The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-10-26

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to the point at once. Les,elle would avail
herself of this opportunity to be divorced
from you. and has purposely left US to-
gether in order that might inform you.
to which she entreats that you will offer no
opposition ......--.... +.
= "Accursed liar! it is false!'' exclaimed
the enraged husband-"I will never be-
lieve it!''
Claude" said gentle voice by his
side, "as hope for your forgiveness here
after, he has spoken nothing but the truth
and now, for both our sakes. let this scene
be brief one, at future time all shall be
explained, if you will only sign the paper
that sets me free to act as please"
'.Lestelle!" exclaimed the bewildered
Aubertin. "Can it be my Les,elle, or do
| dream2 What have done that you
should deceive me thus? Have | even
spoke one harsh, one unkind word to you
that did not the next moment strive to
atone for, and obli,erate from your memo.
ry by my caresses! Have not for your
sake prostrated my proud spirit, and dared
the sneers of the world! Ay, and deserv.
ed lhem-for trusted-I consented to be
dependent upon a woman-and now she
scorns, despses, deserts mel"
"Dumont," said Leslelle, looking i'm
mediately towards him, 81 cannot bear
this!'
Aubcr;in had forgotten the presence of
the little notary, but he looked proudly up,
and recovering his usual calmness. said
'One more question. and will sign
Lestelle, as you hope in heavens mercy.
\ "A Il
81 do" said the wife. family
"Amd our divorce will insure your hap.
piness!''
"It will" she replied more firmly.
"Then be it sol"
But us the pen trembled in his hand. he
looked once more upon the flushed coun-
tenance of her who was soon to be lost to
him forever. and added in hoarse voice
''Do you remember the last deed We
sighed in this mans presence?"
Perfectly" replied Lestelle; "and it is
that recollection which gives me strength
10 act as sm DOING -. =.
Aubert;n bent down his head. and hot
tear fell upon the parchment, but there
umcnt, with low bow, to the trembling
girl.
"You are obeyed madensoisezze,' said
he, with a mocking smile, as he moved
rapidly towards the door.
The white lips Of Lestelle moved fast.
but they uttered no sound. She attempt,
eb to rush forward and arrest his progress.
but her feet seemed glued to the floor; bu,
NJ. Dumont understood her wishes, and
has,ened after the offended Aubertin.
x
"Well, never could have believed it,
so attached as they seemed to each o,her!'
said young citizen TO his companion. De
Tours-the same aristocratic Count. who,
but a short time before, would hardly have
condescended to breath the same air as
his Iii; ;r:!.cbian :. friend, but whom proper re-
gard for his own safety had coniormed TO
the equalizing spirit of the age
81 always told you how il would end!"
said De Tours, '.the romance Of the young
heiress has had time to cool, and she sci
zes the first opportunity that presents itsel
Of becoming free again!"
sand poor Aubertin, what has become
Of him!'
"Why, they say that he takes ii very
that her fortune is scarcely reduced. and
herself, if possible, more beautiful than ev-
er."
At this moment they were interrupted
| by the entrance of Claude Aubertin HIM
SELF with Leselle leaning on his arm, or
/ rather clinging. in her sweet graceful man.
ner, while her bright eyes sparkled with
| happiness as she listened with flushed
cheek to the whispered accents o. her hus-
band, on whose countenance a smile of
triumphant cxu!sation mingled with deep.
love. sgs rri.
"Wfat's this?" inquired De Tours of a
person who stood near him, and who hap
pended to be the notary M. Dumont-
81 thought the Aubertins had availed
themselves of the new law, and were di-
vorsed?" =. m
Sand so they were, and married again
this morning!'' said the notary. with a
knowing twinkle OF his cold grey eyes.
"How strange!'' said De Tours.
sNot al all. According to the first mar.
riage settlement, which took place when
Lestelle was minor. the whole of her
property was so tied up by her guardian.
tnat, Wlthout ner PERMISSION AuOerun nau
no power to draw single sou Of ii; but
on coming Of age she has availed herself
of our new law of divorce, in order that
the money may be reinvested in her hus-
bands name only"
at was noble deed!" said De Tours;
l,'but Aubertin, did not at first know her
reasons for wishing TO be separated from
him-for met him last night, in the Rue
ST. Honore, without his hat. and singing
the Marseilles Hymn in frenzy of de-
4 spair and wild excitement"
"Fhe brief trial which his feelings have
undergone was unavoidable" said the no.
tasy. as his proud spirit would never have
tbeenzbrought to consent.to the sacrifice :
DE Tours" said the young citizen
impressively. and after a short pause
t1"ages TO come, when our fearful struggle
for independence will aforementioned on
ly with shudder, the conjugal devotion
, OF this young girl shall remain as tale tc
tell around the peaceful hearthstone of q
, winters night: and her name be added tt