l I can trust."

"Do not speak of it," he answered; "it is only a natural act of
kindness towards one whom I desire to befriend."

"And one I will never cease to forget. Oh! if you had but known how I
felt during these past hours of agonizing suspense, you would not have
thought lightly of your kind attention; and I am sure when I write
Alfred of it, he will not have words sufficient to express his
gratitude."

"In my haste to impart the good news to you," said Mr. Awtry, rising,
"I almost forgot an engagement I made this evening. It is now getting
late, and I must leave. Good evening."

"Good evening," she replied. "I trust you will call to see me soon
again."

"With _your_ permission I will," he answered, laying particular
emphasis on the word "your."

"Certainly," she said. "I shall be most happy to see you at anytime."

"I will call soon, then," he replied. "Good night," and he stepped
from the threshold of the house.

"Good night," she said, closing the door.

Horace Awtry stood for a moment near the house; then walking on he
muttered: "A politic stroke, that telegraphic dispatch."

CHAPTER FIFTH.

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI--A HAPPY HOME.

We will now change the scene of our story, and, using the license of
all writers, transport the reader to Jackson, the Capital of the great
State of Mississippi, and there introduce him or her to other
characters who will bear a prominent part in this book.

In the parlor of an elegant resident on Main street, a beautiful girl
was sitting with an open book in her hand. She was not, however,
reading, as her bright blue eyes rested not on the pages, but were
gazing at the half-opened door, as if expecting the arrival of some
one. While she is thus musing, we will endeavour to give a description
of the fair maiden. Fancy a slight and elegant figure, richly dressed
in a robe of _moire antique_, from under the folds of which the
daintiest little feet imaginable could be seen. Her features, though
not regularly carved, made her, at the name time, very beautiful,
while her bright blue eyes and rich golden hair, braided smooth to her
forehead, and ornamented with a jewelled tiara, then much worn, lent
additional charm to her appearance. Her hands were small, and as
Byron, we think, has it, was an undoubted mark of gentle birth.

She remained in this reverie for some time, but was at last aroused by
the entrance, unannounced, of a handsome young man dressed in the
un