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

asionhlment If it were possible Syl
vio would nol fight Sylvio, far from
fighting. coulenied himself with a verl
slight excuse % the part of the young
lieutenant, and they were reconciled
Ihis conduct did tot leave Sylyioi,
character without reproach among The
officers youth never pardons wan
ot courage, particularly since il re-
CARDS thai virtue The first Of all, ana
The only one which can 10 any degree
excuse all other faults. Yet, IA time
the matter was forgotten, and Slyyic
gradually regained the consideration
and influence no had formerly enjoy.
ed.
| al jne hesitaled 10 renew with him
our former relations. Nature having
given me romantic imagination, |
was one Of those who were most at.
tached 70 this man, whose entire life
seemed an enigma, and whom | far.
cied must be the hero OF some mys-
FERROUS history. He had loved me, or
az least il was with me alone that, sup
pressing that irony that ran through
all his diseourses, he talked upon ev-
cry subject with the grea test abandon
and IN manner singularly agreeable.
But, after this unhappy soiree, the
idea that his honor had been compro-
missed, and that his will alone prevent.
ed him from washing away the stain
in the blood OF his enemy this idea,
SO Illuminating for him, | could not di-
vest myself Of, and was ashamed to
meet him as Of old Sylvio soon OBJ
served my coolness towards him, and
had too much PERCEPTION not to divine
the cause. ! thought the discovery,
caused him pain and he several times
showed disposition TO explain, but |
always avoided him. Finally, he
treated me like the rest, and never
saw him except in the midst of my
comrades.
City people, in the enjoyment of
the many pleasures that surround
them, can form no idea of the great
felt by the inhabitants OF
small provincial village on post days.
In our rifle de garrison, Tuesday and
Friday were thus marked epochs.-
Upon these occasions, the chadce2eire
Of our regiment was always filled with
officers one expecting money, anolh-
CT letter; others the journals. Syl-
sio was always present with us upon
the arrival OF the post, his letters be-
ing sent to The care of the regiment.
One day a packet was handed him,
and hastily tearing off the envelope,
he eagerly glanced at the contents, his
syes gliltering as he read. The off
GERS, occupied with their papers and
elters, had observed nothing.
Gentlemen, said Sylvio to them,
unexpected circumstances render it
necessary for me to leave here to-
night. hope you will not decline to
Inv with me once more before my de-
,aiiue Turning TO me, be added,
u an undertone, as he passed out, i
shall expect you without fail.
| repaired 70 Sylvio's house at the
appointed hour, where | found, near
y all the regiment assembled. Syl-
nos effects we're already packed,
md nothing Was seen but tue bare
walls, pierced with balls. We sat
lown to the table. The host was
gay, and his high spirits
'oon communicated themselved to the |
'thers. Bottle after bottle was brok-
n, and the glasses were not allowed |
o remain empty. To the health of
he parta''t we drank repeatedly, and |
Wished him happy voyage, with ev-
.ry kind Of success. At a late hour
We arose from the table, and while |
zach one was seeking his bonnet de |
'arrison Sylvio seized my hand and
1T Is necessary that should speak
o you alone.
l remained When we were alone
We lit our pipes, and sat down in ST.
ence, vis-a-vis. Sylvio was absorbed
n thought. Every trace of gayety
iad left him. The liyid palor Of his
ounienance, his bright burning eyes,
nd the thick smoke which he emitted
Iom his mouth, gave him the appear
nee OF Satan himself. Some minutes
lapsed before be spoke.
IL is possible, he said, that we may
ever meet again. | have wished. |
eiore this separation, to explain 10
ou. You may have observed how
Indifferent ! am TO the opinions of 9th.
rs but Tor you have a sincere re-
ard, and il would be exceedingly
aintul TO me, in quitting you, 10 leave
ny unjust impressions u on your
lind.
He paused, and reiilled his pipe,
-hiIe | looked at the floor and kept
lent.
Il has astonished YOU be contin-
ed, to SEE M take an insult from n
ranken man, an stourdi without de-
landing satisfaction but agree, at
asi, hat having the privilege of the
Tended party to choose the arms, his
ie was IN my hands. while my own
as comparatively safe. might
are parade my moderation under
e pompous name OF generosity, but
90 not wish 10 lie. II had been
DE TO punish the lieutenant wilhou,
inger 10 my own existence, | should ;
have done So.
| regarded Sylvio with a stunafad