexico, Lefort had reared a grace- ful cottage, in which were happily combined the beauties of architecture with all the comforts of a most commodious dwelling. In the planning of the house it was evident that the exquisite taste of woman had had no inconsiderable share, for while decoration and ornament was regarded as essential, scarcely a want was unsupplied in the conveniences afforded in this lovely dwelling. Occupying, as we have said, a large space of ground, elevated some ten or twelve feet, a flight of steps led to a wide, tasteful veranda, extending entirely around the house, supported upon Grecian columns of singular beauty. Through the whole length of this spacious dwelling, a wide hall extended, furnishing a most inviting spot for a siesta duriiig the midday heat, open as it was to the breeze, and protected from the rays of the sun by embowering oaks. Blanche, as we have remarked, had the planning and fitting up of the library. This, to one who had any taste for letters or objects of vertu, was a most delightful apartment. It was an off- shoot from the main building, though strictly connected with it. A wide hall leading from the dining-room, ventilated and lighted by- a sky-light, the glass of which was exquisitely colored, and along its walls were tastefully .arrayed some beautiful works of art, statues and paintings, handmaids to the more elaborate pro- ductions of mind, to which they introduced you ; opposite the doorway was a large projecting window opening upon the lawn, shaded by a clump of orange trees, softening the light and perfum- ing the air which it admitted. Its beautiful alcoves were separ- ated from the main room by .Grecian columns, upon which, with consummate skill, some classical device was painted, emblematic of the subject discussed in the volumes there reposing. Within each was a seat of tasteful workmanship, and admirably adapted to the comfort of the occupant. In the spaces between the A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 25 alcoves .were tables covered with maps, books, of engravings, natural curiosities, gathered from almost every region. Upon the panels were painted some lovely views of scenery upon the Seine, the Tuileries and the old palace home of Lefort in Paris, while upon the ceiling were beautifully grouped in fresco, dancing nymphs floating in azure. Her father had bidden Blanche give full wing to her fancy, and fit up this bijou as she termed it, exactly to her taste without regard to expense. The furniture of the apartment was in perfect keeping with the object of it, with all the larger pieces of which there were some interesting historical recollections or romantis incident, which Lefort had been enabled to find iu Europe. Upon the book-shelves were found the finest editions of almost every work in literature, and the selection showed the mind and taste of a most classical and thorough scholar. The carpet, a dark maroon ground with bunches of flowers of most brilliant coloring, beautifully harmonizing with all the furniture and decorations, manifested the taste which presided over this most fascinating spot in the dwelling of Lefort. From the cam- panile or bell-tower, in which the highest taste of the architect was displayed, the eye took in the varied beauties of a lovely landscape, and the white sails that dotted the Gulf, from the majestic ship of the line ploughing her way through the dark waters, to the light and graceful pinnace, which danced upon the crested wave, "like a thing of life." 26 WOMAN'S FAITH. CHAPTER VI. AT a session of one of the courts of the parish, Mr. Lefort had been summoned to serve as a juror, and though he had scarcely ever, during his married life, been separated from his family, as the distance was not very great, he was rather gratified than other- wise, as a cause, which had excited great interest and considera- tion throughout the neighborhood, was to be tried, and Mr. Lefort was anxious to be present. The court having been organized, Mr. Lefort was selected as the foreman upon the jury about to try the cause of the State rs. Paul Eaton, then on trial for his life. He was a missionary sent forth in those early days, by that most useful and pious sect, the Methodists. Having literally neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in his purse, nor scrip for his journey, he was rich in faith, and bold in the cause of Him, who had instructed his disciples to fear not him, who can kill the body only. Wherever Eaton went, by the way-side and in the house, that was worthy, he taught in simplicity and in truth, the words of everlasting life. Bold and fearless in the cause of his Master, he had denounced the worship of saints, and absolution by the priests, as unwar- ranted by the Word, which he preached. He inveighed, in unsparing terms, against the immorality of men, who, by their traffic in liquid poison, destroyed bo*h soui and body for ever. Seeing that their craft was in danger, at the instigation of a A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 27 Jesuit priest, and the owner of a dram-shop, a charge was made against him, and busily circulated, that he was an abolit>jnist in disguise, that he had attempted to create an insurrection among the slaves. He was upon this charge, and upon false testimony, thrust into prison. For this he was indicted. So powerful and influential were the enemies of Eaton, and the charge one which so readily aroused popular indignation ; so poor, and so humble the accused, that bigotry and superstition felt sure of their victim. Upon being arraigned for his trial, he was asked by the judge., who was his counsel ? He replied, " With no wealth, save the riche? of infinite love ; no friends, but those, who in highways and hedges have heard the Word of life, and believed, vainly should I have sought professional assistance. My reliance is upon the word of Him, who, when He sent me forth, bade me, when called before kings and governors, fear not, for it should then be given me what to speak. I stand upon my innocence, upon the cle- mency and justice of the court, the intelligence and integrity of the jury." When Eaton sat down, William Burns, who as yet having had little opportunity for the exhibition of his abilities, arose, and announced, that with the permission of the court, and the consent of the accused, he would volunteer his services in his defence ; but as he had heard nothing of the case, had had no opportunity for consultation with his client, he would ask a postponement until the following day. It was accorded him, and an hour's conversation with poor Eaton, satisfied this noble young advocate, that he, whom he was to defend, was to be sacrificed for the gratification of a most malicious and vindictive hostility. When Burns returned to the hotel, he was at once accosted by his friends, who said to him, " Why do you put at hazard all 28 WOMANS FAITH. your future success in your profession, by taking voluntarily upon yourself, without fee or reward, the defence of this strolling preacher. The evidence is clear against him ; it was proved before the committing magistrate by several witnesses, that he had, again and again, been seen tampering with the slaves, and that Eaton had told a large assemblage of them, that if they would renounce all confidence in confessions, counting of beads, and in the signs of the cross, they should all be free. Give up, then this defence ; feign sickness or want of time ; for, rely upon it, if you persevere, your client will not only be convicted, but suspected yourself of being an abolitionist, you will lose caste in society, and the avenues to fame and fortune will be closed to you for ever." " You little know me, Norton," was the reply of Burns, " if you think I should be swerved one hair's breath from what I deem the line of duty, by any consideration addressed to my interest. I shall not prove recreant to the soil which gave me birth ; to the noble lessons which were taught me in the old Bay State from my mother's knee, to feel an abhorrence for oppres- sion. It is the boast of the profession, which I have adopted, that the innocent may look up to it with confidence, as its sure and appropriate shield. And when, from sordid and unworthy motives, I shall fail to plead the cause of the poor and the oppressed, may my right hand forget its cunning, and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth." So decided was the manner, so lofty the tone, and so correct the sentiment of the excited and intellectual advocate, that further opposition to his conduct in this matter was abandoned. They hoped by the aid of old and experienced lawyers, and by the influence brought to bear from the planting interest, and by the large array of witnesses which were summoned, they would break down all opposition, and suc- ceed in convicting the accused of a crime which would deprive him of his life. A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 29 On the following day the trial proceeded. In an opening speech made by Cartland, the district attorney, he called upon the jury to disregard all considerations but their duty to the State ; that to their care was committed the safety of the institu- tions of the South. That if from any appeals which might be made to their sympathies, or if yielding to any sectarian preju- dice, they should be led astray from their duty ; or if by the well concerted scheme of the prisoner, who had assumed the garb of a missionary, that he might the more readily gain access to the ear of the slave ; if from any or all of these considerations, they should fail in the fulfillment of the high trust committed to their charge, an amount of responsibility would lie at their door, most fearful. No one in the community would be safe. An insurrection most frightful in its consequences, would be the result. The midnight torch would wrap in flames our now happy and peaceful habita- tions ; your wives and your daughters would be at the mercy of an infuriated, relentless set of desperadoes. This, our now delightful home, with all the embellishments which wealth, and art, and nature have crowned it, will be made the abode of wretchedness and misery, which no imagination can por- tray. He alluded to the scenes in St. Domingo, the horrid butcheries attendant upon the revolt in that island, and drew a picture, which excited the intensest horror in the minds of all his auditors. He referred to the testimony by which the charge would be estab- lished, to the great number of witnesses, and especially, to the testimony of the Rev. Mr. Justiniani, a priest, at whose hands your children have received baptismal rights, whose ministra- tions at tbe graves of those you have loved, and lost, have assured you of the deep interest he feels in your welfare and hap- piness. During the delivery of this speech, so well calculated to arouse the popular frenzy, you could see the angry expressive scowl, and 30 WOMAN'S FAITH. hear the half suppressed, half muttered whisperings, and angry denunciations of a crowded court-room. No face in that vast assembly seemed so serene, no brow so imperturbed as that of Paul Eaton. Sitting by the side of his inexperienced advocate, who though confident of his client's inno- cence, felt that in the violent popular prejudice, which had been fanned into a flame, and the untiring efforts of the enemies of Eaton, he was involved in difficulties, to extricate him from which, required all the tact, learning and experience of the wisest and most eloquent of the profession. He could not but feel the greatest uneasiness, under the load of responsibility, which he had assumed, and with nervous excitement awaited the introduction of the witnesses, who were to make out the case for the government. It would be tedious to dwell upon the details of the cause, and we will allude only to a large number of witnesses, who spoke of the conduct of Eaton with the slaves, of an apparent familiarity with them, sometimes accompanying them in the field, and occa- sionally in their log huts, upon the banks of the bayou. The district attorney then brought forward the two principal witnesses, upon whose evidence he relied most confidently for a verdict in his favor. Sam Bennet, a man who had amassed considerable property in winning at games of hazard, from the young and unwary, and by the sale of intoxicating drinks at the miserable whisky shop, which bore the high sounding appellation of "The Attakapas Exchange," was called to the stand. He was devoid of all principle, cunning, shrewd, and selfish to a degree, and was ever loudest as a champion of Southern rights. With holy horror he lamented the influence of the new light, the canting hypocrisy, the ill regulated zeal of long-faced Metho- dists, who he said were making sad inroads upon the doctrines and teachings of the Catholic religion, established by Spain and A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 31 France, when in possession of this country, a religion which interfered with no man's business, under which all trades could prosper, whether the traffic was in the souls or bodies of men. The other witness, Justiniani, was a designing and artful Jesuit priest, educated to believe in the infallibility of the Catholic church, and that the end always justifies the means. Born and educated in a land where despotism reigned supreme, he would resort to any expedient for carrying out a desirable object. Bennet being asked to state what he knew in regard to the prisoner's guilt, affected great ignorance, and could at first state nothing, but what was drawn from him by a critical examination, but having effected his object to appear unprejudiced, and his desire being quickened for the conviction of Eaton, he went on of his own accord, and stated that he had seen Eaton with the slaves, and suspecting from his manner, and conduct, that he had some evil designs, he had watched him, and on a night after a meet- ing of the slaves was concluded, seeing him walking with two very intelligent servants of Mr. Lawton's, he stole up near to them, and heard him advise them to run away from their masters, and he would aid them in their escape. That they could soon reach the Mississippi river, and they would go on board a ship bound for Boston, under his protection. He further stated that but for the influence of priest Justiniani, he could easily have freed these slaves, they were so numerous, much more powerful than the whites, and they had only to make a show of resistance and the thing was done. After some other immaterial statements, he was turned over to Burns, for a cross examination, but it seemed impossible to detect him, if his story was fabricated for the occasion. He stated it with such an air of truth, so calm, and collected was his manner, so ready to answer every possible question, so patient, that after a 32 WOMAN'S FAITH. most rigid and scrutinizing examination, he was directed to leave the witness box. Mr. Justiniani was then called, and the substance of his testi mony was that an old and highly intelligent slave, who had long been a member of that church, had, at the confessional, stated that Eaton had urged upon him, arid other slaves, to leave the service of their masters, and moreover told them, that inasmuch as it was a sin in their masters, to hold them in bondage, they had a perfect right to resort to the most violent means, even unto death itself, to break this yoke, and told them that so far as he could aid them, he would cheerfully do so, at all hazards ; that by the rule of the church, he was not permitted to give the name of any one, who confessed a fact, that might in any way implicate him. Being asked by Mr. Burns how long he had known the prisoner, he said that he had no acquaintance with him, that knowing him to be a wicked and dangerous man, he had avoided his society. Being asked if he felt no hostility to Eaton, he replied in the negative, and in answer to whether he had heard the denunciations of Eaton upon the Catholic church, and was therefore not preju- diced against him, replied, that he felt for him, no other emotion than pity ; that like all heretics he regarded him as an enemy to the church, and therefore dangerous to society. The district attorney announced to the court, that the case on the part of the State was closed. Burns then called as witnesses for Eaton, a few highly respectable planters, to prove that for the short time they had known him, he had maintained a most irreproachable charac- ter; that at their own suggestion he had preached to their slaves, and always inculcated the doctrine, that slaves should be obedient to their masters ; that they had found them remarkably docile, affectionate, and trustworthy, since they had been instructed by Eaton ; that sometimes they thought him imprudent, when speak- ing upon the subject of Catholicism, and the sale of ardent spirits, A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 33 he denounced the pretensions of the priest, in the forgiveness of sins, and the dealer in what he termed liquid poison, as the destroyer of the happiness and peace of society. But as far a? the sincerity and honesty of the accused was concerned, thej never had, and did not now entertain a doubt in regard to it. By permission of the court, Burns read some letters frorc planters in South Carolina, recommending Eaton, as a pious and worthy missionary. The case was now closed for the prisoner, and the district attorney, after reading the statute defining the offence of at attempt to create an insurrection among the slaves, remarked, thai the case was so fully made out, on the part of the prosecution that he would waive any further observations in the opening, and would reserve his comments upon the testimony, until his reply to the defence, which might be attempted on the part of the prisoner Having taken his seat, Burns arose and remarked to the court and jury, that he appeared before them for a defenceless stranger, on trial for his life, with no other reward, than that of a con- sciousness of duty performed, and that however without these walls, public clamor might lift its angry voice, and popular pre- judice impatiently await its victim, that before this jury, intelli- gent and impartial, sworn to try the cause solely upon the law, and the evidence, starting in their investigations with the pre- sumption that the accused was innocent, no other consideration would influence their minds, but the testimony and the law, applicable to the cause. The eloquent appeal made by the counsel for the State to us, who are experienced in the trial of criminal causes, was somewhat unaffecting, inasmuch as we have listened again and again to his warning voice, bidding jurors beware of the necessity of maintaining the dignity of the law, and the great danger to society, if crime should go unw hipped of j ustice. But if their sympathies were to be aroused, if outside the evidence, 2* 34 WOMAN'SFAITH. the facts and circumstances of this cause, any influence was to be brought to bear upon it, the condition of the prisoner at the bar, unaided by the influence of wealth, or of powerful friends, a stranger, the power of the State arrayed against him, backed by the most unrelenting hostility, appealed most touchingly to every ingenuous heart. Notwithstanding all this, he sits before you calm and meek, his only consolation, a conscious innocence, and that if he fell beneath the pressure, which seemed so imminent, and crushing, he said it was for righteousness sake, and that his was the kingdom of heaven. With such fearful odds to contend against, such a penalty, which he might be called to suffer, in the hearts of the jury, he would find a voice, quick and powerful, to effect his deliverance. Upon the evidence of the witnesses, just introduced, so general and so vague, Burns remarked, that he would not for a moment dwell, but would .come at once to the testimony of Bennet, and Justiniani, upon which, the learned district attorney triumphant- ly asks for a verdict of condemnation. The life of my client, and what to him is dearer than life, is involved in this cause, and I shall, without fear or stint, attack those witnesses, and before I shall take my seat, I will satisfy you that their bitter hostility, their interest, all their passions, have rendered them unworthy of credit, and the story they have told, is a most wicked fabrication. Burns dwelt on the character of his client, the evidence of the planters, their still unabated confidence in him, the letters which the indulgence of the court had permitted to be read, his vocation, his obedience to the command to go out into the highways and hedges, and invite the poor to the feast. He then dwelt upon the improbability of this story, the futility of the attempt, on the part of Eaton, the madness and folly of the pretended scheme, and the fact, that the same story was told by these two men, influenced by similar passions, hatred and revenge, A TALE OF 80UTHBBN LIFE. 35 paying money to counsel to aid the State, for the conviction of this poor defenceless stranger. Then fixing his keen eyes upon the blanched countenance of Bennet, and the excited, yet wary face of Justiniani, he exclaimed, " Here, here is the evidence, stronger than a thousand witnesses, more potent than all the testimony, to convince you of the inno- cence of the accused. " Here in their own handwriting, in this paper, which I hold in my hand, is evidence, 'confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ,' that Eaton is the victim of the foulest conspiracy." Here the whole frame of Bennet trembled like an aspen, and the dark swarthy face of Justiniani assumed an ashy paleness, for they had seen the paper, which Burns, with such triumph, his whole chest dilating with excitement, arid his eye burning with fiery indigna- tion, was then exhibiting. The writing which Burns held in his hand, and which was telling, with such terrible effect upon the principal witnesses, he all the while supposed was the paper for the employment of Lawson, signed by Bennet and Justiniani, and by it he expected to convince the jury of the deep interest these men felt in the result of the cause, and the improper step they adopted, for the conviction of Eaton. He had treated the paper he now held in his hand as an envelope of the agreement, and therefore entirely overlooked it, which by mistake had been handed to him by Bennet in his excitement as a witness. The alarm and terror of Bennet and Justiniani in this denoue- ment, scarcely equalled the surprise and gratification of the advo- cate, as he read to the astonished court and jury the following note written and signed as below. "Ma. BENNET I trust you will be fully prepared for your examination, as a witness to-morrow in the case of the State, against Eaton. All the money we hare expended and pains taken to procure his conviction, will prove unavailing, unless our testimony is fully credited. Be calm and collected, patient under cross examination and tell your story just in the 36 WOMANS FAITH. words we have prepared it, and appear, as far as possible, to be entirely disinterested. My testimony will be the same as yours with slight varia- tions ; my position and profession will give such weight to our testi- mony, that the conviction and punishment of our mutual enemy will be sore. Our interests are one, and we must stand or fall upon the result of this cause. In haste, your friend, JDSTIXIAJJI." i The excitement produced by reading this note, could with dif- ficulty be restrained, for now the tables were turned, and poor Eaton, against whom the popular feeling had been aroused to such a pitch of excitement, at once became the object of deepest interest and favor. When order had been restored, Burns, in a calm, and solemn manner, continued. " How little did I dream, gentlemen, when charging upon these two witnesses, the authorship of a most foul and wicked con- spiracy, that Providence had placed in my hand, this clear con- firmation of the position that I had taken. " ' There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough hew them how we will.' " I need detain you no longer, for I read in the expression of the face, in the deep indignation which all may see, is swelling the breast of him, who has presided over your deliberations, in the uncontrollable utterance of that still, small voice, which speaks to us from this large and respectable auditory, the result of this cause. " I hear pronounced as by acclamation, the innocence of my client." He had scarcely finished his address, and taken his seat, when the judge ordered the sheriff to take into custody, Bennet and Justiniani, but they had taken advantage of the excitement of the moment, and had made good their escape. The A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 37 district attorney declined to further prosecute the cause, the jury without leaving their seats, pronounced a unanimous verdict of acquittal. Paul Eaton, retired from the scene of this frightful ordeal, only the more intent upon the work of his master and to the congratulations of those around him, replied, " The Lord is my rock, and. my fortress, and my deliverer. