The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1865-07-18

each other again, and the horse
sprang forward.
IL.
Several years passed away. Fam
/ lily affairs compelled me to quit ,h,
service, and take up my residence up,
on small property which possessed
+ in the government Of -. While
occupied with my menagc, / secretly
regretted the circumstances that had
compelled me to abandon my military
/ life, so free from domestic cares -
The most difficult thing for me, was
TO become accustomed 10 long winter
evenings which | was compelled to
spend alone. Tie morning was taken
up with such duties as my little ma
nor exacted of me. But with the ap-
proach of night ! felt lost, and was
seized with an intolerable enpui.
About a mile from the village was
situated rich property belonging 10
the Countess B.. The inlendan.
Of this lady was its sole occupant,
the Countess having visited it bu'
once, and then for a short time only +,
during the year Of her marriage. In
the Spring of my second year OF
my reclusion il was announced that
the Countess would pass the Sum
mer at the beautiful place with her
husband. The arrival of rich
neighbor is great epoch among the
Inhabitants Of the country. The pro.
prietors of the surrounding villages, as
well as their servants speak Of it two
months in advance, and for three
years after the event. As for myself
] confess that the establishment so
near me of young and beautiful
neighbor was particularly agreeable.
| was dying with curiosity to see her;
and the first Sunday following their
arrival, | sat out, after dinner, on the
on the road to the cdnpdgne of B,
to pay my respects TO the Count and
Countess, as their near neighbor and
very humble servant.
A laquais introduced me into the
cabinet Of the Count, and went out to
announce me. The cabinet was
magnificent chamber, adorned with
richness and elegance, and / awaited
the Count with emotions similar TO
those felt by Solicitor de prorince
awaiting lhe minister. The door
opened, and an elegant looking gen
tleman Of about thirty years OF age,
entered. The Count approached me
with frank and cordial air, and re-
lieved me, by his politeness, Of the
embarrassment | felt in my efforts to
pay him compliment His easy
and agreeable conversation
had nearly restored my self-possession
when the Countess entered, and my
became greater than
ever. She was a perfect beauty
The Count presented me TO her, and !
the more felt my awkwardness. !
am not a connoisnr in paintings, but
there was one among the many that
adorned the walls of the cabinet that
particularly attracted my attention ;
not because it represented truthfully I
a scene in Switzerland, but because
it was pierced by two balls, one above
The other.
That was fine shot I said turn
ing towards the Count.
Yes, he replied, it was a very
one. Do you understand
he art !?
am not altogether ignorant Of it, /
| replied delighted to have found a
subject of conversation with which | |
was familiar. AT thirty steps touch
he card; but with known pistol
Indeed p cried the Countess with |
IN attentive air; and you, mon ami
,ould touch the card at thirty steps =
I'VE will try some day. replied the
Count. Il used TO be good shot,
)ut it is now four years since | have
lad pistol in my hand
by neglect, the eye loses its ac-
and the hand its address, |
aid. The most complete adept in
he art | ever knew would take three
hots before dinner each day it was
IS regular with him as glass Of wine
,efore soup
What was his name =
'Sylyio
sSylvioY cried the Count, spring
ng from his seat you have known
'ylvio|
Certainly, NJ. lie Compte, we were
acquainted. lie was treat
d as a brother and comrade by the
'hole regiment but il is now five
ears since | have heard Of him
Did you know him. alsoy /,
Yes and we'll; has lie never
poken to you of very extraordina-
y incident in his life ? II
Is it the history of blow in the
ICE received at a ball from an eto,r-
/? 4.
Did he ever mention the name Of
lat etonrdi?' Il
No, VI. le Compe, never. All, I
ION dieul excuse me, | added eager 4
/; for ] began to suspect the Truth.
! do not know, it was perhaps your
III 2
Yes it was T. replied the Count,
IL countenanee changing saud The "