Madame Delphine

Madame Delphine,
novelette by G.W. Cable, published in 1881.

Delphine Carraze, a New Orleans quadroon, lives in seclusion with her 17-year-old daughter Olive, whose white father left them his property when he died. The girl falls in love with Ursin Lemaitre, a white banker known as M. Vignevielle, who is associated with the pirate Lafitte. Through the aid of Père Jerome, the banker and Olive are engaged, but an investigation of his affairs forces him to hide with friends who prevent his “insane” marriage. Delphine, moved by maternal devotion, swears that Olive is really the daughter of a white woman. Even the heartbroken Olive is convinced, and the marriage is assured. Delphine confesses to Père Jerome and dies receiving absolution.

[The entire page is 129 words long]

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