The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1866-12-06

looked at himself In the glass, but
scarcely recognized his own face, so
changed was he by the mental agonies
he had undergone. When he had paid
some little attention to his toilette, he
received a message from Madame Won
Berlingen, requesting the favor of an
interview in her apartments. He me-
chemically obeyed the summons, though
ill-fitted to sustain conversation with
lady.
The widow requested him to be seated.
''Mr. Walstein," said she with smile,
"you are growing very ungallant. I
met you last night, upon the staircase,
but, though spoke to you, you had not
word or a nod for me-"
Last night, madam" answered the
unfortunate young man, +" 1 was beside
myself. O, madam-if you knew ALL"
| do know all" replied the lady.
What! that / had been gambling
that L had thrown away-yes, those are
the words-every ducat Of the money
my poor father furnished me with which
to purchase my commission"
"Yes-I know all that. But the loss
is not irreparable."
Pardon me, madam. My father,
though reputed wealthy, is unable to
furnish me with similar sum, even if
| were base enough to accept it at his
hands,"
But if some friends were to step for
ward"
ALAS | know none.n
Mr.. Walstein," said the lady, Il
ana rich; a loan OF the requisite amount
would not affect me in the least
"Oh, MADAME cried the young man,
If you would indeed save me by such
generosity, you would be an angel of
mercy"
What is the amount of your loss?'
inquired the lady, calmly, as she I'M
locked her desk.
"Three thousand ducats," answered
Ernest. "But I can give you no Sc
curity for the payment"
You note of hand is sufficient" said
the lady, handing the young man
package of notes. !" Please to count
those, and see if the sum is correct
Here are writing materials"
Ernest did as he was bid-counted
the money and then sat down at the
desk.
Write at my dictation," said the
lady.
Ernest took up pen and commenced.
"The date" said the lady.
Ernest wrote it.
Received of Anna Won Berlingen
the sum of three thousand ducats."
Ernest wrote and repeated" three
thousand ducats.o
g in consideration, I promise to marry
the aforesaid Anna Won Berlingen.o
80 marry you ?o exclaimed En-
nest.
"Ay-to marry me!o said the lady.
cam | deformed-am | ugly-am l
poor ?"
''I cannot do it, you know not the
reason that induces me to refuse"
"Then go home to your father and
confess your guilt
Ernest reflected few moments. He
could not go home to his father with the
frightful tale. It was a question between
suicide and marriage; he signed the
paper.
Now, then, baron," said the widow
to herself, as she carefully secured the
promise, "you cannot say you broke
the heart of Annie by your cruelty
Take the money, Ernest" she added
aloud, "go and purchase your com
mission"
Ernest obeyed. His dreams of yester-
day morning had all been dissipated by
his own act; he felt q degraded and
broken-spirited criminal. He had sold
himself for gold.
" Here comes Captain Ernest" ~ cried
a youthful voice. And Il beautiful blue
eyed girl of nineteen stood at the garden
gate Of a pretty farm house, watching
the approach OF a horseman, who, @aily
attired in the lluZzar uniform, was gal
looping up the road. At her shout OF
delight a sturdy Old sray-haiTed man
came forth and stood beside her.
'sCaptain Ernest he repo. e' "that
sounds well. When / was OF mis- age.
only carried musi1et in the ranks.
never then dreamed that a son OF nine
could ever aspire to the cpaul9tte.'
Ernest, waving his hand to Meena Al
tenberg and his father, rode past them
to she stable, where he lel1 his hofse.-
He then rushed into the farm house,
where his father met him.
What is the Ineaning0 this Aey2'
he ssid. GLOW wild and haggArd you
look And you nave avoided Aleena---
and this, too, upon your wedding day
"My wedding day-0 Heaven
shall die" said the young man, sinking
into seat.
As soon as he could collect himself, he
told his father that he could not marry
Meena, and the reason--le had pledged
himself TO another. The old man, who
v,ac ihn soul of honor. burst into violent