mild countenance had assumed a pensive cast, and she had ever a love of deep musing and solitary communing with herself. This, when not rightly directed, is frequently dangerous to a young and ardent being, but gave a strength and consistency to her mind and principles, they otherwise might not have attained. Although her form was slight, her soul was firm, her resolves high. The attachment of the young foundling to her adopted parents was great, as it was founded on a grateful sense of their goodness towards her, but the love she bore Celeste, was moulded of gratitude, sisterly affection, and a deep admiration of her talents and acquirements, and in her ardent mind, almost assumed the form of adoration. Love in his wan-, derings to and fro on the earth seeking victims, had not left the foster sisters scathless; each had felt his power.

vain, she even disliked and avoided him, nor was it long before he found a rival in those affections he was so anxious to obtain. During a visit at New Orleans, Natalie had become acquainted with a young man from the Northern states, who had entered into business with a relation of M. de Lanneville. Consequently she saw much of him both there and at Le Bocage, and an ardent attachment had sprung up between them.

Her adopted parents were very unwilling to part with her to a Yankee, one whom they had ever looked on with contempt, but as Augustus Warren was a great favorite, and had promised never to take their gentle Natalie to the North, they gave their consent to the union.

Beloved by the one to whom she had surrendered her heart, as the hours of the young Natalie now fly past, their wings were gilded with a brighter hue than had been ever shed over them before.Love, the sweetest flower in life's garland, was woven in hers. Elegant and accomplished, and as high souled as herself, Augustus was all she could wish, and she loved him with all the devotedness a heart like hers could feel.

he learnt the approaching union between Natalie and Augustus Warren. To be scorned for a Yankee! it was too much, and in the depth of his dark,

The family of Vincent de Bourg resided a short distance from Le Bocage, and an intimacy had always been kept up between the two houses. This intimacy ripened into love on the part of Vincent and Celeste, who was then but just fifteen. Their attachment was not pleasing to Monsieur de Lanneville, as De Bourg, was a wild and wilful young Great was the rage of Vincent de Bourg, when man, and there was not a more inveterate gambler in all New Orleans. De Bourg was forbidden the house, but by means of the broken fence, obtained frequent interviews with Celeste in the garden.-passionate heart, he swore the marriage should These interviews were discovered by Quimbo, a slave, who revealed them to his master. Great was the indignation and grief of Mon. and Mad. de Lanneville, when they learnt their daughter's disobedience. In order to separate her from her lov-| er, they conveyed her to her aunt, Mad. de Clairville, who lived in the summer on the borders of Lake Pontchartrain, and who promised never to lose sight of her by night or day.

The wrath of the young Creole was great, when she learned her separation from her lover was owing to Quimbo, and she vowed to make him suffer deeply for his interference when she returned.Although months had passed over, ere Celeste again saw her home, she did not forget her cruel intentions, but on every occasion caused the poor slave to be severely whipped. One day she was passing the place where the slaves were employed picking cotton.

Quimbo, you lazy dog," she said to him, "why do you not pick faster."

Mademsell," said the slave grinning, "Quimbo's heart willing, but his fingers no pick."

It needed but a small thing to arouse the ire of the irritable Celeste towards him, and in a violent rage, she sent for the overseer, and commanded him to whip Quimbo for insolence towards her. The overseer was compelled to obey her directions, and she had the satisfaction of seeing the poor slave suffer, while the deep vows of revenge he uttered, were not known to any around, except those slaves who understood the African tongue.

Two years had now rolled away, and the attachment between Celeste and Vincent had ceased. The fire had burnt out, and the fickle Frenchman had already placed his versatile affections on another. He loved Natalie with all the fervor he once felt for Celeste. His efforts to raise a corresponding feeling in her bosom, were however

never take place. But how to prevent the event? He revolved many a plan in his mind, none of which satisfied him, when the return of Celeste, who had again been visiting her aunt, suggested a refined vengeance, which he immediately proceeded to put in execution. This was to induce the lovely Celeste to use all her fascinations to lure him from Natalie, "then, when deserted by her lover," he said, “I think la petite will repest in bitterness of soul, she ever bestowed her love on such a worthless object. Let me once behold that countenance, which is ever decked in smiles for my hated rival, clouded with hopeless sorrow, and Ishall be happy. But Warren, shall be go scathless, and live in happiness with the beauteous Celeste? No, no, he has wronged me and shall feel my power. But of that in future."

