Litchfield enquirer., 1841-12-02
From the Gem for ls42. JUSTINE.
A FRENCH TALE

A FRENCH TALE.
 It was on pedestrian tour through the southern provinces of France, that was one evening surprised by the approach of darkness. while yet uncertain as to the distance of the village where ! proposed to sleep, or indeed whether might not have s'rayed from the path had been directed to pursue. Not the beautiful tints that yet fingered in the golden West, nor the deli ci"us fragrance that brea,hrd around me, could wholly dispel ,ha. vague feeling of nneasiness which pervades the mind On being "vsrtaken by night in a strange and lonely spot. 1t was a relief, therefore, to hear at no great distance behind, French air, whislled in tones that seemed to spring from light and jocund hear, and gladly awaited the approach of tle ,raveller-a fine, martial looking youth in soldiers habiliments, with knapsack strapped to his back-wlo dcf1ed lis cap on perceive ing me, saluting me at iIIe same time with the frank and free air ofhis nation. In re- ply to my inquiries, he informed me, tha, he was bound to the village of which 1 was in quest "but had it been otherwise" /" continued he, II should have felt i, as much du,y as a pleasure 10 have guided a gentleman and a stranger"
 "Yet had been loath," l replied, "to trespass on the time of one who is proba- bly, returning home after a long absence"
 Nearly three ycars," said he, but my campaigns are now ended, and it is my present hope to find happiness in the boson. of my native Si!age."
 "Meaning, of course, that which we are now approaching 2"
 'No,' he answered., 'hot exactly; my h"me lies league to the right. Monsieur would probably remember a path that ,ur- ned aside through thick grove of iimes.'
 Il recollec, it wetl,' replied for l was near going as,ray at that very point, the road looked SD inyi,ing-but how is ], yon have missed your proper way! if on my account simple direelion-'
 'N",' he returned, laughing and hesita- ting a!little-'h home was dear, and parents were dear, but yet l have a strange desire to see-'
 'One dearer vet! You are an eRviable fefiow,' exclaimed, whom so much hap piness awaits, while ] may be we'll content ro gain the shelter of an auberge, sorry enough perhaps
 Sorry! no, mol will challenge all France to produce so delightful an auberpe as that to which l am conducting you the old woman is the best and kindest of crea- lures, and, for Jusiine'-he paused and wiped his brow.
 Well, for Justine 2 said !.
 She is just the loveliest and dearest girl that ever beamed goodness from bright eye! In short, Monsieur, for why should hide feeling of which am proud, Jus tine is that one person whom l long [" see.
 A betroihed Mistress, 1 suppose r
 No, she was too young when joined the army-scarcely 6fteen and l, what had to offer her but an honest heart aud though loved her better than life, as might never have returned, you know, it he'd been ungeuerous to beiray her into q promise that she would have repented, per- haps. after was g0ne.'
 'Very just and honorable ' observed.
 'IIark, Monsieur!' he excIaimed,- 'ihey are dancing-sOme gala-day-a we'd ding perhaps 7 He paused, and attempted to laugh, but did not succeed. Hush iI is al over now--all over !-whaI am saying it may indeed be over.'
 Let us at leas, procced,' said 2, seeing him stand mute and motionless.