The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-02-01


openly to assert his right. He had taken
it for granted that he should open the dance
with Theresa. What then was his indig-
nation. when, on entering the apartment
where the guests were assembled, he saw
Theresa, her slender waist encircled by
the arm of young hussar, and moving in
the graceful waltz. .. ..f
The evident superiority of his rival,
whose well-knit limbs, firm step, free and
martial air. formed a striking contrast to
his own clownish figure and awkward
gait, only increased his ire, and in violent
wrath he advanced to Theresa, insisting
on his right to open the dance with her.
Theresa pleaded her engagement-he per-
sisted-she refused his request, and laugh.
ed at his anger, He became violent and
rude. The hussar interfered, and the
quarrel rose so high as to draw Ludoyic to
the spot.
Karl, in voice almost choked with
passion, laid his grievances before him.
Theresa, in tone Of indign alton, com.
planned to her father Of his insolence, and
appealed to him whether she was not at
liberty to select any partner for the dance
she thought proper. You have no such
liberty" Numbered forth Karl; .syou are
my betrothed wife, and as such, belong to
me alone"
Theresa cast on him smile full of
scorn and contempt, but it faded as she
looked to her father; and a deadly pale
ness overspread her countenance as she
inquired, Father, does this man speak
the truth?'
''He does, my chld.'' was the reply;
and she dropped insensible at his feet.
The young hussar now knelt down be.
side her, passionately kissing her fair fore
head. and raising her in his arms, bore her
to an adjoining apartment, followed by the
father. and Karl. Theresa slowly revived.
At first she saw no one, and breathing a
deep sigh, she murmured, at was all
horrid dream;' on anguished groan star
tied her into perception and agony. She
lookd up, and saw her father Standing be.
fore her with folded arms, and counte-
nance crowded with grief; Karl also stood
near with an exulting smile; and the hus
sar knelt beside her, but his face was bur-
led in his hands. She then found it was
no dream. She looked 20 her father.
Father, is there no hope?''
"None; my honor is pledged"
She turned to the hussar. and placed,
for moment, her cold hands in his, then
rising suddenly, she threw herself at the
feet of Karl.
"Oh, Karl, have mercy! love another
you do not love me-have pity on us!"
by all the powers of heaven and hell.
you shall be mine, Theresa!''
Il appeal to my father" -.
"Will your father violate his promise to
the dead?"
81 will MOTT said Ludovic, with solem-
nifty.
Then, Theresa exclaimed Karl, with
tiend-like exultation. mo power on earth
shall save you from being mine!" and say
ing thus, he left the house.
Theresa rose from her knees, and threw
herself into the arms Of her lover. The
presence of her father was no restraint on
her pure tenderness. Her tears fell fast
on his manly countenance, bat his agony
was too great for that relief. Ludovc was
deeply moved. lie approached them, and
endeavored to calm their aflliction, and
he related under what circumstances his
promise. had been given; but his conclud-
ing words. ''That he must hold it sacred, -
threw them into new paroxysm Of grief.
"We must part, then, Arnhold. )" said the
weeping Theresa, 1--WE must part; ah! can
we survive this cruel blow?" .a 4a.sf
"No," "said Arnhold, "no-I cannot live
without you; let us once more entreat your
father TO have pity on u.s." and the youth
ful lovers threw themselves at his feet.
"Arnhold, "said Ludovic, sternly, .s,hou
art a soldier, and ask me to tarnish my
honor" ~ e l-t So go
Arnhold felt the appeal; he started up.
raised the weeping Theresa. cut off with
his sabre one long bright tress. embraced
and kissed her. placed her in the arms oi
her father, and fed e H H
Every passing day carried with it some
portion Of the fortitude Of Theresa, as she
saw the near approach of the period which
was to consign her TO a fate so dreadful
Three little weeks were all that lay be.
tween her and misery. Ludoyic tried to
soothe her, but she would not be comfort
ed. Even had her affections been Olsen
gagged, Karl would have been distastefu
10 her; but, with affections placed on an
other, the idea of union with HIM ap
peared insupportable.
"My dear child" would Ludovic say
interrupting passionate burst of grief
''by what magic has Arnhold gained you
heart?" a9ie
'IIe is a hussar," replied Theresa.
There was somethii e in this reply
which moved Ludovic. He recollectel
that he himself had imbued the mind of hi
daughter with sentiments Of respect an,
esteem for the character of good soldier
and conscience reminded him that he ha,
too often exalted the profession Of arm
over the peaceful and unob:rusive occupa
tions of the husbandman. Was it won
derful, then, that Theresa should have i'm
bibed something Of the spirit, or that sh
should have yielded her heart to one VIII
! possessed courage to defend her, and ten
, derness to soothe her under the affection
} of lille.
) Arnhold dwelt near them; he had bee
, the early playmate Of Theresa, and to
/; ge,her they had often, with glowing cheek
n Al -.ls1 4,