Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-11-22

Theodore Prevail
A knock was heard at the door.
'Cephise, guard well that paper it is I'M
denable, and will ensure your right before
any ttibdnal in the land
Father Antoine, accompanied by the Bar
oness Decourcey, advanced. The Baroness
spoke FIRST.
Il wished to speak TO you, Cephise, and
Father Antoine was kind enough to show
me the way
we are ever happy to see your ladyship,'
answered Cephise.
Now, good father, and you Monsieur Mo-
rim, allow me few moments conversation
with Cephise, alone
Richard withdrew, followed by Father
Antoine.
| When left, alone, the Baroness, overcome
with emotion, burst into tears-the suppress
ed tears of maternal affection. Cephise
handed chair. The Baroness seated her
self, and for an instant, buried her face in
her handkerchief. Cephise threw herself
upon her knees before the Baroness, and la
king her hand, kissed it. The baroness gen.
fly raised her--looked intently in her face,
pressed her 10 her bosom, and again burst
into flood of tears.
Dear madam, you are i'll what shall ]
do for you 2
Nothing, nothing. / am already much
better, and should feel more calm if my
heart would utter what it feels. Henceforth,
CePhise, look upon me as dear friend; tits
my wish-nay, It's my command
% / madam replied Cephise, you so
good, so kind to mel You do rot know
the wrong | have innocently done your
daughter. You do not know, perhaps, the
Count has given me his marriage promise
Il know all, Cephise; has your brother
told you under what peculiar circumstance:
the Count gave that promise?
|, NO, madam
''Tis important you should know the
: truth he is not the dsinterested being you
. think him. Listen to me. Tomorrow, the
Count was to have welded Leonie, and bu
for the chance which disclosed TO us this Sc
cret, you would now be waiting the expected
visit Of EdDard. One hour after the crue
, advertisement at my house, he left this let
ter for me read it; It's Of importance tina
t you should
: 'Cephise took it, and read as follows
MADAM, a fatal event has disclosed what hope il
your eyes, will appear il isa fault and crime
need not say how much regret the circumstance be
ing made public your daughters account, and
sincerely hope you will not make il an obstacle TO m
fulfilling my 10 her who alone possesses my love
and who has not cannot find rival in the heart of
Il. PREvAL.
Cephise handed the letter back to thu
Y baroness, who continued. M
"A note addressed to you, from the count
: was seen by my nephew, the purport O
which, was an outrage TO the pride and feel
Ings of Leonle. The count provoked b
: Henry, was led to decide between a recanta
ton or a duel.'-- BID
$ "A duel I interrupted Cephise
Decided as young and proud man wou
under similar circumstances And You
: marriage promise was the answer to Henry
:, challenge
$ 90 madam, duel his life is in dan
ger! Here, take il, madam take thi
promise. freely give it up. But do nc
/ let there be blood shed, and the cause
e Fly, madam, and destroy this paper befor
themp
The affair is already over the colont
= has received only slight wound, and tn
count is free from hurt. Take care of thi
d document; It's yours. The count has time
l. ly freed himself from all engagement wit
/, Leonie. In that paper, my child, you hol
x your future destiny; rcfect--do nothin
e rashly'
m TELL me, dear madam, what have (
fear 2
d. Remember, reader the baroness was stri
re ing to save daughter from marriage wit
g, a villain
o. Listen to me, Cephise if It's from Al
is ger, or a sense of wounded pride, and fro
ID being defed, the count gave that promise
We then tremblel for regret will follow swi
upon your marriage VOWS and cause for r
y pentance brings infalIibIy life Of tears.
IN Do no, then purchase days happiness
lis the price of eternal Indebtedness you W
m here find heart to love you bosom
at which you can shed tears. devoid of anguish
IL your heart has been deceived, come
mine there you will ever find sure as
lum.'
Dear madam, said Cephise, how ha
!" / merited your kind interest,"
~ Its secret, hid in my heart / 10
oe you, Cephise, and It's by that love coniu
'a' you not TO rashly sacrifice your future ha
~ piness. Search well your heart before y,
nc nc receive the count-probe him deeply e
you consent 20 become his wife Promi
y, ~ me this. and | am content
y Il do dol i.aa. s.
-, Then Heaven bless you till we meet
,er gain; look to me in all cases, to succor a
~, console you, as to a mother ~. fi8
Cephise greatly acknowledged the bare
,e ess' kindness, who took her leave, prom
zee ing 10 see her soon again. Richard car
in as the baroness departed.
- Dear Richard said Cephise. the b