Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1843-06-09


re admitted, though all the members i'm
media,ely resigned, and the club was bro
ken up. l dwell on this character be-
cause
Because you think he resembles Clair.
mont said Norman; go on, am iner-
ested.'
AT last there came youth into the
University-slender, quiet, and boyish-
looking, with handsome face, though
somewhat pale. Ills demeanor. though
generally shy, was noble and self-posses-
sed. He had been bu. short time among
US, however, before he was set down as a
cowardly creature. and prime game for the
devils broke loose as the gang of Mentz
termed themselves. The coy youth shun.
ned all the riots and revels Of the univer-
sity-insul,ed no one; and if his mantle
brushed against that Of another, apologized
SO Immediately, so gracefully, and SO gent
ly, that the devil himself could not have
fixed quarrel upon him. 1t soon appear
ed, too. that Gertrude. the lovely daugh-
Ter of the Baron de Saale-the toast of all
the country-upon whom the most of US
had gazed as on something quite above
us--it soon appeared that the girl loved
this youthful stranger. Now Men,z had
singled Gertrude out for himself, and a.
vowed his preference publicly. Arnold,
for thus was the student called, was rare
ly, if ever, tempted to our ieasis; bu. once
he came Unexpectedly OIL casual invita-
ta,ion. 10 the great surprise and inter-
es. of The company, Menlz himself was
there, and seated himself, unabashed at
the table, though an unbdden guest.--The
slronges, curiosity arose to witness the re,
suit; for Men,z had sworn that he would
compel Arnold, on their first meeting. to
beg pardon on his knees for the audacity
cf having addressed his mistress. 1t had
not appeared that Arnold knew any thing
of Men,z's character, for he sat cheerfully
and gaiIy at the board, with SO much the
manners of high-born gentleman. that
every one admitted at once his goodness.
his intelligence, his grace, and his beauty !;
and regretted the abyss on the brink of
which he unconsciously stood.
What, hot at length shouted Mentz.
as the evening had a little advanced, and
the wine began to mount: "a toast!-
Come-drink it, all; and he who refuses
is a nnlirnon and a Dnward anaf this
goblet-fi,l TO the brim-to the health and
happiness of Gertrude de Sale--the fair
est of the fair! Who says he knows a
fairer is a black liar, and will write The
word on his forehead with red ho,
brand
"Neyer before had even Menlz betray-
ed his brutal soul so grossly III words !;
bu. the guests, who knew that he was
heated with wine. passed over his coarse
insult with shouts of laughter, and drank,
with riotous confusion. TO Gertrude, fairs
est Of the fair. As the cleaning gob'els
were emp,ied, and dashed rafting down
again upon the table, Mentz arose. and.
with the bloated importance of despot,
gazed round to see that all present had
fulfilled his orders. Every goblet was
emp,ied but one. which stood u,asted- un-
touched. On perceiving this. the rufiian,
leaning forward. fixed his eyes on the cup
struck his brawny hand down fiercely on
the table, which returned laundering
crash and rattle, and then repeated, in a
voice husky with rage
"There is cup full by St. Anthony !!
will make the owner swallow its meas
ure of molten lead, if it remain thus one
instant longer'
"Drink it Arnold-drink it. boy keep
thy hand out of useless broils," whisper
ed a student near him, rather advanced i'll
age.
"Drink, friend!" muttered another.
drily, .or he will not be slow i'll doing
his threat. promise thee"
Empty the cup, man. cried third !;
never frown and turn pale. or thy young
head will lie lower than thy feet ere to-
morrow's sunset
"I,is Men,z, the duelist," said fourth.
Dos. thou not know his wondrous skill.
He viii kill thee as if thou were deer, Il
thou oppose him in his wine. lie IS more
merciIess than a wild boar. Drink, man,
drink =
"1hese good natured suggestions were
uttered in hasty and vehement whispers !;
and, while the students were thus endeav-
oring to pa'late the bloody catastrophe
the furious beast again struck his giant
hand down violently on the table, as if
words were too feeble TO for his rage.
During this interesting scene, the youth
had remained mo,ionless, cool. and silent.
A slight pallour, but evidently more Of in-
dignaiion than fear, came over his hand
some features; and his eyes dila.ed with
emotion, resting full and firm upon Mentz
"By the mass, gentlemen! he said al
length, Il am stranger here, aud lgno-
rant Of the manners prevalent in ul.ivers'.
lies but if yonder person be sane, anu
this no Joke