The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-02-01
grief, that his daughter was un alterably at
tached to the youthful soldier.

grief, that his daughter was un alterably at
tached to the youthful soldier. e5
+, II Theresa was unhappy, her father was
scarcely less so. He blamed his own i'm
prudence; and on contrasting the charac-
ters of the two youths. a violent conflict
between his feelings and his duty arose in
his breast-but the stern honor of the SOL
dier ,riumphed. and he deemed himself
bound 10 complete the sacrifice. Unable,
however, 10 endure the sight of her grief,
he carried her to the abode of youthful
female friend, who formerly resided near
them, but on her marriage had removed to
a village distant about sixty miles from the
dwelling of Ludovic. There he left Their
esa after receiving her solemn promise that
she would return with him the day before
that on which she should complete her
sixteenth year. Father" said she, with
streaming eyes,"I have never deceived
you. II live. will return-but do not
grieve too deeply should my heart break
in this fearful struggle, -, The old bussar
dashed away tear which strayed down
his SCARED and sun -burat cheek, en-
braced his child, and departed. =
Time wore gradually away. and at last
the day arrived which waste seal rheresa's s
fate. 1t found her in state of torpid de-
spair. Exhausted by her previous strug,
giles, all feeling seemedto be dead, but her
mind was awakened TO new suffering. A
friend arrived to conduct her to her father.
The good Ludovic apparently lay on the
bed, of death. and with breathless impa-
tience, Theresa pursued her journey.
On her arrival, her fathers sick room
was not solitary. The de,ested Karl was
there, and there too the youthful hussar.
,"My dear Child" said Ludovic,; ..my
days are numbered; my fate must soon be.
decided, and. alas! yours also. To my
dying brother solemnly promised that on
this day would offer you to his son for
his bride. o Without fulfilling my engage
ment, | could not die in peace-even the
grave would afford no rest. Can you sac
rifice yourself for my future rcpose?''
81 cen-I will" cried the unfortunate
Theresa. sinking on her knees, $50 help
me Heaven -
''!Ieaven will bless du,iful child!". said
Ludovio, with fervor. Karl, draw near"
Karl obeyed Theresa shuddered.
Karl" said Ludovic, "you say you
love my child; cherish her, | coniure you.
as you hope for future happiness. In her
you will possess a treasure-but must
warn you, she will bring you but one por-
ton of my possessions
Karl started, and retreated few steps.
"Fhat. however," continued Ludovic
(which Hook upon as my greatest earth
ly treasure. give you with my daughter.
You, Karl, believe me to. have some yir-
tues Alas! alas! you know not the secret
sins which have sullied my life-the rap,ne
the murder-but enough ofthis. Ihaye
confessed to my ghos,ly father. and have
obtained absolution for the dark catalogue.
but on condition that / leave all my wealth
to. the church, as an atonement for my
transgressions. could not forget was o
father pleaded the destitute state of my
child; implored-I entreated; al length
| wruEg from the pious father his consent
that | should retain my greatest treasure
for my Theresa. l chose my saddle
Keep it, dear child, in remembrance. OF
an affsclionate father, And you, Karl
are you satisfied to relinqaish worldly
tent 10 take my daughter with this por-
tion?''i a
"Fool!'' exclaimed Karl; "doting IDIOT!
how dare you purchase exemption from
punishment at my expense? Your wealth
is mipe-your possessions should be the
portion Of my bride: II will reclaim them
from those avaricious monks, and tear
them from the altarl''s tls>, 81 frt l..ss{t
"You cannot-you dare Anot!" replied
Ludoyic. raising his voice in anger; "my
agreement with your father had reference
to my daughter only-my wealth formed
.'Driveler--dotarl!' ~ vocilerated Karl;
"think you ihatl will accept of portion
less bride? You must seek some other
fool for the purpose-I renounce her.
sGive herto me. father" cried Arnhold;
81 swear to cherish and protect her while
life is in my body! Give her to me, dear
father; and when she shall be the loved
wife Of my bosom, | will live for her-aye
and die for hers to 9a Gia'
Ksrllaughed in mockery. "You value
life but lightly" said he. "when you talb
Of sacrificing itfor woman; never knew
one worth the trouble OF winning, and leas
of all Theresa s 7 a9
The young hussar laid his hand on his
sabre. Theresa threw herself between
them. At the same moment Ludovic
sprung from his couch-tore the covering
from his head-snatched his saddle from
the wall where il hung-s seized his sabre
with one stroke laid it open, and a stream o
golden bezants. oriental pearls and spark
ling Jewels. fell on the earth. a.Wretch
vile clod of the earth! art thou not justl,
hpunished2 Hence, reptile fly, before
forget that thou art Of my bloodw I.udo
vic raised his sabre. and the dastardly
Karl fled, without daring to give utteranc,
to the impseeasion which hung on his col
orless bps. fw .afais
Trampling under foot the costly jewell
which lay s,rewed around, Theresa rush
ed forward and embraced her father, ex
claiming, .'Is not this a dream! Are yo,
indeed restored to me? Can this bliss b.
Ireal?'' @ hsT'sl8t
Forgive me. my child,'' exclaimed
Ludovic, ssthe pain | have been obliged
, to give your gentle heart My effort I.
, make that wretch resign his claim to you
q = N