Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-04-29

an enthusiast and not very Calculating oue el
Their. Rchies, honors, dignities, success in ev-
cry particular, felt assured would accompany
my footsteps in fact, ere had arrived at the
end of my Journey, already saw myself in idea,
duke, or peer, or, at all events, governor OF a
province, and probably marshal of France.
The voice of my servant calling me simply
Mr.. recalled me to myself, and forced me has
tily to abdicate my new honors. The following
days my intoxicating dream was renewed, for
my Journey was long. On the third day |
arrived at Sans Souci where the Duke of Cas-
tile, the old friend and patron of my family, re-
sided.
Twas night when reached the viage,a short
distance from which my patron lived l felt
that it would be indiscreet to present myself at
that hour, and considered that my visit would be
more timely in the morning, therefore betook
myself to the hotel where | supped. l then
questioned my host as to the distance of Sans
Souci, and which was the road | ought to take
'All the world in this part of the country
knows Sans Souci,' he replied that is the cas-
lie where the great warrior, and celebrated Mar
shall Fabert, died.
And the conversation then turned on the
great man, who from a simple soldier, became a
marshal Of France lie then spoke of his d&r
ing his battles, his renowned exploits, and with
al his modesty, which induced him to refuse
the prolfered honors of Louis XIV. of the hon.
age rendered to him, the son of printer. His
career was attended with such unexamped sue
cess, Of which another example could not be
found that the vulgar imagined his elevation was
owing to supernatural causes.
Twas SAID in his youth he ard devoted him
self to sorcery and wichcrah, and that he had
made compact with the spirit of darkness =
and my host assured, me with perfect sang-iroid
that the Castle of the Duke of CASTLE was
nightly haunted by black man, whom nobody
knew, carrying with him the soul Of the deceas-
ed marshal which he had previously purchased
and that in the month of May, the anniversary
Of Fabert's death, the black man was nightly
seen, carrying a small but piercing light,
This recital amused me much, and insisted
on my host fetching a bottle of champagne, and
Ipledging ourselves to the familiar demon of Fa-
bert, and wishing that he would also take me
Itlc
The next morning rose early, and after tax
ing more than usual pains at my toilet, present
ed myself at the dukes castle, which was gothic
building of immense extent ornamented with
the most exquisite designs Of art; and ] must
+ admit, that it was with feelings of considerable
emotion approached the scene Of the exploits
| explained to me the preceding night by my host
The servant to whom addressed my inquiries
f if the duke was at home, replied that he could
not say if master was visible, and showing me in
to a room filled with family portraits, requested
my name, and left me alone,
| waited some time, probably quarter of al
hour, but my anxious Impotence made me think
it an age, and yet no one appeared all my dream:
5 of glory began to fade before me. | had already
counted three times over the family pictures, to-
gether with the number of chairs and table;
which the apartment contained, when heard ;
slight noise in the adjoining chamber The dool
of communication was scarcely closed and
strong gust of wind now left it half open. ] look
ed into it, and perceived that it was beautifully
furnished boudoir, lighted by two large windows
and glass door looking in the magnificent park
J | advanced into the apartment, and stopped a
the sight of an object, which had not at first at
tracted my attention. The figure of man. will
his back turned towards the door by which haC
entered, was reclining upon a couch. He arose
and, without perceiving me, ran quickly towards
the window. Tears streamed down his checks
and profound despair was depicted on his feat
7 ures. He remained motionless for some time
! with his head conyulsveIy clasped between hi
hands, then strobe with hasty steps the apartment
| was now close to him perceiving me he trem
bled violently | felt considerable embarrass
ment at my uncacd-fo, intrusion, and endeavor
ed to stammer out some words of apology.
Who are you, and what do you mant 2 hi
demanded in loud voice. and catching me firm
ly by the arm.
am Frederick Bernard, of Castle Bernard,
answered. and have Just arrived from Eng
land
t | know-I know ); he said, f1inging hmsel
y into my arms then making me seat myself be
side him, he spoke to me with warmth of my ia
! Their, and the orther members of my family whom
= he appeared to know so well, that did no
doubt for a moment but he was master of tn
e castle
You are the Duke of CASTLE said to him.
He arose, and looking at me with considera
e bic excitement, exclaimed.
=, was but am no longer so-no longer so
and seeing my establishment, he CRIED Not
i word more, young man do not interrogate me.
have been unwillingly, assure you, wit
= ness of your grief and misery, and if my devote
s. friendship can at all alleviate your pangs-'
: Yes, yes he interrupted me, you are right
!, not that you can at all change my fate, but yo
can at least receive my last wishes and requests
this is the only service that | shall expect froI
l you
Then standing up, he closed the door, and re
10 seating himself beside me, he looked steadfastI
~ upon me, with countenance so grave and Sc
- emn, and an expression so peculiar that tren
It blingly awaited his words. His face was palt
le his eyes black and sparkling, and from time I
n time his features, although contracted by sutle
II ing, relaxed into an ironical and internal smile
What | am about to tell you, said he, wi
~ doubtless confound your reason, and you ma
j probably disbelieve. Indeed, l myself ofte