or her was that of a friend. Strong enough was it to
render me anxious on her account--to make me desirous of knowing more
both of herself and her affairs.

Scipio was not of secretive habit; and in less than half an hour I was
the confidant of all he knew.

Eugenie Besancon was the daughter and only child of a Creole planter,
who had died some two years before, as some thought wealthy, while
others believed that his affairs were embarrassed. Monsieur Dominique
Gayarre had been left joint-administrator of the estate with the steward
Antoine, both being "guardiums" (sic Scipio) of the young lady. Gayarre
had been the lawyer of Besancon, and Antoine his faithful servitor.
Hence the trust reposed in the old steward, who in latter years stood in
the relation of friend and companion rather than of servant to Besancon
himself.

In a few months mademoiselle would be of age; but whether her
inheritance was large, Scipio could not tell. He only knew that since
her father's death, Monsieur Dominique, the principal executor, had
furnished her with ample funds whenever called upon; that she had not
been restricted in any way; that she was generous; that she was profuse
in her expenditure, or, as Scipio described it, "berry wasteful, an
flung about de shinin dollars as ef dey war _donicks_!"

The black gave some glowing details of many a grand ball and _fete
champetre_ that had taken place on the plantation, and hinted at the
expensive life which "young missa" led while in the city, where she
usually resided during most part of the winter. All this I could easily
credit. From what had occurred on the boat, and other circumstances, I
was impressed with the belief that Eugenie Besancon was just the person
to answer to the description of Scipio. Ardent of soul--full of warm
impulses--generous to a fault--reckless in expenditure--living
altogether in the present--and not caring to make any calculation for
the future. Just such an heiress as would exactly suit the purposes of
an unprincipled administrator.

I could see that poor Scipio had a great regard for his young mistress;
but, even ignorant as he was, he had some suspicion that all this
profuse outlay boded no good. He shook his head as he talked of these
matters, adding--

"I'se afeerd, young mass'r, it'll nebber, nebber last. De Planters'
bank hisseff would be broke by such a constant drawin ob money."

When Scipio came to speak of Gayarre he shook his head stil