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me : for they were too strong for me." 38 WOMAN'S FAITH CHAPTER VII. THE return of Mr. Lefort, so anxiously awaited, by that now happy circle, imparted a joy and gladness all the more rapturous, as until now, he had never been separated from his beloved family, but during the passing of a few short hours. The pangs of separation, for weeks and months, from those, for whom, and in whom he lived, whose society was the solace and charm of his life, he had never felt. All his dreams of ambition, the passionate fondness with which, in earlier life, he had mingled in the fascina- ting and yet dangerous society of Paris, all were centered in the sweet and calm delights of his prairie home, and with a feeling of exultation, concealed it is true, did he now introduce to that charmed circle, to his wife, so lady-like and captivating in her manners, and to his daughters, the pride of his heart, the gifted and handsome young advocate, whose abilities and manners, and lofty tone and bearing, had so won upon his esteem and regard. Supper being over, as is the custom in this most soft, balmy and delightful climate, all retired to seats upon the lawn, where Lefort, with his highly flavored cigar, usually passed an hour after the evening meal, in unreserved and delightful intercourse with his family. It was the month of May, the heat of the midday sun, dissipated by the refreshing breeze, which at every sun-setting floats over these extended prairies from the gulf, gave place to a most deli- cious and invigorating, softly tempered atmosphere. The moon rising full orbed from her ocean bed, was com- A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 39 mencing her stately march across the blue expanse, lighting up with soft and mellow radiance, a landscape, which nature with lavish hand, had adorned with wild and witching magnificence, and as if to laugh to scorn the artistic skill of man, had decked with flower and blossom, the sweetest and the loveliest, and making the whole scene living and .vocal with the song of the mocking bird, which borne upon the stillness and hush of evening, seemed but an echo of the songs of the angels ; and whose sweet silvery notes, ever varying, ever new, full of melody, cheered the long hours of night, and only ceased, when the song of the morn- ing awaked from sweet repose the children of the prairie. " I fear, Mr. Burns," said Louise, " that father has drawn too largely, upon your patience, in supposing that you would willingly give up, even tfor a few days, the excitement of business, the plea- sures and gaieties of town life, for our quiet and rural retreat, but he is so in love with Oak Lawn himself, that he fancies, that it must appear an Eden to all who visit it." " I have but one objection in accepting your father's kind and generous hospitality, Miss Lefort, which is, that my office and my room at the hotel, will be so irksome to me after enjoying, as I know I shall, to my heart's content, the pleasures of this most delightful retreat. And if all my poetical sentiments were not quite lost in pouring over dry and musty law books, I should say, that for more reasons than one, your father has rightly regarded his home as an Eden, inasmuch as no voice has driven from this beautiful garden its chief ornament." " You are quite flattering, Mr. Burns ; you may find our home so dull, so wanting in the excitement of your busy life, that you will welcome the hour that brings your visit to a close. My father will be delighted with your admiration of our home, for I really think, were he to-day to hear that he was restored to his honors, to the estates, which were unjustly wrested from him, he would hesitate long before he would exchange his new home, for 40 WOMAN'S FAITH. all the allurements, that wealth and fashion, and high position might offer for his acceptance." " You are from New England ; do tell us of that famed spot of which we have heard so much, and but for its cold wintry blasts, would seem so attractive as a home," said Louise. " May there not be warm hearts, which the frost and the ice cannot reach, Miss Lefort ? " In the communion with such, in the society of the pure, the intellectual, the cultivated, with all that art and genius can furnish for the comfort and embellishment of life, think you, that the wintry blast, which bears on its wings the fleecy snows of Decem- ber, can chill the enjoyments, which in such society and in such homes fill up the fleeting hours of human existence ?" " I know Mr. Burns, that your poetical imagination can paint in rosy hues, life, in any clime or country. But.it seems to me, the very picture you have drawn of the enjoyment, the delights, which cluster around a home, that affluence has made so attrac- tive, reminds us of the reverse of your charming picture, a home where penury and want exhibit the children of misfortune and sorrow, and that from that habitation, no care can shut out the chilling blasts, or light up, upon its hearth-stone, a cheering blaze, for the comfort and happiness of the members of such a house- hold." " Oh, father !" exclaimed Blanche, as she saw him approaching, " I am so glad you have come to break up the sharp encounter of words, for I am sure their hearts are not in their conversation, between Louise and Mr. Burns, for they will either make our home, now so joyous, unhappy from comparison, or throw so many shadows, deep and dark, around life and its enjoyments, that I shall hardly dare taste of the bliss of the present, for fear that the future will dash the cup, ere it reaches my lips, or mingle with its sweets some poisonous ingredient." " I plead guilty, Mr. Lefort, to the soft impeachment of Miss A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 4:1 Blanche ; I am so new to the charms of social intercourse, so in the habit of delivering my opinions, and arguing all questions, that I quite forgot the conventionalities of society, but I shall throw myself for this, my first offence, upon the clemency of my fair accuser, and, if I am not mistaken, I read in her sweet smile, that mercy has tempered the sentence, and that I am forgiven." " Be not too sure, Mr. Burns," Blanche archly replied, " that you will retire so easily from this charge, nor trust too much to the inexperience of your judge, for the only one of our sex, that I now recollect, who ever assumed the ermine, at her first trial called forth the expression of one of the contestants : ' O, wise and upright judge ;' and gracious though she was, and full of the milk of human kindness, the sequel proved that the most unbending, unyielding justice, was the attribute, which so distinguished her. " Fear you not then to trust yourself in such a court, and will you not rather decline its jurisdiction and say, as man once said, the woman gave me the apple (of discord), and upon Louise, who here is all powerful, place the blame of this controversy ?" " A truce to your wild badinage, my dear daughter ; Mr. Burns will wish himself back to his books and his clients, if he is thus maltreated, upon his first introduction." ," Say rather, my dear sir, that I could wish my books and office here, that from such lips, distilling such eloquence, I might acquire a manner and a grace, which should be invincible, before all courts and juries." In unrestrained and general conversation the hours flew swiftly away, and so hearty seemed the welcome extended to their young guest, so free from all restraint, such a desire that he should be haj>py, that ere the hour for retirement had come, he felt quite domesticated in the family of Mr. Lefort. He was at last shown to his room, by a domestic, and he retired to think and dream of a family, who had already taken full posses- sion of his esteem and regard. WOMANS FAITH. After he had left, Lefort related in glowing terms, the manner in which Burns had defended Paul Eaton, the strong popular feeling which was excited against him ; many sneeringly remarked, that being a northern man, with strong prejudices against the South and against slavery, of course he would defend an abolition- ist, and that upon the conviction of Eaton, it might be well to advise his counsel that a planting neighborhood was illy suited to one, who entertained such opinions, as he held. And that when the district attorney had made his opening speech, which pro- duced a strong effect, not only upon the court and jury, but upon a crowded court-house, he felt the greatest solicitude for young Burns, standing alone, opposed by able counsel and with an array of popular indignation, scarcely restrained. And then " the evidence seemed so clear, so conclusive, so uncontradicted, that had I stood in Burns' place, I fear I should have retired inglo- riously from the field. But when the evidence was closed, and he rose to reply, his noble bearing, his manly straight-forward expres- sions, the honesty of purpose, standing out so prominently, his clear silver voice, ringing like a trumpet, his face glowing with intelligence, he spoke of the situation of his client, a stranger in a strange land, abandoning home, with all its endearments, willing to suffer persecution that he might preach the gospel to the poor and the degraded, and that now it seemed, he would wear the martyr's crown, his audience were melted, and the fiercest and most obdurate of the enemies of Eaton, began to think they had judged him too harshly. When he came to the testimony of the two principal witnesses, his eye burning with indignation, he fixed a withering glance upon them, and drew a picture of a plot, so true to nature, so malignant, and so apparently accordant with the evidence, that the conscience of Bennet must have told him of its correctness, for he writhed in his seat, and his face seemed as bloodless as a statue, and when he read a letter, handed him by accident, written by Justiniani to Bennet, a complete confirma- ATALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 43 tion of the scheme, as he had imagined it, he raised his large expressive eyes, from which all passion had subsided, and in tones of voice tremulous with emotion, ascribed to that Providence, which watched over the falling of a sparrow, the rescue of his client from an ignominious death. It was to my mind one of the clearest exhibitions of forensic eloquence, that I have ever wit- nessed, and it so wrought upon the mind and heart of the judge, ',hat he thanked him from the bench, for having, by his manly and honorable conduct, saved them all from what might have been a most terrible and fatal mistake. " The trial has secured for Burns a most enviable position and a weight of character, which men, who have grown grey in the profession, might well envy." Louise and Blanche had become so much interested, in the incidents of this trial, that they regretted that the clock had warned them of the hour for retirement. " He is a fascinating man, is he not, Louise ? and so handsome too, how I wish he lived near us, that we might enjoy his society." " Why you have hardly seen him, dear Blanche, how do you know, but when annoyed by the cares of business, he may be morose and gloomy, and discontented with his adopted home, and will associate with it, those whom he finds about it, and regard them as he does that residence, with feelings akin to aversion. I do not approve of likes and dislikes at first sight, and though 1 agree with you, that his face and manners are nearly faultless, I would like to know more of him, before I make up my mind, that he is all that your imagination would paint him." And thus did these young charming ladies scan the character of their guest, till wrapped in sleep, scenes and persons faded from all remembrance. Day after day was the visit of Burns prolonged. In the morn- ing he found new excuses, to break the resolution, he had formed at night, for taking his departure. Some new scenes were to be 44 WOMAN'S FAITH. explored, some neighbors to be visited, and he was so politely and winningly invited, that resistance was quite vain. A week had thus flown swiftly away, and now, all farewells having been spoken, and assurances that nothing would afford him so much pleasure, as a renewal of his visit, he set off with a some- what heavy heart from Oak Lawn, for his home, his books, and the duties of his profession. A TALE OF SOUTHEKN LIFE. 45 CHAPTER VIII. SOON after the establishment of Lefort in his new home in Louisiana, Frank and Charles Grafton purchased and took posses- sion of a plantation at Cote Blanche, an island upon the Gulf of Mexico, in distance, about a day's journey from Oak Lawn. As these parties will figure somewhat largely in the story we are relating, we shall devote a few pages in delineating* their charac- ters. Descended from an ancient and highly respectable stock in Virginia, Frank and Charles were left, while children, with an ample patrimony to the care of a distant relative. Frank was a handsome, manly toy, and although but nine years of age, was remarkable for his intelligence, his bold and fearless demeanor. His keen, dark eye, while it revealed by its flashes the great superiority of his intellect, at the same time manifested, even to the most casual observer, the fiery passions which were glowing in his bosom. He was even now a most fascinating boy, and under the culture, required by such a nature, no one could but perceive that he must ever take a prominent position among his fellows. The lineaments of the handsome face, the qualities of mind and heart which were presented by his brother Charles, but two years his junior, were strikingly dissimilar. The sweetness of his open, smiling face appealed most touchingly even to a stranger, and while it told of the fountain of goodness that was springing at his heart, assured you, also, that he was gifted with no ordi- nary intellectual capacity. Differently moulded, each of them 4r6 WOMAN FAITH. possessed those rare character] 'lkfgfe>blu4 eyes^ her.' fade -' yi!>m ;Hadi(fefeefl;'feparedJtlw very 'dregfe.' in- ithe.-honr of liftppiiH-.^ J Iclen h;id < lesoribftl dwijlat ion. -, Her dhiiing Ida, -thdi idol.' pf. her soul, siuklehly Attack;, febat levey Mope iflad 'from lr,0 jji yliinuw , 1 1 Inv ol v wl in I th at fri jf htf ul struggle w^re oil tlie i bright h opes, wbichiiiad' salatdlyigiililed'the hobiaoa of the LoaufifiiL and: gifted i sucoassful, Aeu;iw(ftttWL;tfee .k>t>g -night; loved and- lost incineaTenu.; lHo.Wi.taih' tfttattempt a ore irpon its most chca-islied' objeet^ -vvx)uki fain do something to- \iDd,^(ff thi feialiatTO)w,f> . Bwt'iit&Junerritig: flight no mortal powor A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 63 could arrest. In the morning, little Ida was the picture of health, at evening's clo3e, she was reposing in the sleep of death. " How true to nature the picture of the psalmist," said Blanche. " In the morning it flourisheth and groweth up, in the evening it is cut down and withereth." But this sweet flower, dear Helen, shall bloom again in pristine beauty in those pure, bright climes, where sorrow and suffering are unknown. "And now," said Helen, " my only desire is that soon again I may see my Ida, who, with my sainted father and mother, will bid me welcome to their heavenly home." ..nob ,nbnbl Jiol ,// sd bit A pnil'iKb 'i/9ib baatuu baa .J Jilghd ai'ifo nsrfV/ ,iiKsd -led ., t hoD 'to tJ8(J:aru;'J -;iij ni /giiuxl Ibw 10 d b-uu/'g bluow ad v/ rriynbfiiil ftiill HA .d^'isJni i?oi 'T 'to i'usq siij no Jyubooo hi'iyJe'ip jsoru -(d bnf, jsJgem isrl to ifaiv^ p&vo oJfiqbiJns ei.d { noHij9T e Juodjiv/ ,v/oir bne ; J-jo'imoa aid eJomo-iq o* .boTjiijuIo Bmxn3 biBv/oJ ^ahasd bofe j;>ub O O -ti'jq 01 ^-jjic] -jod no gjqrriotJK lie, { gasnbloo ^:;i djiv/ J^saluq'n ail L'jitilns srl lavsadxiw ,nioo'i sdi rnoit -iori gnhobio ,iovc't aid a bcu ,>jium3[ 'lo Jil'gra { I f' lY sttJ lo baiii aew ad icdj nalsll giiiilaj 4 ji txw Ji jRflJ briB ,.tiurno yifj 10! '(Jiljshifiq led loi i Liui bsJnslnooeib oisifj goi'isbne-i ,g9vfila sdi Ik ^d dy'i bas Jnsibsdosib boe -^lobui ,4GinnKrl to Jieq eilJ no ioalgsn gaifii-ii amoa to'? 64 WOMAN'S FAITH. CHAPTER XIII. THE singular and strange waywardness of Frank Grafton was now strikingly manifested in his conduct towards Emma. At times he was most lavish in his -kindness. The presents he made her, and the thousand nameless acts of generosity with which he soothed her while suffering during a raging fever, all denoted that he regarded her with sentiments of the most heart- felt kindness. And he would speak of her devotion to Helen, of her unwearied, affectionate and faithful conduct, as she watched over, and nursed their darling Ida, of the deep grief which agonized her heart, when this bright blossom was transplanted from earth, to mature in the Paradise of God, that you could not but suppose that he would guard her well being, with all the care of the tenderest interest. All this kindness was reciprocated by the most grateful conduct on the part of Emma. She studied to anticipate every wish of her master, and by most assiduous care to promote his comfort ; and now, without a reason, his whole con- duct and bearing toward Emma changed. He repulsed, with icy coldness, all attempts on her part, to pro- pitiate his favor, ordering her from the room, whenever he entered it, telling Helen that he was tired of the very sight of Emma, and reproaching her for her partiality for the servant, and that it was known and felt by all the slaves, rendering them discontented and disobedient. For some trifling neglect on the part of Emma, rudely and A. TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 65 violently be seized her, thrust her from the house, and compelled her to work during the day on the plantation, taunting her with her lady manners, her gay finery, and with cruel bitterness alluded to her color, as if she was the offspring of disgrace. All this Emma bore uncomplainingly, thinking that by more constant endeavor to please him, by not thwarting him in his con- duct, and from the love he seemed to bear her mistress, his cruel persecutions would cease. Helen's intercessions, so far from effecting a favorable change in the conduct of her husband, seemed but to aggravate his outra- geous and causeless cruelty. Be came home in the afternoon, bringing with him a grim, hard-featured, disgusting looking man, ordering Emma to present herself, and submitted her to the inspec- tion of this heartless trader, asking him what he would pay for her. With gloating eyes he surveyed the fair proportions of the faithful, modest Emma ; and as he carelessly attempted to put his arm around her waist, she cast upon him a look of the most withering scorn and contempt, bidding him touch her at his peril. " Ah, my beauty," said Craven, " you are just the girl for the New Orleans market. These lofty airs have raised you a cool five hundred in value, for I know a fellow in Mississippi, once an overseer, who now counts his slaves by hundreds, who would con- sider you a jewel of a creature, and would take you, let the price be ever so exorbitant. I will take her, Squire Grafton, at $1500 ; she is good for nothing, except as a fancy piece, but dainty chaps will pay for these expensive luxuries." Emma rushed from the room, and sought her mistress that she might save her from the cruel fate which was impending over her. She found her at the grave of Ida, which she had been decorating with the wild rose and cedar. " Save me, O, save me, mistress. What have I done to provoke such unheard of cruelty as master now threatens me with ? 66 WOMAN'S FAITH. " He has. sold me to a wretch, a negro trader, of New Orleans, who buys me for some disgusting, brutish creature in Mississippi. I had rather die a thousand deaths, than to submit for a moment to the vile and hateful liberties of such devils in human shapo ; and the bare idea of being separated from you, rends my heart with bitterest anguish." " Fear not, Emma. Mr. Grafton cannot be serious ; he knows that you are mine, and that nothing would induce me to part with you. From my earliest infancy, you have been my kind and faithful attendant, and before my marriage, arrangements were made, that at my death, you were to be free, and entirely, solely mine, during my life." Helen hurried to the apartment, where sat her husband and Craven. The expression upon the face of the latter revealed at once the degraded and degrading occupation, by which he fitted himself for the abode of those dark evil spirits of Milton's Pandemonium, " Who roving on, In confused march, this adventurous band, With shuddering horror, pale, and eyes aghast, Viewed first their lamentable lot, and found No rest." He rose, and was about to address Helen, when waving him back, with the most indignant scorn, she spoke to her husband as if no one were present. "How can you, Mr. Grafton, find it in your heart, thus to dis- tress so good, and so true a girl as Emma ? Surely her conduct, ever the most respectful, her efforts incessant, to meet even your unexpressed wishes, entitles her to your kindest consideration; and, O, how great has been her devotion, her affectionate, sleep- less anxiety and care, her unwearied toil, her kind, affectionate sympathy, when she sought to cheer your despondency, in that hour when our loved Ida sickened, and ' the silver cord was loosed, A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 67 the golden bowl was broken.' Then, husband, in that hour of deepest, darkest sorrow, you appreciated the goodness and tender- ness of Emma. You are not, you cannot be serious when you speak of selling to any one, much more to a wicked, heartless trader, one, who has been reared with the greatest care and tenderness." Grafton sat as if transfixed by the touching and eloquent appeal of Helen. His capricious disposition now suffered torture from the course he had taken. Craven, fearful of the effect of this scene, and apprehensive lest he might loose the advantage of his bargain, rose, and taking from his hat the bill of sale, which Grafton had given him, declared that he had paid fifteen hundred dollars for this girl; that here was his title, and that it took two to make a trade, and as many to unmake it, when once consummated. " Wretch !" said Helen, " how dare you pollute this house by your presence ? Those horrid slave-pens, which have witnessed your wicked cruelties, and which will testify against you at a higher than a human tribunal, are the only fit abodes for creatures of your calling." Grafton interposed, and besought Craven to give up the trade, to receive back the money he had paid for Emma, that indeed the title was invalid, as by his marriage contract Emma was expressly reserved as the individual property of his wife, and free from any interference on his part. But the artful, cunning slave-trader was not thus to be foiled. He said he would risk his title, that the warranty of Grafton was sufficient, and that in Mississippi they cared little for these ques tions, a3 there was no difficulty in concealing from all judicial pursuit, a slave that was highly desirable. That she could be kept as long as she was valuable, and when tired of the trade, the owner would throw her back upon the hands of the seller, on account of the invalidity of the sale by which she was transferred 68 WOMAN'S FAITH. to him. He would now take his leave, and in the morning would call for the girl that was fairly his by purchase. At the departure of this Spirit of evil, Helen seemed almost stupefied with the blow which had fallen with deadly weight upon her heart. She could not believe the evidence of her senses. She was almost frenzied by this uncalled-for, unnecessary act of horrid bar- barity. Her husband was alarmed by the highly excited, and almost distracted manner of Helen. He said his only resource was to follow Craven to New Orleans, and at once, in her name, institute legal proceedings to annul the sale, he had so inconsider- ately, so thoughtlessly made, of Emma. " Oh, Grafton, I cannot bear that Emma should, for an instant, be in the custody of that wicked, heartless creature. He will con- trive some plan to circumvent us. Money will be used, and no pains spared to gratify his malice. Emma poor Emma, who has ever been treated with the utmost care and tenderness whose feelings would revolt as soon as my own, at contact with that loathsome lump of wickedness she will be at his mercy. Better, better far had she died in that delirious fever, from which she has so recently been rescued, than to have seen the light of this day of desolation, and living death. Oh, Emma, dear Emma, to what terrible fate have I exposed you, in bringing you from our peaceful home in Virginia, to this abode of wretchedness, of deep and dark despair !" A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 69 CHAPTER XIV. UNFOLD we the dark web, that fate had woven for the sorrow- ing, yet sinless. Oil, how little is known of the heart of the faithful slave ! How incorrect the general idea in regard to their intelligence. Books have not taught them, but this very want has awakened curiosity, and vmtied and enkindled it ; given such new force and power to observation, and so quickened the imitative power of these down- trodden children, that one is often surprised by the simple, touch- ing and beautiful expressions of mind and heart, even of those on whose necks are hanging the chains of slavery. God has gilded these chains, which man has made of iron, in vouchsafing docile, cheerful dispositions, warm and affectionate natures, hopeful, happy, and contented hearts, amidst privations and sorrows, whispered only in the ear of Infinite Love ! Weep not, Emma, sigh not for the freedom of the bird which chirps upon your window-sill ; your true heart is free from tha slavery of sin ! The swift wing of time shall soon bear your free, untrammeled, spirit to those bright realms where oppression is unknown ! Emma in her anxiety to know her fate had, unperceived, follow- ed the flying footsteps of her mistress, and through a half opened door had heard the conversation, which we have related in the foregoing chapter. Hope died within her. She could see no deliverance from the terrible fate, which awaited her. To be separated from her mistress, whom she loved most fondly, 70 WOMAN'S FAITH. and to submit to cruelties on the part of Craven, which imagina- tion could scarely conceive, was an excess of torture, sufficient to unsettle the strongest intellect. u For me there is no refuge, no escape, but in death," said Emma to herself. " And why should I fear its cold embrace. My own anxiety, when, a few weeks since, fever was burning up my very life blood, and the portals of the grave were opening before me, was, that I should leave alone, and wretched, my mistress. The waves of the gulf are not more destitute of pity, than the hearts of men, and its deepest abysses not so frightful, as the habitations of cruelty ! God will pardon me, in thus escaping from the horrid fate, for which Craven, the slave-trader, has reserved me." She wrote a note to her mistress, full of love, thanking her for the kind and generous treatment, she had ever received at her hands, forgiving Mr. Grafton for the act, which had left for her, this only refuge, and asking him, as a last favor, that she might be buried by the side of the beautiful Ida, whose eyes, a few weeks since, she had closed for ever. All the little mementoes of kindness she had received, she carefully packed away, and a beautiful ringlet of the hair of Ida, that JJelen had given her as a keep-sake, was tastefully sealed up, with moss-rose, and cypress, while the snowy paper revealed the interest of Emma, as tears had left their traces upon the highly prized treasure. Helen was surprised at the calm, un- ruffled manner of Emma, she appeared so remarkably tender and docile, and with as little unconcern, as if about to undertake a jour- ney. Calmly, quietly, did she wait upon her mistress, and with the greatest care, attended to all her wants as she retired. Once or twice she came back to the chamber of Helen, apparently to perform some neglected duty, while her heart was throbbing with inten- sest emotion, as she looked upon the face of her earliest and most dearly loved friend. It was morning. The delicious breeze from the Gulf was awaking from sweet repose, the wearied, but now refreshed sleep- A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 71 ers of this beautiful clime. Nature was wearing her freshest, sweet- est attire, while music, from the winged songsters of the grove, joined the voices of the sea, as if hymning the praises of the world's great Architect. How striking the contrast, between the smiles of all this vernal beauty, and the anguished hearts, and perturbed passions of those, for whose use and happiness all these lovely scenes were created ! Helen had risen early, with the intention of buying off the heartless Craven, from his purchase. She had de- termined at any price and sacrifice, to retrieve the fatal, unac- countable error of her husband. She rang for Emma, but no ans- wer was made to the oft reiterated summons. Hastily she entered the apartment, which adjoined her own, and wiJi surprise saw that her nice bed had been undisturbed. At first, she feared that Craven had availed himself of the m'ght, and by stratagem obtained possession of this coveted object, but in looking from the window she saw his hateful form, seated in his o ' handsome carriage, approaching their dwelling. It then occurred to her that Emma might have left in the night, with a trusted ser- vant, and gone to Lefort's, where she was ever most welcome. The thought delighted her, for she hoped by gaining time, and throwing obstacles in the way of Craven, he might be more wil- ling to accede to her wishes. When Craven learned her absence, he assumed some insolent airs, and charged Grafton with conni- ving at the escape of Emma, that he might have an excuse for not delivering the slave. " How dare you, sir ?" said Grafton, his eye flashing fire, and anger swelling his veins like a whip-lash, " how dare you utter an insult in my presence ? Instantly remove your hated person from my plantation, or my slaves shall tie you to yonder oak, and beat you like a hound, till your howls shall remind you of the slave- pens of New Orleans. The slave you purchased is not absent, with my knowledge or by my procurement. I shall not trouble myself 72 WOMAN'S FAITH. to reclaim her, and most heartily do I hope she is beyond the pur- suit of any claimant. Here is your hated gold, the price of all comfort and joy in this household, take it, and name any addi- tional amount which will satisfy you, to give back the contract of sale, and it shall be yours." " I intended no insult, Mr. Grafton, but I shall leave as required. You will permit me to decline to receive back the money I have paid ; it is yours, and Emma is mine. My remedy shall be a peaceful one, and I have no fear as to the result." While this conversation was going on, Helen had examined the room of Emma, and found there the note which she had written. It revealed, too fatally, the sad event, upon which was to^hinge the fate of the family of Grafton. Helen threw herself instinctively upon her knees by the side of the couch, where she had found that last touching remembrance, which faithful love, and despair, that sees no light or hope, had been so lately busied in creating, and with eyes suffused with burning tears, uplifted, as if invoking relief from thoughts which agonized her whole being, mentally exclaiming, " this must not, cannot be! " 0, the guilt, the horror ! What expiation can atone for this cruel, this wanton torture ? " What in the eye of Heaven in the ear of infinite justice, must be the report? and how much has my own conduct had to do with this proceeding? Emma, Emma, is there not a drop of thy blood upon my own garments? " Saviour, lay not this sin to my charge !" From the window overlooking the Gulf, Helen saw her husband with a large number of slaves, bearing back the lifeless corse of poor Emma, which the relenting waves of the sea had that morn- ing borne back to the shore. Her heart for a moment, seemed to stand still. Pale as A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 73 marble, uttering no word of sorrow or reproach, her full large eye of blue, unmoistened by a tear, she saw them deposit the last remains of her trusted, devoted Emma upon the couch, where in life it had quietly and peacefully rested. Leave we here, the living with the dead ! 