The boat is the "Belle of Natchez." Singular coincidence of name; since one aboard bears also the distinctive sobriquet.
Oft have the young "bloods" of the "City of the Bluffs," while quaffing their sherry cobblers, or champagne, toasted Helen Armstrong, with this appellation added.
Taking quality into account, she has a better right to it than the boat.
For this, notwithstanding the proud t.i.tle bestowed upon it, is but a sorry craft; a little "stern-wheel" steamer, such as, in those early days, were oft seen ploughing the bosom of the mighty Mississippi, more often threading the intricate and shallower channels of its tributaries.
A single set of paddles, placed where the rudder acts in other vessels, and looking very much like an old-fashioned mill-wheel, supplies the impulsive power--at best giving but poor speed.
Nevertheless, a sort of craft with correct excuse, and fair _raison d"etre_; as all know, who navigate narrow rivers, and their still narrower reaches, with trees from each side outstretching, as is the case with many of the streams of Louisiana.
Not that the n.o.ble Red River can be thus cla.s.sified; nor in any sense spoken of as a narrow stream. Broad, and deep enough, for the biggest boats to navigate to Natchitoches--the b.u.t.t of Colonel Armstrong"s journey by water.
Why the broken planter has taken pa.s.sage on the little "stern-wheeler"
is due to two distinct causes. It suited him as to time, and also expense.
On the Mississippi, and its tributaries, a pa.s.sage in "crack" boats is costly, in proportion to their character for "crackness." The "Belle of Natchez," being without reputation of this kind, carries her pa.s.sengers at a reasonable rate.
But, indeed, something beyond ideas of opportune time, or economy, influenced Colonel Armstrong in selecting her. The same thought which hurried him away from his old home under the shadows of night, has taken him aboard a third-rate river steamboat. Travelling thus obscurely, he hopes to shun encounter with men of his own cla.s.s; to escape not only observation, but the sympathy he shrinks from.
In this hope he is disappointed, and on both horns of his fancied, not to say ridiculous, dilemma. For it so chances, that the "bully" boat, which was to leave Natchez for Natchitoches on the same day with the "Belle," has burst one of her boilers. As a consequence, the smaller steamer has started on her trip, loaded down to the water-line with freight, her state-rooms and cabins crowded with pa.s.sengers--many of these the best, bluest blood of Mississippi and Louisiana.
Whatever of chagrin this _contretemps_ has caused Colonel Armstrong-- and, it may be, the older of his daughters--to the younger it gives gladness. For among the supernumeraries forced to take pa.s.sage in the stern-wheel steamer, is a man she has met before. Not only met, but danced with; and not only danced but been delighted with; so much, that souvenirs of that night, with its saltative enjoyment, have since oft occupied her thoughts, thrilling her with sweetest reminiscence.
He, who has produced this pleasant impression, is a young planter, by name Luis Dupre. A Louisianian by birth, therefore a "Creole." And without any taint of the African; else he would not be a Creole _pur sang_.
The English reader seems to need undeceiving about this, constantly, repeatedly. In the Creole, simply so-called, there is no admixture of negro blood.
Not a drop of it in the veins of Luis Dupre; else Jessie Armstrong could not have danced with him at a Natchez ball; nor would her father, fallen as he is, permit her to keep company with him on a Red River steamboat.
In this case, there is no condescension on the part of the ex-Mississippian planter. He of Louisiana is his equal in social rank, and now his superior in point of wealth, by hundreds, thousands. For Luis Dupre is one of the largest landowners along the line of Red River plantations, while his slaves number several hundred field-hands, and house domestics: the able-bodied of both, without enumerating the aged, the imbecile, and piccaninnies, more costly than profitable.
If, in the presence of such a prosperous man, Colonel Armstrong reflects painfully upon his own reduced state, it is different with his daughter Jessie.
Into her ear Luis Dupre has whispered sweet words--a speech telling her, that not only are his lands, houses, and slaves at her disposal, but along with them his heart and hand.
It is but repeating what he said on the night of the Natchez ball; his impulsive Creole nature having then influenced him to speak as he felt.
Now, on the gliding steamboat, he reiterates the proposal, more earnestly pressing for an answer.
And he gets it in the affirmative. Before the "Belle of Natchez" has reached fifty miles from the Red River"s mouth, Luis Dupre and Jessie Armstrong have mutually confessed affection, clasped hands, let lips meet, and tongues swear, never more to live asunder. That journey commenced upon the Mississippi is to continue throughout life.
