Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1848-01-26
THE SOLDIERS BRIDE.
Prom THE FRENCH.


During one severe Season-a winter remark
able for its long and nclement frost, experien-
ced with equal rigor throughout Italy, France,
and Germany. where the largest rivers were
rapidly concealed, and people were seen to fall
dead with cold-in the French town of Metz q
poor sentinel was sent upon guard on one of
the bitterest nights, when fierce ncrth wind
added to the usual cold. His watch was in the
most exposed situation of the place, and he had
scarcely recovered from severe indispositicn:
but he was soldier, and declared his readiness
to take his round. 1t Glanced that he was be-
trothed to a young woman OF the same city, who
no sooner heard of his being on duty, than she
began to lament bitterly. declaring it TO be i'm
possible for him to survive the insuferable Sc
verits of such a night, after the illness under
which he had fingered. Tormented with anxi-
to retire to rest: and as the night advanced.
the cold becoming more intense, her fancy de-
plcted him struggling against the fearful ee-
ments and his own weakness, and at length no
longer able to support himself overpowered
with slumber and shaking to eternal rest upon
the ground. Maddened at the idea, and heed
less of consequences, she hastily clothed herself
as warmly as she could, ran out of the house,
situated not far from the place of watch, and
with the utmost courage, arrived alone at the
spot. And there she indeed found her poor SOL
der, nearly as exhausted as she had imagined,
being with difficulty able to keep his feet, ow-
ing to the intenseness of the frost. She ear
nestly conjured him to hasten, though only for
little while, to revive him self at her house;
when, having taken some refreshment, he might
return but aware of the consequences Of such
step, this he kindly though resolutey, refused
to do.
"But only for few minutes" she continued
while you melt the horrid frost, which has al
most CONCEALED you alive
"Not an instant" returned the soldier, " il
were certain death even to stir from the spot
"Surely not" cried the affectionate girl, cit
will never be known and If you stay your deatf
will be still more certain. You have at least a
chance and it is your duty, if possible, to pre-
serve your life. Besides should your absence
happen to be discovered, heaven will take pit,
upon us, and provide in some way for our pre-
servation."
eyes said the soldier, shut that is not the
question; for suppose can do it with impuni
ty, is it noble or honorable thus to abandon nv
post, without any one upon guard q
"But there will be some one if you consen
to go will remain here until you return.
am not in the least afraid so be quick and Civ,
me your arms"
This request she urged with so much eloqu
ence and tenderness, ard so many tears, tina
the poor soldier, against his better judgment
was fain to yield, more especially as he felt him
self becoming fainter and fainter, and unab
much longer to resist the cold. Intending t
return within few minutes, he left the kind
hearted, girl in his place, wrapping her in hi
cloak, and giving her bis arms and cap, togeth
er with the watch word; aud such was her de
light at the idea of having saved the life of he
beloved, that she was for time insensible L
the intense severity of the weather. But just a
she was fattering herself with the hope of hi
return, an officer made his appearance, who a