74 WOMAN'S FAITH. CHAPTER XV " FOOL, that I was, to have suffered that cringing despicable slave-trader to have fairly out-witted me," said Grafton to himself. " Had I driven him as I ought from my door, and forced, him to take back his hated gold, the worst that could have happened, would have been a law-suit, and yet, who could have contemplated such a catastrophe. I always associated trouble, in some shape, with Emma. She has been my evil genius. I attributed to her the rejection by Helen, of my first proposals, and secretly did I vow that she should some day deeply regret it. Oh, how has fate forced me to the fulfillment of the promise. I ought never to have married Helen. Pride, more than affection, stirred up within me the resolution that she should be mine, and to what arts did I resort! "Affecting a feeling and tenderness, which could never have place in my icy nature, and putting on, like a gala-day garment, to be laid aside with the occasion, virtues which would win her pure and gentle heart. And yet I loved her, was proud of her accomplishments, her beauty, her faultless manners, and had she possessed a loftier and bolder spirit, it might have been better for both of us. Too harshly have I dealt with one of her disposition. By sometimes sneering at her ideas of duty and religion, and ridiculing all expressions of high sentiment, I think she thought I had deceived her, and confidence once shaken, scarcely ever is restored. When I have been indulging in those fits of abstraction so common to me, I have seen her large blue eyes, overrunning A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 75 with tears, fastened with a melancholy gaze upon me, and, instead of obeying the first and best impulses of my heart, have rushed rudely past her, with a look of mingled pity and disgust. And the severity with which, without reason or cause, I treated Emma, when I knew I inflicted a more cruel punishment upon my wife, than upon her slave, is to me now unaccountable. " Away, with these self-reproaches. Am I a sickly sentimental woman ? Why degrade my lion-like nature to that of the whin- ing jackal ?" " I will drive hence the grief which has marred our beautiful home. I will wear a face serene and pure, as that, which the arch deceiver assumed when he whispered to the ear of Eve, and make Helen think this evil can only be repaired by a life of devotion to the slaves upon our plantation." Frank Grafton was interrupted in these reflections, which he was uttering to himself as he rode over his fields, by the approach of his brother, who had been vainly urging Helen to visit Virginia. " Well, Charles, what success have you had, in your attempt to heal the nervous disorder which so violently assails poor Helen ? I have a great mind to insist upon her leaving C6te Blanche, and in new scenes she would soon forget the occurrences, too light to disturb a mind of any fortitude." " Think not, Frank, of employing severe or harsh measures with your wife. They have already driven her to the very verge of the grave," said Charles. " What can I do ? This moping melancholy," said Frank, " not only embitters my own life, but must, if indulged in, result in con- firmed insanity. Better to brave her reproaches, than witness the wild ravings of madness and despair." " How strange, with your knowledge of human nature," said Charles, " that you should seem so ignorant of the real character of Helen. You must have won her love by appearing to possess 76 WOMAN'S FAITH. an amiable and affectionate disposition, and more than all, by inspiring her with the belief that moral principle was the guide of all your conduct. If in this she is deceived, can you be surprised if she feels that she has been greatly wronged ? Oh, Frank, it is pride which is poisoning the very fountain of all that is good and generous in your nature, and but for that, you could yet repair the past" " I will do it ; and yet, Charles, to humble myself, even in the estimation of my wife, is a sacrifice that my whole soul revolts at. She must see in a change of conduct what you would express by words. It is the only compromise offered by my haughty spirit." " What do you propose to do ?" said Charles. "Why, I will banish all sounds and sights of cruelty from the plantation," said Frank. " I will dismiss my overseer. I will per- suade Helen to give instruction or advice to the slaves on Sun- days, and perhaps in such occupations, and in the hope of being useful to them, she may forget her own grief." " Better to act thus," said Charles, " even if policy only dictates the course. But of all things, be sure, that if you would hope for a restoration for Helen, kindness and gentleness will be the only medicines which can, in any way, minister to her relief." " I know not what I would do without you, Charles, for from no one but you could I take advice, particularly when it is min- gled with reproof. I will act upon your suggestions, and let me add, that I think we should be cautious in not appearing to direct in any manner, the occupations of Helen, and not to intrude upon her walks or employments, unless she should seem to desire it." A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 77 CHAPTER XVI. SAD beyond description, was the beautiful villa upon the shore of the Gulf, which nature had garnished in richest profusion. No longer were heard in those halls the notes of joy and gladness. The harp, which had so often discoursed sweet music at the bid- ding of Helen, was now stilled, and the lightest foot-fall awakened an echo throughout the desolate chambers, appalling to the heart. No place to Helen seemed of interest but the neat little enclo- sure, where reposed the remains of Ida and the faithful Emma. Day by day was she occupied in decorating those mossy couches with flowers, and weaving the wild rose and honeysuckle midst the creeping moss, that gracefully bound itself around the arms of a lofty oak, at whose feet were new-made graves. And most touching was it to listen to the wild snatches of song, which, bird- like, she poured forth occasionally, as if to hush in sweet slumbers, those who were there reposing. How delightful the thought, that the spirits of those who are loved and lost, may yet linger around the resting-places, which affection has reared and consecrated, and to which it turns eagerly and often, embalming, with more than Egyptian permanency, all that was lovely and cherished in the dear departed. Oh, how it soothes the sorrow of my heart, to know that the spirits of Ida and Emma always " behold the face of my Father." Such were the reflections of Helen, as she would return to her home ; and her husband and Charles, at times, greatly hoped that the soothing influences of the Bible, which was her constant com- 78 WOMAN'S FAITH. panion, and the utmost care not to cross her in her conduct, might win her back to happiness and peace. Either from that waywardness of disposition so peculiar to him, or from compunctious visitings of conscience, from the terrible disaster which his conduct had brought about, the whole demeanor of Frank Grafton towards his slaves, was changed. He discharged his overseer, as he said overseers were always unnecessarily severe, and took upon himself their supervision, managing them all by the most gentle and affectionate govern- ment. He encouraged by presents, those who excelled in their labor in the field, and manifested for all of them such an interest, that with the utmost cheerfulness they accomplished their tasks, in little more than half the time which they had occupied, when v under the lash of a driver. And on Sundays he would see that all were "dressed in their nicest apparel, and assembling them in the beautiful lawn before his house, Helen would read to them some passages of Scripture, and with a word of advice and affec- tion for all, with bright and happy hearts, they would return to their cottages. " I never believed before, Charles, how much might be done by a quasi parental government with slaves. They now come to me with all their difficulties, and finding me interested to relieve them knowing that I do not exact their labor by the lash, but that they are rewarded for honest industry, it has created such an emulation among them, that the plantation already wears a new aspect, and never had we such a promise of an abundant crop. I will never employ another overseer, but will take upon myself the oversight of my slaves and property." "You are right, Frank, in the plan you have adopted, and sure I am, at the end of the year, you will find your plantation improved, your crops increased, the value of your slaves enhanced a thousand fold ; for instead of being discontented, surly and dis- obedient, they would become docile, affectionate and industrious. A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 79 And, more than all aye, a thousand times more, they would, by this very means, become fitted to enjoy the blessings of freedom. Would to God, planters generally would adopt this course. " How much of heartless cruelty would be saved ; and by acts of kindness on the one part, and docility on the other, would be ushered in the morning of that millennial day of freedom, and happiness to millions of slaves. " From the lips of our great Jefferson I have learned to abhor al 1 slavery, and in his plans for a gradual emancipation, have hoped to see the whole system eradicated and destroyed. But we have no time now for a further discussion, for I see Helen approaching, and I have persuaded her to accompany me in an excursion about the island. How sad, how melancholy, she always appears. If we cannot induce her to leave this spot, rely upon it, the associations connected with it, the indulgence of that rooted sorrow, which yields to no persuasion, will overthrow her intellect, or bring her prematurely to her grave." At times, while driving along the wild paths, unobstructed by any undergrowth, and which were protected from the rays of the sun, by the deep shade, cast by the large leafy magnolias, Helen would seem to forget her grief, in the versatility of Charles's con- versation, and gazing upon the beauties of the scenery ever exhi- bited on their ride : and at the urgent request of her brother, she promised to devote herself more to domestic avocations, and in a few days, to set off, for a short visit, to the family of Lefort. WOMAN'S FAITH. CHAPTER XVII. WHAT a joyous happy household is Lefort's, such an assemblage of all the virtues, graces, and amenities of life. These are the fruitful sources of a peace, and happiness perennial, flowing on as steadily, as the waters of the bayou, which quietly glide by their dwelling, clear, and calm as the last lingering rays of the gorgeous sun-setting, whose golden hues are now painting, with such transcendent beauty, every leaf and flower of this unri- valled landscape. " Oh, Helen," said Charles Grafton, " there are no people, who so well understand the philosophy of happiness, as do the French. Contented with what they possess, free from that foolish ambition, to acquire more wealth than their neighbors, literally adopting and acting upon the injunction, ' take no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for itself, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,' they pass quietly and happily down the stream of life, unruffled by its cares, undisturbed by its disap- pointments." I admire as you do, Charles," replied Helen, " many of the char- acteristics of the gay and pleasure seeking Frenchman, but while he obeys the injunction, you have quoted, does he equally regard the precept in the same connection, Seek ye first, the kingdom of God, and his righteousness : As far as I have been enabled to look into the history of the Gallic race, it has seemed to me, that they seek their happiness, in the pleasures and gaieties of life, little regarding that future existence, for which this is but a preparation. A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 81 This remark will not apply to the Leforts, for the adversities aud trials through which they have passed, have had their designed effect, teaching them abhorence for those atheistical sentiments so prevalent in their native land, and inculcating a sweet and beauti- ful submission to all the allotments of that Being, who had so sig- nally conducted them by a way, which they knew not. But it is time, Charles, that we retrace our steps, and return to Mr. Le- fort's." Upon their arrival at the fox>t of the lawn, which embraced in their whole extent, some hundreds of acres, Blanche met them, and with affectionate caresses, welcomed Helen back to the house." " Mother was apprehensive, that you were extending your walk too far, and bade me hasten your return, fearful that you might suffer from the dew at nightfall." " I live out doors, dear Blanche, and am not afraid of the dews, yet I am much obliged to the kindness of your mother. I fear I have kept your tea in waiting, so we will hurry home, notwith- standing the tempting allurements of these charming grounds." They found in the hall Mr. and Mrs. Lefort, both of whom were assiduous in their attentions to the -fair, yet now pale, and delicate Helen, upon whose sweet face, sorrow had graven, in deep legible lines, a most touching history, Louise was absent for the moment, upon some domestic employ- ment, preparing perhaps some delicacy, for their visitor. The evening repast being over, all were assembled in a large drawing room and the hours were cheered by the most animated conversa- tion, while Mr. Lefort was examining with Helen, some extensive pictures of French scenery, the work of the finest artists, to which he imparted a strong additional interest, by the clear and interes- ting explanations he gave of these scenes of trans- Atlantic beauty. Blanche occasionally warbled some sweet ballad, while Louise- with her embroidery on her lap, was carrying on a lively and in- teresting discussion with Charles Grafton upon the comparative 4* 82 WOMAN'S FAITH. advantages of city and rural life. And thus the evening wore pleasantly away, when upon Mrs. Lefort's suggesting, that it might be agreeable to Helen to retire to her chamber, Mr. Lefort open- ing the Bible, as was his custom, morning and evening, read one of those beautiful psalms, descriptive of the angel of Jehovah en- camping around those that fear him. Louise and Blanche sang most touchingly the hymn commencing, Glory to thee, My God this night, For all the blessings of the light ; Keep me, 0, keep me, King of kings, Beneath the shadow of thy wings." The service ended by a beautiful invocation, in which mercies received, were gratefully and filially acknowledged, and the kind care of Him, who never slumbers, was sought ; when offering thanks- giving for social intercourse, Mr. Lefort asked an especial bless- ing for Helen ; he prayed that God " would temper the wind to the shorn lamb ;" his voice trembled with emotion almost inex- pressible. Helen found, in this charming family, a balm and a solace, which had long been a stranger to her breast ; and gladly accepted the offer of Blanche as a room-mate, as her husband was detained by sickness on the plantation. Day followed day in quick succession filled up by agreeable occupation. Mr Lefort rode with Helen about his grounds, and sought, in every way, to divert her from those gloomy subjects, which had almost bereft her of reason, and quite undermined her health, while within doors, some new diversion was frequently planned, to give a new direc- tion to her thoughts and reflections. A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 83 CHAPTER XVIII. " Do you not, Miss Lefort," said Charles Grafton, " ever sigh for a return to the vine-clad hills of your native France ? I should scarcely think that your pleasure-loving heart would be contented in a change from all the gaieties of the most fashionable life to a home so secluded and quiet as Oak Lawn." " Then you think me frivolous," replied Blanche, " and that like a painted butterfly, I could live only in the sunbeams, which gild the home of the votary of mere amusement." " Pardon me, Miss Lefort, nothing was further from my mind. Will you permit me to say that no one could took upon your face, yet beaming with bright, glad 'thoughts, without thinking that yours was a spirit, which ever revelled in the pleasure imparted by cultivated and refined society, in the admiration of the works of art, in viewing scenes, that valor has immortalized, or that have been clothed with a living, ever-enuuring beauty by the magic power of genius ? And is it strange that I should have asked you, if you never cast back one lingering, sorrowing look upon all this which you have -abandoned ?" " I confess, Mr. Grafton, that for a while, I was afflicted with home-sickness ; but I have borrowed relief and contentment from the philosophy of Louise, and I am happy here in our rural and quiet home." " How do you amuse yourself ? And do not the long hours of a summer's day hang wearily upon your hands ?" said Charles. " Father has given me a gallant little steed, that seems to enjoy a gallop with me over the prairies, as if I were his companion. 84 WOMAN'S FAITH. You would be surprised at the playful intelligence he exhibits. He seems to understand my right of ownership, as though he carried with him a written transfer ; for the other day, when the servant mounted him, to take him to the door, he reared and plunged most furiously, until he had thrown his rider. He seemed so wild, mother and Louise begged me not to attempt to ride him. All this time, little Fairy, as I call him, appeared so humble and docile, that I laughed at their fears, and jumped into the saddle, and never did I find him so charming in his gait and so perfectly tractable. And would you believe it, father has so taught me the use of the gun, that from the tallest tree in the forest, I can bring down a squirrel, and am sure of my game, when I shoot at the plover upon the wing. So you see, for outdoor employment, I am well provided." " But your occupation during the many hours, which a warm sun will not permit you to pass unsheltered by the house. How are they all filled up, Miss Lefort ?" " Men have no curiosity, I see," Blanche archly replied, " but as mere information I will tell you. The hours seem all but too short when I find myself with father, in the library, amusing myself with books, and listening to replies he makes me of scenes aud courts described in the volume I may be reading ; then music, conversations, calls and visits, all these so occupy and busy me, that I welcome the hour when mother sends me off to sleep and dreams." "I hope, Miss Blanche, the health of Helen will be so improved by her visit here, that we may again see you at C6te Blanche. With your sister and Mr. Burns, we might make a delightful party, and I should then, in our yacht upon the bay, have an opportunity to test your skill as an angler. I should like to see you when a large red-fish was nibbling at your hook, and witness your anxiety and dexterity as you draw the stout, handsome fish from his native element." A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 85 " Oh, it would be charming, I have heard so much," said Blanche, " of these fishing parties, and never yet have had the pleasure of joining them." " We will get up such a party, Miss Blanche, and you shall taste the red-fish, the sheep's head and the pompano, fresh from our waters, and I think you will say, that for sweetness and delicacy, no fish can rival them. But if you are not an early riser, you cannot be a successful fisherman, for at the earliest dawn of day he sits in his boat and watches his line, for shoals of red- fish are then swimming about, hungry for their morning repast." " I have learned to enjoy the first breath of the morning," said Blanche. " My rides with father, upon the prairie, have taught me how much they lose, who have never witnessed the freshened beau- ties, with which night clothes our variegated landscapes. I shall take my usual excursion to-morrow, and if you rise betimes, we shall be glad to have you join us." " Nothing would afford me more pleasure, and I shall hold myself in readiness for the acceptance of your kind and polite invitation." At the appointed hour Blanche found Charles with her father in the hall. Mr. Lefort invited Mr. Grafton to take his horse, as some engagement at home would make it inconvenient for him to join them. " Blanche," said Lefort, " is so experienced and so thoroughly acquainted with every path that leads through the prairies, that you will excuse me if I remain at home this morning." 86 WOMAN'SFAITH. CHAPTER XIX. " Now tell me, Mr. Grafton, what is there in city life more charming than a ride like this ? " Who of all those, who crowd those busy marts of trade, shut up as they are within walls of brick and mortar, ever feel the elasticity and vigor, which are imparted by this healthful exercise and this pure balmy, invigorating air ?" " And I see, Miss Blanche," said Charles, " upon your cheeks a rosy tint, which a city belle would give worlds to possess, and which some, I suspect, vainly attempt to imitate with borrowed color- ing. No art can rival the blush, which pure country air will paint upon the cheek, no skill can give that symmetry to the form, built up by that vigorous health, which rural occupations always sup- plies. But, Miss Lefort, while I am free to admit the beauty of your landscape and the charm of your delightful climate, still for me, I fear more active scenes would be requisite for enjoyment. In other words, I should feel that I had nothing to do." " Are you not fond of agricultural pursuits ? Has a large plan- tation no charms for you ?" " I ought perhaps to be ashamed to admit it," said Charles, " but my life has been without a purpose." "I am surprised, Mr. Grafton, at such a remark. The avenues to fame and fortune all open before you, how great are the incite ments to exertion !" <( And yet, Miss Lefort, without the consciousness that some ono A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 87 would smile upon' those efforts, or rejoice in their success, it is difficult to employ the necessary labor." " You have ambition, and would not success bring with it, hosts of admirers and friends ?" said Blanche. " How great the happi- ness must he feel, who has just left the popular assembly or the court-room, as he hears his name in every voice, and from every lip pronounced the highest enconiums upon his eloquence." " Could I awaken in your heart, the smallest desire that such fame should be mine ?" said Grafton. "Surely, Mr. Grafton, I always rejoice in the happiness of my friends, and I hope you permit me to consider you on the list." " I mean, Miss' Lefort, I should say, that" " Now don't, Mr. Grafton, waste any of your high powers in making gallant speeches to me, merely to show your ability. I am sure you possess sufficient talent and you only require the "will to make yourself eminent in any calling in life." Charles was a little piqued at the determination of Blanche to give such a turn to his remarks ; he would if possible learn from her, whether she entertained for him any other regard than that inspired by a mere acquaintanceship. "Tell me, Miss Lefort, if by years of devotion to literary or professional pursuits, I should have the good fortune to win a name and a distinction worthy," " Oh," interrupted Blanche, " I will wreathe for your victorious brow, a chaplet, green and fresh, from the leaves of our live oaks and laurel. But we are near home, Mr. Grafton, has not your ride given you an appetite for breakfast ? Romance will hardly do as a substitute for that meal, when a two hours' ride has given one a desire for rolls and coffee." " You are provoking, Miss Lefort. Your ingenuity in giving such turn to the thoughts and expressions of another is une- qualled." " You misjudge me, Mr. Grafton. You know that we poor deli- 88 WOMAN ' 8 FAITH. cate females shrink from the compliments, which your sex seem to consider it necessary to lavish upon us. I will consider them all spoken in your very best and most gracious manner, and that I am largely your debtor." What would Charles have giv T en, now that the ice was partially broken, to have revealed to Blanche, the passion, which her fasci- nating manners, conversation and beauty had inspired. She treated him with that cordiality and politeness, and yet with such ease and freedom, that it was impossible for him to gain the least insight to that heart, which he would have given worlds to possess. He feared to make a distinct and bold proposition. He wished if posssible, to create such an interest, that during his absence, no other favored swain might supplant him. " With what ardor and devotion would I apply myself to those pursuits, those studies, which would mould such a character, as even Blanche would admire. With what eagerness would I culti- vate all my powers, studying the best models, communing day and night, with those old masters, who, by their matchless eloquence, held, spell bound, listening senates and popular assem- blies : if, by one word, she would whisper to the ear of hope, an assurance, that her smile should be the guerdon of success, toil would be a recreation u Then indeed would life have an object. And yet why should I aspire to her hand ? Why expect any encouragement, of my passion, while I admit to her, that my existence, is without an aim ? " I will at Once shake off the lethargy, which has so long been permitted to take possession of my mind, and will trust to the future, the realization of those golden dreams, with which fancy has beguiled so many hours of my being."