The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1839-09-21


Ernest wrote occasionally to Eouise and
at the end of the three years, the mother
and daughter left their peaceful retreat, and
jouFneved to the north of France, TO the
town where Ernest was stationed l.. wish
ing to give him surprise, wrote anonymous
Nv from the hotel, that lady wished TO see
him. lie went Immediately. Louise rose
10 throw herself into his arms he shr10lk
bach. Louise Tell senseless on the floor, r,snd
the ieartless libertine reireated to his quar-
tiers. The hapless Louise recovering her
self and finding that she was deserted, rush
ed in despair from the house, aud after wan
derins about, strayed into church-yard,
and flung herself exhausted on a grave
she lay there till morning. At daylight,
the Sacristan arrived at the field of melan-
oholy labors, and perceiyiug Louise, he
raised her, and humanely sent her home in
a conveyance-for she was half dead with
cold.
Hilaire, steady and attentive to his duties,
now held an office in a Military Bureau in
Paris. His mother wrote TO inform him
what had Just happened. He posted in
stantly to were she was-then FASTENED to
Ernest to ask an explanation Of his conduct.
Ernest said he could not marry Louise
that his views were changcd-that it was
true he had promised to marry Louise, but
he now could not.
If it is for want of Means said HiIaire,
! offer to give up the salary of the office
now hold, to support you in comfort and re-
spectability. Louise, too, has some mon-
ey.'
mo- answered Ernest; with all that |
cannot marry your sister.
Hiliare went TO the Commandant to ask
his advice. He informed Hilaire that Err
nest had under promise of marriage to his
wlle's daughter 10y former marrlage,) Sc
duced her also, and that he was utterly at
loss what to advice in this disgraceful case
but recommending Hilaire to speak TO the
second in command, an Ancien The old
soldier said, know Ernest to be such a
lbertiue, that nothing can be done with one
so unprincipled, in the way of pursuadlng
him to fulfil his promise OF marriage; the on
" good thing | know of him is, that he is
not deficient in courage.
Hlaire returned to Ernest, again innpor'
ed him to do justice to his sister, and seeing
he could make no impression on him, SAID
'One or the other OF US now must die
WELL replied Ernest, since it be so,
have no objection TO fight you, and woult
sooner die than marry your sister.
The prelimnares Of a duel were then ar
ranged, Hilaire and Ernest proceeded to the
ground, each attended by three or four sec
onds-as il is the custom in France. Hi
laire was master of the sword, and Er
nest equally dexerous with pistols. Lots
were cast for the choice Of weapons, ant
fortune favored Ernest, and also 40 the fire
The combatants were placed at distance
Of % plces-a crowd of spectators had as
sembled-Ernest raised his pistol--the spec
tators knowing his skill, held their breath
thinking the fate of Hilaire was sealed, tn
ball though fired with deadly aim, whistle
harmless past the head of Hilaire' Th
latter then threw down hrs pistol, and ar
preaching Ernest, besought him for the las
lime TO save the honor of his family.
Hlaire's mother was Oh the ground in
carriage. and seeing the proceeding OF ht
son, she ran towards him, and cried,
your heart fails you, here is your broth'
IA years Of age, who will take your pos
and if he falls will
Ernest said, Hilaire's heart does fail hi
Il am fighting with coward.
n. IIilaire, stung to the quick, exclaimed
have given you every chance--now the
is cast, take your merited fate =
Then resuming his place, he fired. I
ball passed through the right eye and bra
Of Ernest--a party of his men in fatig
dresses ran towards him, bore him OF t
field streaming with blood, and amidst t
the cries of the spectators, Il Home
est revenge!
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TFTt - H.. = IT. NJ.