"
"Madam," said Traverse, after a thoughtful pause, "our fates have
been more nearly connected than you could have imagined. Those Le
Noirs have been my enemies as they are yours. That young orphan
heiress, who appealed from their cruelty to the Orphans' Court, was
my own betrothed. Willow Heights was her patrimony and is now her
quiet home where she lives with my mother, and where in their names
I invited you to come. And take this comfort also; your enemy no
longer lives: months ago I left him ill with a mortal wound. This
morning the papers announce his death. There remains, therefore, but
little for me to do, but to take legal measures to free you from
this place, and restore you to your home. Within an hour I shall set
out for New Orleans, for the purpose of taking the initiatory steps.
Until my return then, dear lady," said Traverse, respectfully taking
her hand--"farewell, and be of good cheer!"
CHAPTER XXIX.
PROSPECTS BRIGHTEN.
Thus far our fortune keeps an onward course,
And we are graced with wreaths of victory.
--SHAKESPEARE.
Leaving Mrs. Le Noir, Traverse went down to the stable, saddled the
horse that had been allotted to his use, and set off for a long
day's journey to New Orleans, where late at night he arrived, and
put up at the St. Charles.
Pages:
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343