* With such reflections, Charles came from his room to the breakfast table, and, by his manly and eloquent conversation, fascinated still more the warm and sensitive heart of Blanche. A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 89 All were captivated by the beautiful descriptions he gave them of his native Virginia, the hills that lifted their blue ridges up to the storm-king's home, the valleys at their feet smiling in perpe- tual verdure, the streams gracefully meandering, now through meadows radiant in their rich luxuriance, and anon leaping wildly along their rocky beds, as if enjoying some sportive gambol with the naiads of the river. And then he amused them by anecdotes of those distinguished men, who had there enkindled into a blaze the revolutionary feel- ing, aroused by arbitrary exaction, on the part of the Mother Country, and of the matchless wisdom and prudence of those who helped to form the Constitution of the Country, and make it accept- able to the people. Here he appeared perfectly at home. He had made himself familiar with the history of his country with the origin of the struggle with England, and personally acquainted with the men who took part in it, he could make himself unusu- ally agreeable upon topics that, of all others, were most interesting to Mr. Lefort. How was his bosom agitated, as he would sometimes catch the eye of Blanche, when it kindled with pleasure, from these conver- sations. Has not the heart a language, all its own? Are there no voices of the spirit, which, to the ear, are unheard ? If not, why then did the heart of Charles beat with new and strong aspirations, as he gazed into those deep blue orbs, which smiled so winningly, and why did Blanche feel a pride and a joy in the revelation of so much talent in her young and handsome admirer ? Helen had now passed a week at the hospitable mansion of Lefort. So agreeably had every hour been filled up so varied her employment, that she could scarcely have told how she had been occupied. Her drives over the extended and beautiful prai- ries, her walks along the banks of the bayou, with Blanche, at 90 WOMAN'S FAITH. evening, when a declining sun was lending a softened, mellowing glow to the beautiful wild-flowers, that mantled the earth and crept up the trees which shaded their path ; the charming tete-a- tete with Mr. Lefort and Louise, all combined, had winged the hours of each passing day, furnishing "a sweet oblivious antidote" for that sad melancholy, which had been so busy at her heart. She had retired to her chamber, and opening her trunk, her eye fell upon the letter of poor Emma, marred by scalding tears, which intensest agony had wrung out from those large, lustrous eyes, that had just been gazing for the last time, upon the love'd face of of her almost idolized mistress. As she read it, and kissed the golden ringlet of little Ida, her own bosom heaved with inexpress- ible emotions, and she burst into a flood of tears. " Is it possible that I have, amidst the enticing, fascinating scenes of Oak Lawn the almost enchanting society of this hospitable family can it be that I have forgotten my first-born, my beautiful Ida, and her whose life has been consecrated to my happiness, and whose last hours were embittered from the fear that sorrow might darken my pathway ? O Emma, hadst thou died in thy bed, could I have been with thee in that dark hour, have read to thee but one verse of that sweet word, and pointed thee to Him who hath said, " When the waters overflow thee, I will be with thee," I could have calmly closed thine eyes, and deposited thy coffined form by the side of my sweet Ida, and hushed all repinings in the sweet consciousness that " He doeth all things well." But, O, the guilt, the sin I sure I am that Mrs. Lefort must regard it as I do as must all just, disinterested, intelligent minds, and more than all, as does the all-seeing, impartial eye of Infinite Justice. Dare I hope to escape from the penalty which my share in this terrible tragedy must necessarily bring upon me ? True, no human tribu- nal calls us to account no punishment from man, under his limited and partial administration, demands an expiation for the ATALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 91 life of this murdered one, but, O, I, hear upon every returning wave that washes the shore at Cote Blanche, " the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground." " It seems to me sinful, to indulge in the pleasures and amuse- ments of those whose pure, peaceful lives are a constant, speaking rebuke upon blood-guiltiness. " I will, I must immediately return to Cote Blanche, and in some way there make atonement for a wrong, which rivers of tears would be unavailing to efface." Helen excused herself from returning to the parlor this evening, saying she would try and sleep off a severe headache. The quick eye of Blanche detected that Helen had been suffering deeply, and though her native delicacy would not permit her to intrude upon the private griefs of a guest, who had won for herself the love and sympathy of all at Oak Lawn, she employed every ex- pedient within her power to chase away the gloom, which she saw was darkening the mind of Helen. Bidding her a sweet good night, she hoped, that sleep would, as it always did to her own guiltless heart, bring repose and peace, and soothe the almost distracted bosom of the fair sufferer. When Mr. Grafton came from the parlor, Helen said she would join him, on the morrow, in his return to C6te Blanche, and though he feared somewhat the effect of the associations of that spot, the terrible remembrances, which those scenes must awaken in her memory, he dared not resist the strongly expressed wishes of his wife, and consenting to the proposal, Helen packed up her trunks in preparation for her departure. In the morning the family of Lefort were surprised upon seeing Helen attired in her travelling dress, and with all the earnestness which propriety would permit, urged her to reviewher determi- nation, and remain a few days longer. Helen gratefully acknow- ledged the kind civilities of the family, but said she must return, 92 WOMAN'S FAITH. and hoped that they might he permitted soon to welcome each one of that happy household at C6te Blanche. " And you, dear Louise, so experienced, so skilled in horseman- ship, and so early a riser too, would find no difficulty in coming any day and joining us at dinner, and sure I am, glancing at the handsome figure of Burns, who stood at her side, you will not have too look far, for a gallant Squire to accompany you on your excur- sion." " Mr. Burns," archly replied Louise, " is so in love with his law- books, and so enamored of the society of the fair Dulcineas in the quiet little village of Attakapas, that it would be a large draft upon his gallantry for so long an expedition." " A draft, Miss Louise, which I shall very surely not dishonor, even at the risk of losing the good esteem of those village maid- ens, whom you seem to think so captivating, and you will not regard it as flattering, when comparing the pleasure to be derived from communion with Blackstone or Justinian with yourself, I should take the liberty of preferring the latter. So I here promise Mrs. Grafton, that I shall early use such poor powers of persuasion as I may possess to induce Miss Louise to accept your invitation, with the best offices of the Squire, you have pointed out as her escort." Accepting the affectionate adieus of the hospitable family, with whom she had so agreeably passed the last two weeks, she set out with her husband and Charles Grafton, for their home upon the sea. " What a charming, fascinating being is Mrs. Grafton," said Mrs. Lefort, as the receding form of Helen was being lost in the dis- tance on her way to her sad home. "Her manners are so natural, so unaffected, her intelligence so rare, and the purity of her soul so almost angelic, I could not bear to part with her." " Do not, mother, call her Mrs. Grafton," said Louise. " There ATALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 93 is something so sinister in the very expression of the face of her hus- band, so much of heartlessness exhibited occasionally in his con- versation, and that cruel conduct of his, which has, I feared, des- troyed for ever the peace of mind of his lovely wife, that I cannot bear to think of him, in association with so much sweetness, purity and truth. I shall always call her Helen, and should gladly blot out from my vocabulary, the very name of Graf- ton." " You are quite too severe, my daughter ; at least your language might bear an extent to which I should be unwilling," said Mr. Lefort, " to follow you, and upon reflection, I think you yourself, would desire to limit it. The conduct of Frank Grafton in con- nection with the death of the unfortunate Emma surely can admit of no justification. Not that I think, he intended or dreamed of such a fatal result, but there was such a trifling upon so serious a matter, so foolish and so ill considered conduct, which under any circumstances, was calculated so seriously to affect the happiness of two innocent beings, that I can attribute it to nothing but the coldest unconcern, where all should have been affection and con- fiding trust. Bitterly, most bitterly, has he repented the result of his rash act, and well I know, he would give all he possesses, could he restore to life the ever faithful attendant upon his wife and child. But I was about to say, that the name of Grafton has not been dishonored in the character of his brother Charles, for rarely have I met with a person of a more elevated and chivalrous bearing, of more noble and exalted sentiments. Self-sacrificing and yet proud to a degree, noble and generous in his nature, with a heart, warm and affectionate as a woman's, and yet courageous as a lion, when danger is imminent and near, intelligent and manly, he has impressed me greatly in his favor." At this warm and eulogistic defence of Charles Grafton, tho face of Blanche mantled with blushes, and she hastily retreated from the room to cover all observation of a feeling, which she 94: WOMAN'S FAITH. would not for the world have disclosed, and which she felt herself powerless to conceal. "I confess, dear father, that I was too impulsive in the expres- sion of my opinion, so far as Charles is concerned, his devotion to his sister has won from me a, very high regard, but I am really afraid of Frank, and nothing now, in my opinion, restrains him but absolute fear that his cruelty will drive to desperation the only being who has any influence over him. Never did I feel a deeper sympathy for any one than I do for Helen." "How powerless are human laws for the punishment of offences," said William Burns. " I have had some little experi- ence in criminal proceedings, and while I have seen the poor, and miserable, and degraded of our race punished for crimes which temptations, lion-like in their power, have made almost irresistible, in almost all cases the wealthy, those whom the world calls great, escape detection. And were I to search the whole record of crime, the blackest page which the wickedness of the world has unfolded, would disclose no offence so malignant in its design, so deserving of retribution, as the murder of Emma. And who was the murderer? Who will be arraigned at the Court of Heaven, when He, " who makes inquisition of blood," shall render the final and just decision upon this act of more than fiendish cruelty? Was the poor slave girl Emma to blame? She had been reared with the greatest care and tenderness, the unfolding of her character had been under the influences and teachings of a pure and beautiful morality ; the earliest and warmest gushings of her heart were drawn out of those well-springs of affection and love, which are ever found pure and deep in these children of dependence. And what terrible alternative was before her ? The slave-pens of New Orleans ! The heartless, cruel trader, gloating over the terror and anguish of his victim, even before his terrible fangs could fasten upon her flesh ! And the Mississippi homo ! with its horrors that language is powerless to depict, the miser}- A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 95 of a final separation from the only being she had ever learned to love. What heart could endure all this when in a moment she could find a sure and safe release in the bosom of the deep ? Where, tell me where, on what page of romance or of song, is cruelty or suffering more graphically depicted ? and yet he who is the cause of it, goes unwhipped of justice, and the world will palliate his conduct, and other Graftons and other Emmas will hereafter furnish occasion for the commission of crime, and the endurance of bitterest wretchedness." 96 WOMAN'S FAITH. CHAPTER XX. No incident of interest marked the returning journey of Mr. and Mrs. Grafton, and Charles. The conversation took its shape and bearing from their recent delightful visit. Both of the Graftons were animated with hope and happiness, seeing a smile occasionally return to the lips >f Helen, and that her thoughts clustered so closely around the delightful circle at Oak Lawn, each member of which she remembered with so much fondness and affection. " I hardly know," said she, " which of those charming girls, I most admire. The stately beauty of Louise, her dignified lofty carriage, and her highly polished and singularly correct conversa- tion impress you with great admiration, and the goodness of heart, which underlies all these apparent excellences of character necessarily wins your highest regard and e'steem; but there is such a sweet naivete in Blanche, the outgushings of a heart, so full of affection, tenderness, and sincerity, such an originality and elegance in her conversation, the grace in her manners, which art can never give, and a face, so bright, so illuminated, that Hebe herself might envy ; I confess that my prepossessions are rather in favor of the youngest of those sisters. Do you not agree with me Charles ? The rosy blush, which I sometimes saw tinging her fair cheek, as you seemed to be uttering some rather warm, yet half concealed sentiment, told to the eye of an observing woman, the purpose and character of your remark. Now tell the truth Charles, were you not indulging in the expression of some tender A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 97 sentiment, while Miss Blanche was looking over that 'book of beauty' with such an air of perfect unconcern?" " How suspicious you ladies are of the designs and purposes of all gentlemen, when you see them engaged in a nice tete-a-tete with a fair and fascinating young lady. I admit that it would be no very difficult matter to fall in love with one, so well deserving the high encomiums, you have bestowed upon Miss Blanche Lefort, but I trust I have seen a little too much of the world to believe that she could be won by any one but by him, in whom were combined those gifts of mind, heart, and person, which I have not the vanity to suppose are mine. How sweetly she sings. Those high and exquisitely plaintive notes are carolled with all the richness and clearness of the song of the lark, so artless is her manner, so unaffected and simple, that while she entrances you with her sweetly warbled song, you can hardly tell, which was the most enchanting, the wonderful execution, or the witchery of the fascinating songstress. I confess that without having dared to fall in love, she has" impressed me with more admiration than almost any being I ever saw." "Well, Charles, I think there is as much of the romantic in your conversation, as would surfeit a young girl just bidding adieu to her teens," interrupted Frank Grafton. " The young ladies are clever enough, but their advantages have been very great, and every care has been bestowed upon their education. How Louise can be so struck with that pedantic young limb of the law, all of whose conversation so smacks of the shop, upon whose lips the words morafhy and principle linger with such a lickerish liking ; seems strange ; and yet I doubt not, he would for ten dollars defend a felon, that stole your cow, and try, by some false logic, to convince a jury of his innocence, though again and again he had confessed the crime of which he was charged. " Since his successful defence of Paul Eaton of the offence of interfering or tampering with slaves, of which I dare say he is 5 98 WOMAN'S FAITH. guilty enough, though not precisely as accused, he plumes himself most jauntily, and I presume, from his self-satisfied air, that the highest rewards of the profession would, in his inflated opinion, be no sufficient recompense, for a common enough defence of a poor strolling preacher. I wish I could see him within the gripe of Squire Crafty, he would so well take off this mock morality, and teach the young poppinjay, a modesty, which would be mosi useful to him." Helen made no remark in reply to the bitter expressions, which fell so scornfully from the lips of her husband. She knew the occasion of the ill feeling, for her quick eye had marked the cold, yet guarded manner of William Burns, when in the presence of her husband. She perceived, as if by intuition, that he knew all the horrors of the tragedy so recently enacted at C6te Blanche, and that he regarded her husband in a light, to her sensitive heart, most dreadful. She was as pale as marble. Her large blue eyes were tearless, yet they glowed with that unnatural brilliancy, indi- cating that the struggle with her emotions was almost too intense for the mind of the delicate and lovely one, whose anguish, though generally concealed, was burning as with a living flame at her very heart strings. Too late Mr. Grafton saw the effect, he had unwittingly wrought upon the keenly excited mind of Helen, now alive to any remark, which, however distantly, alluded to the source of her sorrows. Vainly did he attempt to interest her, by descriptions of the scenery of Oak Lawn, or to arrest her attention by relating the playful witticisms of Blanche, but it was manifest, from the work- ings of her half averted face, from her downcast eye, and the deep, absorbing melancholy, which like a pall overspread her chiselled features, that her heart took no part in the conversation of her husband. Grief was busy at that heart, reading the touch- ing story of wrong and suffering, indelibly inscribed upon it and turning to ashes all the flowers, that once had bloomed and bios- A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 99 somed (here. They pursued their journey with scarcely an attempt to vary its monotony, by further remark. Both Frank and Charles Grafton saw the futility of any further attempt to chase away the gloom of Helen, and most fearful were their fore- bodings of the effect, which, the presence of those objects, that must recall to her mind all the past, would produce upon her shattered, excited sensibility. " I cannot see Cote Blanche ; already I hear the solemn dirges of the sea. No voice of affectionate welcome will greet mo at the door of my dwelling. No kind, devoted attentions, anticipat- ing every want, and wish, will relieve the fatigues of my journey. All, all, is desolation now at that home. My heart sickens, my spirit dies within me, as I contemplate my approach to that grave of buried love, and that mound where now sleeps the free form of her, whose affection never wavered ^ whose last breathed sigh was for the happiness of those, who had destroyed her own." Such were the reflections, half-whispered expressions of Helen, as she gazed, with a somewhat vacant look, upon the objects that met her view. How vain to attempt a description of the feelings of her hus- band. Remorse was gnawing at his heart. His thoroughly awakened conscience, with its poisoned stings, was ever bringing before the eyes of his mind, the very face and figure of poor Emma, as upon bended knees, and eyes bedewed with tears, she besought him to save her from the polluting touch of the soulless Craven, the infamy and degradation of the Mississippi home, so that his very eyeballs seemed seared with the sight, and he would start from the fantasies of his mind, as if they had been living, acting realities. The imagination of the reader will better supply a description of the last few hours of these careworn travellers, than could be given by written words. For what language can describe that expressive silence, which anguished hearts alone can feel and appreciate. Tears would melt the ice, that almost 100 WOMAN'S FAITH. freezes up the very fountain of life, but they will not flow. No kindly ray beams in upon the chambers of that mind, shrouded in the darkness of deep despair. " Can it, oh ! can it be true," was the thought unexpressed of Charles, as he looked upon the visage, pale and wan, of his dearly loved sister, " that there are no sorrows which heaven canuot heal ?" A TALK OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 101 CHAPTER XXI. SHADOWS, deep and dark, rest upon that lovely spot, where, but a few months past, all was light and joy! The same bright sun, it is true, gilded with hues of gold, the stately stocks of the sugar-cane, as they waved their green blades in the breeze ; the laugh of the joyous laborer, as he returned from the fields, \vss as ringing, and full of merriment as ever ; and tne fisherman's dwelling was cheered by the same bright and happy smile, as the mother, with the babe on her knee, looked out upon the placid sea, and saw her child's father returning with the fruit of that day's toil ! But no sounds of happiness were heard in the home of Grafton, for peace and joy had been driven hence, by wrongs for which there could be no reparation. Death might enter the habitation, and cut off, in the very bloom of infancy, the hopes of happiest years ; the wild, ungov- ernable tornado might, in a moment, raze from the earth, the fairest and firmest creations of human skill and art; or bury, beneath the waves of the sea, home, with all its comforts and embellishments : yet faith could still lift its eye of hope, brightened with a smile, conscious that His arm, who doeth all things well, had wrought this desolation and ruin. But for guilt, which blots out, with ruthless hand, that life which it can never restore, there can be no amends, and sorrow, yet, unavailing sorrow, is the sure and necessary result. The arrival of Helen at Cote Blanche was attended by no very marked expression of feeling ; but, as she walked over the house, WOMAN8 FAITH. outside of which, for days, she had not passed, there was manifest that sense of utter loneliness, which told you, at once, of the grief which was consuming her. Iler disposition was even more sweet and gentle ; yet the corroding effect of some dark thoughts, was palpable to the most careless observer. Day by day, that lovely form was becom- ing more and more attenuated, and to the eye of affectionate interest, it was apparent, unless some complete, radical change could be effected, she would soon join those, whom she was so deeply deploring. " I pray you, dear Helen," said Charles, " try and dispel the gloom, which is ever your constant companion. Yield not to its influence, and, for the sake of those who love you, with an affec- tion that knows no bounds, drive away that melancholy, which, like the bird of night, ever mournfully hovers around your existence." " Oh, Charles, vainly have I made the effort. Again and again have I counterfeited a gaiety, which had no place in my heart ; for I know the sadness my presence imparts to all within the sphere of my influence; but the associations of this place, the terrible events of which it has been the scene, are full of woe. No sound, or sight, meets my eye, or ear, but tells me of the awful past." " Helen, I know full well, and appreciate the dark trials which have fallen upon you," said Charles ; " but the beautiful religion, which you have so often inculcated, and so illustrated in your pure and guileless life, would, it seems to me, teach you that some good was to be evolved from them. " You need not remain here ; my brother says he would gladly, at any sacrifice, dispose of his possessions, and return to Virginia, if he could thereby bring back the bloom to your cheek, and the throb of happiness to your heart, which were yours, when, a few years since, you became the wife of his bosom." A TALE OP SOUTHERN LIFE. 103 " No, no, Charles, I prefer remaining here. Change of place I am sure, would work no change of feeling. With all its bitter recollections, there is a spell that binds me to this spot, which I would not break if I could, and I am certain I could not, if I would. Urge me not, dear brother, as you value my happiness, to alter my resolution. I will not conceal from* you, that in iny future, there are no green spots ; that the bright blossoms, which hope planted iu my young heart, are all withered and dead. A few months passed, and I shall sleep beneath yonder oak, and may I not hope, that my memory will be green in your heart, like its leaves, whose bright., fresh hue never fades." Unwearied and unceasing now were the efforts of the husband O and the brother to interest Helen, and divert her mind from the one great thought, which was all-absorbing ; but diseases of the mind and heart baffle the remedies which affection, and love so assiduously employ. Day by day they saw that once commanding form, now become so slender, that it seemed but the shadow of its former self, and the mind, like the casket which contained it, was fast becoming a ruin. At times she would refuse all sustenance, and for hours would sit in her lone chamber noticing no one, and if spoken to, would betray an impatience and temper most unusual in her, and muttering some unwillingness to be constantly watched, would shut the door in a manner, the most angry and decided. At other times, she was as gentle as a lamb and yet the slightest attempt to change her resolution, or if she fancied she was observed, she would weep as if her heart would break, and in jviteous strains exclaim, " I am not mad." As far as possible she was indulged in every caprice even. She would sometimes be out for hours and returning with baskets of wild flowers, she would array most tastefully the cradle of Ida, varying her occupation rith some sweet plaintive, lullaby, as if her babe was nestling 104: WOMAN'S FAITH. beneath the folds of the couch which she was watching with such apparent interest. Wildly dash the waves upon the beach of Cote Blanche, and beneath the wide-spread branches of a lofty oak sits Helen, her rawjn locks floating in the breeze, and her face beaming with intelligence and interest, as if listening to whispers from the spirit- land, borne upon the crested wave. Her delicate taper fingers stretched winningly toward the whitening foam, as if she would wrest from the grasp of the all-conquering sea, some dearly-loved object, about to be engulfed in its dark abyss. " Emma, Emma, you shall not be sold to the heartless traden of New Orleans ! " Come ! come ! Bring back with you, my sweet little cherub, the cold winds will chill, the dark waters drown my child, and I shall then go mad with wretchedness ! Here you shall rest on this mossy couch ! I have garnished it with the harebell and rose, and the birds will warble their sweetest notes o'er your slumbers. Ah ! she comes not, no ! no ! no ! they laid her all cold and wet, bound with sea-weed, in the dark ground to hide her from Craven ! "There must I go and guard her from harm. Oh, how sweetly can I sleep on that bed of moss, for I feel so tired, and faint and the lights are all going out Ida Emma Heaven!" On a clear, bright, and balmy evening, just as the last rays of the setting sun was tinging with gorgeous golden hues, the waters of the Gulf, the wearied and worn spirit of poor Helen found rest and peace in the repose of death. So calmly and peacefully had she died, that her husband and brother, as they came out to accompany her home thought her but reclining upon the grave of Lla. Her horror-struck husband shuddered at the sijjht of this O wreck of loveliness, and in almost a state of stupefaction saw his brother lift her, like an infant, and bear her to their desolate and gloomy dwelling. Grief which destroys all hope, poisoned A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 105 the fountain of life, and her pure spirit passed from the sorrows of earth to the joys of heaven. The harp with its thousand strings, lately so rich in -its sweet voices of melody, had lost its power. No hand could again awaken, and bring back those tones, now hushed and still for ever. The unerring arrow had reached the heart, no skill, no tender- ness, no love could provide a remedy. Side by side with her darling Ida, and the faithful Emma, Helen reposes. The sweet music of the sea, sweetly chiming with the melodies of the grove, shall utter the requiem for this broken heart 1 106 WOMAN'S FAITH, CHAPTER XXII. A FEW days subsequent to this sad event, which we have related in the foregoing chapter, Mr. Lefort received from Charles Grafton, the following letter. C6TB BUNCHB, April 18/A. "Mr DEAR SIB, " The blow which we have so long dreaded, has at last fallen, with stunning force upon our home. Our dear Helen is no more. For the last few days she has seemed more an inhabitant of some bright sphere, than of earth, for though her mind for sometime past seemed to have lost its balance, yet she ever appeared as if holding near and delight- ful communion with that happy throng, who, released from the trials and sorrows of earth, have entered upon the joys and bliss of heaven. Most touchingly would she repeat, in scripture language, the magnifi- cent description of heaven, its pearly gates, its gplden streets, its unfading light, and then in a voice full of the most affecting melody would she sing, the hymn, " Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood, Stand dressed in living green ;" her beautiful countenance almost seraphic in its expression, her slight and wasted figure, so almost unearthly, that it scarcely required the aid ot imagination to regard her, as already a denizen of Paradise. Without any apparent disease, an angel hand seemed gradually preparing her, for her departure, and frequently so stijl and hushed were her breathings in slumber, that we feared she had entered upon that sleep, that knows no waking. "All medical aid was useless ; affectionately, but with great firmness, she resisted our entreaties to leave Cote Blanche, and for the last few days of her life, we could not persuade her to take any sustenance. A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 107 "Ef-sing her large blue eyes, beaming with expression, she would say, ' I ha^s meat to eat, that ye know not of ; my Heavenly Father feedeth me.' And so she died! We saw no chariot of fire, and horsemen thereof; to our vision it was not permitted to see the heavens opened, but we know that she is now at peace, emparadised. At the close of day, the hour she loved so well, a gentle breeze from the sea softly stirring the leaves of our noble oaks, the departing sun casting a melancholy ray upon the verdant, lovely landscape, we laid her down upon that spot, which her own hands had planted with the rose and cypress, and which her own tears had watered. And now, I need hardly say to you, Cote Blanche, once so mdiant and smiling, bears an aspect of complete desolation. " Courageous as I fancied myself to be, I can no longer remain amidst scenes so fraught with saddest memories, and shall to-morrow leave for Virginia. " I had intended to have visited Oak Lawn before my departure, and to ask in person, your acceptance of our warmest thanks, for the kind atten- tions and generous sympathies, we have received at the hands of yourself and your family. But I feel that I have no right to burden others with griefs, which have been cast upon me. With my kindest regards to Mrs. Lefort and your daughters, permit me to subscribe myself. " Very truly and sincerely yours, "CHARLES GRAFTON." " In all my recollections, I can think of no more tragic story^ than the brief history of Helen Marshall," said Mr. Lefort, " and yet how seemingly unnecessary and strange the cause. Some foolish caprice, or whim of her husband's, leading to most terrible results. I cannot believe, that any man could ever contemplate an act of such barbarity." " I dislike to indulge in harsh expressions," said Louise, " but I think Frank Grafton capable of anything. In a conversation with Mr. Burns, I heard him utter such horrible sentiments, laugh at all idea of accountability, and sneer at virtue with such malignity, I made up my mind that he would hesitate at nothing, if it would minister to his gratification. I grant him talent, great information, and wonderful powers of conversation, but he seems to me a 108 WOMAN'S FAITH. . perfect Mephistophiles, and now that all restraint is removed I believe lie will give full way to his demoniac passions." " I hope not," said Mr. Lefort, " but that the influences of such awful trials will have their designed effect upon his heart and conscience. What a difference, between him and his brother." " And" yet," said Louise, " how little do we know of Charles Grafton. IJe may be all that he seems, or that we could desire, but a brother of such a man, the same mother I confess the name is to me, a name of omen." " You do not," said Lefort, " remember how much education and association may have had to do, in the formation of the character of Frank Grafton ? I am told that neither of them were blessed with a father's counsels, or a mother's priceless care, .and watchful love, but that left while quite young, in the charge of distant relatives, the education of their minds or hearts has been very much the result of good or ill fortune. During all this conversation, the 'heart of poor Blanche was tossed by excitement almost inexpressible. She had felt most deeply the death of Helen, for she had been greatly attached to her, and Charles Grafton had inspired- her with a sentiment, she hardly dared to trust her heart to analyze. Often in their walks, when he would evidently intend an expression of his attachment, she would, with a spice of coquetry, turn him from his purpose, or by a mode of conversation, which would induce an ingenuous mind to suppose that she wished to save him the mortification of a refusal; with a look of disappointment, he would speak of a sad future for himself, uncared for, and unloved. She knew the power she possessed over him, and though she greatly admired him and was deeply interested in him, was pleased to make full trial of his love. But now that he was to leave Louisiana, as she feared for- ever, that she was not again to enjoy the delight of his society, to hear from his lips those expressions of interest and regard so com- plimentary, and so gratifying, a complete revulsion of feeling took A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 109 place, and she concealed in the deepest recesses of her heart, a sadness, and a sorrow, never before experienced. She could scarcely restrain the defence, that would spring to her lips, of him, whom she secretly loved, when correctly, but dangerously, attacked by Louise. "He must," rejoined Blanche, "be the veriest hypocrite, and for no purpose, and at a time too, when his own heart is rent by sorrow ; or the sentiments expressed in the letter, father has just read, disclose a high sentiment, and a tender affection possessed but by the very fewest of all my acquaintances. I scarcely think it generous or just, in his absence, to charge him, at least by insinuation, of a connection or participation in a crime, which you have justly stigmatized as the darkest in all the black catalogue of sin." " Why, Blanche," said Louise, " I never dreamed of arousing your sensibilities in the casual remark I made, or that you felt for Mr. Grafton, irore or other interest, than that of an acquaintance of a few weeks' standing." "And such an acquaintanceship might well enough have elicited a single word, even of defence," said Blanche. " But I have no justification to make, and no sensibilities to check or conceal, so you may well spare yourself the trouble of attempting to produce an effect, if the object is a discovery." " Blanche, you know I have no such purpose," said Louise. " Well then all is forgotten," said Blanche ; " but once for all, even at the risk of having my motives or feelings misinterpreted, I must say of Charles Grafton, that the high powers of his mind, are not more attractive, or marked, than the goodness of his heart." " So far as I have been able to form an opinion," replied Louise, t; I agree with you, and admit that I may have harshly judged one, whom I may never see again, and permitted the influence of a name to do him unintentional injustice." 