Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1853-10-27
ANTHONY MARTEL.
BT ". T. HAYDEN.


field. He was an almost universal fa-
vorite in his regiment. He loved his
country and maiden named Cadeline,
who was considered the prettiest girl in
Viselle, and many were the hearts that
beat with love and Joy when the fair
Cadeline turned her beautiful eyes up
on them, and returned their salutation
with winning smile There was not a
brave soldier in the whole regiment but
would have been proud to have shed his
last drop Of blood to resent an insult to
the bright star of Viselle. Many were
they who worshipped at her shrine, but
only one received any return to his pas
sion, and he was the gallant Anthony
Martel.
The Colonel of the regiment to which
he belonged was man of violent pas
sions, insolent and overbearing in the
extreme to his subordinates, and was as
universally detested as Martel was be-
loved.
On several occasions he had made in
famous proposals to her, which she re-
sented with scorn, but still he became
more importunate, until, finding himself
baffied in all his endeavors, he deter
mined to adopt new mode of proce-
dure, hoping to be more successful in
his designs. Accordingly he called on
Cadeline one evening when she was
alone, and made an apology for his for
mer rudeness, and asked her forgive
ness, which she readily granted, presu-
ming that he would trouble her no fur
ther; but in this she was disappointed,
for he Immediately made new overtures
of love to her, promising if she would
listen to his suit, he would load her with
presents and also make her his lawful
bride. But all these fiattering induce
ments had no effect upon her, for she
was true to her first love. "Consider,
Cadeline, my rank and station" said
he, land your position would be higher
than any lady in the village, besides you
shall have attendants, and all the luxury
and refnements that wealth can fur
nish." ...r.
"Ah, Colonel Lavilier, what would
these splendid gifts be without the
heart?" said Cadeline.
"You would soon learn to love me. "
"No. Colonel we can never love but
one."
"Then why not love me?"
because already love another, re-
turned she.
"Indeed, my fair charmer," said he
ironically; "may / be permitted to ask
the name of the cherished gallant?"
"Anthony Martel," was the innocent
reply.
"Whati common soldier--a miser-
able hireling for rival? By heavenl"
he exclaimed, in terrible passion, "un-
less you instantly accept my suit, and
reject the beggarly churl. l will have
him shot like dog for his audacious
presumption, and l will give you but a
moment to decide his fate"
"Oh, SIR" exclaimed Cadeline, che
is guilty of no crime-he has never in
jured you"
HAS he not dared to supplant Col
onel of the French army, and he only a
common soldier?'
"Nay, Colonel, 1 loved him before 1
saw you. He is generous, noble, and
would not injure any one."
"Do not lose time in idle words; con-
sent to be mine, or e'er the morning sun
has risen an hour in the heavens, his
heart shall have ceased to beatl"
"Oh heavens, spare him!' cried Cad
cline, in anguish.
"You plead in vain" .
"Give me but single day to decide. -
-"Not an hour" lti
AT this moment majestic form cast
a slight shadow in the doorway, but it
was not observed by either of the per
sons within the room, SO deeply absorb
ed were they in their own affairs. Step
ping aside little, so as to be unseen,
the stranger remained silent spectator
to all that passed. @
81 implore you to let me speak to An
thony before 1 give you final answer" /"
.tNot word to him; therefore, in
stantly give me your consent to be my
bride, or you sign the death-warrant OF
Anthony Martell'' T
'sInhuman monsteri l would rather
die a thousand times than be your wife,
even were you the proud emperor Of
France. Anthony fears not death, and
would rather give his life than have me
prove false to him." :"
0"Mad girl, you are in my power, and
I viii use you as please, since you
have thus spoken" sd
o"Neverl'
edo you dare to defy me to my face
Thus, then, let me prove my words by
snatching breath of the sweet fragrance
Of your scornful lips" -3tst
l And clesping his arms around the fan
form Of Csdeline, he endeavored to pu
his threat into execution.
"Help! mercy helpp' exclaimed she
At this moment the report of pisto
: in the hands of the stranger whom W,
before mentioned was heard, and th,
i ball shattered the arm of the agpressor
r rendering him powerless; but from
whom or whence the shot came, botl
were unable to tell, for no sooner. wa
the weapon discharged than the deliver
Ter disappeared, and Anthony Marte
rushed into the room BY another door
l0hseryinp the wild appearance of Cad