The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-02-15
THE CONSCRIPT.

THE CONSCRIPT.
1t was in the beautiful Vale of Wire, not ma
ny years agone, that Francois Lormer went
out to take his last May walk with Marietie
Duval, ere the relentless conscription called
him from his happy home, his sweet valleys,
and his early love. 1t was q sad walk, as
may well be imagined for though the
morning was bright, and nature, to her
shame be it spoken, had put on her gayest
smiles as if to mock their sorrow, yet the
sunshine of the scene could not find its way
to their hearts, and all seemed darkened
and clouded around them. They talked a
great deal, and they talked a long time; but
far be it from me TO betray their private con-
versation. would not, for all the world
especially as know not one word about it
except, indeed, that Francois Lormier VOW
ed the image of Mariette should remain with
him forever; should inspire him in the bat
tie, and cheer him in the biyouac and tha,
Marette protested she would never marry
any body except Francois Lormier, even il
rich old Monsieur Latoussefort, the grea
Fouan, were to lay himself and fortune al
her feet and, in short, that when his sew
ell long years were out," Francois woult
find her still n spinster, and very much al
his service. Mais 81 je periods une JAM
be ?'' said Francois Lormier.-" Quest ce
que ca fait 2" replied Mariette.
They parted, and first to follow the la
dy Marette wept great deal, but soon
after got calm again, went about her ordin-
airy work, sang,her song, danced at the vii
lagc fete, talked with the takers, laughed
with the.laughers, and won the hearts of all
the youths in the place, by her unadorned
beauty and her native grace. But still she
did not forget Francois Lormier; and when
any one came to ask her in marriage, the
good dame her mother referred them di-
rectly to Marlette, who had always her nm
swer ready, and with kind word and a
gentle look sent them away refused, but not
offended. At length good old Monsieur
Latousseiort presented himself with all his
moneybags, declaring that his only wish
was to enrich his gentille Mariette but
Mariettc was steady, and so touchingly did
she talk to him about poor Francois Lor-
mier; that the old man went away with the
tears in his eye. Six months afterwards he
died, when, to the wonder ofthe whole place,
he left his large fortune to Mariette Duval
In the meanwhile Francois joined the
army, and from light, handsome conscript,
he soon became a brave, steady soldier
Attached TO the great Northern army, he
underwent all the hardships of the cam
paigns in Poland and Russia, but still he
never lost his cheerfulness, for the thought
of Mariette kept his heart warm, and even a
Dneo,au cnull fran,,, lilo, 4
through that miserable retreat he made the
best of every thing. As long as he had a
good tender piece Of saddle he did not want
dinner and when he met with a COM
Portable dead horse to creep into, he found
board and lodging combined. His courage
and his powers Of endurance called upon
him, from the first, the eyes Of one whose
best quality was the impartiality Of his re-
compense. Francois was rewarded as well
as he could be rewarded but at length, in
one Of those unfortunate battles by which
Napoleon strove in vain to retrieve his for
tunes, the young soldier, in the midst OF
his gallant during, was desperately wound
ed in the arm. The star Of Napoleon wen,
down, and foreign armies trod the heart OF
France.
Pass we over the rest. Mutilated; sick, ,
weary, and ragged, Francois approached
his native valley, and doubtful ofhis receipt
iou-for misery makes sad misanihropes-
he sought the cottage Of Madame Duval.
The cottage was gone and, on enquiring
for Madame Duval, he was directed to a
fine farmhouse by the banks Of the stream.
tie thought there must be srme mistake,
but yet he dragged his heavy limbs tIiither,
and knocked timidIy agninst the door.
Entrez J" cried the good-humorcd voice
OF the old dame. Francois entered, and
unbidJen, tottered to a chair. Mudame Duva
eazed on hun for a moment and tIreir rush
ing TO the stairs called loudly, Come down
Msrieite, come down, here is Francois re-
turned Like lightning Mariette darted
down the stairs, saw the soldiers old great
coat, aud flew towards it-s,opped-gazed
on his haggard face and empty sleeve, and
@Ispin-. fixed her ewes srcu he eountc'