The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-29

early playmate of Theresa, and, with glowing
cheeks and sparkling eyes, they had oftened lis
tened to the warlike exploits which the good
Ludovic delighted to relate to them aud to these
conversations might be attributed the passion
ate desire Of Arnholt to adopt tie profession of
arms. Accustomed to see them play together as
children; and liking the society Of the generous
and spirited boy, Ludovic forgot the danger,
when their childhood passed away Of their affec-
tions assuming totally different character. 1t
was SO, and Ludovic now saw with deep grief,
that his daughter was now unalterably attached to
the youthful soldier
fIheresa was unhappy, her father was sure
ly no less so; he blamed his own imprudence; and
on contrasting the characters of the two youths,
| violent conflict between his feelings and his
duty arose in his breast but the stern honor of
the soldier triumphed and he deemed himself
bound to complete the sacrifice. Unable how
ever to endure the sight Of her grief, he carried
her to the abode Of youthful friend, who former
ly resided near them, but on her marriage had re-
moved to village about sixty miles distant.
There he left Theresa, after receiving her sol
emn promise that she should return with him
the day before that on which she should complete
her eighteenth year. Father" said she, with
| streaming eyes, 81 have never deceived youq IL
have life Twill return; but do not greye too deep
ly should my heart break in this fearful struggle"
The old hussar dashed away a tear which stray
ed down his SCARED cheek, embraced his child
and departed. e
Time wore gradually away, and at last the day
arrived which was to seal Theresa's fate 1t
found her ina state of torpid despair. Exhanst-
ed by her previous struggles, all feeling seemed
dead, bnt her mind was awakened to new suffer-
| ing. A friend arrived to conduct her to her
'hp Iud,v IL IL
bed Of death, and with breathless impatience
Theresa pursued her journey
On her arrival, her fathers sick room was not
solitary. The detested Karl was there, and there
too was the youthful hussar ''My chld,v said
Ludovlc "my days are numbered, my fate must
soon be decided, and alas yours also! To my
dying brother solemnly promised, that on this
day would offer you to his son for his BRIDE
Without fulfilling my engagement / could not
die in peace, even the grave would afford no rest
Can you sacrifice yourself.for my future repose?"
81 can, will, }" cried the unfortunate Theresa
sinking on her knees, $50 help me Heaven! |"
'Heaven will bless dutiful child" said Ludo-
vic with fervor, "Karl draw near" Karl obey
ed-Theresa shuddered.
"Karl," said Ludovic, ssyou say you love my
child cherish her, conjure you, as yon hope fer
future happiness. In her you will possess
treasure but | must warn you, she will bring
you but one portion of my possessions" Karl
started and retreated few steps. "That, how
ever, continued Ludovic, (which Hook upon as
my greatest earthly treasure, | give you with my
daughter. You Karl, believe me have some vir-
tues. Alas alas! you know not the secret sins
which have sullied my life-the rapine, the mur-
der-but enough Of this have confessed 10
my spiritual father, and have obtained absolution
from the dark catalogue-but on condition that
leave all my wealth to the church as an atone
ment for my transgressions. could not forget
that was father; pleaded the destitute state
OF my child implored, | entreated-at length
wrung from the pious father his consent that
should retain my greatest treasure for my There
sa. choose my saddle. Keep it, dear child in
remembrance of an affectonate father And yon,
Karl, are you satisfied TO relinqush worldly goods
for the welfare of my soul2 Are you content to
take my daughter with this portion 20
"Fool exclaimed Karl, doting idiot how
dare you purchase exemption from punish
ishment at my expense2 Your wealth is mine;
your possessions must be the portion of my
bride-I will reclaim them from those rapacious
monks and tear them from the atari"
You cannot, you dare not" replied Ludo-
vic, raising his voice in anger; "my agreement
with your father had reference to my daughter
only-my wealth formed no part of it."
"Driveller! dotard vociferated Karl, think
you that will accept a'portionless bride 2 You
must seek some other fool for your purpose
renounce her."
" Give her to me Father!" cried Anhold, eT
swear 10 cherish and protect her while live
Give her to me, and when she shall be the be-
loved wife my bosom, | will live for her
aye, and die for her!'
Karl laughed in mockery. 81 never knew
one worth the trouble of winning, and least of
all Theresa"
The young hussar laid his hand on his sabre
Theresa threw herself between them. At the
same moment Ludovic sprang from his couch,
tore the covering fIom his head, snatching his
saddle from the wall where it hung, seized his
sabre, with one stroke laid it open, and stream
of gold bezants, oriental pearls. and sparkling
jewels, fell on the floor Wretch worm!
vile clod of earth art thou not justly punished!
Hence, reptile! begone before forget that thou
art of my blood I" Ludovic raised his sabre,
and the dastardly Karl fled, without daring to
give utterance to the imprecation which hung
on his colourless lips.
Trampling under foot the costly jewels which
lay strewed around, Theresa rushed forward and
embraced her father, excaiming, is not this
dream? Are you indeed restored to me 2 Can
thisbe real 2"
ss Forgive me child" exclaimed Ludovic,
I" the main have been Obliged to give your pen-