Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-08-09

the charms OF Marie Malilard, VINO outshoho
all other maidens of La Vinette as the sun
does the stars. For all that, Marie was great
favorite with all her companions. Uncon-
scious of her own superiority, she did not OBJ
trude it upon others.
One afternoon it chanced that Marie and
several OF her companions were returning
merrily from the vineyard whittier they had
been to estimate the probable amount OF the
coming vintage. Ali at once, one of them
espied in the road old woman, walking
along by the help of staff which she held in
her right hand. She turned towards them,
and awaited their coming.
ssWhat can we do for you. good mother
inquired Marie.
Cross my hand with silver piece, my
pretty maid, and will tell you your fortune
:. You are sybil, then ga
:. You may call me SO. 1t is given TO me to
see ere they arrive the chances which fortune
may have in store
They looked at her with growing reverence,
despite her tattered garments and unprepos-
sessing face but none spoke at first. However
much one may wish to know what is to happen
to him or her, he cannot avoid feeling little
reluctance-a little disposition to defer the
eventful moment.
:. Here mother,'' at length said Lizette, one
of the gayest of the party, holding out her
hand to the old crone, seyou may tell my for
tune. But 1 must tell you beforehand, that
YOU need not take the trouble to provide me
with a husband, as have vowed to be an old
| maid.''
The sybil took the hand of the laughing
maiden, and, after single glance, fixed her
penetrating eyes upon her.
81 see,'' she said slowly, ssa bridal train
marching slowly to the village church. Flow
ers are strown along the way, over which pass
| the bridal pair. Need 1 mention the name of
| the bride 20
Lizette drew back with blush the sybil
was right, for on that day week she was to
| stand at the altar. Another took her place,
and still another, till Marie, alone remained.
.sCome, Marie'' said the girls impatiently;
| ..don't keep us waiting. We want to know
what your fortune Will be. 1t should be Il
good one"
Marie came forward and submitted her hand
| to the interpreter of fate. The sybil started,
/
| But moments survey dissipated her doubts
and she murmured, if to herself.
& Maiden, brilliant destiny awaits you.
| You will wed title and become the mistress
/ of a fair estate. Servants shall be in waiting
| to do your bidding, and wealth will pour forth
| its choicest blessings at your feet. Such is
the decree of destiny.''
| Mother,'' said Marie in extreme astonish-
ment, you have certainly read wrong for
once. Such fate is not for me, and [ would
not that it were. Enough for me that / settle
down in the same position that | now occupy,
surrounded by my friends and acquaintances. "
{. No NATTER said the sybil, compoSedly;
80 you cannot change the course of events
| Wait patiently for their unfolding Be not
apprehensive of evil, for this line,'' and she
placed her withered finger on Marie's palm.
ssbetokens long life and happy one"
50 am much obliged to you, mother,'' said
the latter laughing, ssfor your favorable pre-
diction, and when ] become countess, will
take care that you are provided for.''
| ssYou owe me nothing,' was the reply, 8.
am but mouth piece of fate. 1 may demand
the fulfilment of your promise sooner than you
Think
Be it so mother. When you are entitled
to make it, be sure that l shall not withdraw
from my engagement
When the sybil had hobbed away, richer
by some francs than before, Marie was ban
tered not little by her companions on the
destiny which had been marked out for her.
.E Which shall it be, Madame La Duchesse
II
gaily.
:. have good mind" said Marie, ssin re-
turn for your malice, to steal away your Philip
and marry him myself. In that case, at least
the prediction
| Lizette, who would have been very unwilling
for Marie to attempt in earnest what she threat
ened in jest, thought it best to drop the BAN
tering tone she had at first assumed. As for
Marie, she thought little of the prediction
To her mind it was so altogether improbable
that she did not think it worth while to waste
a thought upon it.
The soil of La Vinette is somewhat uneven,
though it contains no very high hills. In the
northern part there is little brook flowing
over rocky bed, with considerable mpetu-
ositv. Over this stream, which is, however,
too shallow to be dangerous, there is narrow
foot bridge for the accommodation of passen-
gers.
1t so happened that about week after the
events above described, Marie, who was just
returning from visit to neighbor, the other
side of the stream had occasion to pass over
the bridge. Doubtless her thoughts were pre-
| aI,o hay he