The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1865-07-06

Dead mother, dead, she said, now rals
ing her eyes
who is dead, darling?' asked her mother
frightened at her strange tone.
/ Vauinka slowly opened her package. anc
drew out the ring and hair it contained
murmuriug: Henry Oh, mother he il
deadl' she fell sobbing in her mothers
arms.
Ea.%
We change the scene now to Waterloo
in the latter part of the battle between the
armies of Napoleon and Wellington. The
morning we choose was the one in which
the Imperial Guard of the Emperor threw
themselves between the advancing Prus-
sian forces and the English army to prevent
their joining their forces Henry Werder, at
the head of his regiment, felt his heart
throb with intense excitement as the two
immediate columns, the flower of the French
army adv need upon the English troops.
They came on in silence until within range
of the batteries prepared to receive them;
then terrible discharge seeming to rend
heaven and earth, scattering death among
their ranks. Still these veterans advanced.
The honor of their nation was in peril; they
could die but not turn before the enemy;
Another discharge of the Prussian troops,
who had been rapidly nearing the scene of
action, then dashed among them. The Gards
! Imperiate de Napoleon was utterly annihi-
lated. One exultant shout was raised by
the allied armies as this fearful crisis was
decided in their favor.
But where, in the moment of victory, was
Henry? Stretched upon the field, his head
supported by his fellow officer Frederick
Liston, and the life blood flowing from a
wound in his breast
/ Frederick he murmured, in dying
voice, you will see Vaninkas
If live, answered his comrade with
deep emotion.
You will give her this ring, and cut some
of my hair off for her. Tell her my dying
thoughts were of he--Heaven bless yon,
my comrade. FAREWELL and his head
fell heavily back.
/ Dead said Frederick, and must leave
/ him here.
Frederick was mistaken. Henry was not
dead--he had only tainted. Some hours
afterward he was lying on hospital bed in
raving deirium. F=.
For weeks his life hung upon a thread
then young constitution triumphed, and
he began to mend. His physician positive
| ly forbade his returning to Prussia, aud
warning him that his lungs were much af-
fected, he recommended winter in Italy.
| Writing long letter to Vaninka to explain
his long absence, Henry made his prepare
| tions, and, after an illness of over three
months, started in the early part of October
for Naples. He remained there, gaining
strength and health, until the next June,
and then started for home During his
residence in Italy, he had written again and
again to both Vaninka and Frederick, and
wondered why lie had received no letter in
answer His epistles never reached them.
- y
We now return to Vaninka. Contrary
to the fears of friends she had seemed to
bear her loss with calinness. She had been
so long in a state of agonizing suspense,
that any certainty, even this dirctul one, was
relief Still her step did not regain its
elasticity, und her grief, if not loud, was
deep. Her friends mistook despair for calm
ness. She grew palcr and thinner, and
now frequently kept her room for days to-
gether. M
Her lover had been gone some eight
months when her hand Was again sought
inmarriage. George Weimer was gentle,
mild old man of about seventy years of age,
wealthy, and Of large influence III his ma
tive town. He was an old friend of Vanin.
ka's father, and had thought of seeking
Vaninka for his bride. When, however, he
had seen the place coveted about to be wor-
thily filled, he had become silent on the
subject of his desires, and cultivated the
acquaintance of his lady loves betrothed.
Now, deceived as others were by Vaninka's
quiet demeanor, he advanced his suit. Her
parents knowing that he would spare no
pains or expense to make her happy, urged
their child to accept his offer, and she con-
sented to see him.
'Mr. Weimer, she said 4 wish to lell you
how grateful feel to your kind and hattcr
ing offer, and to place my situation fully
before you. Since heard of my irrepara-
BILE loss, have felt that should soon Join
him; still have endeavored faithfully to
perform the duties left to me. | do not
think | shall live long. But if can by any
means add to the happiness of another, God
has granted me the will to do SO. If you
will accept my hand, knowing that my heart
is in Henry's grave it is yours, and will
endeavor to fulfil my duties as a wife, trust
ing to your love and indulgence to forgive
if fail to make you happy while am with
you
The good old man was too happy to have
his offer accepted on any terms, and he
thanked her warmly. A day was soon set
for the wedding, and all things were max
ing ready.
Mr.. Weiiner hoped, by travelling and
other diversions of her mind, to raise his
brides spirits and prolong her life.
Again it was the night before Vaninka's
wedding. and again she was seated, lost il
thought, III the same chair that we first saw
her III. Now, alas, the reverie was very
painful one, and low, choking sobs tool
the place of her former happy smiles. Sh'
was sitting, painfully rejecting OIL the past
when shadow fell on the ground before
her, and raising her eyes, she saw stran
ger standing looking at her. He stood witt
his back to the light, and she could not Sc,
his face but something made her hear
stand still as she rose to greet him. HI
only said one word, 'Vaninka!' and exclaim
ing, Henryr she sprang to his embrace
He caught her passioDately to his breast
and held her there as if he feared anothe
SEP ration.
So said pleasant voice at the door
there Is chanSe OF brldegrooms.' AM
Mr.. Weimer entered the room. Vanink;
stood moment confused, but taking be
hand he placed it in Henry's, saying. TAX
her Henry; she is too young, good. an
handsome for an old man like myself
: was an old fool to think of it. Take hel
: and my warmest blessings attend your ur
ion And with kind, beaning smile, tn
,. old man left them together
4 This time VaniBka's wedding was nc
! postponed; and as Henry and Vaninka stoo
= before the altar Mr. Weimer, watching tn
{ happy blushing face of the bride, owne
!, !, that be could not have called up, with a
Il his devotion, such ar expression of perfe,
!. love and joy.