In their case, there is no fear of aught arising to hinder the consummation of their hopes; no stern parent to stand in the way of their life"s happiness. By the death of both father and mother, Luis Dupre has long since been emanc.i.p.ated from parental authority, and is as much his own master as he is of his many slaves.
On the other side, Jessie Armstrong is left free to her choice; because she has chosen well. Her father has given ready consent; or at all events said enough to ensure his doing so.
The huge "high-pressure" steam craft which ply upon the western rivers of America bear but a very slight resemblance to the black, long, low-- hulled leviathans that plough the briny waste of ocean. The steamboat of the Mississippi more resembles a house, two stories in height, and, not unfrequently, something of a third--abode of mates and pilots.
Rounded off at stern, the structure, of oblong oval shape, is universally painted chalk-white; the second, or cabin story, having on each face a row of cas.e.m.e.nt windows, with Venetian shutters, of emerald green. These also serve as outside doors to the state-rooms--each having its own. Inside ones, opposite them, give admission to the main cabin, or "saloon;" which extends longitudinally nearly the whole length of the vessel. Figured gla.s.s folding-doors cut it into three compartments; the ladies" cabin aft, the dining saloon amidships, with a third division forward, containing clerk"s office and "bar," the last devoted to male pa.s.sengers for smoking, drinking, and, too often, gambling. A gangway, some three feet in width, runs along the outside facade, forming a balcony to the windows of the state-rooms. It is furnished with a bal.u.s.trade, called "guard-rail," to prevent careless pa.s.sengers from stepping overboard. A projection of the roof, yclept "hurricane-deck," serves as an awning to this continuous terrace, shading it from the sun.
Two immense twin chimneys--"funnels" as called--tower above all, pouring forth a continuous volume of whitish wood-smoke; while a smaller cylinder--the "scape-pipe"--intermittently vomits a vapour yet whiter, the steam; at each emission with a hoa.r.s.e belching bark, that can be heard reverberating for leagues along the river.
Seen from the bank, as it pa.s.ses, the Mississippi steamboat looks like a large hotel, or mansion of many windows, set adrift and moving majestically--"walking the water like a thing of life," as it has been poetically described. Some of the larger ones, taking into account their splendid interior decoration, and, along with it their sumptuous table fare, may well merit the name oft bestowed upon them, of "floating palaces."
Only in point of size, some inferiority in splendour, and having a stern-wheel instead of side-paddles, does the "Belle of Natchez" differ from other boats seen upon the same waters. As them, she has her large central saloon, with ladies" cabin astern; the flanking rows of state-rooms; the cas.e.m.e.nts with green jalousies; the gangway and guard-rail; the twin funnels, pouring forth their fleecy cloud, and the scape-pipe, coughing in regular repet.i.tion.
In the evening hour, after the day has cooled down, the balcony outside the state-room windows is a pleasant place to stand, saunter, or sit in.
More especially that portion of it contiguous to the stern, and exclusively devoted to lady pa.s.sengers--with only such of the male s.e.x admitted as can claim relationship, or liens of a like intimate order.
On this evening--the first after leaving port--the p.o.o.p deck of the little steamer is so occupied by several individuals; who stand gazing at the scene that pa.s.ses like a panorama before their eyes. The hot southern sun has disappeared behind the dark belt of cypress forest, which forms, far and near, the horizon line of Louisiana; while the soft evening breeze, laden with the mixed perfumes of the _liquid ambar_, and _magnolia grandiflora_, is wafted around them, like incense scattered from a censer.
Notwithstanding its delights, and loveliness, Nature does not long detain the saunterers outside. Within is a spell more powerful, and to many of them more attractive. It is after dinner hour; the cabin tables have been cleared, and its lamps lit. Under the sheen of brilliant chandeliers the pa.s.sengers are drawing together in groups, and coteries; some to converse, others to play _ecarte_ or _vingt-un_; here and there a solitary individual burying himself in a book; or a pair, almost as unsocial, engaging in the selfish duality of chess.
Three alone linger outside; and of these only two appear to do so with enjoyment. They are some paces apart from the third, who is now left to herself: for it is a woman. Not that they are unacquainted with her, or in any way wishing to be churlish. But, simply, because neither can spare word or thought for any one, save their two sweet selves.
