Let us turn from the residence of Cora's father to the splendid mansion inhabited by the wealthy young planter, Augustus Horton, in one of the best streets of New Orleans.
It is upward of a week after the arrival of Mrs. Montresor with her two fair charges. It is a bright summer morning, and the family party are assembled in an elegantly furnished apartment opening into a cool veranda, filled with exotic plants.
Mrs. Montresor, who, even in that warm climate, is too energetic to be idle, is seated at her embroidery. Her nephew, Augustus, lolls in an easy-chair, reading the New Orleans papers, while Adelaide Horton reclines in a hammock near the open window. Mortimer Percy, with his hands in the pockets of his light trousers, and a cigar in his mouth, leans against the window, talking to his cousin.
"Say what you will, Mortimer, it is most extraordinary that Cora should not have called here since our return," exclaims Adelaide.
"But do I not tell you, my dear cousin," answered the young man, "that Mr. Leslie has taken his daughter to his country seat upon the plantation?"
"What of that?" replied Adelaide. "Mr. Leslie's villa is but half an hour's drive from New Orleans. Nothing could have been easier than for him to have brought Cora here."
At this moment a female slave entered, announcing Mr. Craig.
"Show him in," said Augustus, without raising his eyes from the newspaper he was reading.
"Silas Craig!" exclaimed Mortimer, with a shudder of disgust. "What in Heaven's name induces you to encourage the acquaintance of that man, Augustus?"
"Pshaw, Mortimer, I have none of your romantic notions. Mr. Craig is a very respectable member of society."