Litchfield enquirer., 1862-09-11
All in good time,' said the major. Yo

All Tn good tlme,' sald the maJoF. op have agreed at last. l expected as mnch-l know the fair sex. Then, turning to Albert, he said in low voice: In case of any hesitation on yopr part, my fine fellow, haEe brought you two comrades from the reinforcement, char ged to take you before the ceurt-martial, if you have not signed before the fourth beat of the drum. There is the frst,' added he, as the drum was heard outside. Albert started st the sound You know the discipline,' continued the major
 disobedience to the king-peualty of death shot immediately Come. sergeant added he, pointing to the table, take the pen. Now for the conjugall flourish r
 1 Catherine, suddenly regaiping her selfpos- session, exclaimed; He will not sign, major he does not wish to sign-neither dol! Ask him if it he Hotsa.sses ,s
 Keller was quite puzzled Ehat to make of this sudden change, and said, addressing Albert Your betrothed is joking, imagine7'
 Albert answered, timidly: 'But she is not my betrothed, commander. Charlotte, her sister, is my betrothed.'
 Always the same story! will not stand it any longer, said Keller. And addressing the soldiers: 'Advance-shoulder arms, present arms. You know the orders that is enough. The two men, obedient to the command, placed themselves on either side of Albert. Major Keller then addressed the latter in low tone Pay your court nov, and will aid you as well as can with my experience of the fair sex andrhe drums as serenade. If, at the second beat you are not at the feet of your intended if, at the third, she does not hold out her hand if, at the fourth, you do not both sign, it is evi- dent you would rather marry score of balls, and they shall he served to you hot At these words Albert shuo dered involuntari- ly. Twenty balls!' thought he, and he will dq as he says Good heavensv
 Not word to the young girl,' continued Ksl- Ter, still speaking in an undertone. Respect for the feelings of fair ladies. I wish her free consent. Having said this, Keller twirled his moustache, and stationed himself in front of the young people, took up newspaper and began to read.
 After short interval the drums were heard, and the Major spoke. Sergeant Albert Hos ten,' said he, what are your sentiments toward Catherine Reiwel whom his Majesty has ap- pointed to be your wife?
 Nov is the time, said Catherine, in low voice He is relaxing Say that l inspire you with horror.'
 Well, yes,' said he with an effort; "Cathe' rine inspires me He had got 80 far when the drums beat the second time. He suddenly interrupted himself and, as they beat londer and louder fell on his knees before her, exclaiming I leve you, Catherine-l love you with all my heart adore her. Commander-I adore her ' Turning to Catherine, who knew not what to think, he said in an undertone; I hate you never fear; but do not contradict me, or I am dead
 Very we'll! exclaimed Keller, at g third beat as he watched Albert in the act of kissing Cath crimes hand. Sergeant Albert Hosten, does your Catherine reciproeate your sentimcnts?'
 Yes, Commander, she loves me-she loves me to desperation but excuse the first moment she is in reality as delighted as I am. sh' thanks the king; she thanks you've botf thank you.' Again the drums were heard. 'ls it not so, my good Catherine?' P Then in a low voice. It is for t4adwig! He is lost if you dc not give me your hand
 Catharne was quite distracted at these words this was the only thing which could shake he, determination. If Ludwig were in danger she would do anything to save him. She was silent The sound of the drums decreased.
 For Ludwig, repeated Albert, emphatically and poor Catherine could no longer resist and gave her hand to Albert.
 The drum ceased.
 You see, Major, cried Albert triumphautly she has given me her hand So much the better! Now, Sergeant HosteE and young Catherine Reiwei, you have only te sign the engagement, which is on the table,
 At these words they looked at each other ii constsrnation, for they knew that if they signet they could never retract.
 You, first, Sergeant
 Yes, Major-Csrtainly; am going- Then hearing the drums, he started, and approach ed the table. He hesitated, but the drums bea again; he took the pen. then threw it down, ant passed his hand across his forehead, in great per plexity. The drums continued to beat. Shot shot ? thought he, quckly taking the pen again and preparing to sign.
 Catherine, who had been eagerly watching hi his every movement, caught his hand. 'Oh you will not do that, Albert No, neverr cried Albert recovering himsel rather disr Then aster pause, during whict the last beat of the drums grew fainter and fain ter. and at last ceased. Keller who had bee n attentiyely observing the scene, nov said, as h slowly rose
 e You have not signedr
 No, sir replied Catherine, resolutely. < will marry no one on tais earth but LQdyigv > No, Major chimed in Albert, in the sam tone. T shall look forward to meeting Cha if lotte in heaven.
 Well, execute your orders cried Keller the two soldiers. Arrest the sergeant. Flo . ward march To the court martial, to be in P. tantly judged, and shot ss rebel to the con F. mands of tbe hingp |. Albsrtp shrieked Catherine. o| Farewell, Catherine answered Albert, ss ,on,3or;nr l;z arroa fo the soIdiora and rron.