It scarce needs telling who is the couple thus mutually engrossed. An easy guess gives Jessie Armstrong and Luis Dupre. The young Creole"s handsome features, black eyes, brunette complexion, and dark curly hair have made havoc with the heart of Armstrong"s youngest daughter; while, _en revanche_, her contrasting colours of red, blue, and gold have held their own in the amorous encounter. They are in love with one another to their finger tips.
As they stand conversing in soft whispers, the eyes of the third individual are turned towards them. This only at intervals, and with nought of jealousy in the glance. For it is Jessie"s own sister who gives it. Whatever of that burn in Helen"s breast, not these, nor by them, has its torch been kindled. The love that late occupied her heart has been plucked therefrom, leaving it lacerated, and lorn. It was the one love of her life, and now crushed out, can never be rekindled. If she have a thought about her sister"s new-sprung happiness, it is only to measure it against her own misery--to contrast its light of joy, with the shadow surrounding herself.
But for a short moment, and with transient glance, does she regard them.
Aside from any sentiment of envy, their happy communion calls up a reminiscence too painful to be dwelt upon. She remembers how she herself stood talking in that same way, with one she cannot, must not, know more. To escape recalling the painful souvenir, she turns her eyes from the love episode, and lowers them to look upon the river.
CHAPTER TWENTY.
SAVED BY A SISTER.
The boat is slowly forging its course up-stream, its wheel in constant revolution, churning the ochre-coloured water into foam. This, floating behind, dances and simmers upon the surface, forming a wake-way of white tinted with red. In Helen Armstrong"s eyes it has the appearance of blood-froth--such being the hue of her thoughts.
Contemplating it for a time, not pleasantly, and then, turning round, she perceives that she is alone. The lovers have stepped inside a state-room, or the ladies" cabin, or perhaps gone on to the general saloon, to take part in the sports of the evening. She sees the lights shimmering through the latticed windows, and can hear the hum of voices, all merry. She has no desire to join in that merriment, though many may be wishing her. Inside she would a.s.suredly become the centre of an admiring circle; be addressed in courtly speeches, with phrases of soft flattery. She is aware of this, and keeps away from it. Strange woman!
In her present mood the speeches would but weary, the flattery fash her.
She prefers solitude; likes better the noise made by the ever-turning wheel. In the tumult of the water there is consonance with that agitating her own bosom.
Night is now down; darkness has descended upon forest and river, holding both in its black embrace. Along with it a kindred feeling creeps over her--a thought darker than night, more sombre than forest shadows. It is that which oft prompts to annihilation; a memory of the past, which, making the future unendurable, calls for life to come to an end. The man to whom she has given her heart--its firstlings, as its fulness--a heart from which there can be no second gleanings, and she knows it--he has made light of the offering. A sacrifice grand, as complete; glowing with all the interests of her life. The life, too, of one rarely endowed; a woman of proud spirit, queenly and commanding, beyond air beautiful.
She does not think thus of herself, as, leaning over the guard-rail, with eyes mechanically bent upon the wheel, she watches it whipping the water into spray. Her thoughts are not of lofty pride, but low humiliation. Spurned by him at whose feet she has flung herself, so fondly, so rashly--ay, recklessly--surrendering even that which woman deems most dear, and holds back to the ultimate moment of rendition--the word which speaks it!
To Charles Clancy she has spoken it. True, only in writing; but still in terms unmistakeable, and with nothing reserved. And how has he treated them? No response--not even denial! Only contemptuous silence, worse than outspoken scorn!
No wonder her breast is filled with chagrin, and her brow burning with shame!
Both may be ended in an instant. A step over the low rail--a plunge into the red rolling river--a momentary struggle amidst its seething waters--not to preserve life, but destroy it--this, and all will be over! Sadness, jealousy, the pangs of disappointed love--these baleful pa.s.sions, and all others alike, can be soothed, and set at rest, by one little effort--a leap into oblivion!
Her nerves are fast becoming strung to the taking it. The past seems all dark, the future yet darker. For her, life has lost its fascinations, while death is divested of its terrors.
Suicide in one so young, so fair, so incomparably lovely; one capable of charming others, no longer to be charmed herself! A thing fearful to reflect upon.
And yet is she contemplating it!
She stands close to the rail, wavering, irresolute. It is no lingering love of life which causes her to hesitate. Nor yet fear of death, even in the horrid form, she cannot fail to see before her, spring she but over that slight railing.