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

1.
When a cessation OF hostilities permitted the
troops, to rest for space from the horrors
OF war, nasten.d with the treasure which,
during the campaign, ! had acquired. to my
home-purchased these fertile fields around
my dwelling, and forgot for season the
nliseries Of war;"
The good Ludoyic would here pause. He
still retained lively recollection of his lost
wife; and he could not bear to relate the
circumstances of her illness and death. AZ
ter that sad event, his home became hateful
to him, and he, resolved again to engage in
the atduous duties of soldier. The little
Theresa was kindly adopted into the family
OF his only brother, and there after lapse
OF some years. our good hussar found his
daughter blooming in youthful beauty.
Ludoyic arrived only in time to close
his brothers eyes, who, on his death bed,
entreated him to bestow Theresa on his on
ly son when they should have attained a
proper age. Grateful for his almost parent
al care OF his child, and moved by the situa.
ton OF his brother, whose whole heart SEEM
ed to be bent on this union, Ludovic promis-
ed that when his daughter should have at.
tanned the age of eighteen she should be.
come the wife of Karl, provided Karl him.
self desired the connection at that time and
satisfied with this promise, the old man died
in peace.
This engagement was concealed from
Theresa, but it was known to Karl, who ex
ulted in the thought that ,lis rich prize
would one day be his. With low habits
and coarse turn of mind, the delicate
graces Of Theresa had no charms for him !;
he loved her Lot, but he loved the wealth
which one day would be hers, and which he
looked upon with greedy eye. The thous
and soft and nameless feelings which accom-
pany generous passion were unknown to
Karl. Ii was hard task TO him to attend
his gentle mistress nor did he ever appear
disposed 10 play the part Of lover, except
when some other seemed inclined to supply
his place.
1t was rural fete given by Ludovis to his
neigbbors at the termination of an abundant
harvest, that Karl fi.st chose openly to as
sert his right. He had taken it for granted
that he should open the dance with Theresa.
What, then, was his Indignation, when, on
entering the apartment where the guests were
assembled, he saw Theresa, her slender waist
encircled by the arm of young hussar, aud
moving III the graceful WALTZ.
The evident superiority of his rival, whose
well knit limbs, firm step, free and martial
air, formed a strong contrast to his own
clownish figure and awkward gait, only in.
creased his ire, and in violent wrath he adj.
yanced to Theresa, insisting on his right to
open the dance with her. Theresa pleaded
her engagement; he persisted she refused
his request, and laughed at his anger. He
became violent and rude. The hussar in.
terfered, and the quarrel rose so high as to
draw Ludoyic to the spot.
Karl, 10 voice almost choked with pas.
sion, laid his grievances. before him.
theresa, in a tone Of Indignation. complain.
ed 10 her father Of his insolence, and appeal
ed to him whether she were not at liberty
TO select any partner for tie dance she
thought proper
You have no such liberty" thundered
forth Ka,l "you are my betrothed wife,
and as such belong TO me alone"
Thelesa cast on him smile full of scorn
and contempt, but il faded ms she looked
to her father; and paleness oyerspread her
countenancc as she inquired, :" Father, does
this man speak tho trutll2"
lie does, my child" was the reply and
she dropped insensibls at his feet.
The young hussar now knelt down be-.
side her, passionately kissed her fair fore
head, and raising her in bis arms, bore her
TO an adjoining apartment followed by the
father, and Karl. Theresa slowly revived.
AT fist she saw no one, and breathing a
deep sigh, she murmured, 1t was all a Ior-
rid dream !" an anguislled groan startled her
into PERCEPTION and agony. She looked up
and saw her father standing before her with
,, a counienance clouded with grief; Karl also
ss..ood near With au exultins smile; and the
hussar knelt beside her, bnt Isis face was
buried in bis. hands. Sbl. then found it
was no dream. She looked to her ialher.
: Father is there no hope 7"
&" None, my honor ia pledged !"
She turned TO the hussar, and placed for
a moment her cold hands on his; then ris.
ing quickly, she threw herself at tho feet Of
! Karl.
| aOh, Kali, have mercy love another
you do not love me-~have pity on us r.
"By all the powers of heaven and hell,
| you shall be mine, Theresa !"
| appeal TO my father"
Will your father violate his promise to
tile deadl r.
/ uI will ,ofD anil I,,dov;c ,v;,t, .oi.