110 WOMAN'S FAITH CHAPTER XXIII. THE dark mysterious mind of Frank Grafton now turned, like the wounded serpent, to sting itself. The sharp, iron tooth of remorse had entered his soul, and its gnawings no human device could stay or hinder. Night was rendered hideous by distempered dreams, which sleep, no longer sweet to him, brought to his couch, and he would awake, his hair almost stiffened with fear, and his strong frame trembling with agony, as if an army of demons were about to bear him to the regions of the lost. Most welcome was the returning light of morning, as it would dispel the phantoms, that disturbed his repose. Greatly attached as he was to his brother, the only human being for whom he entertained the least feeling of regard, he frequently shunned his presence, fearful that he might witness the workings of his tortured heart. Charles urged upon him a sale of their plantation, and to return with the slaves to Virginia. "This place," said he, "were it more lovely than fancy could paint, and a perfect mine of wealth to its possessor, for me would have no attractions. We have enough for our wants, let us leave this spot so crowded with bitter memories, and upon the banks of the Potomac, or in some sweet valley, sheltered by the Blue Ridge, we may yet find that happiness denied to us in Louisiana." " That would never do, Charles. To give up a property like ours, would be the height of folly. This plantation is almost priceless in value. Tho influence of the warm sea breezes, as they float over the Gulf Stream, protect our cane from frost, and the A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE.. Ill great fertility of the soil always assures us of a most abundant crop. I came here with the intention of amassing a large fortune, and those just expectations must not be disappointed." "I know," said Charles, "that it is vain to argue with you, when your mind is made up, but for myself, I have determined upon an immediate departure, and yet it is with great pain that I leave you, now that affliction has laid its hand so heavily upon you." "Do not stay, Charles; I shall find relief from harrowing reflec- tions, in unwearied occupation, and I am more fitted by nature than you are for breasting the stormy trials of life." It was decided that Charles should at once set off for New Orleans, on his way to the North, and supplied with letters of credit, upon their commission merchant in that city, Frank hastened his preparation for the journey. It is a peculiarity of strong minds, especially when deeply imbued with pride, to seek in seclusion, alleviation from distress. Grief is regarded as a weakness, and a sigh, or a tear, as proof of effeminacy. As the stricken deer parts from the herd, and seeks some lone desolate spot to die, so a haughty spirit would find a place, so secluded, that no eye could witness, and no ear listen to the waitings, which an agonized heart is forced to utter. In the presence of others, a continual strife was going on in the bosom of Frank, to conceal the emotions which were agitating it. He would feign a hilarity that illy became him, while the most bitter, malignant sneers at a tale of woe, would reveal the leading trait of his character. He would be alone with his slaves. That dark spirit, shut up, with its own communings, permitted no approach. The plantation and slaves were one vast machine, and its master mind was Frank Grafton. It was rather a pleasure, than other- wise, that the day had arrived, when Charles should leave C6te Blanche. 112 WOMAN'S FAITH. " Before we part, Charles, it is necessary, that, in a few words, I should acquaint you with the condition of our possessions, and what my determinations are as to their destination, in case of acci- dent to myself. All the incumbrances upon the property are paid off. With my commission merchant in the city, is a trunk, containing all the title deeds and evidences of the same, and my will, making such a disposition of my interest, as I desire ; my books and papers will show the amount of money in the hands of my merchant. I have thought it more convenient to keep all these accounts in my own name, and equally advantageous to yourself. 1 will continue to manage the estate, as if it were my own, upon joint account. And when you may wish any division, you have only to signify it, and it shall be done to your satisfac- tion. The title to the plantation and to the slaves, not being in my own name, I can make no disposition of the same, but upon your signature. And now, Charles, I bid you farewell, and wish you more happiness than has ever fallen to my lot." Charles was too deeply affected for utterance. The calm,, calculating manner in which Frank had spoken of the property, and of its disposition, seemed really ominous, and scenes of the past came rushing u]> so thickly before his vision, that he felt as if summoned again to the house of mourning. Oppressed with a weight, which hung heavy at his heart, he bade adieu to Cote Blanche. A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 113 CHAPTER XXIV. MONTHS had now passed, but in their passage had brought neither peace nor change, for the conscience-stricken Grafton. His mind, ever brooding over the past, preyed upon his robust constitution, and so wrought upon his nervous system, that the strorg man, at times, exhibited the weaknesses of childhood. Dwelling alone, and indulging the suspicions, which would crowd in upon him, that he was regarded as cruel and unprincipled, ho became a complete misanthrope. At times, he would seek in the Bible, for that alleviation which it always affords to the humble and the penitent ; but as his proud spirit could discover, in its beautiful philosophy, no refuge, but in self-abasement ; no pardon and peace, but in confession and contrition ; he would throw it aside, as fitted only for allaying the fears of silly women and children. And yet his powerful mind, which had examined the evidences, and witnessed the fruits of the religion it taught, would not permit him to rest in the hope, that it was all a fable. " Well, if it is true," he would say to himself, " why should I disquiet myself about that, over which I have no control ? Shall the clay say unto the potter, why has thou formed me thus ?" And so he would attempt to cheat himself into the belief that he was not a free agent. He hoped that a trip to New Orleans, which had become necessary, in some business transactions, might give a new current to his thoughts, and enable him to forget the dark deeds, which so haunted his waking and sleeping hours. In that gay, pleasure- 114 WOMAN'S FAITH. loving city, he mingled in all the scenes of amusement and dissipation. lie sought, in the excitement of cards, at the faro table, and at the race-course, that happiness which others seemed to find there, but in vain. Staking large sums upon the throw of a single card, or upon the success of some favorite race-horse, he was always successful ; but the triumph brought rather disgust than pleasure, unless, as he sometimes did, he could see that the loss was torture to his adversary. He would then taunt him with his want of skill and judgment, and throwing the money upon the table, would leave those haunts of iniquity and ruin, as if disgusted with him- self. Through such associations, accepting an invitation to a largo party, given him by Mrs. McLane, he was, by his graceful and elegant manners, the originality and power of his conversation, courted and caressed, and the delicate complimerits, which he so well knew how to employ, awakened the admiration of many a fair demoiselle, in that brilliant assembly. Though he never min- gled in the mazy dance, he would whisper such agreeable flattery in the ear of the mother of some acknowledged belle, or attach to himself, by his winning address, in spite of pre-engagement, some fascinating young lady, that he was the cause of unhappi- ness and heart-burning to many a guest in that festive scene. The band of music striking up an inspiriting march, was the signal for supper. Offering his arm to the hostess, he attended her to a large and splendid apartment, brilliantly illuminated, and decorated in the most tasteful manner. The scene itself was enchantino- ; the O " rooms were hung with beautiful tapestry, and the table, groaning beneath the rare, delicate viands and delicious wines, with which it was loaded, was garnished with bouquets of the rarest aifd loveliest flowers, blooming in that genial clime. The gentle fatigue of the dance, heightened the zest for ices, and the sparkling champagne, while the nicely-prepared wood- A TALE OF S,OUTHEKN LIFE. 115 cock and plover tempted the appetite of the most fastidious epicure. Supper being over, as they returned to the parlors, some joined in the pleasures of the dance, while those who were disinclined to this amusement, formed card parties in separate apartments. Grafton accepted an invitation to make up a party at whist, a game in which he specially prided himself. His adversaries were adepts at cards and proposed to keep up the interest, by a wager of fifty dollars, upon each rubber. It was accepted, and by inat- tention, or want of skill on the part of Lapere, partner of Grafton, the game was lost. A new rubber was proposed, Grafton warning Lapere to be wary, as they had to contend against the utmost skill and prudence. Carelessness was again manifested by Lapere ; a lead throwing the game into. the hands of their adversary, so net- tled Grafton, that with a sneer, he remarked " that the advantage of playing with a dummy, was, that he could direct the play. But now it is so evidently a one-sided affair, that there can be no amusement for any one." Stung by the bitterness of the remark, Lapere tartly replied, " that if Mr. Grafton was suffering from his losses, he would relieve him, from such distress, by paying them himself." Excited by wine, and his morbid temper being aroused, Grafton replied by saying, " If I had not known that our adversaries were gentlemen, I should have supposed you were acting the part of a stool-pigeon, and were playing into their hands. As it is, sir, I have only to remark, that I despise your insinuations, and can only attribute your conduct to low-breeding and ignorance." He then tossed his wine in his face, saying he trusted it would cool his imperti- nence. Lapere rose from the table, his creole blood boiling with n!ge, and remarked, " that a friend of his, would call upon Mr. Grafton on the following morning." Grafton seemed to have completely regained his self-possession, and laughingly remarked, that he should soon have the pleasure 116 WOMAN'S FAITH. of being run through or shot in the most approved method, but that if Mr. Lapere, was as little skilled, or as careless in the use of his weapons, as he was with his cards, he had only to fear for himself, from some chance-shot, or random-pass of the small sword. In fulfillment of his promise, early on the follosving day, Mr. Girod, as the friend of Mr. Lapere, called upon Grafton, with a hostile message. With perfect coolness, he politely requested Mr. Girod to be seated, and having read the note, he referred him to his friend Col. Clarke, who, he trusted, would with him settle all preliminaries satisfactorily. He then, in his blandest manner, asked him to take wine with him, and hoped that their acquaintance, now somewhat untowardly commenced, might not terminate, with this affair. Grafton had instructed Col. Clnrke to take no advantage which he might have a right to as the challenged party, but to give to Mr. Lapere the choice of weapons, the time and place of meeting. With him it was a matter of indifference, and if not, as he had, perhaps, first given the insult, it was but right, that a choice in all these parti- culars, should be given to his adversary. The weapons selected were rifles, at sixty paces, and the meeting to take place on the following morning, immediately after sunrise. The evening before the duel, Col. Clarke called upon Grafton and passed some hours with him. lie never appeared more gay and cheerful, and in vain did the colonel attempt to direct his mind to the interesting event of the morrow. He merely said, all his affairs were arranged in the event of the duel proving fatal to himself, and that he required no preparation, as he would listen to the instructions, always given to the principals on the ground by one of the seconds. He spoke of the delightful society of New Orleans, its hospitality, of the charming party of Mrs. McLane, and that he should ever remember with pleasure the acquaintances he had made upon that occasion. His far-sighted views, in regard to the immense resources of the capital of Louisiana, surprised Col. Clarke, he A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 117 assuring him, that in a quarter of a century, it would be one of the most important commercial cities in the Union. " No man," said he, " can cast his eye over the immense territory, as fertile as any land beneath the sun, all of which, through the Mississippi, must become tributary to New Orleans, without perceiving that it will be almost unlimited in the extent of its commerce." And thus the evening passed pleasantly away, as if the mor row's sun was to awaken him to scenes of peace and duty. At daylight, Col. Clarke found Grafton dressed, and with coffee upon the table, that their engagement might not be interrupted. A carriage was at the door, waiting to bear them to the fatal field of honor. Arriving at the ground, and alighting, they waited a few moments, when Mr. Lapere and Girod made their appear- ance. Grafton saluted Lapere in a most dignified and respectful manner, when the seconds at once proceeded with the prelimi- naries of the duel. All these being over, the principals took their places, and at the word ' one," given by Girod, Lapere shot and his ball tore up the grass, at the feet of Grafton,. without doing him any injury. Grafton had reserved his fire, and seeing a large bird, hovering over the head of Lapere, he raised his rifle, and as Girod pro- nounced the word, " fire," he shot, and the object, at which he aimed, fell qu'vering at the feet of his adversary. Col. Clarke now insisted that the duel should proceed no fur- ther, that Mr. Grafton had done all required by the*ode of honor, and that further prosecution of the duel, would look like a simple desire for vengeance. After consulting with Lapere, Girod replied that his principal insisted upon another shot that he should attribute to a want of courage any attempts at an amicable arrangement. These words were overheard by Grafton, and muttering " poor fool, why will he rush upon his fate," with a look of defiance in his burning eye, again took his place in front 118 WOMAN'S FAITH. of Lapere. Holding his rifle with a firm grasp, at the words " are you ready," he raised his weapon, and scarcely had the word "one" passed the lips of Girod, the rifle's sharp report was heard, and Lapere fell dead upon the field. With one mingled look ot pity and contempt upon his victim, he ordered his carriage, arid drove back to his lodgings in the city. Sadly and slowly the friends of the brave and gallant Lapere bore his remains to the house of his now nearly distracted mother, for he was her only son, and she* was a widow. The day succeeding the duel, the following announcement appeared in one of the papers of the city : " An afl'air of honor, came off at 'The Oaks,' yesterday morning at sunrise, between one of our most popular and gallant young Creoles, and a planter. Weapons, rifles, at sixty paces. Two shots were exchanged, at the second fire, young fell, and immediately expired. The afi'air has caused a deep sensation, as one of the parties belonged to a highly respectable family, and with him, perishes the last scion of a noble stock. "We understand that everything was conducted with great fair- ness and propriety upon the ground. At the first fire, some amicable arrangement was attempted, but ihe insult was so wanton and aggravated, that reconciliation was impossible. Wo forbear further comments upon the melancholy proceedings. It will be remarked that one of the parties bears the same name with that of the hero of a most tragic tale of suffering and death, recently published by us, from the pen of our Attakapas correspondent." The fang of a serpent could not have inflicted a wound half as fatal to the peace of Grafton as this little squib in a daily news paper. His haughty, sensitive spirit quivered, as he held the paper in his hand. ' His face was almost white with rage, and ha walked his room, uttering the most bitter maledictions upon the head of the editor. And yet how absurd, to get up a quarrel with an irresponsible conductor of a newspaper, said Grafton to himselfc f A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 119 He would tauntingly reply, that he had given a fair version of the duel, and but adverted to a circumstance which at the time excited a deep and general interest. '"Our Attakapas correspon- dent,' and who is he? I have my suspicions, and if they prove true, no power shall rescue him from my revenge. Mr. Attorney Burns, you had better not cross my path. The taste of blood has aroused my lion heart, and its appetite shall be appeased." Fruitless were the attempts made by Grafton, to learn the authorship of the letter, which had so excited his ire. He now fancied that his history was upon the tongue of every man he met, and that he was shunned, as the author of crimes, of the blackest dye. He hastened his preparations for leaving the city, preferring even the gloom and desolation of Cote Blanche to a longer residence, under such circumstances, in town. 120 WOMAN'S FAITH, ' CHAPTER XXV. THE interest of a narrative, depends mainly upon the qualities of those, who chiefly figure in it. We are deeply impressed by the good or ill success of the various characters in the drama, as we see, clearly and vividly, their person and their minds before us, and can form some opinion as to their rule of conduct. We, therefore, bespeak the indulgence of our readers, while we present before them, the portraiture of one who may already have awak- ened their regard. It was matter of no small surprise to those, who had, for years, been plodding on, with weary steps, in their professional career ; who, by slow and toilsome progress, had reached to eminence in the practice of the law, that Mr. William Burns in his first forensic effort, should take a place, if not primus inter pares, at least not a whit behind the foremost. But they were little aware of those rare powers of intellect, with which he had been endowed, and of that cultivation, which can alone enable those powers to perform their highest functions. From earliest years, his mother had taught him, that the great secret of education was, to think deeply and correctly. She encouraged the curiosity, native to childhood, and no tale was read by him, but she instructed him as to its moral ; no plaything amused him, without, at the same time, furnishing aliment to his tender, yet ingenuous mind. The mimic ship which affection gave him, was not merely to float in the little trough of water for his amusement; it taught him how continents were discovered, how the seas were navigated, and naval battles fought, A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 121 so that the names of Columbus, of Decatur, and of Perry, were associated with his earliest and fondest recollections. But wo have not time to dwell upon this seed-time of life, vital as it is for weal or woe ; nor to follow him through his academic career, in which all the high hopes and expectations of his friends were fully realized. We will stay but a moment, to remark, that he adopted as his rule of study, to read but few books, and to read those well and thoroughly. He had studied, for instance, the Oration of Demosthenes for the crown, as he studied a proposition of Euclid, analyzing it, and making himself understand, if possi- ble, in what lay the wondrous power, the matchless success of the great oraWr. And Milton furnished his mind with that magni- ficent imagery, those strong and felicitous expressions, which so glow upon every page of the Paradise Lost. The Bible and Shakespeare were ever read with fresh delight, and, apart from all other advantages, gave him a beauty of style, and a knowledge of the hidden springs of the heart, quite remarkable. To the old pure wells of English literature he resorted, to slake the burning thirst of his intellect, passing by those broken cisterns, which hold no water. When, as a student of law, he cast his eye upon those massive columns of legal lore piled up in the lawyer's library, his heart would have misgiven him, his courage would have failed, had he not assured himself, that in some comparatively few elementary works, he could find the principles, which ingenuity had hammered out, and expanded, until a page of the old terse law writer should fill a folio of a modern compiler. The tho- roughly reasoned opinions in which eminent judges embodied the learning of the law, masterpieces of juridical science, and classical taste, he studied with greatest enthusiasm. And when he decided to make his home in Louisiana, where a diffe- rent system of law prevailed from that to which his attention had been directed at the law school, he repaired to the fountains of 6 122 WOMAN'S FAITH. the civil law, making himself master of that great body of legal ethics in the Pandects of Justinian, and the luminous commen- taries of Pothier and Duranton, upon that code, in which the wonderful genius and industry of Napoleon caused to be gathered, from almost chaotic materials, and to be embodied in a precise and accurate form, the great rules of right, which should govern mankind in the varied transactions of life. With such a mind, so trained, and stored, he could safely enter upon that vast arena, where are marshalled, for the conflict the most powerful intellects. His bright and keen falchion had not, it is true, been drawn from its scabbard ; but polished as it was, and in the hands of one so adroit and skillful, he had little cause to fear an opponent. And as his profession required that there should not only be laid up these large intellectual stores, but that he should possess the somewhat rare faculty of using his knowledge, as his was to be the task of leading men's ininds, most diligently did he study the rhetorician's art, as it has come down to us from the great masters of eloquence. Could you have seen his face glow, as he read and re-read that unrivalled specimen of popular oratory, the speech of Mark Antony over the body of Caesar, which the sweet bard of Avon has given us, you might have perceived that he was preparing himself to " Steal men's hearts." And that he would have : " Action, utterance, and the power of speech, To stir men's blood." In figure and in person he was not unlike the Roman consul. Tall and erect, his closely knit and contracted frame, was strik- ingly imposing. His handsome head, gracefully sitting upon the A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 123 firm, full neck ; his black hair curling over his ample brow, and his keen eye, flashing with the prophet's fire ; the dark lineaments of the face, lighted up by the lamp of his mind, he at once impressed you with an interest of no ordinary character. 