The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-12-30
A GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.

as the Dorst qualities Of human nature. The
rames OF heroes who have borne a promi-
nent part in this worlds struggles, who have
shed their Iife-blood in their counlry's cause,
or have dared 10 raise their voice in Behalf
OF sovereign doomed TO death by his peo-
pie, have been handed down with honor 10
Posterity; and we'll it is that names such as
these should be immoralized But, in lifs's
more hidden paths, how many noble deed
has been achieved, how many an &C, of
self-sacrifice silently performed, which will
never be known until that day when every
hidden thing shall be made manifest! Il is
one of these unknown or long forgotten he
roes whom we are now abou, 10 introduce
10 our readers in The hope that his brief but
eveniful history may no, prove uninteresiing.
Among the attendants of the hapess Queen
Marie Anioinette, there was one named VAL
eh,in. In her service he began the career Of
self-devoton which he pursued through life.
AT the Tuilleries, on the fatal 2lst of June,
1871, he fought in defence of his sovereign,
and was carried, wounded, from The palace.
Time passed on, and Valentin, recovered
from his wounds, sought another service.
He offered himself 10 the Marquis of Car.
accieli, formerly Neapoli,an ambassador 10
the French court, but now a ruined man.-
The Marquis at first declined his services,
assuring him that his broken fortunes would
not sdmi, of bis keeping valet; but valen-
tin seemed TO feel particular attraction To-
wards this Neapolitan nobleman, and we'll
nigh insisted on attaching himself TO his for.
tunes. Evil days, however, were in store
for the once wealthy and popular ambassa.
dor. Compelled by poverty 10 live in one
Of the most crowded streets Of Paris, he fell
into i'll hesl,h, and during this time OF sick
ness was unable 10 procure the most ordina.
~ comforts, and even necessities of life.
The faithful Valenlin, who, in his earlier
years, had been turner by profession,
caused the Marquis 10 te removed to an airy
apartment belonging TO o chairmaker in the
Faubours ST. Antoine. Here he not only
paid the rem. Of the room by working for
the landlord, but also earned euough 10
maintain the suffering msster.
Day by day, however, the illness OF the
Marquis assumed more FERROUS character;
increased care and more abundant nourish-
menl were required by the invalid. Poor
Valentin, with a mistaken, perchanco yet
generous pride. would not make known the
destitute condition of the Marquis to any
amongst his former wealthy friends; but
when his own earnings proved insufficient,
he appealed 10 the government OF the day
for help; his application, however, proved
fruitess, and Carraccioli died in penury and
want.
When Valentin stood by his masters
corpse, he felt as if he had never till then
known how dear Carrsccioli was 10 bis heart.
He could not endure the thought that this
nobleman, OF illuslrous name and ancient
lineage, should be committed 10 a pauper's
grave. He accordingly haslened 10 notary,
sold, for the sum OF ft2, small property
which he had purchased with the savings Of
HE earlier years, discharged the few debts
contracted during the illness of Caraccioli,
and with the remainder Of this sum, paid
for the unprelsnding funeral Of the once
honofed ambassador of Naples.
About this time, Madame Junot, Duchess
Of Abrantes, was setting up her establish
| msnt on her return from Lisbon, whittier she
had accompanied her husband on an en-
bassy TO the Portuguese court. A good old
Able who had become acquainted with VAL
enlin, and knew the generous self-devotion
he had manifested toward hs late master,
mentioned The circumstances Of his past his.
tory TO Madame d'Abranles, and the very
next day he was engaged in her service.
The heart OF the faithful servant was quick.
ly won by the sympathizing interest with
with which his new mistress Listened 10 his
recital OF tue wrongs and msforlunes of the
Marquis, and his gratitude knew no bounds
when she erected q movement over his mas
ter's tomb.
In this happy serviiude, time passed quick.
ly with VaIentin, until, in the year 1904, he
inherited a small property iu his native pro-
vince. He was then about fify.five years Of
age, and Madame Junot, on learning his un-
expected good fortune, congratulated him on
beng now in position 10 retire from the
service, and settle in house Of his own,
with modest competence.
edo you, then, intend TO dismiss me
from your service, madame" exclaimed
Val'eniin in souowful tone.
Dismiss you My poor valentin, why
what or earth could PCT such an idea into
your head ?" exclaimed Madame Junot.
"I thought my lady spoke ofgoing away
81 only congratulated you on the prospect
OF being henceforth your own MASTER" re-
joined the Duchess; 'but if youare not dispos-
ed to enioyyour liberty, iha, is no business ot
mine, and certainly, il you wait for me 10
dismiss you, you will remain with NE forev-
er.
Not long after this conversation, Junot hay
ing incurred the Emperor's displeasure, was
superseded as Governor OF Paris, and sen! 10
command at Arras. This change of position