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


and vexed at the necessity which compelled
her to wade through the water. She had hard
ly picked herself up, when pleasant voice
was heard at her side, saying
ss Mademoiselle permit me to escort you 10
the other side.''
Marie looked up, and encountered the re-
spectful gaze of young man dressed III work
ing attire, with broad brimmed straw hat
upon his head. She had time, though IL was
but moment to perceive that he had nne
black eyes and prepossessing countenance.
Not being disposed to prudishness or coquetry,
she accepted without hesitation the proffered
aid and was soon upon the bank.
Sc I am much indebted to you for your kind
assistance said she, casting down her eyes,
for she could not avoid noticing that those of
the young man, were fixed upon her in admi-
ration.
{: There is no need, mademoiselle. The OBJ
legation is all ON my side," was the reply
.sWill you be kind enough to inform me-,
he added after pause, sswhether there Is any
one in the village who would be likely to en-
ploy me upon his farm? Pardon my troubling
you, but am a stranger, and know no one
here.''
g 1 think, - said Marie, after some hesitation,
s.that heard my father say lately that he
wished to secure additional assistance. fyou
would like to inquire, you can accompany
me.''
Thank you,'' said the young man, ''noth
ing would please me better"
They walked along together, conversing So
! ciably. Marie learned incdently that her
companions name was Henrique Armand,
and that he was the only son of a widowed
mother, living in village some twenty miles
away, and that it was for the purpose OF re-
| levng her necessities, and placing her in a
more comfortable situation, that he was now
about to hire himself out. This information
led her to regard Henrique with still greater
| favor, and she could not help wishing that her
| father might engage him.
| Farmer Maillard was also proposed in favor
! of Henrique, and as he really wished to hire
| some one to gather in the vintage and aid in
| other farm work, it was not long before a bar
| gain was struck, and the newcomer was in
stalled as u member OF the household. Hen
rique's after course did not belle these impress
sions. 1t was not long before he became
| general favorite. When the labors Of the day
were over, he would get his flute or guitar for
| he was yersed in the of both instruments,
and play for the entertainment of those who
were attracted to him. Occasionally he would
accompany himself on the guitar, in a pecu-
| liarly rich and melodious voice. These songs
| were so pleasing that repetition would often
be demanded. On one occasion, having re-
hearsed popular song to the general satsfac-
tion, he was pressed to sing it through once
| more.
:. No. said he, & will not do that, but if
you like, l will sing you one of my own COM
position
This proposal was received with evident
pleasure, and after moments pause he COM
menced:
Knows thou my love? Her dark blue eyes
Shine with soft and pleasant glow,
As if the colors of the skies
Had found its way to earth below.
Know st thou my loves When morning comes
And sunbeams on her pathway fall,
She trips along the fowery meads,
| Herself the fairest flower of all
Know'st thou my love Full well l know
/ No fairer dwells beneath the sun
All would that our divided lives
Might in one peaceful current
The rich voice OF the singer lent much sweet
ness to the simple words of the song. All ap-
plauded the effort-all except Marie. She
stood apart from the rest with pensve and
distracted air, and said nothing.
&c Don't you like it, Marie ?'' asked one of
her companions.
Z. 1t was very pretty she replied in a con-
strained voice. &c NJ. Armand is "a good sing
er.'' SO saying she went into the house,
Henrique not appearing to notice the move
nlent.
ss But are the words true Have you really
a lady love, NJ. Armand 70 asked lively mai
den of fifteen. Come, describe her. What
does she look like What is her name a''
&c You are altogether too fast,'' said the
young man, smiling. ssDon't you know that
we poets are not obliged to adhere strictly to
the truth. In fact have usually noticed that
those who are in love, are the very last to
write songs about it. How do you know but
it may be so with me 20
| s' ] don't believe it at all,'' said the young
girl, shaking her head. ss You sang with too
much feeling for that. Depend upon it l will
find out who it is-this love of yours--if
can.''
defy you to the discovery.
From this time Marie treated Henrique with
less familiarity and more GOODNESS than she
had been accustomed. Her spirits became
less buoyant and more sedste. One afternoon,