Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-06-28
At tbe anno;nted time Auhart;n nresan

his visit. Lestelle was not there, but NJ.
Dumont-the same whom he had met once
before at her guardians stood bending over
a very business-like sheet of parchment.
Pray, be seated, Monsieur said the
little notary Madame Aubertin will be
here directly
Claude bowed coldly, and took the Of
fered chair in silence.
Glorious times, Monsieur 7 said Du-
mont, rubbing his withered hands together;
glorious times we live In now The age
Of liberty in every sense of the word
Claude acquiesced by another bow.
You have doubtless heard of the new
law of revolutionary divorce! continued
NJ. Dumant; a very good-=ayeSY excellent.
law, Monsieur.
A very convenient one, should think
replied Aubertin, laughing in spite of him.
self at the solemnity with which the old
man spoke.
Claude Aubertin,' said the notary, after
pause, am man of few words-a man
of business-aud it is as we'll to come to
the point at once. Lestelle would avail
herself of this opportunity to be divorced
from you, and has purposely left US togeth-
er in order that might inform you of her
wishes, to which she entreats that you will
offer no opposition
Accused liar it is false!' exclaimed the
enraged husband;'I will never believe it 7
Claude, said gentle voice by his side,
as hope for your forgiveness hereafter, he
has spoken nothing but the truth And
now for both our sakes let this scene be a
brief one; at future time all shall be ex-
planned, if you will only sign the paper that
sets me free to act as | please
Lestele = exclaimed the bewildered Au.
bertin; can it be, my Lestelle-or do
dream? What have [ doEe that you should
deceive me thus? Have Idenied you aught
in reason? Have | loved you less Have
1 e7er spoken one harsh, one unkind word
to you, that | did not strive the next moment
to atone for, and obliterate from your mem
ory by my caresses? Have not for your
sake prostrated my proud spirit, and dared
the sneers of the world ay, and deserved
them-tor [ trusted-I consented to be de
pendent upon woman-and now she scorns
despises, deserts me ?
Dumont,' said LestelIe, looking implor-
ingly towards him, Il cannot bear this!
Aubertin had forgotten the presence of the
little notary, but he now looked proudly up
and recovering his usual calmness, said =
Ore more question, and / will sign.-
Lestelle, as you hope in Heavens mercy, d.
you sign this deed willingly 2
do? said the girl, family.
nj L
4s It VIII! sue fepnea more urfIiIy
Then be it So But as the pen trem
bled in his hand he looked once more upo
the flushed countenance of her who was S
soon to be lost to him forever and added
in hoarse voice, Do you remember tn
last deed we signed in this mans presence
Perfectly replied Lestelle; and it
that recollection which gives me strength
act as I am doing.
Aubertin bent down his head, and HI
tear fell upon the parchment; but there we
no traces of it as he returned the documeT
with low bow, to the trembling girl.
EYou are obeyed, mademoiseIte? said h
with mocking smile, as he moved rapid
towards the door.
The white lips of Lestelle moved fast, b
: they uttered no sound; she attempted toru
| forward and arrest his progress, but her fe
: seemed glued to the floor; but M. Dumou
? understood her wishes, and hasteneG afl
r the offended Aubertin.
We'll, | never could have believed it,
: attached as they seemed to each other ST
Young citizen to his companion, De To,
G the same aristocratic count who, but
It short time before, would scarcely have CT
descended to breathe the same air as
e pIebeian friend, but whom a proper rega
II for his own safety had conformed to
1t equaizing spirit Of the age.
,e i always told you how it would en-
,e said De Tours the romance of the yor
: heiress has had time to COOL and she sci
re- the opportunity that presents itself of becc
is ing free again?
s. And poor Aubertin, what has become
st him?
d 'Why, they say that he takes it v
a. much to heart and no wonder, seeing
her fortune is scarcely reduced, and her.
OF if possible, more beautiful than ever
he At this moment they were interrupted
as the entrance Of Claude Aubertin him
tn with Lestelle leaning on his arm, or IA
IS. clnging, in hersweet, graceful manner, W
no her bright eyes sparkled with happiness
t she listened with flushed cheek to the v
Of pered accents of her husband on whose c.
ho tenance was smile of triumphant exulta
,er mingled with deep love.
ar Whats this! inquired De Tours
ed person who stood near him, and who hap
re- ed to be the little notary, NJ. Dumont
thought that the Aubertins had availed Il
u.s. selves of the new law, and were divorc
wn And so they were, and married a
i'd, this morning = said the notary, with k
at ing twinkle of his cold, gray eyes.
Der How strange! said De Tours.
ent Not at all according to the first mar
plv settlement, which took place when lie
! to was minor, the whole Of her property
ter. so tied up by her guardian that withou
rief permission, Aubertin had no power to
rely a single sou of it; but on her coming G
q. she has availed herself of our new la
ID divorce, in order that the money may
invested in her husbands name only
a.. 1t was a noble deedl' said De 7
49, 49, but Aubertin did not at first know be
d;s sons for wishing to be separated from /
onr for l met him late last night in the r
ond Honore, without his hat, and singinl
; 90. Marseillaise hymn in frenzy of despa
excitement