Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-08-20
GBoitt M(istfunrp,
SAINT SYLVESTER'S DAY.
BY EMILE soUvEsTRE.

At :he foot oethe mountains which separ
ate Baitiere from the Safe of Weimar is &
small town named Hoff, which overooks a
part of the valley watered by the Maine
Situated from the frequented routes, the
humble city has preserved its ancient Gus
toms, and we may still find that severe sim.
plicity which is in part effaced from the resi-
of Germany.
A few years ago stranger named Loffen
lived there. 1t was said that he was born
in Bohemia, and he had formerly served in
the Austrian armies with the rank of major
But after the peace of 1915 he came to Hoff
with child, called Dorothea, who, in few
years, ,became beautiful young girl. Major
Loffen was a man well-informed, courageous
and capable of any devotion. Uufortunate-
ly, the violence of his temper had troubled
him all his life, and prevented his advance
ment in the army. The slightest contra
diction threw him into fits of passion which
he afterwards regretted, but which shame
and pride prevented him from acknowled-
ging. He had lost successively his best
friends and his surest protectors.
Nevertheless, that which neither coun-
ellis Eor reproaches had been able to effect,
time at last accomplished. That kind of
internal ferment which bursts forth in sud-
ded anger. notwithstanding all the resoln-
tions of the major, was gradually allayeG;
the blood circulated in his veins more slow
Iy,experience rendered his mind less prompt
to condemn others, and be could hear with
out impatience an opinion different from
his OWE. Subdued by the childish graces
Dorothea, the lion became man, and he
who had resisted, thirty years, both his
friends and enemies, became insensibly The
submissive slave of young girl. Loffen
was no loneer the same man, but an
entirely new one. If trifling irritation
recalled the past from time to time, it was
like storm that had passed over, of which
was heard in the distance only stifed mur-
murs.
A great change was about to take place
in the position Of the major; his daughter
was going to be married. She was betrotbed
to a young man-William Munster-whom
she had known since her arrival at Hoff.
The young man was making the arrange
ments with his future father-in-law for his
approaching union
Thus it is settled pushing away the &C.
counts which NJ Loffen had presented him
and upon which he had not even cast his
eyes; swe take the house on the border OF
the water.
III it pleases Dorothea,' replied the major.
= I'VE shall be more at ease there than here.
Loffen sighed.
sDoes this removal disturb your asked
William, warmly; 'ah. if it is SO, let US re.
main.'
No, my sen,' replied the old soldier, pla.
cling his hand upon that of the young man
Il do not regret this change
sWhat do you regret, then? have seer
for some days that you were sad. All! dc
not conceal anything with which you are
displelsedl'
mo, no, dear child; but this marriage ,yo,
See, recalls so many remembrances! Ther
] am jealous ofyou.'
'What do you say!' exclaimed the young
man.
Jealous replied the major, smiling; 'fol
you are going to become the principal OBJ
ject of Dorothea's affection. Oh, do no
defend yourself from it! it must be, and
am far from complaining. But habit ha
rendered me selfish, you see. Until now
had been the sole object of my daughter
cares;she had only me to love and to please
now her time and her affections are to bt
shared; can no longer have her always a
my side, and the hours of solitude frightel
me-
your fears have been OWNED by Doro
thea said the young man; the other da,
she communicated them to meswith tears il
her eyes,
What do you sayp interrupted Loffen
'ah, i shall conceal my sadness, then; / d
not wish to trouble Dorothea's happiness
Never speak of what have told you
William; it is an old mans weakness
folly. Shall not live near you! shall W
not see each other every day! 1t is onl
necessary to form new habits. | shall do it
William did not reply. At last casting
stealthy glance at the maj Or