belonging to me."

"I ain't a gwine to stay here, missis," replied the negro, "for any
money in dis world, and if dey wont let me go out wid you, I will come
arter you by myself."

"Well, Elsy," said Mrs. Wentworth, "I do not force you to leave New
Orleans, but should you get out, come to me at Jackson. You are a good
girl, and I shall not forget your fidelity."

"I'll be dere, shure," said the negro, quite pleased at the permission
to follow her mistress if she could.

Mrs. Wentworth immediately set to work packing up a few necessaries,
and with the small amount of money she had left awaited the next
morning, when she would start for Pass Manchac.

On the following morning she proceeded to the boat, amid the cries and
lamentations of the faithful Elsy, and with throbbing heart and many
sighs gazed on her loved city until it had receded from her view.

On arriving at the "Pass" she was about to step from the boat, when a
hand was laid upon her shoulder, and looking round she observed Mr.
Awtry, dressed in the full uniform of a Yankee captain, standing by
her.

"Are you determined to leave home," he said, "and all its pleasures;
and starve in the rebel lines? Why not accept my offer and lead a life
of ease and affluence. Your husband shall never know of our
connection, and thus you will be spared many a weary day and night