The Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1834-184?, 1846-09-10
From the French of the Monlteur Parisien
THE MINERS BRIDE.
A THRILLING FRENCH SKETCH.


in the midst of population composed en-
tirely of miners lived Peter and Margaret.
Peter was the son of an overseer of the
mines. As soon as he could walk he ran to
the mines-he descended into ihem-and
by his cheerfulness and play, he solaced the
cares of his father Afterwards, when his
good childish qualities gave place TO youth,
Peter became good workmen-and, after
his father, he was The most capable in direct
ing the work.
He knew how to select the place, where
the miner could strike with the best assn
rance of success; he used 10 pass through the
long subteranean galleries, without wander
ing from his course; and, incapable of fear
ing the darkness, he playiully, and yet by
reasons entirely natural, explained the mys-
teries which was the cause of so much terror
to his companions.
He was, perhaps the only man who did moi
tremble when the fire damp, that pest 10 the
miners, was mentioned.
One evening as Peters father was return
inc from neighboring village, he heard
groaning. He stopped, searched in the I'M
derwood, which bordered both sides of the
road which he was travelling, and what was his
establishment TO find there child, covered
with rags, who struggling in the grass, and
who lifted its little hands as if TO implore aid.
Its little cheeks were wet with tears-and
the ho rseness of its voice indicated that for
no short time ii had been lett -eilher thro'
accident or maice-to the pity of the pas
sers by.
The old mineral the unexpected sight, fell
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 TO it, as
ifhis words could afford consolation. Promised
it his aid-folded its tattered rags around it
TO shield it from the chillness of the air.
wrapped it in bis leather apron, md carried
it home with him-ever and anon kissing il
on the way, and striving to appease its grew
Gus complaints.
"Wife," said he, opening the door of
his cabin, "guess wha! present bring you.
Providence has chosen US, fall the inhabit-
ants of the village, TO afford aid TO an unfor-
tunate child. lam certain of it, for know
your heart"
Peters mother stretched out her hands to
her husband in reply. Considering by what
chance the little girl came to them, she look
ed upon her as her own. 1t was in this man
ner that Margarei's life was saved-and she7
found family, after having been abandoned
and left prey TO carnivrous animals which
often prowl through the woods and glades.
These two children grew up and they were
always together, as their only object was 10
please each other, they soon loved each
other tenderly. To the titles ofbrother and
sister, sweeter ones succeeded. Their hearts
understood each other-they thought of flu
ture. a happiness which they had not yet ex-
perienced, and Peter asked his father to give
him Margaret for companion.
II was the wish of the good parents, How
the hearts of the young people beat, when
Peters father said TO them-"Fix for your
selves the days,oi your happiness"
This soon arrived, and they were so much
loved, and so we'll deserved 10 be loved, that
the day of their marriage was general hol-
iday. All left their labor, and the mines were
deserted, the tables were loaded, the young
girls put bouquets in their bosoms and the
boys stuck them in theie buttonholes livery
where shouts of Joy were TO be heard, ant
the sound of instruments of music, 10 which
the rustics danced on the grass.
But in the midst of the rejoicing Pete
wen TO his lovely bride and embraced her
After that he said mysterously to his com
panions, @Don't let her cOme-thls is the mo
ment to surprise her. Now is the time t'
give her my presents" :.
So saying, he left them smiling, placing hi
fingers on bis mouth, as if to enjoin silence
He walked slowly around the house appear
ed to take a by-road which led 10 the ancer
mines, and then he was lost sight of.
He did not return that evening nor did h
urn the next day. They searched for hin
Three days, four days, eight days, month
wear rolled away, and Peter did not re
turn.
On the day Of the marriage, as soon as h
long absence was known, all merrlment VIZ
suspended. The bride wept and tore hi
hair. The miners, led by Peters lathe
went through all the passages of the mine
left no spot unexamined, but nothing appea
ed TO afford them any hope OF finding the
companion and friend.
Margaret all but died. She returned
life, but TO consecrate her days 10 the tat
Grand mother oil Peter. They so much
served pity! And SO did she, but graiiu'
inspired her with supernatural courage. 81
took of her boquet and her marriage gf
land, and laying them away with care, sal
81 will wait for hisre.urn."
Sixty years afterthis adventure SO terrih
and at the same time so singular, many thin
had passed in the village. Margaret h
closed the eyes of her benefactors: Alm'
all those who were at her intended MARIA
had gone to their last rest. A new gene
ton had sprung up, and the remembrance
ps,ar,s adventure. of his sudden disappe
anca no longer existed, except as those