124: WOMAN'S FAITH. CHAPTER XXVI. FATHER, do tell me," said Louise, " what mystery there is about that letter you received this morning, which seems to afford you such sly amusement." " Oh, it was only upon business, which, perhaps, you might be better prepared to reply to than I. But as it was addressed to myself, and from a professional gentleman, it may be as well to give a guarded answer. Possibly you know the handwriting ;" and he showed her the envelope. She remarked " she was as ignorant of the chirography, as of the contents of the epistle." " You say, father, that the curiosity of a lady is well-nigh insatiable ; why, then," said Louise, " tempt us, by first exciting desire, and then cruelly withholding the gratification of it, parti- cularly when it is about so insignificant an affair as a communi- cation upon business." Rallying Louise, as he had accomplished his object, he left the young ladies to reply to this letter, which deeply affected the future fate and happiness of his eldest daughter. The arrival of William Burns a few days after was the consequence of this cor- respondence. His coming was welcomed with that generous hospitality so grateful to a visitor, and although the pulsations of the heart of Louise were somewhat quickened, she little dreamed that the letter, with which her father had teased her a few days before, had anything to do with this agreeable reunion. "I am glad, Mr. Burns," said Louise, "that the monotony of Oak Lawn, did not give you such a distaste for it, as to deprive A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 125 us of a second visit. You are just in time for a party given by Mrs. Montegre, and delighted will Blanche and myself be, as we will not now necessarily be wall flowers in that brilliant assembly." " Nothing would give me more pleasure than to be accepted as your gallant on the evening indicated." , " I have only," said Louise, " to advise you to guard well your heart, if you have any desire to retain it, for the fascinating and bewitching young ladies you will meet with to night are so accus- tomed to conquest, that most of our gay cavaliers at once lay down all opposition, and surrender at discretion." " But suppose, Miss Louise, they find the citadel already suc- cessfully assailed, and in the possession of some fair conqueror ?" " Open and avowed allegiance," replied Louise, " alone confer rights that are respected. A mere preference insures no protec- tion, so I advise you, if at your home, or in the New England, you love so well, there dwells some fair one in whose ear you have breathed the tender vow, look well to your fidelity, for to-night it will be put to a test most trying." " I must admit," said Burns, " that I am under the influence of a spell or incantation that laughs to scorn all resistance, and am now at the mercy of another. Yet I have not found sufficient courage to make an avowal. Preferring to suffer the par.gs of suspense, than risk all upon an offer." "And think you," said Louise, "that your fair inamorata knows not all, or do you prefer to ' let concealment, like the worm in the bud, feed on your damask cheek ?' I suspect your sex is made of sterner stuff than roseleaves, and that all hope and peace will not fade and perish from the icy breath of unrequited affec- tion." " Such is very apt to be the judgment," said Burns, " of those, who being quite secure themselves in the possession of absolute power, smile upon the fears and sufferings of their subjects. I 126 WOMAN'S FAITH. shall feel myself quite safe fftrn the assaults of beauty, shielded as I shall be by my fair companion." " Do you promise to make confession, true and full, after the ordeal is passed, Mr. Burns ?" " Yes, complete and ample, and at every hazard." Necessary might have been the warnings of Louise, had not the heart of her listener been all her own, for brilliant with beauty, and sparkling with wit and witching manners, were the fair enchantresses in the elegant saloons of Mrs. Montegre that night, and cold would have been the nature, that could have resisted the power of their fascination. Were not the susceptible feelings of Louise a little uneasy, as she saw before her, a face, radiant with smiles and beauty, and lit up with delight, as she was listening to the conversation of William Burns. If not, why with an air of abstraction did she pay so little heed to the flatter- ing and playful badinage of George Manners, and by an ill-timed remark, discover that her thoughts were elsewhere, at the very time that her gallant admirer fancied he was making a decided impression. Although she would scarcely admit to herself the deep interest with which the handsome, gifted advocate had inspired her, yet she could not feel quite easy, when she saw him exposed to shafts in the hands of so experienced an archer. She might indeed have considered herself safe enough, as she so often caught his eye fixed steadily upon herself, and his most winning smile reserved for such recognition. Upon their return home, Louise playfully remarked to Burns as they sat in an embrasure of the window, " now for the confession you promised before we started for the party. Was not your heart taken captive by the smiles of beauty?" " Yes, but it was the same sweet smile that months since quite entranced me, that now fills my whole being with rapture, and without which, life would be dark indeed. Make me, Miss Louise, A TALE OF SOUTHEBN LIFE. 127 the happiest of mortals by a smile of assent, while I ask your acceptance of a heart all your own." The mantling blushes which crimsoned the face of Louise, and the wild, tumultuous beatings of her bosom, showed that she was not prepared for this eclaircissement. " I have the permission of your father, Miss Louise, in the pro- posal I have dared to make ; may I not hope that you will ratify that assent ?" " You need no formal acceptance, Mr. Burns, no assurance, that your love is all reciprocated. I suspect my conduct at the party of Mrs. Montegre must have betrayed the partiality I felt for you> as I confess, I was then full of apprehension, and again and again lamented that I had exposed you to the influence of such charm- ing youug ladies. Now that it is over, my pride is gratified that you were proof against such magic arts as there must have assailed you." " Had not my heart been all preoccupied," said Burns, " and had not you been present, I might have felt deeply the power of fasci- nating ladies, but not without reason was I rallied by the hand- some Miss Lefroy as she detected the glances of my eyes." An hour filled up with agreeable confessions quickly passed, when Mr. Lefort came in upon our lovers, and telling Louise that her mother desired her presence, she bade good night to her too happy lover, " Now, I suppose," said Blanche, " you will not be quite so coy, Louise, when I speak of the attentions of Mr. Burns." "The only way I can relieve myself," said Louise, "from all annoyance, is by confession, so I will tell you frankly, William has offered, and I have accepted." " Oh ! Louise, why did you not tease him a little ? When you were sure of his preference, and felt certain of his love, then it would have been so nice to throw in some buts and ifs, till he was tortured a little with apprehension. If I were a fish I would not be caught but by the most skillful angler, and until he had exposed 128 WOMAN'S FAITH. every retreat^ and with the utmost pains and care taken me most winningly from the water." Now that Burns was regarded as the accepted lover of Louise, he rendered himself irresistibly attractive to each member of that family. His delicate, respectful attentions to Mrs. Lefort, and the eagerness with which he entered into all the arrangements of Blanche, won for him their most affectionate regard. Already did Blanche treat him as a brother. " But you must understand," she said to him, " in this early stage of your engagement, that you are not to take Louise away from us. We could not possibly get along without her. Mother has so long depended upon her in all our domestic arrangements, and she has been so constantly my companion, that we could not be reconciled to her departure." " We have not," said Burns, " so far advanced in our future as to talk of home,~separate from this most delightful abode. I shall leave all these questions to be settled, when time and occasion demand it." "You must, now, Mr. Burns," said Mrs. Lefort, "look upon this as your home. Our little family could not be deprived of one of its members, without leaving a void, which would bring sadness to all our hearts. I only gave my consent to any proposition, looking to matrimonial results, but upon the express condition that our family circle was not to be broken by the loss of one of its members." "Mr. Burns and myself," said Mr. Lefort, "will arrange all this. It is hardly fair just now to press upon him a decision upon this matter, just at this moment. We have a strong ally in Louise, and need not fear that she will fail in any fair and proper request at the hands of Mr. Burns." The position that he now occupied at the bar as an advocate and a jurist were such, that his services were always eagerly sought in any controversy before the courts. He had formed such a professional connection, as relieved him from all the mere details A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 129 of business, and by spending a day or two in his office each week, he could comply with all the wishes of his clients. The sessions of the courts being but few through the year, he had ample leisure for the preparation of his cases, and it mattered little in what part of the parish might be his residence. He could now employ his time so systematically, and in so undisturbed a manner, that with- out trenching upon his professional duties, he could devote that attention to the science of- government, to the political affairs of the country, which had ever been with him an object most desir- able. His popularity here opened for him a wide field, and he had but to thrust in his sickle and reap such harvest, as his talents and acquirements might win for himself. But we must for the present leave Oak Lawn, and its inmates, assuring our readers that here, as elsewhere, the course of law and politics, and, shall I name it in this connection, of love, smoothly ran on, as there was but little opportunity for misunderstanding or disappointment. 6* 130 WOMAN'S FAITH. CHAPTER XXVII. WE pass over some years, in the story which we are relating ; for it is impossible to dwell upon the every-day events, which go to make up the lives of individuals. Many and interesting have been the vicissitudes, which have marked the lives and fortunes of those who have figured in the O foregoing pages. " The smiles of joy, and tears of woe," have alternately brightened the pathway, or embittered the cup of those, in whose progress we have taken an interest. The engage- ment which had existed between William Burns and Louise Lefort, had received its happy termination in renewing their vows at the altar, and hearing, from the lips of the holy man, the words which made them man and wife. Three bright little cherubs cheer, with their glad voices, the cottage at Oak Lawn, and one is not. The fell destroyer, snatched the first-born, when the opening flower gave promise of the ripened fruit. But those tears have dried, while with a softened melancholy, a lovely woman gazes upon that small grassy knoll, over which the tiny hands of a bright boy, and two smiling girls are flinging handfuls of wild flowers, and the mother's heart now is animated with a new joy, as she welcomes back from Congressional Halls, the idol of her bosom. Happiness still presides at the hospitable board in the cottage of Lefort. Years have dealt kindly with the honored heads of that family, and but little are they changed from the time we first introduced them to our readers. William Burns has served his A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 131 first term in the councils of the nation, and fully realized the high expectations of his friends. His wife still possesses those charms, which rendered her so generally a favorite. No one of that household is so change % d as Blanche. The bright, "brilliant sallies of wit, which once sparkled in all her conversati9n, now seldom, if ever, are heard from her lips. Her face is not, as once it was, now glowing in the sunshine of a perpetual smile ; sober thoughts have chased away the gladdening expression, that years ago beamed upon that lovely countenance. To all but those who, from closest intimacy, were permitted to read the revealings of her heart, there appeared but the change which time would work. To her sister, even, had Blanche, never by word, or scarcely by look, betrayed the secret, which was marring her happiness. She had favored the idea which Louise adopted, that Paris, with its attractions, was now remembered with more interest than ever, and that as she heard of exiles, returning to their native lands, their glittering honors, and their estates restored, she pined for a return to her earliest home. Little did she dream, that for years, Blanche had been cherishing, as a sweet vision, the return of Charles Grafton, and that again from his lips, she would hear those expressions of interest, which had fired her youthful fancy. She could not account for his long silence, his terribly protracted absence. We can only explain to the reader, by going back upon our history. The conduct of Frank Grafton had been marked by such flagrant outrages, that he could be no longer tolerated in society. The midnight orgies, in which he often indulged, and the terrible conflicts which took place between the maddened revellers, was the subject of remark everywhere. He was regarded as despe- rate, as he was abandoned, and he was therefore shunned by all, except those who were as wicked as himself. His bitterest hostility was aroused towards William Burns, and as he was now a member of the family of Lefort, it was natura! 132 WOMAN'S FAITH. that he should regard, with no kindly feeling, those connected with him. Blanche had heard of some sneering remarks, which he had made concerning her father, which, in connection with his conduct, had rendered him an object o/ disgust. Returning from an evening ride, she saw him approaching her, and stung by the bitterness of his unprovoked expressions con- cerning her father, she resolved to pass him without recognition. He drew up his handsome steed, and, with a most gracious bow, was about accosting her, when she passed him, as if he had been a perfect stranger. He was deeply chagrined and mortified by this cut direct. "I will bide my time, Miss Haughty," he said to himself; "but, be sure, that for this slight, I will have complete and ample vengeance. And yet it is hard, for, I suppose, she is instructed by her starched ld papa, or her virtuous brother-in- law. I can reach them through her, and she must be the victim." Through the letters Frank Grafton received from his brother, and from what he had heard, when on visiting terms with the family, he was satisfied that there was a sentiment of more than mere friendship, between his brother and Blanche. He knew his sensitive nature, the depth and strength of his feelings, and was sure, that one as handsome and as gifted as he really considered Charles to be, would make an impression upon a girl like Blanche, of the strongest character. " And that love and admira- tion," said Frank to himself, " shall be nursed and strengthened, aye, a thousand fold, even in its hopelessness." " I will direct the dart. The poison with which it is freighted shall be slow, yet sure, drying up, by slowest process, the fountain of life and happiness. " In her, are centered the joy of the household of Lefort ; they shall but guess at the cause of that grief, which is consuming the bloom upon that fair cheek, destroying those rounded, elegant pro- A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 133 portions, which now give such grace and beauty of form, to her whom they so fondly cherish. " ,'--4 "And yet is not this difficult of .accomplishment-? - All the better. Will it not occupy those hours, which now are full of dark despondency, in which are ever floating before my imagina- tion, the whitened corse of Emma, and the bloodless face, and staring eye of that poor fool, who forced me to take his life upon the field ? And when, or where has the word cannot, intervened for the prevention of any coveted object which I had determined to accomplish ? " I sometimes feel as if some spirits from the dark abyss were connusant ot my dark design ; and from their horrid, murky caverns, forged the instruments by which they were to be con summated. The dark, swarthy face of Grafton, gleamed with an almost unearthly expression, and a sardonic smile lighted up his features, as he thus spoke to himself. "Ha, ha, ha, how shall my vengeance be glutted, and a new and darker page shall be written for the drama of life ; and yet, I confess, it sometimes awakens remorse, that Charles, my only brother, whom I really love, and who has truly sympathized with me in my troubles, should necessarily partake of the ingredients of that cup, which I have mingled for others." And he would then hesitate, as if a better sentiment, imprinted in earlier years upon his mind, and which the spirit of evil had not quite blotted out, was exerting an influence upon his fell pur- poses. But a more potent, because a more encouraged principle, would come to the rescue of this cherished object, furnishing argu- ments, and removing objections in the furtherance of his precon- ceived plans. "The love of Charles will soon be obliterated in the presence of new objects of interest. He knew Blanche but a short time; there 134 WOMAN'S FAITH. was no engagement, and so far as he knew, no reciprocation of the sentiment, which he may have been indulging'. "Better for him to marry, in Virginia, a woman of high position and of wealth, American in her tastes and education. Such a connection will give him an enviable influence, and a standing in society. And how it would humble the lofty pride, and high pretensions of the emigrant family at Oak Lawn. Charles would soon forget a love, which may, for the moment, possess him, and my plans and doings would not essentially affect his happiness. "And would not my good have been promoted, the lives of others saved, if some fortunate circumstance could have intervened to have prevented my marriage with Helen ? I thought I loved her, that my whole existence would be a blank, without her society, and when she declined the proffer of my heart, the very skies above my head seemed as molten brass, and the solid earth but one great crater of burning lava. But was not this all imaginary and unreal ? for when by atten- tions, the most assiduous, an affectation of virtue, a mock humi- lity, -and by an assumed dejection, I had won her, I hardly thought her worth the wearing. "Heigho! Charles must not thwart a project upon which hang results to me, so desirable." By such considerations, all the objections, which ever arose in his mind, were met and obviated. He now set to work, for the completion of his purpose, and to it, he gave the whole of his powerful intellect. In his letters to Charles, while speaking of the society, in the neighborhood of Oak Lawn, of the parties that he had attended, he would give him most graphic descriptions. In praising the beauty and accomplishments of the ladies, he would remark upon the frivolity of the French character, their ladies are so volatile, so fond of coquetry, so gratified by the power of making a con- A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 135 quest, that they lose that charm, which forms part of the character of our native born, American ladies. He would allude to the matches, de convenance, so general in French families; that scarcely ever with them was marriage an affair of the heart, but family, wealth, or high position, were the surest of success, where rival suitors were offering their devoirs at the shrine of beauty. He spoke of the family of Lefort, and that they were pursuing the even tenor of their way, that it was said, the family were greatly disappointed in their ambitious expecta- tions of Burns, as he had settled down upon the honors and fame won in a county court ; that like most men, when not incited by the spur of ambition, or necessity, he gave himself up to the enjoyment of ease, and in the comforts of his home, at Lefort's, gladly found recreation from the cares of business. He added that Blanche was as gay and full of romance as ever, and lived only to gratify the wishes of her father. He adroitly remarked, that after toying with dozens of young Creoles, she was now regarded as the special object of interest, of a very wealthy planter, whom the family had been courting, most assiduously, and whose influence and position were by them greatly coveted. By this means, he intended to wean his brother from all those prepossessions which he might .have indulged for Blanche, and induce him to bury in forgetfulness, as idle day dreams, all his expectations of a marriage with her. He now mingled more than ever in society. To the acquain- tances of his brother Charles, he spoke of the great success he was attaining, as a popular debater in his native State. He had been greatly gratified by the complimentary notices, which the leading papers were giving of his speeches, in discussions with some of the far-famed orators of Virginia. He was told that Charles was greatly caressed, and now a general favorite in society. He said he was sorry to know, as his letters to him indicated, that he was astonished that he could ever have felt an interest in 136 WOMAN'S FAITH. Louisiana scenes, or relished society, so limited in their ideas that the very scenery of Virginia, so grand and beautiful was most inspiring, and had awakened within him those energies, which were nearly paralyzed by the enervating effect of a southern climate. To a young lady, who had ever been envious of the attractions of Blanche, and who had been stung, by the preferences she had unwittingly secured from some young beau, he addressed the fol- lowing conversation : " I am glad Mr. Grafton," said Miss Eloise Florian, " that you have abandoned your recluse life and now add to the general joy of our society by your presence." " I thank you, Miss Eloise," said Grafton, " for the kindness of your remark. If I could repay but half the pleasure which I derive from the hospitality of those whose invitations afford me so much gratification, I should not feel myself to be so great a debtor." "We shall all be happy, Mr. Grafton, if we can indulge the belief, that the obligation is but mutual. Do tell me when you heard from your charming brother ?" " He writes me frequently, said Mr. Grafton." " Does he hold out no promise of a return to Louisiana ?" said Eloise. "I might perhaps have acquired this information from another quarter, but some young ladies are so coy, and affect such an air of indifference, that I dislike to gratify them, by inquiries, as if they alone had the power of enlightening us poor mortals." "Your sex, I suspect, are not entirely free from a spice of jealousy, Miss Eloise, at least I judge so from observation. Let me bespeak your indulgence, for I see from the curl upon your lip, that you regard the remark as personal. Am I pardoned ?" " Certainly, Mr. Grafton. I was not aware that I discovered any feeling," said Eloise, " for you will permit me to say, that of all ladies, those to whom I alluded, would be the last to excite A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 137 enmity or jealousy in my bosom. But pray tell mo of your brother." " He has decided," said Grafton, " to remain in Virginia. I fear he has been too much flattered by some success, as a public speaker there, and will give up all expectation of a return to Louisiana." " Has he become a politician ?" said Eloise. " I suppose we shall soon hear of him, as a distinguished member of Congress." " He has always had a fondness," said Grafton, " for public dis- cussion. Virginia, you know, has ever been famous as the nursery of eloquence, and statesmanship. I suspect Charles has done as others have before him, given himself up, heart and soul, to public affairs." " Oh, no !" said Eloise, " if I have not been misinformed, he had disposed of his heart, before bidding adieu to Louisiana. A cer- tain fair lady at Oak Lawn, is said to be possessor of that precious bauble. Am I rightly informed upon the subject, Mr. Grafton ?" " Had you heard that my brother was engaged to Miss Lefort ?" said Grafton, " for I suppose that is the fair demoiselle, to whom you referred." " Perhaps not precisely an engagement," replied Eloise, " but a sort of understanding, depending upon the assent of the young lady. Tell me, Mr. Grafton, am I correct ?" " I scarcely know," said Grafton, " whether I ought to answer your queries. I fear I may betray the confidence of my brother, although he enjoined no secrecy. But with the promise that you will keep it, at least for the present, as a secret, I will tell you." " Trust me, Mr. Grafton, I will be as close as an oyster." " If my brother ever entertained a preference for any lady in Louisiana, sure I am, that all is now forgotten. He laughed at his sentimental, lackadaisical conversations with Miss Lefort, and says ' he is glad that they made no impression upon her memory, or heart.' " 138 WOMAN'S FAITH. " Has he any other alliance in view ?" said Eloise. " My brother, like all sensible men, sees the great advantage he might acquire by a marriage with one of wealth and position. In Virginia, where they pride themselves so much upon family, and high connection, it is all important to a young aspirant for popular favor, to be well connected. He has so ingratiated himself into the favor of one of the senators in Congress, by a bold^ able and successful defence of his political course, that he seeks every oppor- tunity to promote the views of Charles. And I heard incidentally, the other day, that he was regarded as the accepted suitor for the hand of his high-born, elegant, and accomplished daughter." " Oh ! how it will nettle Miss Blanche when she hears this news," said Eloise. " I hope she will not learn it with displeasure, for I do not sup- pose, she feels any interest in the love affairs of my brother. They were good friends, while he was here, and she will now rejoice in his success." Well did Frank Grafton know that hours would not intervene, before the secret he had revealed, would reach the ears of Blanche, and his conversation would be repeated with all the glosses, requisite to make it sufficiently distasteful to her. He was too much of a master of the human heart not to be aware, that the rival would be swift to publish information, which would tend to the disadvantage of one, who had marred her prospects. Rightly had he judged, for soon after he saw Miss Eloise in close converse with Miss Burns, and he knew from the expression of the countenances of the parties, that his object was being fully accomplished. How more than gratified would have been his fiendish dis- position, could he have listened to the conversation we are about to relate. " Who would have believed," said Mrs. Burns, " that Charles Grafton, would so soon have forgotten all his friends in Louisiana? A TALE OF SOTJTHEBN LIFE. 139 I confess his long silence somewhat surprised me, but I attributed it to the conduct of his brother." " How do you know that he has forgotten us ?" said Mr. Lefort. " I had a long conversation," said Louise, "last evening with Eloise Florian, who seems to be fully acquainted with the pursuits and feelings of Charles Grafton, though she says she is not permitted, at present, to give her authority. There is such minuteness in all her statements, that it seems impossible to doubt their correctness." " What did she say to you, Louise ?" * " She informed me of the distinction Charles was now wanning, as a public debater, that he was greatly caressed and flattered, and that he had, by his fine talents and accomplishments, won the heart, and been promised the hand, of one of the greatest belles of Virginia. That her large wealth and high position in society, would insure for Grafton the political success, which his ambition now coveted. This I had expected, but I confess, I was surprised, that he should have so far forgotten all decency, as to have sneered at intimacies he had formed in Louisiana, and laughed at the idea of being caught by a little French emigrant, with a pretty foot and face." " I can hardly believe the story, asserted by Eloise. I have seen," said Mr. Lefort, " reports of his speeches in the Richmond papers, accompanied by high eulogiums. His long silence would, it is true, indicate that he had forgotten us, but from the noble quali- ties of head and heart, developed by his conversation, I could scarcely credit what has been said of his conduct towards us." During all this conversation, Blanche manifested but little interest, and yet, her heart was tortured by the idea, that Charles J had ceased to think of her with regard. She would not permit herself to believe in the bitter sarcasm, as related by Eloise, but greatly feared, that the heart of her former lover had been won by the attractions of wealth and distinction. - t " He might have been mine," she said to herself. " I was only 140 WOMAN'S FAITH. to permit him the expression of his love, and he would have gladly offered me his hand and heart. But if distance can so soon have changed him, if in absence, he has forgotten all those ties, which bound him to Oak Lawn, better that I should thus early have learned his disposition and character, and not have shipwrecked all future happiness by trusting to one so fickle and so false. And yet do I not too harshly judge him ? May he not have supposed from my conduct that I felt for him no interest ? " I would not permit him to express the hope that when success should crown his future career with honor, that he might then expect to win a love, for which, he said he would willingly spend years ef the most arduous toil. If from me, he could receive no encouragement, if the whole future of his existence was to be cheered by no ray of hope, that the love, which glowed in his own bosom, could be reciprocated, is it strange, that he should now be basking in the smile of some fair one, who would appreciate his worth ? I will not believe in the scandal, which has been uttered concerning one, so noble and so disinterested. He is not false. He has broken no vow, he has slighted no promise. " Worthily will he wear the honors conferred upon him by an admiring people, and with all my heart do I wish that his name may be inscribed upon the highest niche in the Temple of Fame." The principal apprehensions Frank Grafton now felt, for the success of this villainous scheme, were, that Charles might write to Mr. Lefort or to Blanche, and so all his plans would be frus- trated. It now seemed