Laughing Eyes

Laughing Eyes: A Tale of the Natchez Fort by Henry J. Thomas presents a historical romance set in early Louisiana. The narrative follows Marguerite Cantarelle, a seventeen-year-old "casket girl"—one of respectable French women sent by the government to marry colonists. Marguerite emigrated secretly hoping to reunite with her cousin Maurice, whom she loves, but he is away on a dangerous expedition near Natchitoches. While awaiting his return under the protection of Ursuline nuns, Marguerite attracts numerous suitors. A young Natchez chief encounters her embroidering and becomes immediately infatuated, requesting she embroider moccasins with floral designs. Sister Marie permits the work. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, colonial frontier life, and cross-cultural encounter, establishing tension between Marguerite's betrothal to Maurice and the chief's passionate attention.