The house which Dr. Lacey occupied was situated on one of the pleasantest
streets of New Orleans. It was a large, airy structure, which had formerly
been owned by a wealthy French gentleman who had spared neither money nor
pains to adorn it with every elegance which could minister to the
luxurious habits common to a Southern clime. When it passed into the hands
of Dr. Lacey's father, he gratified his Northern taste, and fitted it up
with every possible convenience, molding its somewhat ancient aspect into
a more modern style.
When Dr. Lacey reached the age of twenty-one, his father made him the
owner of the house, he himself removing to another part of the city. At
the time of which we are speaking, nothing could exceed the beauty of the
house and grounds.
The yard which surrounded the building was large, and laid out with all
the taste of a perfect connoisseur. In its center was a fountain, whose
limpid waters fell into a large marble basin, while the spray which
constantly arose from the falling stream seemed to render the heat of that
sultry climate less oppressive. Scattered throughout the yard were the
numerous trees and flowering shrubs which grow in profusion at the "sunny
South." Here the beautiful magnolia shook its white blossoms in the
evening breeze, and there the dark green foliage of the orange trees
formed an effectual screen from the mid-day sun.
The building was surrounded on all sides by a double piazza, the slender
pillars of which were entwined by the flowering honeysuckle and luxuriant
passion-flower, which gave the house the appearance of a closely wreathed
arbor. Within the piazza was filled with rare tropical plants. The
beautiful oleander, magnificent rose and sweet-scented geranium, here
united their fragrance, while the scarlet verbenum and brilliant
heliotrope added beauty to the scene.
The interior of the building corresponded with the exterior. The rooms,
large and airy, were carpeted with velvet, and adorned with costly marble
and rosewood furniture. The windows, which were constructed in the French
style, that is, reaching to the floor, were curtained with
richly-embroidered lace. Let us ascend the winding staircase, and enter
the dressing room of the owner of all this splendor.
Half reclining on a crimson lounge sits Dr. Lacey, dressed in a
fashionable brocade morning gown. On first glancing at him we think there
is no change in his countenance since we last saw him on Mrs. Crane's
steps in Frankfort, but as we note the expression of his face we can
perceive a shade of anxiety resting there. At last he rises and rather
impatiently pulls the bell rope.