Hatchie, the Guardian Slave; or, The Heiress of Bellevue

u loved, and

. To sa

what oft his

action test

onfirmation o

OW

onel Dumont, which he had chosen to designate by the expressive appellation of "Bellevue;" though, it would s

man of no small consequence in the vicinity. But, more than this, Colonel Dumont was beloved and respected for his many good qualities of mind and heart. In the late war with England he had served in the army, and as an officer had won an enviable distinction by his cou

ied, leaving him an only daughter in remembrance of her. This child, at the opening of the tale, was wit

elegant form, there was more in her easy, fairy-like motion. Her features were as daintily moulded as her form. Her eye was light blue, soft, and beautifully expressive of a pure heart. She was a little paler

hfully cultivated by the assiduous care of her devoted father. She was a true woman,-not a mere plaything to while away a dandy's idle hours, not a piece of tinsel to adorn the parlor of a nabob, but a true woman,-on

ly small; and in that of a noble character, smaller still. Emily could have forgiven him the want of the former, but the latter was imperatively demanded. At the young lawyer's return from the North, and on his first appearance at the bar, Emily had regarded him with more than ordinary attention. But, after the dea

when Colonel Dumont wrote him an affectionate letter, offering all that he required to complete his studies. This offer, coming from one who had been a heavy loser by his father's bankruptcy, was highly appreciated, and the young student had allowed no false delicacy to prevent his acceptance of the generous proposal, though with a stipulation to repay all sums, with interest. Colonel Dumont, in his regular summer tour to the North, never failed to visit his young friend, whose noble bearing and lofty principle entirely won

see his devoted friend and guardian, and he accepted

pathetic sentiment. In the rashness of his warm blood he had allowed himself to cherish a lively hope that his dawning love was not entirely unrequited. He had seen that his bouquet was more fondly cherished than the offerings of others; that hi

wrong for him to entangle the affections of his benefactor's daughter. He was a beggar,-the object of her father's charity. Her prospects were brilliant and certain, and he felt that he had no rig

the name he had won on the field of battle,-of the honorable wounds he bore as testimonials of his devotion to his country. He was

o shut him out from the hallowed field t

ections where pain and sorrow might ensue. They had often met; but he strove to believe, in his unwilling zeal, that their intimacy had not yet resulted in an incurable passion. She had as yet shown nothing that could not have resulted from simple friendship. And yet she had,-the warm glow that adorned her cheek when she received his flower, the expressive glance of her soft eye as h

lination prompted him to accept the pressing invitation of Colonel Dumont to prolong his stay; but, bitter as

ing-room on the designated day, afforded him another evidence that her heart was not

able to conceal the tremulou

ted to me," replied Henry Carroll, with a

ay are you stinted in th

appy as I should be to remain; and I have a

not wont to consider your visits a trespass. Pray

of gratitude for the many kindnesses I h

eeling that the talents he has encouraged you to foster are now blessing the

her, may regard my obligations to

be rejoiced-that is to say-that is-I should be glad to have you stay longer, if you can be contented," stammered Emily, as her mant

pleasure,-so short it seemed that time had staid his wheels,-so joyous that earth seemed shorn of sorrow. You know not how m

osing the sentiment she was conscious of cherishing. "I have thought that, accustomed

at I had already staid too long," said Henry, in a sad tone, for he f

will not chide you forbidding us adieu," sa

words. I am not weary, I cannot be weary,

u by saying you ha

ld do wrong to prolong my stay, however congenial to my feeling

mystery is this?" said Emily, to wh

ay do not press me to u

pour forth the acknowledgment of his affection, which, he felt, would be kindly received. It was a difficult position for a

strong interest she felt in the man before her; but the fact that she loved him was yet unrecognized. How should it be? She was unskilled in the subtleties even of her own heart. She know not the meaning of love yet. She was conscious of a grateful

eveal it to my father, and take counsel against it. My father's house is your home,-at least, we have always endeavored t

rother and sister was too cold for the warmth of his affection

are for the first time entering

ot always given you evide

said Henry, as the playful

But, brother, something troubles you. You cannot deny it.

m permitted to call you,-you must forgi

not because I am satisfied. Do you know, brother," said sh

with a pert archness; but the crimson cheek an

Henry, with what was intended for a smile, but which

h felt the awkwardness of the silence, and both felt the danger of breaking it. Henry twirled the tassel of the window drapery, and E

I assure you, however, that I appreciate the sisterly kindness you have always lavish

will often repeat it,

I fear my duty will be a barrier to my inclinat

erpetual! But we shall see you where-ever you are. We go to Newport this s

ver,-if my duty to your father-I mean to my country-would pe

, in his own; "and I trust you will remember your absent brother-" kindly, he was about to say, but Emily, attemp

he did not again venture to address her; and, as her pale features

s stay, but Henry pleaded his duty, and that the dying request of a brother officer required him to take a journey into Georgia, which would consume some three or four weeks' time. He intende

cheerful spirits, he said that they would probably meet no more in this world. He frankly told him tha

hed, of regarding her in a nearer and more tender relation. He congratulated him

riendly relations, or as a prohibition against his ever making her his wife. The latter method of rendering hi

s leave with a sad heart, and departed from the mansion