one, who was just of an age to
be alive to all the power of youth and beauty.
    Providence, or if that imposing word is too just to be classical, Fate had
otherwise decreed. The haughty and reserved Don Augustin was by far, too
observant of the forms of that station, on which he so much valued himself to
forget the duties of a gentleman. Gratitude for the kindness of Middleton,
induced him to open his doors to the Officers of the Garrison, and to admit of a
guarded but polite intercourse. Reserve gradually gave way before the propriety
and candor of their spirited young leader, and it was not long ere, the affluent
Planter rejoiced as much as his daughter, whenever the well known signal, at the
gate, announced one of these agreeable visits from the commander of the post.
    It is unnecessary to dwell on the impression which the charms of Inez
produced on the soldier, or to delay the tale in order to write a wire-drawn
account of the progressive influence, that elegance of deportment, manly beauty,
and undivided assiduity, and intelligence were likely to produce on the
sensitive mind of a romantic, warm-hearted and secluded girl of sixteen. It is
sufficient for our purpose to say, that they lov'd - that the youth was not
backward to declare his feelings, that he prevailed with some facility over the
scruples of the maiden, and with no little difficulty over the objections of her
father, and that, before the Province of Louisiana had been six months in the
possession of the States, the officer of the latter, was the affianced husband
of the richest heiress on the banks of the Mississippi.
    Although we have presumed the reader to be acquainted with the manner in
which such results are, commonly, attained, it is not to be supposed that the
triumph of Middleton, either over the prejudices of the father or over those of
the daughter, was achieved without difficulty. Religion formed a stubborn and,
nearly, irremovable obstacle with both. The devoted young man patiently
submitted to a formidable essay, which Father Ignatius was deputed to make, in
order to convert him to the true faith. The effort on the part of the worthy
priest was systematic, vigorous, and long sustained. A dozen times (it was at
those moments when glimpses of the light, sylph like form of Inez flitted, like
some fairy being past the scene of their conferences) the good Father fancied he
was on the eve of a glorious triumph over infidelity; but all his hopes were
frustrated by some unlook'd for opposition, on the part