Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1849-10-25
.TOR PRINTING.
The Marriage CrucibIe.


A THRILLING TALE OF HIGH AND Low LIFE.
Those of our readers who have ever seen ac-
ted or have read that beautiful modern drama of
Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer, The Lady of Ly-
ons," need look no farther than the following
sketch for its foundation.l ua
Twas born in one of those little hamlets situated
in the neighborhood of Montelmurt, in the south of
France. NY father had made many fruitless
effort to raise himself above indigence. His last
resource in his old age arose from the exercise of
talent which he had acquired in his youth, that
of bellows s-mending. This, too, was the humble
profession which was destined 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
Lyons, to prosecute my calling there. was SO
far successful that became great favorite with
the chamber maids who nay chief employ
ers, and whom MY good looks and youth interested
in my favor.
One evening, however, as was returning home
after my days round, was accosted by four well
dressed young men, who threw out a few pleas
antries on my profession, which l answered in a
style of od-humored railery that seemed to sur
prise and please them. 1 saw them look signih-
cantly at each other, and heard one of them say,
"This is our man. The words alarmed me, but
my fears were speedily dispe lied. Rouperon,'
said one, :" you shall sup with US. We have a
scheme which may do you good. II you do not
agree to it we shall not harm you, but only ask you
to keep our secret. Do not be afraid, but come
with U.S. e.
Seeing all of them to be gentlemen in appear
ance / did not hesitate to accept the offer. They
conducted me through number of crosse streets,
and at last entered handsome house, in an apart
ment of which we found six other young men,
who appeared to have been waiting impatiently
for my conductors. few explanatory words
passed respecting me, and soon afterwards we
sat down to supper. Being young, thoughtless,
and lighthearted, gave way to the enjoyment of
the hour, and vented a succession of pleasantries
which seemed highly to please my chance COM
panions. 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 Lyons. We are
all in good circumstances, and make very hand
some living by our occupation. We are all at
tached TO each other, and formed happy society
till love stepped in to disturb US. In the street OF
ST. Dominic there lives picture merchant man
ofrespectable station, but otherwise an ordinary
parsonage He has, however, daughter, crea-
7ture possessed Of every accomplishment, and en-
dowed with every grace, but all whose amiable
qualities are shaded by one defect-pride, insup-
portable 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 ofby 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
like me was born for nothing better than to be the
wife of an engrayer1"
" Her great charms and her pride have been
equally felt by all" continued the speaker sand
we hold that she has cast sur on US and our
profession. We, therefore, have resolved to show
this disdainful girl that she has indeed been born
to the honor of being the wife of an engraver--
Now, will you addressing mel venture to become
the husband of charming woman who. to attain
perfection, wants only to have her pride mortified
and her vanity punished - "Yes," answered !,
spurred on by the excitement of the moment
comprehend what you would have me do. and
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 strict
est possible secrecy, my conederates did their best
to transform me from plain bellows-mender into
fine gentleman. Bathing, hair-dressers, &C.,
bro't my person to fitting degree of regnement,
while every day one of the engrayers devoted
himself to the task Of teaching me music, drawing,
and other accomplishments :, and nature had fur
nished me with dispositioA to study, and a mem
ory SO reientive that my friends were astonished
at the progress of their disciple. .Thoughtless of
all else, felt the deepest delight in acquiring