Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1850-08-14
Miscellaneous Selections. .
THE Low VEIIS OF WIRE.
A 3 TIFUL STORY

the beautiful valley Of Wire. Stretched al
the foot Of a long and steep hill. crowned
by pretty airy looking town whose build
ings. in some part gathered on the very
pinnacle. in others, running far down the
slope. as if co1uettng with the rich val
leys that WOO them from below. Law this
loveicst Of valleys that Natures profuse
hand ever gifted with beauty; the soft
clear stream Of the Wire winding sweeily
along between the green sloping hills
and rich woods. and the birds singing
their song of love. as It's calm waters. sil
vered by the sunshine. roll beautifully by
them Could YOU but look upon it, yon
would no: find it difficult to imagine, how
the soul even Of an obscure artzin in a
remote age. warmed into poetry and mu
sic. in the bosom Of that valley. and by
the side of that stream.
1t was there in the beautiful Vale Of
Wire. some twenty years ago. that Fran
co.'s Lor,nier went out to take his last
Nav walk with Narettc Duval. ere the
his happy home. his sweet valleys. and
his early love; it was sad walk. as may
well be imagined: for though the morning
was bright. and nature. 10 her shame be
it spoken had put on her gavest smiles.
as if to mock their sorrow. vet the sun
shine of the scene could not find its way
10 their hearts. and all seemed darkened
and clouded around them. They talked
a grca, deal and they talked a long time;
but far be il from me to betrav their pri-
vate regrets. at this their tender leave la
king. would not for all the world--es-
pecialv as ! know not one word about
it-excep,. indeed, that Francois vowed
that the image Of Mariette should remain
with him iorever-should inspire him in
battle. and cheer him in the bivouac; and
,ha, Naric,tn protested She would never
marry anv body except F. ancois Lor
mier, even if rich old Monsieur Latous
sefprt. the great Foulan. were TO lay him
self and his fortune. al her feet; III short
that when his .scvvn long years were
out" Francois should find her still spin
ster and very much at his service.
.Ru,. if lose a limb' said Francois.
Believe me. shall not love you less,
replied Mariette.
They parted--and. first to follow the
lady. Mariette wePt great deal. but
soon afterwards she appeared calm again.
went about her usual work. sang her song.
danced at the village fete. talked with the
talk ers. laughed with the gay. and won :he
hearts of all the youths in the place. by
her unadorned beauty and her native
grace. But still. Francois was not for
.ottcn: and wher several came. at differ
ent times. to ask her in marriage. the
good dame. her mother. referred them dI-
rectly 10 Mariette. who had always her
answer ready. and with kind word and
a gentle look sent them away. refused but
not offended. At length. good old Mon
,ieur Latoussefort presented hlnseif. with
all his money bags. declaring that his on
" wish was to enrich hs gentle Nariete:
bu, she was steady. and 50 touching did
She talk 10 him about her poor Francois.
that the old man went away with tears in
his eyes Six months afterwards he died.
when 10 the wondcrment OF the whole
place, he LETT his whole fort ne 10 Mariet-
te Duval,
Meanwhlc. Francoi~. from a light
handsome conscript. became a brave
Northern army. he underwent all the
har,l>hips OF the campaigns IN Poland
and Russia. but still he never lost his
cheer.ulness for the thought of Mariette
kept his hear, warm. and even a Russian
winter could not freeze him. All through
that miserable retreat he IN ade the best of
everything As long as he had good
tender piece of saddle. he did not want
dinner. and when he met with comfor-
table dead horse TO creep into he found
board and lodging combined. His cour-
age and his powers of endurance called
upon him. from the first: the eyes Of one,
whose best quality was the impartIaltv OF
his recompcnse. Francois was rewarded
As well as he could be rewarded: but al
length. IN one OF those unfortunate bat
ties, 10y which Napoleon strove in vain to
retrieve his fortunes. the Young soldier.
in the midst of his gallant daring, was
desperately wounded in the arm.
Pass we over the rest. Nut.lated sick.
weary, and ragged. Francois approached
his native valley. and. doubtful of his re-
ception-for misery makes sad misan-
thropes--he sough, the cottage of Mad
anne Duval The cottage was gone; and
on inquiring for Madame Duval he was
directed TO a fine farm house. by the
banks of the stream. lie thought there
must be some mistake: but yet he drag
ged his weary limbs thiiher and knocked
tmidly against the door.
'En,rez.' cried the exceedingly good
hnmored voice Of the old dame. Fran
co.'s entered and unbidden. toitered TO a
chair. Madame Duval gazed for mo-
ment. and then rushing to the stairs. call
ed loudly. Come down. Marie,te! come
down. here is Francois reiurnedr'
Like lightning. Marieite darted down
the stairs. saw the soldiers old great coat.
and flew towards is--stopped-gazed on
ms haggard face. and empty sleeves: and
gasping. fixed her eyes upon her counte-
uance. Twas for a moment she gazed
on him thus in silence; but there was no
forgetfulness, nor coldness, nor pride
AkN~aa L.