, 1840-05-16

pt'g Lisc CEieu. stay 1 command Won,
Sir, ! will not write ! but he was gone-it
was too late.
The noise Of horses entering the court
yard, attracted EIise's attention. Two Off
GERS were below /; one of them 4 man evident
Iy OF high rank, who throwing the bride TO
his companion, entered the chateau, and de-
manded to be shewn to the Countess. 1t
was Henri Lenoir.
On entering the presence of ms vito af.;r
eight years absence, it was clear by his
emotion that his feelings were stall as arier,
as ever the quick fond gaze ina; he turned
towards Elise. told how fondly he still loved
her. The Countess on her part, was much
embarrassed, not only at the presence Of her
husband, but a rapid glance told her how
much she was mistaken ; she had imagined
TO see the rude peasant Of former days, with
his rude yet frank manners-uncouth and en-
barrassed in his actions but the person be-
fore her was widely different it was a bold
dashing soldier; his face somewhat Scared
by here and there a saber cut, but still hand
some in the extreme; his manners were easy
and elegant, whilst the rich uniform. Cecora-
ted with the crosses he had worn upon the
battle field. Showed both his rank and his
and Elise felt that sach Il man she
could love with all a womam's alteration.
You have sent for me, Countess, and am
present without your command, | should
not have forced myself upon you?
1t was no command. Sir, said Elise, hesita-
tlngIv 1t WIS 4 request
What matters a word, Countess ; the in
port is still the sane. call it what you may :;
still | Ike the word command bes:-it is as
it should be.
Elise was evidently i'll at ease; but rdising
her eyes Ia Henri, she exclaimed with con.
siderable hesitation, have | not the right
TO complain of you; for more than Il week
you have teen near the chateau. aud you
never been TO It-nor 10 me!
Nadine the chateau is your owa. | do
not exercise the right of master here; moth
told HE Of IA kind welcome, nor that you
ever remembered me by name: save when
the unhappy circumstance Of our Uni1n re-
10 you the chains that bound YOU to
ne despite yourself"
Nay, you are deceived, Tnne-circum-
,tlnces are changed. You might have
.t..oualit that after al the dangers and trou-
YOU lNG piSStAIs WIN iCp'SC was ~
:essary. and you might have felt that there
one whom your presence would have
,laddened.
Have You entertained such feelings lor me,
Elise! or arc you but hooking the poor
Henri I.enoir! All. you know what it is to
eel as | have doIe;-to LOOK around field
,f fearful carna"e and think, when the kind
nd gentle HIND OF woman miniStered 10 the
asst wants % thc dying, that ! must fall. with
lor @ 10 she'd a tear of pity over me; for even
n death thc.c is 4 sweet consoling spirit in
yonan's love, that softens many Il bitter
,ang. Tell me, Elise, are you behaving with
rankness towards me-" and he seized her
land within his own.
Henri, you have wronged me in yoIr
thoughts; but you know not what 4 woman
ecls. Often have | been on the point Of
writing to you, and yet | dared not, as the
bought crossed Inc that your love might
ave changed. ] have watched you in your
course; seen with proud satisfaction how
lobly you have won Your fame. and looked
to the day that would bring you to
ne again."
Heaven bless YOU. Elise. for those wDrds,-
ny own dear Elise!-what a weight have
'ou removed from my heart!--this moment
epays me years of angush-to think that
'ou should love me-that | should have
armed that love at last, for which would
ave gladly laid down life itself!
But, Henri there is one thing you must
i've me one-onIy one proof Of your alIec-
ion!
Is it Elise would ask a proof of Henri
.enoir-what wish Of yours is there he
you'd not gratlfyf'
"Henri, you love-as l do-your coun-
ry, and would not see it thus under the iron
nle of ar usurper. France wants repose.
which it can never enjoy under Napoleon,
ut only when the legitimate sovereign re-
aims his throne. Henri! in the army you j
re all powerful; a word from you would do
that can be done. You will obtain the
lvor and gratitude Of your lawful sovereign, {
nd with it, Henri, my love!
The color at once flew from Henri's coun-
,nance, and he allowed the hand Of Elise to {
III by her side, as he exclaimed, with much (
And your love is to be purchased at S
lie price of my dishonor. Oh! fool-fool, /
lat | have been! !