CHAPTER FIFTH.
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI--A HAPPY HOME.
We will now change the scene of our story, and, using the license of all writers, transport the reader to Jackson, the Capital of the great State of Mississippi, and there introduce him or her to other characters who will bear a prominent part in this book.
In the parlor of an elegant resident on Main street, a beautiful girl was sitting with an open book in her hand.

She was not, however, reading, as her bright blue eyes rested not on the pages, but were gazing at the half-opened door, as if expecting the arrival of some one.

While she is thus musing, we will endeavour to give a description of the fair maiden.

Fancy a slight and elegant figure, richly dressed in a robe of _moire antique_, from under the folds of which the daintiest little feet imaginable could be seen.

Her features, though not regularly carved, made her, at the name time, very beautiful, while her bright blue eyes and rich golden hair, braided smooth to her forehead, and ornamented with a jewelled tiara, then much worn, lent additional charm to her appearance.