The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1857-08-27
4 G9armius STORY.
SAINT SYLvEsTER's DAY.
BY EMILE soUvEsTRE.


81 present you to Madame Nugel, nv
father" said Dorothea, without daring
to raise her eyes.
Loffen started.
"Pardon for having dared-to come"
stammered Charlotte; 81 should have
informed you"
"Monsieur Loffen does not require
to be informed, to receive his guests
well, observed William, pointedly.
"Besides, it was 1 who wished it."
replied Dorothea, "and 1 had a right
-"
Her father cast upon her a severe
look.
at is St. sylyester's Day." continued
the young girl. r
The guests had approached; the Major,
realizing that he must control his vexa-
ton, bowed slightly.
"My daughter is right, madam" he
said, stifly; "she is sovereign mistress
here to-day, and it is she alone who
receives you"
"Then to tablet said William.
Each guest took the arm of a lady.
and the Major, who alone remained
with Madame Nugel, was obliged to offer
her his arm.
But, in passing by the music-room
to the dining-hall, he perceived every
one stopping before a great picture
recently hung upon the wall; it was the
portrait banished until now, and which
represented Charlotte in all the brillian-
cy of youth.
"Who has placed this picture here?"
exclaimed the Major, with flashing eyes.
81, replied Dorothea, mildly.
"And who permitted you?"
"No one, my father, but it is St. Syl-
vester's."
"It is true" exclaimed all the guests,
smiling.
Loffen bit his lips.
"Do not fear, sir, said Madame Nu-
gel, in low voice; "this portrait rep
resents me young, beautiful, happy;
you see that no one has recognized me-"
The Major did not reply They pass
ed into the dining-room, and every one
seated themselves at the table.
Loffen was seated near Madame Nu-
gel, to who1 Dorothea had yielded her
place, and who was to do the houors of
the dinner. The Major had decided to
avoid scandal, but not to conceal his
dissatisfaction. He showed it the more
openly, as he felt, at the bottom of his
heart, less irritated than he would have
wished. He kept muttering to himself
that he was the plaything of a plot ar
ranged between Charlotte and his daugh-
ter, to interest his honor, to render il
useless, and to endeavor to keep up his
indignation; nevertheless, an unexpect-
ed softness increased upon him. It was
the first time that he had been too patient
and too gentlel
He decided at least to keep silence,
which might express his displeasure.
Madame Nugel did not attempt to in-
terrupt it, but the Major could not es-
cape her mute attentions. Whatever he
did, all his wants were anticipated, all
his desires satisfied; the meats and wines
which he preferred were offered to him,
for Charlotte had forgotten none of his
tastes. For the first time, indeed, for
fifteen years, he received that exper.
fenced watchfulness of the wife who has
shared our life, and which even the most
tender daughter cannot replace.
The repast finished, all the company
went into the MUSHROOM. Loffeu per-
ceived that the piano had descended, as
well as the portrait 1t had been open
ed, and at its side had been arranged
the Major s. desk. Dorothea brought
his violin to him. and reminded him that
he had promised to let it be heard
Loffen glanced towards Madame Nugel,
who had approached the piano, and
wished to refuse; but Councillor Hot
man summoned him to obey, exclaim-
ing that it was st. Sylvester She must
then yield. ...-- al..
The piece chosen by Dorothea was
one of the duos which her father had
played formerly with Charlotte. The
latter remembered the variation and
expression which the Major gave to
his piece; therefore it was played with
peculiar beauty. Those who knew the
talent of Loffen had never observed in
him such precision, such charms, and
such power. One might have said that