Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-09-17
nj | S G f l. l. A N Y.
THE MINERS BRIDE.
A THRILLING FRENCH SKETCH.


In one of the villages of the north of France, in
the midst Of a population composed entirely of mi
ners, lived Peter and Margaret.
Peter was the son of an overseer of the Mines
As soon rs he could walk, he ran to the mines-he
descended into them-and, by his chcerinlness and
play, soaced the cares of his father. Afterwards,
when his good childish qualities gave place to
youth, Peter became good worllman-and, after
his father, he was the most capable in directing the
work
He knew how to select the place. where the
miner could strike with the hest assurance of sue
cess he used 10 pass through the long subterranean
galleries, without wandering from his course and,
incapable OF fcarGg .he darkness, he playfully and
yet by reasons natural, explained the mysteries
which We're the cause of so much terror to his com
paniOns.
He was, perhaps, the only man who did not
tremble when the fire damp. that pest to the mi
ners, was mentioned.
One evening, as Peters father was returning
from neighbOrlng village he heard groaning. He
stopped, searched in the underwood, which border
ed both sides OF the road which he was travelling,
and what was his establishment to find there child
covered with rags, who was struggling in the grass
and who lifted its little hands as il to implore aid
It's little cheeks were wet with tears-and the
hoarseness Of It's voice indicated that for no short
time it had been lef-either through accident or
malice-to the pity of the passers by.
The old miner, at this unexpected sight, felt his
heart moved. He thought Of his son, of his dear
Peter. and then stopped down by the side of the
poor child, and spoke 10 it, if his words could af
ford consolation. He promised it his aid--folded
lis aered rags round it, to shield it from the chill
ness of the air-wrapped it in his leather apron.
and carried ii home with him-ever and anon kiss
ing it On the way, and striving to appease its grev-
, C.s complaints.
'.Nite,' said he, opening the door of his cabin
| guess what present bring you.-Provdence has
chosen us, Of all the inhabitants of the village, ia
afford aid to an unfortunate child. am certain OF
is Tor | know your heart"
Peters mother stretched out her hands TO he,
husband in reply. Considering by what chance
the little girl came TO them, she looked upon her n:
her own child. 1t was in this manner that Mar
garet's life was saved-and she found family, af
ter having been abandoned, and left prey to tho
carnverous animals which often prowl through the
woods and glades.
These two children grow up, and, as they were
always together. their only object was to please
each other, they soon loved each other tenderlv
To the titles Of brother and sister sweeter ones sue
ceeded. Their hearts understood each other--thc,
! thought Of future, happiness which they hat
not yet experienced and Peter asked his father I,
| give him Margaret for companion.
! 1t was the wish of the good parents. How tn,
hearts OF the young people beat, when Peters IA
q
your happiness"
This soon arrived, and they were so much loved
and So we'll deserved TO be loved. that the dav 70
their marriage was general holyday All lef
their labor, the mines were deserted, the table
were loaded, the young girls put boques in hei
bosoms and the boys stuck them in their butte
holes. Every where shouts Of JOY were 10 be heard
and the sound OF instruments Of music TO which tn
rustics danced on the grass.
But in the midst OF the rejoicing Peter went
his lovely bride and embraced her After that h
said mysierlously TO his companions. Don't let he
cOmo-thlS is the moment TO surprise hcr. Now
the time TO give her my presents"
80 saying, ne left them smiling. placing his fir
ger on his mouth, as if TO enjoin silence. He wall
ed slowly around the house, appeared TO take b
road which led to the ancient mines. and then h
was lost sight Of.
He did not return that evening, nor did he CON
back the next day They searched for hun. Thrc
days, four days, eight days, month. year role
away, and Peter did not return.
On the day of the marriage. as soon as his Ion
absence was known, all merriment was suspetde
The bride wept and tore her hair. The miners K
: by Peters iather, went through all the passages
the mites, leit no spot uncXamined. but nothing al
peared ioaford them any hope of finding their cor
panion and friend
Margaret all but died She returned TO life. b
TO cousccrate her days TO the father and mother
Peter. They 50 much deserved pity, And 50 d