Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-05-27

| his way down the narrow defile, that
there was more dignity in the mein than
she had ever before observed-she scarce
ly dare ask herself who he was; for he
had been out short time among the
shepherds, and no one knew aught OF his
birth and professions; but every one loved
him for his generosity and nobleness of
spirit. ... -. ........
"My hair" said Ella TO herself, as the
youth vanished from her sight; IL will
dress it for his sake; they say it is rich
and beautiful. All! how freely would |
destroy each ample tress and scatter l,
upon the winds, did not he love to smooth
il with his fingers" .....
Months rolled away, and Ella watch
ed her herds in sadness, for nothing was
heard Of Adolphe, and the demon of war
continued TO spread his desolation over
the land.
IL was proposed to raise contribution
among the inhabitants of the mountain,
which should be placed in the general
fund, and appropriated to the use OF the
defenders Of The king. ...+
When the father of Ella was called up
on for his proportion he had nothing to
give, and the noble hearted girl, then. Tor
the first time, felt the want of wealth.
Father, let US sell our hocks," said
she--"we will be amply repaid in the
freedom we shall enjoy; and when peace
comes again, | am sure | can get work
for you" ~ -... -
"No, my daughter" answered the old
man, our country requires no such sac
ritice; we must not deprive ourselves of
the means of livelihood s......
Ella reflected for long while, and
formed a thousand plans for raising a
sum of money that was worthy of being
given in aid Of the patriotic cause; but all
her schemes were impracticable, and she
wept in solitude for her inability to serve
her country.
Would that these locks were wires
of gold!" exclaimed she running her fin
gers through the ,resses as they dallied
with the wind; IL might give them for
the general good. Can they not oe solo!
| will 60 to Breslau and offer them; they
may bring but .rile, yet they are ali 1
have 10 bestow. But Adolphe--when
he returns and beholds ne deprived of
my greatest beauty-what will he say!
Alas! he will turn from me; he will love
me no more-Wels, be il SO; will sac
ritice even his love in the cause of liber-
| ty. r.. .....t ....... ......
She accordingly proceeded to Breslau,
and offered her hair for sale to the first
friseur in the city. The lovelness of
the young girl, and the novelty of her Of
fer, caused the person to inquire why
she robbed herself of such beautiful tres
ses. On receiving her answer, he was
astonished at the extraordinary disinter-
ested patriotism displayed by one SO
young and interesting.
81 will take the locks, my pretty girl," |"
said he, admiring the softness OF their
texture, "and turn Them into bracelets
Every body will buy them when they
know of whose hair they are made"
The delighted girl received the prof.
fered sum, and flew 10 add it TO the gem
eral fund. The fr;seur had predicted
right, the story got wind, and ladies and
gentlemen of the city hocked to his store
to purchase the bracelets marked Ella
Among others, young man OF high
rank, hearing the story. endeayored to
obtain one OF the articles.
The vender had but one left, and he
had raised a considerable sum from their
sale; he intended to keep that for him.
self. The officer examined the color
and texture of the hair, and when his
eyes fell on the name of Ella, smile of
pride and gratitude curled his lip, and he
uttered, sit must be she!" He emptied
his purse upon the counter, and told the
man to take il all for the bracelet, who
being dazzled by the sight OF SO much
gold, readily consented. The officer
left the shop with the treasure pressed
to his lips.
ELLA" said Adolphe, as he sa, by the
side o. the mountain maid, "where are
those luxnriant locks that formerly hung
around Your neck! | went and foughs
at your bidding, and now have come 10
claim my reward"
Auolpne, answered sne, ~ became
jealous Of my hair; your heart became
en,angled among its thick curls; the more
! combed them, the more they webbed a
round my heart, and SO cut them off,
Do you love me without my iocks!"
"Love you, Ella! Could do less than
worship you, since } ou have so nobly
marred your beauty for the benefit of
your country! Look at this bracelet
the hair is yours-.he name is yours"
Thus caught, the generous girl thought
it useless TO deny the facts here record
ed.
She confessed it all. and shortly after
wards was the wife of the stranger, A
dolphe, Count of Rutland.
SEEING LITTLE TOO MUcH.-The
Boston Gazette describes funny Incl