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

-How's

trea

at the

E PRE

thought I h

is your ty

OC

e silky-toned attorney had used a variety of arguments to convince him that their schemes were working excellently w

powers on shore, is regarded as an interesting incident. This was particularly true on board the Chalmetta, for she was crowded to nea

r announced her near departure. Even then De Guy seemed in no haste, and assured his companion the boat would not start without them. But the second bell admonished them that the steamer was already getting under way. The passengers were all on board, and, as they heard in the distance the tinkling of the engineer's bell, they started at a run to reach her. By some accident, De Guy's foot got between Jaspar's legs, and he fell. Th

not been in vain, for they had saved him from her utter contempt. A true woman cannot be conscious of possessing a portion of the love, even of a dissolute man, without feeling some respect for him. To love truly and devotedly is an element of the angelic character; and such love will purify and ennoble even the grossest of human beings. Emily unconsciously arrived at this conclusion; and, discerning some indications of pure love towards her in his gross and earthly mind, she felt that he was entitled t

him since he came on board at Baton Rouge, and that he had requested him to attend her

of her position, in some measure dispelled the misery of the hour. Besides, it was plain the attorney did not believe the statement of the will; for a high-born Southern gentleman would never associate in public with a slave girl. She had, too, a presentiment

duction, which had before placed the young captain and the attorney on speaking terms, did not prevent the latter from mixing excessively good with excessively bad breeding. He was apparently unwilling that Henry should be heard by Emily. Maxwell had som

oved created no jealousy. Emily had satisfactorily acknowledged her affection for him, and to believe her pure nature, especially under the present

r back to the ladies' cabin. Emily repeated her acknowledgments for the

rsation, Miss Dumont?" said he, in a more business-l

s came like a cloud over the bright sky of her hopes. Curiosity and a painful interest prompted her to risk the interview. If this interview was likely to be of an unpleas

presume?" said she, with

xwell, not a little disconcerted t

nk no one will feel an interest in

tones, "a few words of our conversation overhe

be deferred to a more c

that my communication be made at once. Allow me to attend you t

epted his arm, and they proc

awe the profligate into the most business-like reserve, "be as speedy as p

ertures. His experience of female society had been of the most flattering character. He was perfectly aware of his popularity. His personal attractions always had been a strong recommendation, and he could not see why they should not be in this i

know it, and the fact had all the weight which

of great value to you, or I should not thus have intruded upon you," s

both the night-air and the character of the man w

lengthy, perhaps it might be deferred till to-morrow, if

ad been degraded by the cruel will. Her companion's language was not calculated to remove her doubts of his intentions. If the communication was of a business character, why should he be offended at her haste t

s silence, "perhaps I have offended in some manner. If I ha

in spite of herself, by the humility of the attorney

ssurance, and, with your leave,

ch she was not already acquainted. All this he had related with a lawyer's skill, to awaken her curiosity and interest,

pment of the foul plot. But thus far Jaspar Dumont is as pure as an angel,-nothing is d

has not yet revealed. He tells her how many weary days and nights he has spent in searching out the truth; what wonderful intelligence of his had converted the shadow of a suspicion into the reality o

rest he had manifested in her behalf, and she

ficed myself for every client. My health and strength, under ordina

nowledgment for the service you have rendered. My purse shall be e

rt which this exertion has required of me. I have done all my humble talents would permi

ive the great reward which is sure t

d to understand this new

tempt to counterfeit humility, which was very awkward, but w

for every client, and I trust you will pardon me when I say

ctions perhaps I could better appreciate if my knowledge of them was more extensiv

ed, and to conceal her rising emotions. She felt that Maxwell could assist her, but she feared every

aid Maxwell, deceived by the smile of Emily. "To be as sincere as your gen

ignantly interrupted

I meant no offence. He

tant, sir! You h

s the evidence by which your birthri

to me, than owe the restoration of my rights to you. You have

remain but a moment, I will prove to you,"

he loved her. She felt that this was not a crime. The remembrance of wrongs she knew he had inflicted upon others, perhaps weak and unprotected like herself, n

which I was before as familiar as yourself? Why have you used th

t," said he, in the humblest ton

ct alone can secur

dmiration with which I have regarded your matchless bea

ng and breaking the promise in the same breath. The deep anxiety she felt for her future fa

refusal he had received, were only the accidents of the moment, not the natural expression of an indifferent heart. His assurance increased as he reflected. He was led to b

id he, "which will immediately

it?" asked E

d in a very unfortunate position. In short, you can ob

and in a tone of assurance, as though he f

indignation, for the abruptness of the degrading pr

omise more than I can perform, I will draw up an agreement, which you shall sign, to the effect that you will accept my hand on the restoration of your rights. I will give you two hours

will owe my prosperity to such a contract!" excla

efore she decides," said Ma

nd of a villain shall lead me to the altar!"

, lady,

will call upon my uncle to pr

t at the last wood-yard; so

im of a plot, and, rousing

tions of a villain-for suc

t, "do you forget your condition? You are a slave! Your supposed uncle is not

ect me," said Emily, with spirit, as she saw Henry

im your condition," and he rudely seized her by the arm.

Henry Carroll, as with a single blo

e weeping girl, who clung trembl

w not what indignity. She felt secure in his presence from further molesta

hort duration, and was succeeded by sober reflections upon the "position of his case." Emily Dumont was not of that class of women with whom he was accustomed to deal. He had