The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-12-26
The Romance ofReality.

We find in late number of the Courier
DIES Etats Unis, the following affecting mar
rative:
NJ Emile dc Girardn has put us in possess
sion of the following narrative. 1t is correct
in every respect, and is certainly more ro-
mantle than all the fictions of the dramatists
i give it in his own words.
About year ago, said he, NJ. Cclique was
married TO one Of my cousins, and enjoyed
with her that complete happiness which does
not excite envy, because we believe II to be
within the reach of us ALL when a cruel NAL
adv came to interrupt this happiness, which
would be more common, perhaps, fit were
not supposed so easy to be acquired. The
musicians called this malady-hepatO dnteri-
u.s. My young cousin being on the point OF
confinement, was kept in her bed, carefully
guarded by her mother, who endeavored to
deceive her with regard TO the health of her
husband. At length, when she had been thus
watched over for three days, her anxious ten
derness became excited, she threw herself
from her bed, and rushed into his chamber
il was deserted. Four days before, her
husband had died, and she did not know it..
Her grief lent her strength. Grief has two
stages-apathy and despair. Which is the
least painful to endure? Half naked, her
clothes in disorder, no longer conscious oil her
condition. Madame de Beligue rushed
through the borough: her friends saw her
pass She walked witha steady step-they
were astoaished and sought the cause VI
these mad proceedings. She reached inc
spot. the hammers oftwo workmen were
falling upon a grave stone which they were
carving near tomb, the freshly turned up
earth ofwhich still rose above the other
graves. The name of Clemence, which she
bore, was already engraven upon the stone
below the inscription which recorded 'he
good qualities the Baron of Bellgue-"mdr-
cchdl des camps ct GrmeeS, de tordre de SAM
Louis sc. &c. With preciptate gesture
she motioned them away. They stared ut
her without understanding her. She made
a last effort to speak, but her tears choked her.
She no longer retained her senses, but her
bare throat, which was violently agitated, the
writings of her delicate arms, 0ttested the
EXTREMIST degree of suffering. Life was re-
ceding before the extremity other torture.
This painful! exhaustion was succeeded by n
frightfll delirum. She overthrow the cradle
of her new born babe, whose birth she bad so
much desired. Sleep had closed her eyes
for n single moment-al at once she aroused
herself. CRYING out, "No, he cannot have died
without NV being near him! he is not dead,
shall see him again" This thought became
fred in her brain-she pressed her hand up
on her forehead, her looks became animated,
and she attempted to rise. Her mother, on
her knees, sought in vain TO oppose her. They
were compelled to follow her. She annoIn-
ces her purpose, they charge her with Insanl-
w: but what matters II TO her! she relects
their preteXts, she is conducted by AN lhsni-
ration, her resolution cannot he shaken. my
poor daughter is mad" exclaimed the mother,
who wept in despair. Clemence threw
mantle over her shoulders, and set out. ler
mother. unable 10 retain her, accompanied.
Two domes.ics followed them. 1t was not
vet four. bv the clock ofthe Manse. They
had already opened the shutters of all the
dwellings. The day laborers were setting
ont with their wallets and tools-tor in sum
mer. in having time, the labors ofthe fields
commence early and these things transpIred
in the month of July. The graveily earth
which covered the coffin ofM. de Belgne
was light, and easily removed. Cienence
assisted with all her strength, and the cotfh
is soon uncovered. Dreadful speetacle she
threw herself upon the corpse, winch she
covered with her tears and kisses. She rais-
ed him. and pressed him TO her bosom; ana
her terrified mother could not drag her away
They ran TO call the worthy curate OF MONT
relais. Perhaps Clemence would listen &c
his voice and his pious celebrations Through
all the borough the rumor spread that Mad
anne de Beligue was mad, and that she sought
to be buried alive with her husband. Wo'
men and children began to collect. Fhe cry
ofs OH my Godr' is heard. All approach
Madame de Beliguc had fallen back tantlng
They sought to disengage i.or from the corpse
II was moi dead!-it breathed!-and yet foul
DAYS had it been inferred. They were terri
| fed-some pressing round, others dispensing
CRYING, "a mracle!' The dying Clemenc'
is fbrrotten. The Cure comes. 1t is neces
snry 70 remove the crowd, whose implety II
vet no proofugainst their superstition Glenn
ence is taken to the Manse. There Is ~
longer room for doubt. NJ. dc BeNSue u
not dead. His pulse is restored; ms whoi'
body is found to move. They wrap INN up
Two hours are spent in bestowing upon mn
their cares: at length he comes OUT en'lre'.
from the horrible lethargy which hau con
tinued his existence in the grave, ne
turn, now demands his wife she hho GEM
ed to live Death had let one prey escap
him, only to seize upon announcer. 9he was
indeed, dead Poor Clemence! 60 young
and so lovely! so artless, and so oVerhowln
with goodness! Another might, perhaps, nc
scribe these lhings better than nave doii'
but no words can picture the despair OF N
Beligue Griefrestored to HIM all MS iacul'ie
He would have resigned himself to DEAN,
would have regretted his escape from II, ha
not the child, which they placed in his arm
needed hm,-his own child. whom he kisse
for the first time, what stronger tie could BIN
him to life? and what can sever that tIe' say
death alone?