as if the agency of the spirit of darkness was leagued with him, for on this very evening, a gentleman from Virginia arrived at his house, with letters of introduction from Charles, and inclosing a letter to Mr. Lefort. It is impossible to describe the gratification of Frank, at this unexpected and joyous event A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. His great happiness so excited him, that his welcomes to the stranger were most warm and cheering. He told him, he could hardly give him time to make his toilet for dinner, so anxious was he, to hear from his brother. Order- ing a servant to take the luggage of Mr. Stevenson, he accom- panied him to his room, and said he should impatiently await his return to the parlor. With what eagerness did Grafton eye the letter of his brother to Lefort ; he clutched it, as if he were afraid, that it would take wing and leave him. He broke the seal and rapidly devoured the contents of the following letter. " RICHMOND 1st June, 18 " F. LEFORT, ESQ. " Dear Sir May I indulge the hope that my long absence from Louisiana has not quite obliterated all trace of remembrance of one, upon whose heart and memory are engraved the sense of attentions, most kind and courteous, cordially extended to him, by yourself and family. Mournful as will ever be some of the recollections that link me to your adopted State, there are others, which throw a sweet and softened light upon scenes ever before my vision. " How beautiful are the offerings of disinterested kindness. They are the green spots, upon the arid wastes. Like the sparkling waters from the fountain to the poor wayfarer, were the hospitalities received by me, a stranger at Oak Lawn. They will ever be among the most cherished of my remembrances. But while gratjitude was inspired by conduct, so dis- interested, will you permit me to say that a warmer sentiment grew up in my heart, that now earnestly craves your approval. " I need hardly add, that the graces of mind and manner, the delightful and constant exhibitions of a most generous nature, and the witching wiles of surpassing beauty, which all meet in your daughter Blanche, were the origin and aliment of that sentiment. The hope of winning her regard has been the main spring of all my exertions, making light the severest toil, and dispersing discouragement, which would otherwise have caused me to falter, while ascending the steep, upon whose rugged brow, smiles Fame's fair temple. Pursuing the avenues, which she laughingly remark- 14:2 WOMAN'S FAITH. ed were opened before me, I have been far more successful than my merits deserve. The partiality of my friends, has secured for me a seat in Congress. My property, now affords me a handsome income. May I not venture to hope you will permit me, to come to Louisiana, and seek in the smiles of Miss Blanche, that happiness, which wealth or honors are inadequate to confer. " With my kindest regards to Mrs. Lefort and your family, permit me to subscribe myself, " Very respectfully, your obedient servant, "CHARLES GRAJTON." A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 143 CHAPTER XXVIII. FRANK GRAFTON had no time for the indulgence of feelings, which were almost irrepressible. It required all his strong mind, fertile as it was in expedients, and accustomed to put on, at will, those disguises, which might be passing within it, to conceal his emotions. The return of Mr. Stevenson from his chamber, found Grafton wearing his blandest smile and, apparently, only intent upon learning of his brother's welfare. " When did you leave Virginia, Mr. Stevenson ?" said Grafton, " and what news do you bring us ?" " It is now six weeks, since I parted with your brother in Rich- mond, and though a little worn with the fatigues incident to an electioneering campaign, he is, I believe, as sound as a dollar." " In whose election did he take so deep an interest ?" inquired Grafton. " Why ! in his own," said Stevenson. " Were you not aware that he was a candidate for Congress ? In a most exciting can- vass, and his opponent connected with one of the most influential families of the county, he has been elected by a most triumphant majority." " I am gratified, as well as surprised, by the information you give me," said Grafton. " Pray tell me the particulars of the contest." " Your brother had made himself widely and favorably known by a tour through the State with several politicians, during which he daily addressed the people in defence of the votes of one of 144 WOMAN'S FAITH. our senators, upon some question of policy. He brought to the discussion, such a fund of political knowledge, such versatility of talent, such unanswerable arguments, that all were taken by sur- prise by this new actor upon the political stage." " What is the manner of my brother ?" said Grafton. f "His elocution is manly, yet fervid, his arguments, so clear, (togent and convincing, his illustrations all natural and beautiful, his allusions so classical and elegant, that his audience are carried away by the charms of his surpassing eloquence, in the very outset of his speech. He then delights them with wit, burnished and sparkling, now employing that irony, which covers his opponent with ridicule, or unsheathing the flashing blade of sarcasm, lays bare the sophistical, and ill considered positions of his adversary. He is ever perfect master of his subject. His eye flashes with the eagle's fire, as he turns his bold triumphant look upon the assailant of the cause he has espoused." " I suspect," said Grafton, " the partiality of friendship colors with a somewhat rosy hue, your description of my brother's oratory." " No," said Stevenson, " this is now the general sentiment, and some of the opponents of the old senator quaintly remark, that the election of young Grafton was the great desire of the former, that he might find some one, who could, with a show of suc- cess, defend a course at war with the opinion of nine tenths of the people. When your brother was first nominated, his opponent laughed at such a contest. A man unknown, without family or wealth, to think of contending for the seat, which he had occupied for years, was simply ridiculous. But no man, he found, could withstand the power, which the burning eloquence, the fascinating manners, and the wonderful mental acquisitions, gave to Charles Grafton, and he has submitted, with as much grace as possible, to a most disastrous defeat." The conversation now turned to various topics, and with a power, A TALE OF SOTTTHEKN LIFE. 145 which Stevenson little suspected, Grafton took into his own hands, the direction of the thoughts, and even wishes of his guest. Grafton invited Stevenson to ride with him over the island. Ste- venson was surprised with the extent of its fertility, and admired, as all must, the natural beauties, clustering about it. He was sur- prised by the perfect clock-work method, in the labor of the slaves, without any overseer, and all working with the apparent harmony and precision of a well-regulated machine. He explained to him, all the minutiae of the culture of the cane, the making of sugar, the expenditures of the plantation, and the profits derived upon the general outlay of capital and labor. "Tt is," said Stevenson, " a most profitable investment, and though, now, it is the warmest of summer weather, the constant breeze from the gulf, renders the air perfectly delightful. I have never enjoyed such dreamy happiness, as when yesterday after dinner you invited me to take a siesta in the hammock, swinging in the wide and cool veranda of your tasteful cottage. You have the finest sea-food I have found anywhere, while the wild game so abundant, furnishes you with every luxury. I know not when I have seen a place combining so many advantages." " And yet I am tired of it," said Grafton, " although I am aware it possesses attractions, which can scarcely be found anywhere in the country. I lead an isolated life, and feel that I am acquiring the habits and disposition of a recluse." " Well," said Stevenson, " I wish I could find such a property, seeking a purchaser. If you ever sell, promise me, Grafton, that I shall have the first ofter." " Oh! as for that, I feel that I am working for Charles. The great expenses connected with the life of a politician, particularly, if he intends, as he writes, trying his luck in the lottery of matrimony, will require the income of some profitable investment, and, well managed, none will give so good a return as ours, at C6te Blanche." " Ah ! it is as I suspected," said Stevenson. " Cupid success- t WOMAN'S FAITH. fully laid siege to a citadel, invulnerable to all attack but his, and he has fallen beneath the potent smiles of the elegant daughter of our senator. I shrewdly suspect, that the magic beauty of the belle of Richmond inspired the eloquence of your gifted brother. It was so reported, when I left home, but from some rumors afloat, on his first return from Louisiana, it was supposed he had left his heart behind him." " Oh, no !" said Grafton, " I believe while here, he indulged in some flirtations ; but our young French girls are like our humming- "birds, they sip honey from every opening blossom. In other words, their little love affairs are the occupation of idle hours, while their matrimonial concerns are always regulated by their mammas and papas, and ever with an eye to the main chance." Grafton was highly gratified that Stevenson regarded Charles as engaged in Virginia. He would turn this knowledge to account. On the following day, he rode with Stevenson over the parish, telling him, that in one ride he could form his opinions, as to the people and the country, as well as if he had lived in the neigh- borhood a twelvemonth. He introduced him, for his own purposes, to Miss Eloise Florian, remarking that he was but recently from Virginia, and a particular friend of his brother's. " And now, Miss Eloise," said he, " Mr. S. can fully inform you of my brother, of his pursuits, and purposes." Just as he expected, with apparent unconcern, she drew from him, the very information, which Frank would have desired. He spoke of Charles Grafton, as " filling a large space in the public eye; that he was generally regarded as the most rising young man in the State, and that he had just been elected to Congress. He said, that it was understood, that Mr. Grafton was about to lead to the altar, Miss S., a young lady of surpassing beauty and accomplishments, who, he doubted not, would be the A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 147 reigning belle at Washington, during the coming winter. " And yet, I am surprised," said Stevenson, " that the charm of a southern residence, and, more than all, the fascinating ladies of Louisiana, had not retained one, so enthusiastic as Charles Grafton, in this delightful section of the country." " We thought at one time," said Eloise, " that he had been bound in the silken meshes of love ; but he probably found the conquest too easy, and withdrew before his own heart was touched, whatever might have been the result to another." " The wound was not probably deep," said Stevenson ; " for rarely will you find the victim in your sex." With impatient eagerness, did Charles Grafton await the arrival of a reply to his letter to Lefort. He had felt some misgivings from the tone of the letters of his brother ; and he knew generally, from education and habit, that no small spice of fickleness entered into the composition of the character of the natives of la belle France. Books and association had taught him, also, that the heart of the daughter, was very much in the keeping of the mother, and that the staple qualities possessed a large preponderance over the mere ornamental, in the selection of the husband. " But surely," said Charles to himself, " such are not the cha- racteristics of any of the family of Lefort. u So great has been the transition from the gay, excited, and busy life of Paris, to the calm, unruffled, and contented existence, in their now secluded home, that dreams of ambitio have all faded from his remembrance. And, if I am not greatly mistaken, Mr. and Mrs. Lefort look to a patriarchal home, their children and their children's children filling one house with glee, a united, loving, and happy family, as the realization of life's brightest dream." This agreeable reverie was sadly dissipated, as he hastily broke the seal of the following letter. 14:8 WOMAN'S FAITH. But before its perusal, our readers will call to mind the circum- stances, under which it was written. It will be recollected, that the letter of Charles Grafton to Mr. Lefort never reached its destination ; that it was handed, by Mr. Stevenson, to Frank Grafton, and by him opened and read, with the determination of frustrating any plan for a marriage between Charles and Blanche. After reading the letter of Charles, he sat down to the compo- sition of a reply ; and this must be done so adroitly that no suspicion would be aroused, as to its authorship. By the aid of certain letters of invitation, which he, had received from Lefort, Grafton found no difficulty in imitating the chirography of the former. With all the assiduity and patience of a schoolboy, did Frank copy these notes, until he could imitate them with the most perfect precision. In the assumed hand of Lefort, he wrote the following reply to the letter of Charles. Would not the cruel, hard heart of even Frank Grafton have softened, had he known the utter wretchedness and despair, which these few lines would occasion his brother. Carefully worded to shut out all hope, and to induce the belief that before a letter could possibly reach Louisiana, Blanche would be another's ; the scheme was sure of success. At this time, a month was considered a short period to make this then, almost interminable journey, so that he felt sure, that in passive despair, Charles would give up all further attempt to obtain the hand of Blanche. How his expectations succeeded, will be seen in the sequel : OAK LAWN, IMh July, 18 CHARLES GRAFTON, Esq., DEAR SIR Your favor of the first of June last, has just reached me. Allow me to congratulate you upon the success, which is crowninar A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 149 your political career. So long a time bad intervened without hearing from you, we naturally concluded, that acquaintances, of so short a date as ourselves, had passed from your memory. We are much obliged to you, for your kind remembrances. I do not feel at liberty to advise your return to Louisiana, as the hand of my daughter is partially promised to one, who from his position and wealth, can assure her happiness in life. Her marriage will probably take place before this reaches you. Permit me to express the hope, that prosperity will ever smile upon your path- way in life. With the regards of my family, allow me to subscribe myself, Your obedient servant, F. LEFOBT. The feelings' of Charles may be more easily imagined than described, as his eye rested upon the last lines of the little missive, which he seemed to be unconsciously holding before his "Marriage Blanche and is this the termination of those bright dreams, which have been gilding all my future, with rays of serenest light ? Am I not to bask in the sunshine of her sweet smile ? Is this the reward for days and nights of most wearisome toil, that I might win a name, worthy of her wearing? Oh, Blanche ! how have you struck dead the warmest, noblest im- pulses of my heart ! To what a tomb have you consigned those living, glowing affections, which were to have made up the happi- ness of my existence ! With what devotion and truth did I linger about those bright memorials, which your loveliness had traced upon my heart ! and they can never fade ! They will never know inconstancy, or change. Ah, no, ' I would not change my buried love, For any heart of living mould.' And now a long farewell to visions of bliss, since the stern reali ties of life have revealed their emptiness. From severe studies 150 WOMAN'S FAITH. and occupations, I may look back upon these mournful memories, with chastened views, never again to trust my bark upon the tempestuous waters of an unknown treacherous sea." Such were the sad reflections of Charles Grafton, that would find expression, even in the solitariness of his chamber. He would be alone. To no ear would he utter the voices of his soul. A new era had commenced in his life. With renewed energy he entered upon his favorite pursuits, as if he would drown all recollections of events so fraught with bitterness. All the great political questions, which agitated the public mind, and which were likely to come before Congress, he examined with the minutest care. The deep and difficult questions growing out of finance, of political economy, the checks and balances provided by the Constitution, the forms of the Federal and State Govern- ments, were his constant study. Never, as now, did he attend to the embellishments of style, the graces of oratory, while his manners and conversation even, became a subject of the most minute and careful attention. He devoted himself to the acquisition of modern languages, and became perfect master of them. The French was a particular study, and he conversed in it with the elegance and fluency of a Parisian. He reviewed his readings upon the history of France, examin- ing, with great attention, the institutions, the interior polity of that wonderful people, and followed, with enthusiasm, the rapid and victorious marches of the greatest of earth's captains. He sat down with him in his consultation with the most learned, and the wisest of his subjects, when framing that wonder- ful code, which the far-seeing, eagle-eye of Napoleon perceived would remain his truest monument "Yes," said Grafton, "when the most brilliant conquest has faded from human recollection, and Marengo, and the Bridge of Lodi, be remembered only as a melancholy computation of how A TALE OF 8OUTHEKN LIFE. 151 much of suffering and woe might be required to sate the mad ambition of a military chieftain, this colossal statue, built up by learning and talent, would survive the ruin of empires, and upon its noble front would be written, in imperishable characters, the name of r NAPOLEON. 152 WOMAN'S FAITH. CHAPTER XXIX. THE bitter and severe disappointment, which had fallen upon the hopes of Blanche, to the eye of the casual observer would never have been noticeable. Those who saw her in the nearer intimacies of relationship, could only have discovered it in the half suppressed sigh, which would, in spite of herself, escape from the depths of a heart, which had been pierced with unutter- able anguish. Her manner had so gradually changed upon the departure of Charles Grafton, that to those, who saw her from day to day, nothing strange or peculiar was perceptible. But how striking would have been the contrast to him, who had seen her years ago on a return from a ride with Charles, her face lighted up with that joyous expression, full of hope, and secure in the possession of a love, which had been tendered her, and the Blanche of to-day, whose reflections were picturing a future, in which she felt herself doomed to linger out a miserable existence. Niobe was all tears, but the tearless eye of Blanche might have revealed a sorrow, such as that imaged on the seared vision of despair. But the native pride of her character came to her aid, rescuing her from the fate of those, around whose hearts the serpent coil of disappointed affection has been fastened with a fatal tenacity. " I will arouse myself," said she to herself, " and no longer yield to the influence of a sentiment, which I may not indulge. Surely there are other avenues to happiness, as yet, by me untried. A life of usefulness, consecrated to the good of others, seeking the A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 153 alleviation of those sorrows, which lie in the pathway of the poor and forsaken, such an existence will be crowned with a peace, unruffled by the wilder passions of our nature." Blanche could not, like the Catholic maiden, seek, in the secret recesses of the cloister, forgetfulness of the object of her love nor, in the gloomy chambers of the recluse, dream away an exist- ence which should, be devoted to active usefulness. Neither could her mind, strengthened and enlarged by a Protestant education, be hushed to a sort of mesmeric sleep, by the counting of beads, or unmeaning genuflections before the shrine of the Virgin. Life appeared, to her excited and cultivated intellect, a great stage, upon which she was to play her part in the drama, without regard to narrrow, sectarian and bigoted views. Wherever tb~e tear of, sorrow could be wiped away, the anguished heart be relieved ; wherever the down-trodden could be raised up, or the darkened mind be brightened by the rays of knowledge, there, uninfluenced by creeds or sectarianism, her truly Catholic spirit saw the path of duty, clear and distinct, as if the pillar of the cloud was lead- ing her. Never were her attentions as beautifully exhibited as now to her father and mother. The health of her mother, always delicate, yearly appeared more frail under the exhausting influence of a tropical climate. But the elasticity of spirit so natural to her, and her great desire for the promotion of the happiness of her family, had caused her to conceal, even from the eye of affection, the lassitude which constantly afflicted her. Blanche frequently urged upon her mother to journey north, assuring her that, in its bracing atmosphere, her constitution would be built up with new vigor. " No, dear Blanche, if I go to New York, it must be by a sea voyage, and I really think I could not bear the sea-sickness, which for three or four weeks I must endure." "Is there no other way of reaching the North?" inquired Blanche. " Scarcely any practicable route," replied Mrs. Lefort. " Your 7* WOMANS FAITH. father has given -me such horrid accounts of a journey by stage that I suspect the most vigorous health would scarcely undergo the fatigue." " It seems hard," said Blanche, " to be imprisoned within such narrow precincts. I wish father had pitched his tent in Carolina. There, within a day's ride of the sea-coast, he would have enjoyed the free mountain air, and have escaped the enervating effect of our long summers." " Do not be troubled about me, dear Blanche, I have thus far been preserved by a kind, though invisible hand, and we should not distrust His goodness, which has been so signally manifested in our protection. Whatever may be our lot, rest assured that the disposing "thereof is by that Providence, whose wisdom and love is infinite." A TALK OF SOUTHERN LIFE. CHAPTER XXX. BUT all the strength of character of Blanche, was now put to the severest test, by the breaking out of an epidemic, which seemed to threaten the destruction of all of every age, rank, and sex. Consternation was pictured upon every visage, and nowhere was the terror so marked and frightful, as in the appealing faces of the horror-stricken slaves. And yet, safety and life depended upon self-possession, and a calm and hopeful disposition. In that neighborhood, as yet unvisited by any sickness, which had ever been resorted to for the salubrity of its climate, it was not surprising that fear should blanch the countenance of those, who, for the first time, saw the effect of the pestilence, " which walketh in darkness, and the destruction which wasteth at noon- day." Here, Blanche was truly a ministering angel. She visited, v ithout fear or hesitation, the homes of want and suffering, fur- nishing the necessary medicine ; and, more than all, imparting by her sweet smile and words of encouragement, relief against the attack of the dread destroyer. Never was a more beautiful exhibition of the effect of true religion, and genuine philanthropy witnessed, than was to be seen in some of the cabins of the slaves. A complete panic had driven from their homes, their owners, and their natural pro- tectors, and they were left to battle, as they best could, with this terrible pestilence. Here now again, was seen the calm and plucid face of that devoted missionary, who, a few years ago, was rr",ued from impending death, through the instrumentality of 156 WOMAN'S FAITH. William Burns. Here, by the couch of the sick and the sorrow- ing, were found, side by side, Paul Eaton and Blanche Lefort. Fear had unfitted those, who as yet had escaped, from nursing the sick ; -but when they saw those angels of mercy in their infected cabins, and listened to their words of comfort and courage, apprehensions were at once dispelled, and the chief danger and difficulty was removed. At all hours, by day and by night, through storm and sunshine, these devoted friends of the afflicted were unwearied in their efforts. But when the icy finger of death had touched its victim, and all would have fled in terror from the swollen and stiffened corse, the presence of Paul Eaton and Blanche seemed to possess a talismanic charm, in rallying the courage, and securing the services, requisite for the performance of the last offices for the dead. " How is it, Miss Lefort," said Paul Eaton, " that, when most of the daughters of fashion are appalled at these terrible exhibitions of sickness and death, and fly from them upon the wings of fear, that you are found in the loathsome cabin, and at the bedside of death ?" " I have learned, Mr. Eaton," replied Blanche, " that nowhere is happiness or safety so surely found, as in the faithful discharge of duty. Sorrow and disappointment visit, not only the lowly and the humble, but the homes of those, where every comfort and luxury are enjoyed in the greatest profusion." " Is luxury a source of enjoyment, Miss Lefort ?" " Yes, sir ; the luxury of doing good. But this, I know, is a play upon the word, and no answer to your question. The world generally supposes, that upon velvet carpets, and beneath the silken drapery, where wealth reposes, hours glide noiselessly along, freighted with purest delights. I intended merely to say that behind these gorgeous trappings, anguish, in its most hideous form, was ofttimes a visitant." " True, indeed, Miss Lefort, is it that obedience to the high A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 157 behests enjoined by our Great Exemplar, alone assures solid and permanent peace? At the couch of the sick and the dying ; at the grave, where broken hearts were bending in almost speechless agony, there, His calm, majestic form was seen, and His sweet voice, with healing on its wings, was heard by the afflicted ; or, reaching the silent ear of death, at His command, rosy health revisited the wasted cheek, and a new life animated the form which was wearing the habiliments of the grave. Never before have I seen the ravages of pestilence, Miss Lefort, and but for the injunctions of my Master, I should, as others did, I fear, have fled from the awful scene." " What could we have done without you, Mr. Eaton 1 This neighborhood, even now, would have been a Golgotha, for fear and apprehension so aggravated disease, that all remedies were fruitless. Thankful am I, that the worst is now passed, that the march of the dread destroyer is stayed." Notwithstanding the skill and devotion of physicians and friends, scarcely a house but had been visited by this fell disease, clothing each family with the drapery of woe. 158 A TALE OP 8OUTHEBN LIFB, CHAPTER XXXI. THE apprehensions of the family of Mr. Lefort were intensely excited by the unwearied and constant exertions of Blanche, wherever this appalling disease was manifesting itself. So viru- lent had it become, that contact with it was regarded as fatal. The strongest ties of relationship, or of pecuniary interest were disregarded from the terrible apprehensions of those, who might feel themselves to be within the sphere of its influence. Swift destruction marked the footsteps of the invisible enemy, and all sought safety in flight, when he approached their habitations. The old, experienced, and skillful physician, and the professional nurse, who considered themselves proof against' attack, were falling by the side of those who had called in their assistance. They whom the morning had awakened to all the enjoyments of high health, ere evening's close, slept the sleep of death. The stoutest hearts were appalled by events so fraught with desolation and woe. Blanche surveyed the whole scene before her, with an unquailing eye, and with an unshaken faith in that Providence, which had so signally protected her and hers, and with an unwavering trust, that the path of duty would prove to be the path of safety, resolved to give her whole time and strength to those who were in want and suffering. " Oh, Blanche," said her father, " I cannot express how great are our anxieties and fears for your safety, mingling, as you do, by day and by night, with those who are falling victims to this dreadful pestilence. Have you not duties towards your own WOMAN'S FAITH. 