Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-08-26
GREEN MOUNTAIN FREEMAN.

| were to rejoice with him for their safety, but
the first delights over, Ritter felt revive in him
the recollection Of his interests so seriously
threatened.
Leaning upon the wooden baulstrade which
served for balcony, he remained silent fol some
time, when Christian, who was surveying the
country with his eye, suddenly turned and said,
How Ear does your domain extend, Monsieur
RitterP
The latter trembled as though this demand
had revealed to him the secret thoughts of his
guest.
'Ah! you wish to know how much the gain
of your suit will bring you said he with some
bitterness.
Upon my soul, I did not dream of it, replied
Loffman disconnected.
you need not blush for that, said Ritter 5
every person has confidence in his rights. ]
will 60 and show you the limits of the domain,
and he described to him one after another, the
woods aud fields while walking by them.
1T is an admirable managed property, observ-
ed Christian.
4 luly thpSHu6h al NY tlliC duu IllCl-
ligence upon It, replied the farmer. 4 hoped
still to execute many improvements; but who
knows how many days l can yet pass here. Per-
hdps this estate has already ceased to belong to
me!
As he ended these words, Florence entered.
She was troubled, and held in her hand a letter
bearing the stamp of Mannheim.
1T is from M. Littaff? cried Michel, turn
ing pale.
From him. answered the young girl. Then
the judgement is pronounced and we shall know,
He extended his hand to take the letter but
Florence seized his hand between her oEn and
cast a timid glance at Loffman.
=, 'Ah, whatever it contains, said she, do moi
forget that you have renounced all i'll will
This letter give me this letter. interrupted
Michel agitated.
e The young girl drew back a step.
Promise first to submit Without luminosity tC
! the decision which has been made, said she more
vigorously, and pointing with her finger at the
: foot Of the hill, to the fir tree from the branche:
of which still hung the remains of the balloon:
| she added.
h 'RecolIect the night passed above in the clouds
and the oath that you have taken
!, Ritter and LOTHIAN looked at each other
d There was an instant of hesitation, then botE
stretched out their hands.
Yes said Ritter, lit shall not be said lha
danger alone has opened our hearts to tenderness
d Saved by the goodness of God, let us prove tt
e him our gratitude by submission. Christian
It LOTHIAN, we have left our enmity in the clouds
, let us not it upon the earth. What
J, ever this letter declares, | swear that will abide
by it without anger,
And [ will bless it for its having secured tt
t me a friend, added Christian, if it asserts thu
F. ruin of all my hopes
s Florence then held the letter to her brother
who opened it with a steady hand, read it AM
h turned slightly pale. The young girl made
o movement.
you are in your own house, Monsieur Loft
man, said the farmer turning towards the youn
r man.
Then the judges have decided in my favor
exclaimed the latter his face lighting up with JOY
d Here is the judgement
OHIIStdu tooh tic paper WHICH mlCnel HdnC
ed him.
is 'Henceforth, continued the farmer, you ar
master of all that appertained to your c%ousin:-
as his domain belongs to YOU
n. "A domain is not worth the happiness Of
9 friend, interrupted LOTHIAN, tearing the judg,
ment INTO pieces.
ir Ritter looked at MIN in astonishment-Flo
ii ence joined her hands,
ID Yes continued the young man, Il came her
re as a guest, | will not remain as an enemy. H
who has received me with so much generosity
Il will appoint himself an arbiter to settle our rights
n. Il! said Ritter, affected, 'ah, who can
k choose?
= Lolfman turned a look full of tenderness VI
s, on Florence, who cast down her eyes; then Il
n king the hand of the farmer said,
he 1T is she who has joined US in an eterni
friendship, and who has made the division ca,
j. between u.s.
5, 'IIow so?' demanded Ritter.
" In causing friends to become brothers
nd Ritter looked at Florence with a smile,
Is. though to examine her countenance, and Il
r. young girl, confused, cast herself in his arm
o-l L~Il L. Ill