North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1866-10-10

years of age,-for five minutes 1 became
again in love with a woman. who, if she ex-
lists, must be at least sixty years Of age.
must tell you this history 1t is one which
has had an immense influence on my life,
aud of which the memory, even now, moves
me in an extraordinary manner,--even
now, when my blood has only just warmth
enough to keep me alive, and enable me to
play backgammon. | was twenty,-that
is more than forty years since,-I had just
Quilted college, where young men were
kept a little longer thrn they are in the
present day, After well weighing the mat
ter but without consulting me,-my faith
er decided on my future path in life, and
announced to me one morning that he had
obtained lieutenancy for me in the
regiment, then in the garrison in Avergne.
and desired me to be ready TO- leave in
three days. was not little taken back,
for several reasons. In the first place |
disliked military career but that objec-
tion the sight OF dashing uniform would
soon have overcome added to it. a few
ambitious hopes excited, and a little mr-
sic, would, all combined, bave mad either
a Ceasar or an Achilles ofme. But was
in love. Nothing in the world could ave,
Induced me to utter a word of this to my
father, whose only reply to such confiden-
tial communication would have been to
send me away that very night. But had
an uncte-and what an uncl.! He was
then man OF the same age that am now
but he was still young,-not for himself,
for no old man ever rerounced Satan and
all his p"mps and works better than he
did. but for others. He loved the voung
and perfectly understood, without being
Jealous of them. He did not deem the in
firmaties of age progress; neither did he
think length of years necessary to be wise.
From excessive goodness and good sense
he lived in the happiness of others. He
was ever fond of sympathizing with the no.
BILE and generous folIies of youth he was
the cunfidant and protector of all true low
rrs, of those harmless debts young men
contract, and all of youths hopes and fears.
went to him, and said, "Uncie, am very
unhappy"
IL bet twenty louis you are not" was
the reply.
"Ah. uncle, don't laugh! Besides, you
would lose"
"Ifl lose I'll pay !; and perhaps that
would help to console you.'
mo, uncle, money has nothing 10 do
with my grief"
"Come, tell me yo2r tale"
My father has jnst Informed me that
have lieutenancv in the--regimcnt.
What dreadful misfortune One OF
the most gallant regiments n the service
"a handsome uniform, and all the officers
are men of rank"
Wncle, / don't wish to ne soldier"
how You don't wish 10 serve4 Do
you happen to be coward?"
81 don't know yet; nevertheless, you
are the only man whom would permit to
address such a question TO me-"
Very well, then, Cid, my good friend,
why don't YOU be soldier"
"Uncle, because want to marry"
"Oh!'
"Therc's no oh in the question. Uncle
I'm in love-"
"And you call that misfortune! Un-
grateful wretch ] should like to be in
love! And pray who is the object of your
ardent ffame?"
"Ah, uncle, she's an"
81 know she is, of course,--it is always
an angel! A little later in life you will
prefer a woman. But bv what mortal
name do you call this angel?'
"She is called Noemi, uncle"
THAT is not what ask you. Noemi
is enough for you, / quite compref end -
besides, it's pretty name. But fol me,
| must know who this angel is, and to
what family she belongs? What is the
family name ?''
''Tis Mademoiselle Amelot."
That's better than an angela bru-
nette. tall and slight, with eyes like black
velvet. don't at all disapprove of the
object of your af'.ction."
"Ah, Uncle. did You know her soul?"
81 know,--I understand ALL about it
: And does she return yonr affection, as we
used to say? Is that still what you young
ones call it?"
81 don't know, uncle"
allow! You don't know, nephew, un-
worthy of an uncle like myselfa How
You are every day in her house, and don't
know yet whether you are loved"
"She does not even know that love
her."
"Oh, in that idea you are not mistaken
my handsome nephew, AMI comprehend
nothing of woman's nature! She knew il
at least quarter of an hour before yor
did so yourself"
, "All know uncle, is, that shall xii
, myself unless she marries me"
20, oh !! Well, then, / can tell yol
that there exists ma"y chances agains
your union. Your father is much riche
than hers; and will NOT give his consent
"WelI, tien, know the only thing tha
! is left me to do
"Co.ne, come, listen to me. Let us see
don-t ro ond commit onu ocf op follv lie