The plotting Frenchman found a ready agent in Celeste. Her admiration for the young Northerner was extreme, for he was very different from the generality of her admirers, and novelty gave a zest to the conquest. Accordingly, every art and every charm of the fascinating Creole, were arrayed against the heart of Warren. The affection she felt for her adopted sister, brought some little remorse for her intended treachery, for although Celeste was artful and unprincipled, her heart was not totally devoid of good feeling. Her love of admiration, however, was too deeply rooted, and when added to this, her passions became engaged, she no longer hesitated.

"Natalie cannot love as I love," she said, "she is a native of a colder clime, and feels not the fervor which animates our Southern bosoms. She will soon recover from her lover's desertion, and be happy with another, while II cannot, will not live unless I can obtain the love of Augustus. But why do I doubt, who ever withstood the power of my fascinations where I have deigned to bestow

my attention. Augustus! the cold Natalie is unworthy of you, and you shall be mine, if beauty and art can win you."

Augustus Warren was a great admirer of beauty and female accomplishments, and as Celeste possessed these in a greater degree than her foster sister, he was often attracted to her side. Natalie was rather reserved, while the vivacity of Celeste and her spirituelle conversation, interested him strongly. His feelings were not very deeply seat ed, so that Celeste already fancied she had gained an interest in his heart, and she should soon behold him at her feet.

heart seared by selfishness, and from which an ar dent love of admiration had excluded every nobler sentiment, could have imagined. This was to work on the feelings of the generous Natalie, and make the gratitude and devoted friendship she felt towards Celeste, induce her to renounce Augustus, and do all in her power to influence him to transfer his affections to Celeste. Her plans formed, the brilliant Celeste was seen to droop-her spirits were fled-the charming vivacity which delighted all, was gone. She refused all invitations to the balls at the neighboring plantations, and spent her time in her room or in the garden alone.One afternoon, as Bastienne, Quimbo's wife, The good Mons, and Mad. de Lanneville, were was working in the field, her husband ran up to very much distressed, and prescribed numerous her in the greatest agitation. Come quick be- medicines, but still Celeste was the same. A deep hind the sugar house," he said. Bastienne follow-mulancholy came over her, and it seemed as if she ed her husband to the appointed place, which was would never smile again. Poor Natalie's heart was secluded from all. almost broken when she saw this sad change in her beloved sister. One day Natalie saw her walk slowly in the garden. She followed her, saw her enter the maltiflora bower, and throwing herself down on the mossy floor, seemed to abandon herself to gloomy contemplation. Natalie stood gazing on her sorrowing friend, and the deep sigh she heaved aroused Celeste. Starting up, she seated herself and throwing her arms on the table before her, leaned her head on them, in moody

Well, Quimbo, what de matter wid you," she asked, "by gum! you look so, you scarey me." They seek me to whip me," he said in African, "but Quimbo have whip enough, he never stay here more."

Whip you?"

"That daughter of the devil, Mamsell Celeste, sent me to the overseer to have me whipped, but I slipped away from Scipion, and now will fly to the swamp. But I will have my revenge."

"

silence.

"Oh Celeste!" said Natalie taking her hand, now"why will you not trust me with the cause of your secret sorrow?"

Bastienne, who had sat on the ground stupified with grief at the idea of Quimbo's departure, started up. Revenge!" she exclaimed. "Yes, I go to rouse the slaves on all the plantations, they are very ready to rise. We shall be free, Bastienne! No more work-no more whipour wives shall dress in the white ladies finery, and they shall work for the hated Negro. But hark!-they come."

With a bound he cleared the enclosure, and before his pursuers could overtake him, had gained that impervious mass of swamps and forests which extend along the Mississippi, leaving but a small space between it and the river, to the cultivator.This dreary region was inhabited but by snakes and alligators, and only accessible to the Negroes and Indians, who crawl along on the roots of the trees. Convinced that all hope of securing the runaway was in vain, the chase was abandoned with curses, loud and deep.

Methinks, fair Celeste," said De Bourg, one day, "you advance but slowly in your intended conquest you find Natalie too powerful to contend with."