159 family, which would forbid such exposures, as you hourly en- counter ?" " We are all, father, safe and well. No one of our family has been attacked, and our house has been guarded, as if by an angel hand, pointing to a sign upon the lintel, and the foot of the destroyer was not permitted to enter our habitation. Are we not, then, called upon to acknowledge this guardian care, and to show our trust and faith, by exhibitions of fearless conduct, wherever and whenever the voice of duty or humanity may call us ?" " But the sphere of woman, dear Blanche, is a limited one. Her education, her habits, the customs, and rules of society unfit her for those positions, which require a masculine strength and courage." " And yet, father, you will admit that none are so well fitted as woman to render those kind, gentle attentions, so soothing to those, whose strength has been prostrated by disease, and whose courage has fled before a malady that seems to baffle all skill and effort. And how great is her reward. I had rather know, when the warm pulsations of my heart have ceased, that the poor and the disconsolate would stand around my bed, and with flowing eyes, speak of kindness shown, and privations endured, ' shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made,' than to live upon the page of the poet or the novelist as the most attractive woman of the age." " I feel the force of your remarks, dear Blanche, but though they may affect my head, my heart remains unaffected. I still think you should leave to others the offices you have assumed." " I have ever, father," replied Blanche, " taken a different view of the duties belonging to our sex. When I have been reading the descriptions of those terrible wars, which have bathed the fields with gore, and the faces of the widow and orphans with scalding tears, I have felt an instinctive wish to have been present to cheer, and aid the wounded, and the suffering warrior. How would the 160 A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. horrors of the battle-field have been softened down, if the tender and pitying hand of woman could have been stretched forth to lave the parched lips of the smitten, and the dying ; or her ear, so inspiring with confidence, could be present to catch the last sigh, or receive the latest wish of him who had fallen, defending the honor or the soil of his country. Surely all rules of society, which shouW exclude from such scenes, those so formed by nature for their alleviation, must be based in error." " But society, my daughter, has adopted these rules because it has seen in the brutal habits and dispositions of too many of the sterner sex, a danger most imminent, where your vivid imagination might lead you to suppose, you might be useful." " I cannot believe in such peril," replied Blanche. " Her mission would inspire her with courage, and her high and holy purpose would insure for her the respectful and decorous treatment of every one. Her self-denying and noble act would furnish her with a panoply, more impervious than that wrought by the cunningest artificer. Her mild eye of love and pity, her soothing words, her angel acts would surround her with an army of friends, ' whose swords would leap from their scabbards, to avenge even a, look that threatened her with insult.' And more than all, by these arbitrary rules of which you speak, society has deprived our sex of a school in which character would be trained and formed, hearts disciplined, and powers fully developed. We were created to be the help- meets, not the playthings of man, the mere ornaments of his house and home. Have you not seen," continued she, " the true-hearted, the most gifted of our sex, pining beneath some bitter disappoint- ment ? dying, because she had naught else to do, but, in the seclu- sion and monotony of home, to feed upon the sad memories, which were consuming her. Aye, while her heart was well-nigh bursting turned over to her piano, to her needle, or the solitary walk, all so well adapted to enhance the sorrow, which was wasting her, when, in action, engaged in some work that would task all the energies WOMAN'S FAITH. 161 of her mind and body, she would have regained her cheerfulness and forgotten her griefs." " Are not these," said her father, " pictures of a glowing fancy ? And where do you find examples of such maidenly efforts ?" " I know," rejoined Blanche, " that but few of our sex have won for themselves the golden opinions of the world by acts of dis- interested and self-denying benevolence, but there are some, who although their names are not blazoned upon this world's scroll of fame, will find that they are ' written in the book of life ' for the unseen and blessed charities, which from their hands have fallen like the dew, upon the poor and deserted children of humanity. How often by the bedside of wretched want, and pining poverty, are seen those Sisters of Charity providing for the necessities, even to the most menial offices, or soothing the last hours, of the sick and the dying, when others of our sex, blessed with the most ample means by the Father of us all, look with stolid indifference and unconcern upon the saddest picture presented by the wretch- edness of our fallen race. The world look upon them, I know, as a part of a great enginery, prepared by the Roman Catholic church, but such acts could spring from no sectarian feeling, and no more belong to that church, than does the magnificent old Gothic architecture, the living, breathing pictures of the Madonna, and the crucifixion, or the ' ora pro nobisj whose rich, mellow, solemn tones are so deeply entrancing." The arguments of Blanche were so unanswerable, and the effect upon her mind so soothing that both her father and mother deem- ed it wisest not to interfere in her favorite pursuits. They rejoic- ed to see once more upon her face the old smile of happiness, as she related some touching story, and hoped that a new direction would be given to the current of her thoughts, dissipating, as does the sun the mists upon the mountain top, the clouds which had, for so long a time, rested upon her spirits. 162 WOMAN'S FAITH. X -t . CHAPTER XXXII. CONGRESS had now convened, and Charles Grafton, for the first time, took his place in that body, where wisdom and eloquence, hardly surpassed in any deliberative assembly, presided. Recog- nizing in his seat, his .former friend William Burns, and the hus- band of the sister of her, whom he had. loved with an intensity so strong, he approached him with an ease and dignity, and addressed him with a cordiality most winning in its manner. He inquired particularly for Mrs. Burns, of Mr. and Mrs. Lefort^ but made not the most distant allusion to Blanche. Burns could with difficulty lay aside the hauteur he had at first assumed, and the determina- tion to treat with marked coolness, one, whom he thought had trifled with the affections of a person, so dear to himself, as Blanche. " How unaccountable," said he to himself, " is the manner of Grafton. 1 will find the key to conduct so dark and so mysterious. How strange that he never spoke of Blanche." Perhaps his con- science tells him, that he has treated her in a manner, unmanly and ungenerous, and his pride would conceal from me his feelings. This session shall not close before I have the clue to behavior so singular, so unnatural." Many and varied were the important questions discussed, and the expectant friends of Charles Grafton were impatient to witness an exhibition of the powers of their favorite orator, upon this new stage. But with great wisdom, he remained a silent spectator and hearer, where all was new to him, and with great sagacity he A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 163 decided, that better to keep alive the strong expectation and desire of those, who had been told of his great abilities as an orator, than to fritter away all interest by speaking upon any and all occasions. He himself, was all eagerness to witness some display of the powers of Burns as a political speaker. Without any feeling of envy, or actuated by any mean rivalry, he indulged the desire of a fair and friendly encounter with the young member from Lousiana, upon this great arena of public debate. An opportunity was soon offered for the gratification of his wish to hear Burns, in an impromptu speech, in reply to some flippant attack upon Louisiana. The reply of Burns, if reply it could be termed, for he scarcely noticed the assailant of the State he represented, was calm, manly and dignified. His sarcasm was withering; and when he turned away with a look, in which you could scarcely tell whether pity or contempt predominated in his mind, in a rapid manner, he gave a picture of the resources of his State, of the patriotism of his constituency, of the proud position, she, now among the youngest of the sisters of this great confederacy, had assumed, the house was electrified by the able and eloquent defence of the State he represented. Grafton was among the first to congratulate him upon his speech, and his whole manner was too warm and hearty to doubt for a moment its sincerity. In the first glow of excitement, Burns received in the same spirit, as they were tendered by Grafton, his civilities. The frost- work of his natural manner was all melted, and the cordiality of the friendship of years beamed in the expression of his handsome face. " From the lips of no one, is commendation more grateful to my feelings," said Burns, " than from Mr. Grafton." " And to no one does it afford more true happiness to offer the meed of praise, when so worthily bestowed, than to myself," said 164 WOMAN'S FAITH. Grafton. " May I not hope to avail myself of the experience you have already acquired in this hall, and of the respect you have so deservedly won, when I shall be required to flesh my spear with some competitor." " If fame speaks truth," replied Burns, " you will require no adventitious aid, when you shall afford us the happiness of listening to your voice in debate. But as far as my poor experience or ability may be of any service to you, I need scarcely say, that it will ever be at your command." The session was now wearing away, and Grafton had as yet been a silent member. Questions growing out of our foreign relations, raised by the celebrated Monroe doctrine, as it was familiarly termed, opened a wide field for discussion, offering an opportunity for the display of talent and information. His early friend and patron, the senator, Mr. S., whose defence he had previously assumed with so much vigor and ability, as our readers will remem- ber, discussed with him, at his rooms, these topics, and was sur- prised by the breadth of the views, and .maturity of the opinions of his young proteg6. " And now, Mr. Grafton," said Mr. S., " promise me that you will give expression to those sentiments, in a speech upon the resolu- tions now before the House. Believe me, you friends all expect it, your constituents would be chagrined should you remain longer silent, and you would lose a golden opportunity for a display of those abilities, which my age and friendship for you, will permit me to speak of, without subjecting myself to the imputation of flattery." A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 165 CHAPTER XXXIII. THE conversation with Mr. S. confirmed Grafton in his inten- tion of speaking to the resolution alluded to. He had studied it with the greatest care, and some of the topics, naturally connected with it, had excited in his mind the greatest interest. The occa- sion for an effort on his part arose sooner than he expected, for in the remarks of some member, the resolution had been tauntingly alluded to, as the embodiment of Virginia metaphysics, and a speech of Senator S. had been criticised with great severity, as full of ingenious subtleties, and as a fit emanation from the Vir- ginia school of politics. Grafton arose to his feet, his eye kindling as with a living fire, his expressive face lighted up with those meteor flashes of intelli- gence, and scarcely suppressed emotion, he exclaimed, " Virginia metaphysics! Virginia politics! In what school of politeness, Mr. Speaker, from what graceful and elegant vocabulary, has the honorable member, who has just taken his seat, acquired the manner or the language, which he has brought into this high debate ?" He then alluded gracefully to his native State, and, without intending the slightest disparagement to other members of this great confederacy, he would take leave to refer to him, the author of that wide world renowned State paper, which I now have in my eye, the Declaration of Independence : to him, by whose matchless eloquence the enthusiasm of the colonists had been kindled into a blaze : to him, who had borne our triumphant eagles safely along the red path of war : to him, who had done so 166 WOMAN'S FAITH. much in building up this magnificent political fabric, beneath whose ample shade, we to-day sit here, in the robes of office. Leaving these topics, he stated with great clearness the proposi- tions to the consideration of which, he would bespeak the gene- rous ear of the House. He dwelt upon the colonization of these States: the causes, which compelled our fathers to bid a final adieu to home and country, to the hearths and altars, and graves, yet wet with the tears of affection and love, that here, on this side of the Atlantic, they might plant the ensigns, and build up the temple, of freedom. That however, in other lands, despotisms might rear their unsightly heads, and, with their iron heels, crush out the first aspiration of liberty, that here, on this western continent, freedom unfettered as the winds, that float through our forests, pure as those streams, wildly gushing from the mountain side, should ever be the right of the people. He dwelt upon the wonderful military genius of Bonaparte, which enabled him to batter down fortresses, and subjugate cities, as a mere pastime, that however wide, successful, and desolating might be his march upon the eastern continent, that here would the waves of mad ambition be stayed. He remarked that no unholy alliance of power and despotism across the seas, would ever be permitted to interfere with forms of government, or domestic relations, established on this great continent, which, in some future and not far distant day, in its widest extent, was to be governed by the descendants of those, who first landed upon the rock-bound coast of New England, or pitched their tents beneath those noble oaks, which, for centuries, had fringed the meadows upon the banks of James River. He then drew a picture of the future of America, as by the practised hand of the most skillful artist, her power, her resources, her lettered glory, her skill in arms, her more glorious conquests in peace. "Now, sir, we may read her annals, but then, in that bril- A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 167 liant future, in that day of her just renown, then, and not till then, let her history be written !" It is impossible, in this brief epitome, to give but the faintest idea of the maiden speech of Charles Grafton. The enthusiasm, and eloquence of his manner, the wide views, which he presented of the subject, the skill that he brought to bear in fortifying his posi- tions, and the bursts of eloquence, with which he occasionally electrified the House, more than realized the expectations of his friends, and obtained the highest commendations of his whole auditory. Through the crowd of friends and admirers, Burns made his way to the seat of Grafton, and, in glowing words, con- gratulated him, upon the high success he had won, in the speech just delivered. He assured him, that he had at once taken a high place among the ablest and most eloquent debaters upon the floor of the House, and reminded him, that it would require no small degree of industry and effort, to retain a position, so envi- able. " Will you tell my friends," said Grafton, " if I now have any in Louisiana," and in spite of himself, his eyes were quickly suffused, " that I have done no discredit to a friendship, and partiality, which I had once cherished as the dearest of all possessions." " Nothing will afford me half the pleasure, Mr. Grafton, of attempting, at least, a report of the effect of your speech, for before I see them, all my friends will have read it in the columns of the Intelligencer." He was about to speak of one, who would treasure in her heart every sentence and word, but pride came immediately to rescue the remark, and playfully added, " That if rumor was ever to be trusted, among his acquaintances in Virginia, one heart, at least would beat with quicker and warmer pulsations, after this day's effort." "I have many warm and kind friends," replied Grafton, "in my 168 WOMAN'S FAITH. native State ; if I shall have pleased them, in this new attempt in public life, it will afford me great gratification. With none of the affections of kindred, or the regard of intimate friends, I have few of the incentives of ambition, or the rewards of success." A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 169 CHAPTER XXXIV. " How inexplicable to me," said Burns to himself, " are the workings of the mind and heart of Charles Grafton. He appears to me, to be full of the strangest contradiction. A few years since, when I first became acquainted with him in* Louisiana, I regarded him, as a generous, noble fellow. He seemed to be per- fectly frank and open-hearted, a man of no concealments, elevated and true in all his sentiments. I was all the more struck with these qualities of mind and manners, inasmuch as they were so strikingly in contrast, with the dark, sinister malignancy, which manifested itself in the very look and tone of his brother. While I felt an instinctive abhorrence at all communion with the one, tow- ards the other, I was drawn by the cords of an almost affectionate regard. The defect in the character of Charles, apparent, when I first knew him, was want of purpose, a lack of ambition for dis- tinction, in some walk of life. His existence seemed to be all frittered away. All his time was occupied in attentions upon his sister-in-law, Mrs. Helen Grafton, and upon Blanche, and then again and again, I said to myself, what a pity, that a man with such shining qualities, of such a distinguished air and bearing, so well fitted to make his mark upon the age in which he liveSj should suffer the seed-time of life to pass oy, without a thought, and without an effort, outside of tin common courtesies of every day existence. But now how changed ! He appears the very embodiment of an active, excited intellect. His countenance is radiant with thought. You may read there, as if written in 8 FAITH. logible characters, the workings of a mind which never slumbers, and behold the scintillations of that undying spark, which lights up, with heavenly beauty, our mortal frame- work. And with all this devotion to books, his constant unwearied effort to inform uimself upon every subject, his evident great regard to personal tppearance, the time he must give to the mere manner of public speaking, all this training of mind and person, is upon some prin- ciple beyond my ken. He says he is not actuated by ambition, that he has no particular friends and no relatives, whose approba- tion or gratification would induce such severe and wasting efforts. I .shall give up all further search for motive ; he is, to me, a perfect enigma. But I will indulge in no more reflections of this charac- ter. " 1 will throw them into my letters to Louise, and see if the imagination of woman, so fertile, so skilled in all the mysterious workings of the human heart, can solve this riddle." He added to taese thoughts in his letters to his wife, that he did not believe in the reports that Charles was engaged to, or even interested in any lady. He had met him frequently at, parties, and though always brilliant and fascinating, a great favorite, courted and caressed by many high-born and courtly dames, who were looking out for desirable alliances for their blooming, blushing daughters, that all his attentions ended with the evening party. He had seen him with the daughter of Senator S., an elegant and accomplished young lady, and the acknowledged belle of the season, and although it was evident that the father hoped that the acquaintanceship would ripen into a warmer sentiment, and th blushes of the young lady discovered her preferences, that his devotions were only such as are ever offered by gaHantry, at the shrine of beauty. How different his manner, his look, his words, from those we were wont to see in our dear old parlor, when his large, expressive eyes seemed to be interpreting the lovely face of Our dear Blanche. He described to Louise the speech of Charles, A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 171 " But I will not, ; ' said he, " mar its beauty, by any analysis of it, as I send it with this letter, for your perusal. " But to fully enjoy the speech, you should have seen him when he delivered it. His graceful and dignified manner, the elated, manly look as he rose with his theme, the sarcasm which now curled his lip, the irony, which was, at times, playing in his eye, and the prophetic vision, which seemed to possess him, as he spoke of the future of our country, produced a most magical effect upon a crowded audience. When he rose to speak, as it was near the hour, I was about to move the House to adjourn, to give him the floor, for the morrow, an expedient often resorted to by the friends of a speaker, to afford him time, for the preparation of a reply. " But he evidently saw my intention, and with one of those sig- nificant smiles of recognition, spoke his thanks, with the manifest desire of going on. He took up and dwelt upon the last words of the speaker, who had preceded him. He fixed upon him a look of ineffable, withering scorn, as if about to launch upon him the fiercest of Jove's thunderbolts, but he obviously lost sight of him, who had for the moment excited his indignation, as he was holding up before his delighted hearers, the pictures of Washing- ton and Jefferson, of Henry and of Madison. " In vain should I attempt to give you any idea of the effect of this speech, and I shall wait till I see you, when I hope to be able to give you some more just description of one of the most promis- ing young men of our country." Congress had now adjourned, and members were scattering for their distant homes. Grafton has just left the room of Burns. How anxiously did the hearts of these two noble young men, attracted to each other by similar tastes and pursuits, yearn for the expression of those thoughts, which were shut up by pridd and self-esteem. 172 WOMAN'S FAITH. The one, believing that the feelings of the sister of his wife, endowed with every mental and personal charm, and worthy of all love and admiration, had been trifled with ; the other, smart- ing under a disappointment of those hopes, which he thought Blanche had permitted him to indulge ; the resentment of the one, and the pride of the other, prevented the escape of a word, which would have rolled away the stone, that now sepulchred the brightest hopes, the fond anticipations of Blanche Lefort and Charles Grafton. " Rest assured," said Burns, " I shall give a good account of you to your brother ; but he will read in the flattering notices of your debut in Congress, enough to satisfy the pride of any relative." " My brother," replied Grafton, " says all these puffs are manu- factured to order ; he holds them, consequently, in no high estimation. I have sent him my speech, and sure I am, I shall find no severer critic." " But I hope you will, if possible, induce Mr. Lefort to look upon my effort with a favorable eye, as I have sometimes, foolishly perhaps, thought, that I was regarded in that family, as a good- natured and efficient sort of nobody, without an aim or object in existence." " You greatly mistake Mr. Lefort, I think," said Burns. " I am sure, that he has ever held you in the highest estimation. He has entertained, with all of us, a feeling of surprise, at your long and continued absence from Louisiana, and at your silence since you left our part of the country." " What ?" exclaimed Grafton but he abruptly broke off the sentence ; for he suspected, at once, that the delicacy of Mr. Lefort had concealed from Burns, the proposal and the rejection, as secrets, which he was not at liberty to disclose he merely remarked that " he was a poor correspondent, at best, and when he was not assured, that his letters might be desirable, he was unwilling to thrust them upon the notice of any one." A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. 173 " I shall, I trust, hear from you during our vacation," said Burns. " Were it any other season, than that of summer, I should hope to see you during the term which will intervene, between this and the meeting of our next Congress ; but, I sup- pose, you will have to take a tour among your constituents, as Virginians hold their public servants to a somewhat strict account of their stewardship. And now, Grafton, I will bid you farewell, with the hope that your future career may realize all the promise, which you have given to the country by your first essay in public life." " I am much obliged to you, Burns, for the compliment. To have succeeded, according to your estimation, is no small praise ; but my future has little to cheer and brighten my heart. Con- stant occupation, my library and pen, afford relief from saddest contemplations. It will give me pleasure, to keep up, by corres- pondence with you, an intercourse which has, I assure you, been to me, a source of high pleasure." W OMAN 8 FAITH. CHAPTER XXXV. How strange are the workings of the human mind, how singu- lar the operations of the heart, guided and controlled hy myste- rious power ! And yet upon going back, and examining the early influences, which gave the bias and direction to these wonderful agencies, we perceive that the indulgence of some apparently tri- fling propensity, has resulted in consequences of the most startling character. To the traveller, who had seen with careless indifference the melting of the snow flakes upon the mountain top, under the first rays of the morning sun, and heedlessly rambled along its wind- ing, devious paths, plucking here and there a shrub or a flower, as they opened their lips to a midday sun, how great is the surprise and horror, as he stands at the base of this stupendous summit, at the close of day, and hears the roar, and crash, and beholds the awful desolation of the avalanche ! To him who has now become hardened in crime, who has per- petrated acts of cruelty, at the bare mention of which, humanity shudders, and turns pale ; guilt once wore a hideous form, and he turned with loathing and horror from exhibitions of suffering and distress. But the taste of sin, like the taste of blood to the tiger, whets the appetite, and our finite nature has scarcely sufficient capacity to satiate the cravings of indulged, unchecked depravity. Our readers, who have gone along with us in the history of Frank Grafton, have seen an illustration of the principle which we have alluded to. , His heart is now festering with evil passions, remorse A TALE OF SOUTHERN LIFE. drives sleep from his pillow, or fills his chamber with pale spectres, and he would, if possible, hide himself from the thoughts of his own dark spirit. He hails with delight, the opportunity which business affords him, of leaving again his dreary, desolate home. Little did he dream of the results of this journey. He left Cote Blanche in high spirits, determined to steep in utter forget- fulness, all the hateful memories, which so poisoned his existence. He had tried the maddening bowl, and when with boon compan- ions, he sometimes found the Lethean draft, that would, for the time, induce oblivion of the past. " I will again more deeply mingle," said he to himself, " with those throngs of pleasure-seek- ing fools, and in their wild and boisterous revelries find that excite- ment, which will drive far from me all gloomy, dark forebodings.' Arriving at New Orleans, the gay city seemed to wear a delight- ful aspect. All was merriment and bustle. A few hours of the morning were required for the transaction of business: the hours of evening were given up to festivity. Sauntering along those streets, so foreign in their aspect, and which wear an air of gaiety so alluring, a freedom from all restraint so conspicuous, Grafton felt that elation of feeling, pecu- liar to New Orleans. " Here," said he to himself, " I am free tr. indulge the wildest propensity. I am not withheld by any narrow bigoted, and sectarian views, but all are permitted to seek thei own happiness, in the way that their judgment, or passion, o fancy may dictate." Here no temple spires frown upon the gay votary of pleasure but beneath the very shadow of the old cathedral, and uude the unreproving eye of those who minister at her altars, mav pursue pleasure, in her wildest revels, to her hidden an' most secret retreats. Here, in a little cabaret, looking out up- the place (Tarnies, a large and beautiful public square, upon th<. broad, majestic Mississippi, might be seen some half dozen oi