The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1857-11-26

ou MS countenance, but his agony was too
great for that relief. Ludovic was deeply
moved. He approached them, and lie re-
lated under what circumstances his promise
had been given; but his concluding words,
that he must hold it sacred" threw them
into new paroxysm of grief.
We must part then, Arnold" said the
weeping Theresa, we must part-ah |! can
we survive this cruel blow ., as,
mo" said Arnold, emo, / cannot live
without you; let us once more entreat your
father to have pity on )" and the youth.
ful lovers threw themselves at his feet.
Arnold" said Ludovic stcrnly, athou
soldier, and ask me to tarnish my honor 7"
Arnold felt the appeal; he started up,
raised the weeping Theresa, cut off with
his sabre one long tress, embraced and kiss
ed her, placed her in the arms Of her father,
and fed.
Every passing day carried with it some
portion OF The fortitude of Theresa, as she
saw the near approach Of the period which
was TO consign her to fate so dreadful
Three little weeks were all that lay between
her and misery. Ludovic endeavored to
soothe her, but she would not be coinforted.
Even had her affections been dsengaged.
Karl would have been distasteful to her !;
but, with affections placed on another, the
idea Of union with him appeared insup.
portable.
"My dear child" would Ludovic saw, in
teriupting passionate burst Of grief, " by
what Magic has Arnold gained possession Of
your heart 2"
lie is hussar," replied Theresa.
There was something in this reply wlicl,
moved Ludovic. He recollected that he
himself had imbuded the mind of his daugI,
ter with sentiments Of respect and esteem
for the character Of good soldier and CON
science reminded him that he had too often
exulted in the profession of arms over the
peaceful and unobtrusive occupations Of the
husbandman. Was it wonderful, then, that
Theresa should have embibed something of
this spirit, or that she should have yielded
her heart to one who possessed courage 10
defend her, and tenderness to soothe her un-
der the Affections of life2 Arnold dwelt
near them, he had been the early playmate
/ of Theresa, and together they had often
with glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes, lis
tened to the warlike exploits which the good
Ludovic delighted to narrate 10 them and
to these conversations may be attributed the
passionate desire Of Arnold to adopt the pro.
tession of arms. Accustomed to see them
play together rs children, and liking the So
cieiy Of the generous and spirited boy, Lu
doyic forgot the danger, when their child.
hood passed away, of their affections assum.
ing totally different character. 1t was So,
Ladovic now saw. with deep grief, that his
daughter was unalterably attached to the
youthful soldier.
If Theresa was unhappy, her father was
scarcely less so. He blamed his own i'm
prudence; and on contrasting the characters
Of the two youths, violent conflict between
his feelings and his duty arose in his breast
but the stern honor Of the soldier triumph
1 ed, and be deemed himself bound TO com
plete the sacrifice. Unable, however, TO en-.
dure the sight of her grief, he carried her TO
the abode Of youthful female friend, who
formerly resided near them, but on her mar.
riage had removed to avillage about sixty
miles from the dwelling Of Ludovic. There
he left Theresa, after receiving her solemn
promise that she would return with him the
day before that on which she should com.
pete her eighteenth year. Father" said
she with streaming eyes, Il have never de.
ceiyed you. If live, will return; but dc
not grieve too deeply should my heart break
in this fearful struggle" The old hussar
dashed away tear which strayed down his
Scared and sun-bumt cheek, embraced hi.
child and departed.
Tine wore gradually away and at last the
day arrived which was TO seal Theresa's fate
II found her in a state Of torpid despair.-
Exhausted by her previous struggles, all
feeling seemed to he dead, but her mind
was awakened to new suffering. A fiiend
arrived 10 conduct her to her father. The
good Ludovic apparently lay on the bed Of
death, and with breathless impaiience The
resa pursued her journey.
On her arrival, her fathers sick room was
not solitary. Tbs detss.eA Kagl ,gss there
and there, TOO, was the youthful husband.
My child said Ludosic, amy DAYS are
numbered my fate must soon be decided
and alas yours also. TO my dying broth.
er solemnly promised that on this day
would offer you to his son for his BRIDE
Without fulfilling my engagement, i could
not die in peace-evsn the grave would az
ford no rest. Can you sacrifice Yourself for
INV future repose ~ assscs sf l8sg'
81 can-1 wiil," cried the unfortunate
Theresa, sinking on her knees, $50 help me
Heayeni
4 "a - 80, a. ,