"Indeed, Monsieur, I fear her not."
"You have secured your victim then."
"Almost."

What have I any thing to do with the grief which thus preys on you."

66

Urge me no more," said Celeste, bursting into tears, "I never will disclose to human being the cause of that anguish which is fast dragging me to the grave. Yes, dearest Natalie, I am dying-I feel I shall not live to see another summer.”

Natalie sank on the seat beside her friend, and throwing her arms around her, wept bitterly. "Oh what will become of me-what will become of your dear parents if we lose our beloved Celeste."

"I must die-I will die," said the young Creole gloomily, "unless but no, no!-you would not, could not do it-I must not think of it," and seizing both of Natalie's hands she gazed wildly up in her face.

"Would not!-can I save my friend, my sister, from sorrow or perhaps death, and you doubt my willingness!-oh, Celeste!"

Forgive me, my own Natalie, I know your heart, you would save me-but this sacrifice I fear

'Only almost? ah, Mademoiselle, I fear you is too great-I cannot ask it." are doomed to meet with a failure here."

"Celeste, my sister, tell me at once what I can do to sooth your wretchedness, and by all the kindness and friendship you have shown to me, a poor orphan, were it at the risk of my life's blood,

Stung by these assertions, Celeste redoubled her efforts to rivet the chain she was fast throwing around young Warren. Her proud heart was forced to admit the humbling thought, that however I would do it." devoted he might be to her in the absence of Na- Celeste threw herself on her knees before the talie, yet when she appeared, he returned to her bewildered girl, and seizing both her hands said side. Whether a sense of duty led him, she knew passionately," Natalie, I love your Augustus !-to not, but began to fear, should he return her love, distraction-to death-give him to me-tell him honor would forbid him to declare it. After much you no longer love him—if you renounce him, he musing, an idea occurred to her, which none but a will be mine!"

Natalie's breath stopped-she gazed long and and if she found Celeste was succeeding in gain. wild in the face of her cruel foster sister, then fell ing the heart of Warren, assign some reason for insensible on the ground at her feet. Celeste breaking their engagement.

started up and gazed on her in horror. “Have I killed her," she said, "can the cold Natalie feel so deeply."

Overcome with terror, she ran to the canal, and bringing water in a plantain-leaf bathed her forehead. When Natalie began to recover, Celeste's remorse had fled, and she still pursued her relentless plan.

"Alas, I shall act with duplicity, but if I do it to secure the happiness of her, who has been always as a kind sister to me, I trust heaven will forgive me."

When Natalie returned to the house, she heard that Celeste had been taken very ill, and all the family were assembled around her in the greatest anguish. Natalie approached the bed, on which was laid the apparently dying Celeste, and leaning over her, whispered

"Alas! sweet Natalie, I was selfish when I asked you thus to sacrifice yourself for me. When I am gone, you will be a daughter to my parents, Celeste, I have vowed to do all you would and endeavor to sooth their regret for their lost wish. Live for Augustus-he shall be yours if it Celeste. Life, to me, is a desert, without Augus- lie in my power."

tus, and I am resolved not to live longer in this Celeste clasped her arms around the neck of her constant misery." Natalie did not answer. Ce- generous friend, calling her, her guardian angel, leste arose to go. her preserver, and kissed and embraced her so tenderly, that Natalie felt almost repaid for the sacrifice she had made.

"Forgive me Mademoiselle Natalie for trying your feelings thus. I never should have disclosed the cause of my sorrow to you, had you not vowed you would die to serve me. But I have heard those words before," she added coldly, "they are easily said."

From that moment, the beloved and beautiful Celeste rapidly recovered. Her gaiety had in some measure fled, for with all her art, she could not forget her happiness was purchased at the expense of that of the unrepining Natalie. To none, the recovery of Celeste seemed to bring more pleasure, than to Augustus. That truth was brought forcibly to the heart of the unhappy Natalie, while sitting as before mentioned, in the multiflora bower alone. She gazed through the roses on Celeste and Augustus, while he was placing the pomegranate flowers in her hair.

