The Evansville daily journal., 1853-05-20
THE PRICE OF LIFE.
TRANSLATED FOR The JOURNAL FROM TIL
FRENca OF EUGENE SCRIBE.


FRENca OF EUGENE SCRIBE.
And Joseph opened the parlor door to tel
us tn t the post chaise was ready. NV moth
er and sisters threw themselves in nv arms
at is not too late," they said. Give up
this project and remain with u.s."
"But, mother, am q gentleman; twenty
years DID, l must come forward in defence %,
my country, either in the army or at COURT!
"And when you are gone, tell me, Barnard
what will become of us!'
"You will be happy and proud in hearing
the success of your son."
"What it killed in battle!"
"What matterl What is life but a dream!
A gentleman of twenty only ,niaks of glory,
and shall probably return in a few years,
either Colonel, Or marectai de camp, or possi-
bly, belel charge Versailles"
swell and what will happen theni"
at will happen that shall be appreciated d
and respected"
"And what theni"
81 shall marry my cousin Henrette, ard
my sisters we'll married, and then we shall all
live contented and happy y our own estate -
"And what hinders you from being happy
at home now! Your father has lett us a
large fortune, and there is not within twenty
leagues more beautiful castle than Roche
Bernard; and you are be loved and respect ted
by all The inhabitants Of tine village; remain
then with your friends, with your sisters, and
your old mother, who may be dead at your
return. Spend not ycur life in vain gItlry,
nor shorten IL by cares and torments. Life
Is sweet, my son, and this place is beautiful"
In saying this, she pointed TO the fine alleys
in my park, the old chestnut trees in bloom,
to the honeysuckles and other flowers who's.
perfume embalmed the air.
The gardener and his family were wait
ing ia the anti-chamber, and seemed by their
silent and melancholy looks to say, "Do not
leave Us, my young master-do not leave us -
Hortense, my eldest sister, pressed me
again in her arms, and Amelia. my little SIS
ter, brought me a volume of La Fontaine's
fables, saying "read brother, read the fable os
the pigeons" moved from them all repeat
ing; 81 am gentleman twenty years old;
honor and glory callme away; let me go.''
And went.
Iwen into the court, and had reached the
post chase, when young woman appeared
ut the door OF the house; it was Henriette;
she neither spoke nor wept, but pale and
trembling, waved her handkerchief as last
sign Of adieu, and then fell senseless on the
door step. Iran to her, raised her in nv
arms, and vowed eternalllove and conslancy.
The moment she revived, left her to the
care Of my mother and sisters and reached
my carriage without stopping or turning my
head; If had seen Henriette again,I most
have remained at home.
A few minutes after, the post chaise was
rolling over the public road.
For a long time could only think of the
d. r friends had left behind; but these ideas
were gradually effaced from my mind as the
towers Of Roche Bernard faded from my sight
and dreams of ambition and glory again took
possession of my whole soul.
formed whimsical projects, built castles
in the ,i., anticipated riches, horrors, digni-
ties, success in all my undertakings look
ed forward to being created duke and peer
Governor of province, &c. When reached
he tavern in the evening, the voice of nv
domestic calling me simply Monsieur Cheva-
ler, brought me to my senses, al d obliged me
to give up my titles; yet the next day, aud
every day following during my long journey,
INDUCED i'm the same foliies.
The Duke de c. an old friend of nv
father, and protector of our family had kind
ly invited me 10 visit him at his castle, lew
miles beyond Sedan; he had promised to &C.
company me to Paris and introduce me at
Versailles. and assist me in obtaining a suita.
bic place in a company Of dragoons
arrived at Sedan late in the evening, and
put up Tor the night e. "Armes de France"
the best hotel in the city, and the general
rendezvous" of all the officers; for Sedan is
!. garrisoned city. The streets have war
Ike aspect and even the private citizens have
martial appearance, which seems TO say to
strangers, 1--WE are compatriots OF the great
Turenne."
lsuPped at the public table, and enquired
the way to the castle of the Duke de c..
ANY body can inform you," replied gen.
fieman; ait is well known in every part of the
"Yes," said another; "it was there the
Mare chal de Favert died; he was a great
warrior and most scientific man."
They spoke Of his battles, of his brilliant
exploits, and of his great modesty which
made himrefuse letters Of nobility and other