plantation style. The company had scarcely filled glasses, when a
rap sounded at the hall door: a servant hastened to announce a
carriage; and in another minute was ushered into the room the
graceful figure of a young lady whose sweet and joyous countenance
bespoke the absence of care. She was followed by a genteelly-dressed
young man of straight person and placid features.

"Oh! Franconia," said Marston, rising from his seat, grasping her
hand affectionately, and bestowing a kiss on her fair cheek, for it
was fair indeed.

Taking her right hand in his left, he added, "My niece, gentlemen;
my brother's only daughter, and nearly spoiled with attentions." A
pleasant smile stole over her face, as gracefully she acknowledged
the compliment. In another minute three or four old negroes, moved
by the exuberance of their affection for her, gathered about her,
contending with anxious faces for the honour of seeing her
comfortable.

"I love her!" continued Marston; "and, as well as she could a
father, she loves me, making time pass pleasantly with her
cheerfulness." She was the child of his affections; and as he spoke
his face glowed with animation. Scarce seventeen summers had bloomed
upon his fair niece, who, though well developed in form, was of a
delicate constitution, and had inherited that sensitiveness so
peculiar to the child of the South, especially she who has been
cradled in the nursery of ease and refinement. As she spoke, smiled,
and raised her jewelled fingers, the grace accompanying the words
was expressive of love and tenderness. Turning to the gentleman who
accompanied her, "My friend!" she added, simply, with a frolicsome