64

When she had departed, Natalie clasping her hands, said in a tone of anguish, " die for her!-oh that were easy, but to resign every hope of happiness and live!—that I cannot do. Renounce Augustus! no, no-nothing shall ever induce me to do this. Ah, selfish Natalie! is this your friendship, have you so often vowed to devote your whole life to the happiness of your benefactors, and do you shrink on the first trial? Shall the beautiful Ce-| Ah, how he seems to admire her," she sighed, leste, the pride of her friends, fade and die, when" and well he may, for she is indeed a peerless you, the child of her bounty, can save her. Her creature, much more worthy of his love than the mourning parents will soon follow their idolized uncultivated Natalie." daughter to the grave, while you, will you be happy even with Augustus, if this happiness was procured by the misery or death of my friends, my benefactors. And what if Natalie die? She will be Now that Natalie had made her decision, she mourned, but not with the heart breaking grief the pursued her path unswervingly. She refused all death of Celeste de Lanneville would occasion.-invitations, prefering, as she said, to stay at home Augustus will marry Celeste, and happy in each alone, and avoid Augustus with the greatest care. other, they will only remember Natalie in gentle One cool evening, Madame de Lanneville prosadness and gratitude. But I might live-can I resolve to devote myself to years of sorrow-and now that I know the deep happiness of being beloved, must I tear it from my heart? Selfish friend that I am! Yes, Celeste, those words are easily said, but all I have promised, I will perform."

Vincent de Bourg, in the meanwhile, gazed with a fiendish pleasure on her sorrow, from his concealment among the oranges.

posed making a call on her neighbor, Madame de Bourg. Every one assented except Natalie, but the old lady would not excuse her, so that she was forced to go with them.

"I think, Celeste," said Natalie, "I will ride in the carriage with you and your parents, as the sun is not quite down."

And let me drive alone?" said Augustus, "you are cruel, in thus dooming me to a solitary ride." "I will go with you," said Celeste good naturedly, "if mama will permit me."

I prefer you should go with me, ma chere.” Celeste kissed her mother's cheek, and said laughingly, "now you must let me go mother, you know I hate to ride in that old ark."

The humble Natalie did not imagine any difficulty in inducing Augustus to transfer his affections, as her partial fondness for Celeste saw in her irresistible attractions. She had perceived the great admiration he felt for her, and had heard Vincent say, if young Warren had seen Celeste first his heart would have been hers, as she was more suited to him than the foundling Natalie.As these reflections passed through the mind of the young orphan, she sat, her face covered with her hands, and buried among the multiflora roses, weeping, as if her gentle heart would break. She was yet too young to be a stoic, but after the first burst of natural feeling, her heart resumed its fortitude. With a deep sigh, she resolved to withdraw herself gradually from the society of Augus- "I wonder," said Celeste, what can induce Natus, and thus leave Celeste mistress of the field, talie to prefer riding in the carriage in preference

Without waiting for an answer, she gave her hand to the pleased Augustus and sprang in his tilbury, smiling and kissing her hand as she drove away, while Natalie sank down in a dark corner of the carriage, covered her face with her veil, to hide her despair from all eyes.

to going with you. I would at any time brave the sun to enjoy the society of an agreeable companion."

This was said in such an apparently artless manner, and her fine eyes were fixed in such evident admiration on the flattered Augustus, that he forgot Natalie's coldness, and gave himself up to the luxury of being esteemed and admired by so lovely a being as the young Creole.

of yourself instead. It was a great effort for her to do this, and indeed I can scarcely justify herhowever she seems so miserable that I pity her much."

