"Nay, my dear Cora, the cares of business no doubt have prevented his writing; or perhaps he is coming over to England, and wishes to give you a delightful surprise. Did you not tell me that Mr. Leslie meant to sell his plantation, and take up his abode in England? But here comes Mortimer, and you can yourself make all the inquiries you wish."
CHAPTER II.
THE FATAL RESOLVE.
The young planter strolled with a leisurely step through the doorway of the conservatory, bowing to the two girls as he entered the room.
"At last!" exclaimed Adelaide; "so you have actually condescended to honor my aunt's assembly with your gracious presence, my dear cousin. Perhaps you were in hopes you would not see me."
"Perhaps you were in hopes I should not come," retorted the young man.
"On the contrary," said Adelaide, "I was awaiting you with impatience. But pray don't be alarmed, it was not on my own account, but on that of Miss Leslie that I wished to see you. My friend is anxious to ask you about her father."
"I was just about to beg you to introduce me to Miss Leslie," replied Mortimer.
"Mr. Mortimer Percy, cotton merchant and slave proprietor, my cousin and my future husband, as my aunt says—"
"Stop, Adelaide, this is no time for jesting," said Mortimer, gravely.