in its streets, and jostle with the
red-blooded races of the North, the German and Gael, the Russ and Swede,
the Fleming, the Yankee, and the Englishman. An odd human mosaic--a
mottled piebald mixture is the population of the Crescent City.

In truth, New Orleans is a great metropolis, more of a city than places
of much greater population either in Europe or America. In passing
through its streets you feel that you are not in a provincial town. Its
shops exhibit the richest goods, of best workmanship. Palace-like
hotels appear in every street. Luxurious _cafes_ invite you into their
elegant saloons. Theatres are there--grand architectural temples--in
which you may witness the drama well performed in French, and German,
and English, and in its season you may listen to the soul-moving music
of the Italian opera. If you are a lover of the Terpsichorean art, you
will fold New Orleans, _par excellence_, the town to your taste.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I knew the capacities of New Orleans to afford pleasure. I was
acquainted with the sources of enjoyment, yet I sought them not. After
a long interval of country life I entered the city without a thought of
its gaieties--a rare event in the life even of the most sedate. The
masquerades, the quadroon-balls, the drama, the sweet strains of the
Opera, had lost their attractions for me. No amusement could amuse me
at that moment. One thought alone had possession of my heart--Aurore!
There was room for no other.

I pondered as to how I should act.

Place yourself in my position, and you will surely acknowledge it a
difficult one. First, I was in love with this beautiful quadroon--in
love beyond redemption. Secondly, she, the object of my passion, was
for _sale_, and by _public auction_! Thirdly, I was jealous--ay
jealous, of that which might be sold and bought like a bale of cotton,--
a barrel of sugar! Fourthly, I was still uncertain whether I should
have it in my power to become the purchaser. I was still uncertain
whether my banker's letter had yet reached New Orleans. Ocean steamers
were not known at this period, and the date of a European mail could not
be relied upon with any degree of certainty. Should that not come to
hand in due time, then indeed should my misery reach its culminating
point. Some one else would become possessed of all I held dear on
earth--would be her lord and master--with power to d