Augustus was greatly shocked. Although his senses were captivated by the beautiful Celeste, his heart would have been Natalie's. The idea that she, he had loved so well, had never returned his affection, would have made him wretched, The party were warmly welcomed by Mad. de were he not so indignant at her deceit. But when Bourg, the elder, who was sitting in the gallery when he turned to Celeste, and saw her soft dark eye they arrived, enclosed in a cage of gause to protect fixed on him with so much tenderness and anxiety, her from the moschetoes. She seized them all, he felt that here was one who would not deceive. and gave them a hearty kiss on each cheek, then In her he should find love and truth. But why degave them over to the remainder of her family, tail all the art employed to gain the heart of Auwho now came out, except Monsieur de Lanne-gustus from the unresisting Natalie. Alas! he is ville, who she seated by her side, and they were not the only one who has been flattered and dazzled, soon busily engaged exchanging civilities and and softened, until his heart has surrendered to the snuff, and talking of la belle France, which was enchantment he had not firmness to break. He the old lady's native country. Music was now still would have loved Natalie, but she had desertproposed, and after Vincent had performed on the ed him, and when he thought on her conduct-the violincello, and his sister Madelon on the guitar, pure attachment he supposed Celeste felt for him, Augustus asked Natalie to sing. She quietly re- produced such pleasant reflections, and was so fused singing that evening. A little piqued, for soothing to his wounded vanity, that he believed she had often refused him lately, he turned to Ce- he loved the fair Creole, as well as he once had leste, who all smiles and good nature, took her loved her foster sister. That evening he left the seat at the harp. house, Celeste's accepted lover. He would have written to Natalie giving her her liberty, but this Celeste forbade, begging him not to mention to Natalie his knowledge of her attachment to de Bourg, as she would be displeased with Celeste, for betraying her confidence.

"How beautiful she looks," sighed Natalie. Her perfect form, small foot, and soft white hand, were displayed to advantage at the harp, and she sang with so much taste and sweetness, that poor Natalie saw Augustus was touched to the soul. "But it is as it should be," she continued, "the accomplished and beautiful Mademoiselle de Lanneville is alone worthy of him. And she looks so happy! ob, dearest Celeste! gladly will I appear capricious, stupid, any thing rather than see that bright brow clouded again."

“Come, can we not get up a dance," said Vincent, " Mademoiselle Celeste, may I lead you to the piano."

"No, no," said Madame de Bourg, "let Mademoiselle dance, we will send for Pero with his bonjo, and Jacot with his violin."

They accordingly made their appearance, their black faces shining with pleasure at the idea of playing for the ladies. Monsieur de Lanneville handed out old Madame de Bourg, who, although nearly eighty, tripped about as lightly as any one. Augustus after being refused by Natalie, danced with Celeste, who, all grace and loveliness, kept the eyes of the charmed young Northerner on her

"Leave it to me," she said, "I will manage this affair."

Celeste managed so well, that the next day, Augustus received a letter from Natalie severing the ties between them, absolving him from all vows or engagements to her. Augustus folded it up with a sigh. "Can this be true," he mused," was all the affection Natalie expressed for me, deceit? Yes, I must believe it. It was a pleasant dream but 'tis past."

Great was the astonishment of Monsieur and Madame de Lanneville, when they learned the new course affairs had taken. The good old couple raised their hands and eyes and uttered many a mon dieu! and declared no such things were done in their country. "But what can we expect of Americans," they said, shrugging up their shoulders, those who have thrown off loyalty to their king, will always be found wanting in fealty to their love."

"

Agreeable to the instructions of Celeste, Augustus had not mentioned the name of de Bourg, merely stating the engagement subsisting between himself and Natalie had been broken off by mutual consent.

"Mon dieu! but you are odd children," said the old man.

Augustus found it rather more difficult to gain her father's consent to his engagement with Celeste, than it had been when he asked for Natalie. He was not a Catholic, which was a very great objection, but he was already considered as a son, and possessed of great wealth, which all weighed with the old gentleman. Moreover, the heart of their darling Celeste was deeply interested, as had been proved by her late illness-added to this, was his promise of permitting his children to be brought

up as Catholics, which influenced the mother, so that after much hesitation, and tears, and sighs, the lovers were allowed to look forward to a speedy union.

tus, and remorse for the abiding sufferings of the unrepining Natalie, embittered all her pleasure and injured her temper. To sooth her irritated feelings, she entered in all the dissipations of New Orleans, and poor Augustus soon found, all his visions of domestic happiness, were in danger of perishing forever.

