The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-10-11
From the French OF the Moniteur Parlsien
The Miners Bride.
A THRILLING FRENCH SKETCH.


I'm one Of the villages OF the north OF
France. in the midst of population com
posed entirely of miners, lived Peter and
Margaret.
Peter was the son Of an overseer Of the
mines. As soon as he could walk he ran
to the mines, he descended into them, and
by his cheeriulness and play. solaced the
cares OF his father. Afterwards. when his
childish qualities gave place to youth. Pc
ter became good workman, and. after
his father, he was the most capable in di-
recting the work.
He knew how to select the place, where
the miner could strike with the best assu.
rance Of success. lie used to pass through
The long subterranean galleries without
wandering from his course; and, incapa-
BILE of fearing the darkness, he playfully,
and yet by reasons entirely natural, ex-
planned the mysteries which were the cause
Of SO much terror to his companions.
He was, perhaps, the only man who did
not tremble. when the fire damp, that pest
to the miners, was mentioned.
One evening, as Peters father was re-
turning from a neighboring village, he
heard groaning lie stopped, searched in
the underwood which bordered both sides
Of the road which he was travelling, and
what was his astonishment to find there a
child covered with rags, who was strug-
Cling in the grass, and who lifted its little
hands as if to implore cid. Its little cheeks
were wet with tears, and hoarseness Of its
voice indicated that for no short time ii
had been left, either through accident or
malice, TO the pity of the passers by.
The old miner. at this unexpected sight.
ielt his heart moved. He thought of his
son, of his dear Peter, and then stopped
down by the side of the poor child, and
spoke to it, as if his words could afford
consolaiion. He promised it his aid, fold
ed its taltered rags around it, to shield it
from the chillness of the air, wrapped it
in his leather apron, and carried it home
with him, ever and anon kissing iton his
way, and striving to appease its grievous
complaints. '44t
| "Nvife," said he, opening the door OF
his cabin, guess what present | bring
you. Providence has chosen US, Of all
itg Inhabitants Of the village, TO afford aid
10 an unfortunate child. am certain of
it, for know your heart'
| Peters mother stretched out her hands
to her husband in reply. Considering by
what chance the little girl came to them.
she looked upon her as her own child. II
was in this manner that Margaret's life
was saved; and she found family. and
after having been abandoned. and lett a
prey to the carnivorous animals which Of
ten prowl through the woods and glades.
These two children grew up, and, as
they were always together, as their only
object was TO please each other, they soon
loved each other tenderly. To the titles
ceeded. Their hearts understood each
other; they thought of future, happi
ness which they had not yet experienced
and Peter asked his father to give him
| Margaret tor companion.
!, 1t was the wish OF the good parents
How the hearts OF the young people beat,
when Peters father said to them-".Fix
for yourselves the day of your happiness. .
This soon arrived, and they were so much
loved, and so well deserved to be loved
,hatthe day for their marriage was gen:
eral holiday. All left their labor, the mines
were deserted. the tables were loaded
the young girls put bouquets in their bo
SONS, and the boys stuck them in their
button holes. Every where shouts Of JOY
were heard, and the sound OF instruments
OF music, to which rustics danced on the
grass 5les5
But in the midst OF the rejoicing, Peter
went to his lovely bride aud embraced her
After that. he said mysteriously to his
companions, Don't let her come, this is
the moment to surprise,her. Now is the
time 10 give her my presents gg
So saying, he left them smiling, placing
his finger on his mouth. as if TO eDjoin 81
lence. He walked slowly round the house
and then he was lost sight of.
He did not return that evening, nor did
he return the next day. They searched
for him. Three days, four days, eigh1
days. month, year, rolled away, and
Peter did not return }se
Ont the day Of the marriage, as soon as
his long absence was.known, ,all merrimeDI
was suspended. The bride wept and tore
her hair The miners, led by Peters ia.
ther, went through all passages of the
mines, left no spot unexamined, but no.
thing appeared to afford them any hope
OF finding their companion and friend. &
{, Margaret all but died. She returned te
life ,sbut to consecrate her days to the IA
lther and mother of Peter. They SO much
deserved pity! And SO did she, but graft
tude inspired her with supernatural cour.
age She took off her bouquet and ,heI
marriage garland, and laying them away
wiihicare, ssl'll wait for his RETURN"
Sixty years after this adventure. SO ter
ribIe, and that time SO singular. many
things had passed in the village. Marga
rel had closed the eyes of her benefactors
Almost all those who were at her intended
marriage, had gone to their last rest: A
new generation had sprung up, and ths
j remembrance of Peters adventure, of hi,
sudden disappearance, no longer existed
/ except as those traditions which, passing
/ from age to age, are increased by the re
lection, the thoughtfulness with which su
. persttion is capable Of inspiring person
of little education.
, They spoke OF Peter in his country a,
, supernatural being. They accused him
al all events, of being leagued with evi
| enirito In tha cold caason whan the win