The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-11-25
Wisteuaneous.
HOW A WOMAN HAD HER owNwAY


from the room in which he had been gzing
for the last time on the body of his dead wife.
Henri Augrcr sighed deeply, but though he
had lived to know that time finds for oil con-
ISOLATION. he did not attempt to console.
"Husbands have lost their wives before, I
know-wives that they love-but remember
how Cecils and have loved each other since
our childhood remember all the obstacles
that separated us for many years; remember
how toiled to make home worthy Of her,
and now but two years of happiness, two
years of enjoyment for the work Of a whole
life. Oh! it is frightful Cecile, my poor
Cecilc, how her eyes ycarned towards me, till
at last they closed forever. Oh! Henri, l
can never know happiness again."
Henri Augrcr led him silently to his study,
and there sat by him whilst the widower pac-
cd the room, now talking Of his dead wife,
now sobbing like child, now exhausted and
weak. throvin. himself on the sofa, and ly-
ing in the stiffness OF despair.
The laws OF France prolong but twenty-four
hours the survivors, watch over dead one
loved. Mme. Coulaincourt was next morn
ing borne from her home, and in few hours
her husband returns to his desolate house,
his heart nearly broken, his nerves worked
up to the highest pitch by the horrible cere'
monies he has witnessed.
Madly and with wild shrcks he now PAGES
the room, thrusting from him all his friends;
even Henri, who has asked to be left alone
with him, is repulsed.
At last the door OF the room opens SLOWLY,
and lady in deep mourning robes. her nc
calm aud solemn, but with red, fearful eyes.
enters the room. She has in her arms an il !.
fant, whose long white robes form contrast
with her mourning garments
Coulaincourt does not notice her, hut she
goes up to him. and as he stands beating his
breast and sobbing wildly, she holds up to
him the fair, sleeping child.
.She is another Cecile." said the lady in
n low, calm voice; "and the Cecilc that is
gone left her to you, a memorial OF your love
and Of the two years of happiness you passed
together"
NJ. Coulaincourt sunk on sofa, garcd on
the child as 1t was laid across his knees, and
for some moments spoke not. Then at last.
extending hand to each OF the friends who
watched him.
"Sister," said he-"Hcnri, for the sake Of
the child, will try to live."
Seventeen years after this, the door OF this
same room was opened. and q young, bright.
beautiful face, with shining braids OF chest.
nut hair around il was thrust in.
"Eh9 Father mine. why are you go
long 20 exclaimed fresh young voice, and
n light form bounded from the door to the
sofa where Coulaincourt was seated.
"Cecile." said Coulaincourt, looking up,
q smile of JOY bcaming On his face.
EYES, Cecilc," said the young girl. aft
really is very strange cannot make you
more obedient to your daughter, yet I'm sure
spared no pains in your education. Don't
you know that breakfast is rcady?"
"No, yes Il had forgotteni,. was think.
ing
thinking about what?"
"well-"
"Now. sir, IL you dare to have thought
YOU have not communicated to me, you had
better look out"
"Indeed, have not
"Let me cross-examinc you"
"well"
"Are your affairs in ordcr'"
eyes"
elias no house whero you had money
failcdy"
"None."
"Aro you prepared to meet all your
notes 2" rrst.
"Yes"
"Iavs you made any bad speculation ?"
.'No."
"Arc you not satisfied with Adrian"
"Absurd! You know Adrian is devoted
70 me, heart and SOUL"
"wsll, then, what were you thinking
about?" -
..You."
"Me-about me? And you dare to look
serious, almost sad. when you are thinking
of nei This is worse than anything. Pray.
what thoughts could inspire you with that
could make you look sad and serioas!"
Thoughts inspired BY last nights ball."
"why, they should be merry thoogh.s;
wasn't the very queen Of the ball ? didn't
dance every dance. and were you not sur.
rounded b. all the young men in the room''
."yes. greeted was and overwhelmed with
wine and refreshments handed to me on oil
sides. and that hes made NE melancholy, for
sm afraid oi losing The treasure for which
have toilcd lhesc many years."