friends at hand on her arrival at Bellevue, so as effectually
to foil the machinations of Jaspar and Maxwell. His own visit to Baton
Rouge was only a feint to avoid a meeting with Maxwell in the interim,
thus keeping the appearance in unison with the pretension.

The river had risen some three or four feet, and the large and rapid
steamers had commenced running. The "Raven," to the clerk of which he
had intrusted the letter for Cottage Island, was a remarkably fast boat,
and he had every reason to hope that his plan would be successful.

Three days he remained at Baton Rouge, in a state of impatience and
inactivity, rendered doubly uncomfortable by the fear that Maxwell might
change his plan in his absence.

A downward steamer was approaching the city, and he hastened on board.
His letter had been faithfully delivered, for almost the first person he
discovered on board the boat was Henry Carroll, and Dr. Vaudelier was
close at hand. This was excellent, and he congratulated himself on the
bright prospect before him.

It was arranged that the doctor and his late patient should remain in
the vicinity of Bellevue until the following day, when Vernon would
convey Emily to her home. They were accordingly landed at the Red
Church, and Vernon proceeded to New Orleans.

Maxwell greeted him with a cordiality which showed the interest he felt
in the scheme, the consummation of which would realize his dreams of
luxurious indulgence. They wended their way, without loss of time, up
the street, deciding that Vernon should at once broach the proposition
to Emily of going up to Bellevue. The attorney, when they had arrived
within a short distance of the office, directed Vernon to proceed alone,
agreeing to meet him at a coffee-room in the neighborhood.

On reaching the office, a new difficulty was presented. The inflexible
guardian of Emily refused to allow Vernon to see her, stoutly persisting
that De Guy would not permit it. Vernon was obliged to resort to Maxwell
in this dilemma, who, affirming that he did not wish Emily to know of
his presence in town, had kept the secret from the negress. So what
could he do? But, bidding Vernon wait, he left the coffee-room, and soon
returned with an order signed by De Guy, whom, Maxwell affirmed, he had
been so fortunate as to meet at the Exchange.

"But of what use is this paper? The girl cannot read. Shall I take the
keys from her?" asked Vernon.

"The note will be sufficient. Show it t