He had written
them all the details of the plan. His own purpose was to have Emily's
strongest friends at hand on her arrival at Bellevue, so as effectually
to foil the machinations of Jaspar and Maxwell. His own visit to Baton
Rouge was only a feint to avoid a meeting with Maxwell in the interim,
thus keeping the appearance in unison with the pretension.
The river had risen some three or four feet, and the large and rapid
steamers had commenced running. The "Raven," to the clerk of which he
had intrusted the letter for Cottage Island, was a remarkably fast boat,
and he had every reason to hope that his plan would be successful.
Three days he remained at Baton Rouge, in a state of impatience and
inactivity, rendered doubly uncomfortable by the fear that Maxwell might
change his plan in his absence.
A downward steamer was approaching the city, and he hastened on board.
His letter had been faithfully delivered, for almost the first person he
discovered on board the boat was Henry Carroll, and Dr. Vaudelier was
close at hand. This was excellent, and he congratulated himself on the
bright prospect before him.
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