In the meanwhile, the heroic Natalie was pre

The appointed day at length arrived, and Augustus was married to the fair Celeste. Among the guests invited, was Vincent de Bourg, but in answer, they received the intelligence he had fallen the day before in a duel at New Orleans. Augus-paring to enter into her noviciate. She struggled tus wondered at the little emotion displayed by Natalie. "But she is accustomed to conceal her feelings," he said, "and she probably wishes to hide from her parents, the interest she felt towards one of whom they had forbidden her to think."

hard to suppress her grief, and raise her thoughts from earth, to her heavenly home. It was natural for one so young to feel very sad, when she reflected on her present lonely life, and the happiness which was once before her. Sometimes, as she thought of happy young days-of all she had loved and lost, in spite of reason and religion, melancholy would reign in her heart. While she sat in one of these sad musing moods, her eye fell on a group of negroes who were working in a cotton press near Mad. de Clairville's at New Orleans, where she was for the present. "What situation can be more wretched than these slaves, torn from their homes, and forced to spend their days in laboring for others. While singing their national songs, they forget their sorrows-their distant home; and friends are before them, and cheered by the illusion, they perform the most painful tasks without a murmur. Let me profit by the lesson before me." As she spoke, a negro commenced in recitative, a wild African air, while the rest all joined in the chorus. This rude melody soothed the excited feelings of Natalie, and her tranquility was in a

The wedding was conducted with the greatest magnificence. The bride shone in all the loveliness of woman, and all the brilliancy of jewelry and dress. Smiles sat on every lip, even on hers, the sad victim of the spectacle. Compelled by her situation to be gay and seem happy, the young but high souled Natalie, crushed down in her heart every feeling of wretchedness, which was struggling to force its way. The splendor around her, celebrated the sacrifice of her dearest hopes, yet, neither by changing cheek nor quivering lip, did she once betray it was a sacrifice. But when it was all over-when her destiny was sealed, and her part in the drama had been played, then she felt that was no place for her-she must go some where-any where, for she could deceive no longer; the misery which was withering her life away, would betray itself, and arouse the suspicions of Augustus, or her foster parents. But where to go-measure restored. "Ha! a blessed thought, I will go to the convent." The next morning, she was aroused by an unuShe threw herself on her knees, and fervently sual noise in the streets. Guns were firing, the thanked her God, there was an asylum for the bells ringing, and the tramp of many footsteps wretched-a rest for the weary, even in this world. sounded along the walks. Natalie discovered her intentions to her confes- "Is it so late? Can it be the hour of mass? Get sor, who, with many praises for her piety, disclos-up, Sabina, and see what is the occasion of all this ed them to her family. Mons. de Lanneville felt the utmost reluctance to part with his little Natalie, but he dared not resist. His wife regretted her loss, but was pleased to think her child would be a spouse of Christ, and perhaps an Abbess. Augustus and Celeste, thought it a very natural step.

The day for Natalie's departure arrived, and she entered the carriage with her parents and Father Antoine. A turn in the road showed her for the last time, the home of her youth. The morning sun was now shining down over the shelving roof, as brightly and calmly, as if the hearts of all it had sheltered were peaceful and happy. Every thing was motionless except when the gentle breeze agitated the light foliage of the lofty Pican trees, and cast their flickering shadow over the house and lawn. 66 Home of my childhood, farewell!" sighed Natalie, "moments of bliss which there lingered around me, adieu-cherished Celesteadored Augustus, years, tedious years, will pass unsoothed by your loved presence." Her selfcommand was gone, and Natalie sank back in the carriage, gave way to her grief in a passionate flood of tears.

tumult."

"I don know, Missee," said the negress, "the street seem 'live wid people, dey all look troubled, someting de matter."

Natalie threw her dressing gown around her, and looking out by the dim light of early dawn, she beheld the street filled with men-some running past with guns on their shoulders, others collected together talking in a violent manner, while from every window, heads dressed with bandana handkerchiefs, were seen calling to the passers, to know the cause of this commotion. But what struck her most, were groups of half naked men, women and children, some weeping and shrinking together in corners, and others knocking at the doors to obtain admission. At that moment, there was a thundering knock at their own door. Monsieur de Clairville looked out and asked what was the matter.

"Get up," said a voice, "the slaves have risen on the plantations and are murdering and burning all before them. You must take some of these poor flying wretches into your house."

"Oh God! Augustus," exclaimed the horrorstruck Natalie, and fell back in the arms of her woman.

And now that Celeste had succeeded in her treacherous designs, was she possessed of the happiness she sought to obtain at the expense of "Oh Missee," sobbed Sabina, while she bathed another's? Alas, no. A constant remembrance of the temples of her mistress, "I fear our people the deception which she had used towards Augus-join wid 'em. Ugly Quimbo will-when Missce