The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-11-15
NJ 7 s G e L L a N e 0 u S.
THE MARRIAGE CRUCIBLE.
4 TbllIiDg Tale of High and Low Life,

was born in one of those little hamlets
situated in the neighborhood of Montel-
mart in the south of France. My father
had made many fruitless effort to raise
himself above indulgence. His last resource
in his old age arose from the execises of a
talent which he had acquired in his youth,
that of bellows mending. This, too, was
the humble profession which | was des-
tined to follow, Being endowed by nature
with quick and lively faculties, both of
mind and body, soon grew skilful in my
trade, and having''an ambitious spirit, set off
for Lyo to prosecute my calling there.
was so far successful, that | became a
great favorite with the chamber-maiGs,
who were my chief employers, and whom
my good looks and youth interested in my
favor.
One evening, however, as | was return
ing home after my day round, | was ac-
costed by four well dressed young men,
who threw out few pleasantries on my
profession which | answered in a style of
good humored railery that seemed to sur
prise and please them. | saw them look
Significantly at one another, and heard one
of them say this is our man. The words
alarmed me, but my fears were speedily
dispeled. 'Rouperon,' said one you shall
sup with us. We have a scheme which
may do you good. If you do not agree
20 it, we shall not harm you, but only ask
you to keep our secret. Do not be afraid
but come with u.s. Seeing all of them to
be gentlemen in appearance, | did not hes
itate TO accept the offer. They conducted
me through number of cross streets, and
at last entered handsome house, in an
apartment of which we found six other
young men, who appeared to have been
waiting impatien1y for my conductors
A few explanatory words passed respect
ing me, and soon afterwards we sat down
to supper. Being young, thoughtless and
light-hearted, gave away to the employ
ment of the hour, and vented succession
of pleasantries which seemed highly TO
please my chance companions. But they
all grew silent and thoughtful ere long, and
finally one of them addressed me thus:-
The ten persons whom you see before
you, are all engravers and citizens of Ly-
ons. We are all in good circumstances,
and make very handsome living by our
occupation. We are all attached to one
another and formed a happy society, till
love stepped in TO disturb us. In the street
of ST. Dominic there lives picture mer-
chant, a man of respectable station, but 9TH
erwise an ordinary parsonage. he has,
however daughter, creature possessed
of every accomplishment, and endowed
with every grace, but all those amiable
qualities are shaded by one defect-pride.
As an example of the way in which this
feeling has led her TO treat others, will
own that myself paid my addresses to
her, and was approved by her father, as
one by birth and circumstances much their
superior. But what was the answer which
the insolent girl gave to my suit! DO you
think sir, that young woman ike me-
was born for nothing better than to be the
wife of an engraver.
Her great charms and her pride have
been equally felt by US ALL continued the
speaker, 'ahd we would hold that she has
cast slur on US and our profession. We
therefore have resolved to show this dis
dainful girl that she has not indeed been
born to the honor of being the wife of an
engraver. Now, will YOU addressing me)
venture to become the husband of a charm
ing woman, who to attain perfection wants
only to have pride mortified and her vani-
ty punished!'
es' answered |, spurred on by the
excitement OF the moment; Il omprehend
what you would have me to do, and l
will fulfil it in such manner that you
shall have no reason to blush for your
pupil
The three months that followed this
strange scene were wholly occupied with
preparations for the part was to perform
Preserving the strictest possible secrecy
my confederates did their best to tranform
me from plain bellows mender into fine
gentleman. Bathing, hair-dressing, &c