Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1865-05-27

Leon, my noble husband, how shall | atone
At this time La Vendee was again in re-
volt. 1t was In the year 1880. and the Ouch
ess de Berri, in a reckless, heroic, hopeless
expedition, was endeavoring to detbrone
Louis Philippe. .f on G8IEdt
True to the traditions of BrittanyNits no.
bility had all Joined her banners. ~ 1il
M. de Kerven, too old to give his arm,
had journeyed through all perils to offer
her the homage of his sympathy and re-
spect, and NJ. de st. Leu had openly Joined
her armies.
For some time this fact was concealed
from Marie, but at length her father, think
ing her strong enough to bear the news,
informed her with pride and exultatiofl OF
M. de st. Leu's position in the royal army.
Maries heart sank within her; she knew
st. Leu's opinion of the Duchess de Berri's
attempt, and she felt that nothing but de-
sire To get rid of life had inspired him to
join what he considered a desperate at
tempt. fl
How should she prevent him now Could
she confess her love? Would he believe
her? Was the confession subsistent with
the maiden modesty that still kept a re-
straint between them |? ,.,,~r ,-.,.'rg
Leon now absented himself for days and
nights together. Each time he returned
Marie would speak to him of the dangers
which surrounded him, of her fears, but he
Wo9lc listen to her simply with Difference,
One night M.de st. Leu's horse was at
the door, when he entered the room in
which were M. de Kerven and Marie. At
his approach the old count arose, and going
up to him whilst NJ de st. Leu bent before
him, he laid his hands on him and blessed
the work he was going to do. .i..l fsfG
Marie rushed towards him. , .r ..a-
There is peril for you tonight, Leon.
why do you risk your life?" "'9 ~ d. .H
I'm sacred cause" said M. de Kerven.J
''Because," said Leon, in low tone to his
wife. my life is worthless since it is not
precious to you"
"Oh! Leon, if could speak.n .Nn 'HJ
IT stands between you and happiness" D
! ~ know OF what sacrifice your noble and
lmagnanimous nature is capable. Marie,
may you be happy" p u,s
''But l." the words died on her lips, a
deep blush rushed to her cheek, another
moment and he was gone.
All night they sat together, the father and
daughter, forithey could hear the firing of
the desperate contest going on within few,
miles of them. Every shot went to the
heart of Marie, for she knew her husband
was in the midst of them, and knew not
which shot might bring death to him. q,
AT last the firing ceased, and the red glare
of some great fire shot across the horizon;
as day dawned horse was heard galloping
up the avenue.
"Tis he!" exclaimed Marie, rushing
down the terrace.
A man covered with blood and dust, his
horse painting and exhausted, was before
her-but it was not her husband.
"You are Nine. de st. Leu?" ...
"Ges-where is he?"
"ln yonder burning ruins-to the last he
resisted; | come, a fugitive to fulfill my
promise; forgive me, this is no time for GER
emony-Leon is dead; he bid me tell you
your name was the last on his lips; he bid
you be happy now that there was no OBJ
stacle between you and all you desired"
Marie bowed her head and turned away;
the messenger galloped off into the gray
shadows. - -.
She lived year after this the blow had .
Frustrated her father, and as he breathed +
his last breath on her bosom, Marie, with
one long, look on his pale face, put her hand
on her heart and fell dead in the arms of
those who were watching her, for they had
known for some time that great and sud- /,
den emotion would be her death. ..,.r..