Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1846-04-10
THE MINERS BRIDE.
A THRILLING FRENCH SKETCH.
From the French of the Moni eur Parisien.

'""''''''' l""'~"
From the French of the Moni eur Parisien.
In one ofihe villages Of the north of France
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 thcm-and by
his chcerfulncss and play, solaced the cares
of his father. Afterwards, when his good
childish qualities gave place to youth, Peter
became good workman-and, after his "a.
Their, he was the most capable in directing
the work.
He knew how to select the place where
the miner could strike with the best assur-
ance Of success he used to pass through the
long subterranean galleries, without wandering
from his course; and, incapable Of fearing
the darkness, he playfully, and yet by rea-
sons entirely natural, explained the mysle-
ries which were the cause Of So much terror
to his companions.
lie was, perhaps. the only man who did
not tremble when the fire damp, that pest 10
the miners, was mentioned.
One evening, as Peters father was return.
ing from neighboring village, he heard
groaning. He stopped, searched in the un.
derwood, which borded both sides Of the road
which he was travelling, and what was his
establishment TO find there child, covered
with rags, who was struggling the grass, and
who lifted its little hands, as if TO Implore
aid. It's little cheeks we're wet with tears
and the hoarseness of its voice indicated tina,
for no sho,t time had it been left-eitber
through accident or malice-to the pity OF
the passers by.
| The old miner, at this uneypected sight
| fcl, 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, as
if his words could afford consolation. lie
promised it his aid-folded its tattered rags
a, ound tito shield it from the chllness of the
air-wrapped it in his lralhern apron, and
carried il home with him-ever and anon
kissing it on the way, and striving 10 appease
its grievous complaints.
"Wife," said he, opening the door Of hi,
,bin. "guess what a present bring yon.-
Providence has chosen US, of all the inhabi-
tanls of the village, to afford aid to an unlor.
tunate child. | am certain of it, for know
Your heart"
Peters mother stretched out her hands e
her husbnnd in reply. Considering by VIVA
chance the little girl came TO them, she look
ed upon her as her own child. |, was in lh
manner tina, Mnrgarel's life was saved-ant
she found family, after having been aban
doned, and left IA prey to the carnIvorou,
animals which often prowl through the wood.
and glades.
These two Children grew up, and, as they
were always together, as their only ohjec
TO please each other, thhev soon BEGAN,
tcndcrly attached. To the titles Of brother
and sister, swee,er ones succeeded. Their
hearts understood each olher-they though
of future, "A happiness which they had no
yet experienced, and Peter asked his ia,he
to give HIM Margaret for companion.
1t was the wish of the good parents. How
the heart of the young people beat, wher
Peters father replied" Fix for yourseve
the day of our happiness"
This soon arrived, and they were so mucl
loved, and SO well deserved to be loved, iha
the day for their marriage was general hol
day. Al! left their labor, the mines we're de
serted, the tables were loaded, the youn!
aiIs put bouquets in their bCsoms, and til,
BOYS stuck them in their button holes. Ev
erv where shouts of Joy were TO be heard
and the sound Of Instruments Of music, t,
which the rusl,cs danced on the grass.
But in the midst Of the rejoicing Pete
wen, to his bride aud embraced her. AGc
that he said mysleriously to his companions
- Don't let her come-lhis is the momen, tt
surprise her. Now is the time to give he
my presents"
So saying, he left them smiling, placin!
his finger on his mouth, as tito enjoin silence
lie walked slowly around the house, appear
ed to take by road which led To the ancien
mines, and then he was lost sight Of.
lie did not return that evening nor did h,
come back the next day. They scarchc'
for him. Three DAYS, ionr days, eight days
a month, a year rolled away, and Peter di,
no, return.
Ga the day Of the marriage, as soon as hi
long absence was known, all merrimeni wa
suspended. The bride wept aud tore he
hair. The miners, led by Peters fa,he
wen, through all the passages of the mines
lief, no spol unexamined, but nothing appear
ed 10 afford them any hone of mindng thei
companion, their friend.
Margaret all but died. She returned Il
. lie bu, TO consecra,e her DAYS to the faihe
and mother Of Peter. They so much desery
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