The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1867-03-14

leviate the cares and s0e6len the bitter
anxieties which are our inevitable fate
however highly or lowly cast and, if
destined to survive her husband, to make
his death bed one of peaceful resigna-
ton,
On the previous evening in discourse
with Madame Helvetius, Franklin had,
indeed, purposoly adverted to, and even
tuaily dwelt with much earnestness up
on the propriety of her entering again
the marriage state; but in doing so,
whether from timldly or forethought, he
had expressed his opinion in a general
point Of view only, without in the least
permitting his own personal sentiments
towards her to betray themselves. Nor
in truth, during that conversation, ,wheth.
er from lees vanity than most of her sex,
or less share of that innate perspicuity
in matters of the heart, which most wo-
men possess, she had not the remotest
degree detected the deep interest he
felt in the counsel he advised with such
tranquil yet earnest eloquence.
But now the amiable widows eyes
became suffused with tears she leaned
her arm on the window cushion, and
buried her face in her hand.
Come, then," said Franklin, after
short silence, -" come, then, charming
lady of Auteuil, let US both avenge our
selves"
"Wist! listen my dear friend, list
en- " said Madame Helvctius, in low
tone, and in an attitude of attention.
" Do not speak, for l hear voices in dis
course close to US"
Both gently rose from their seats, and
putting aside os gently the foliage of the
lime-tree branch that obstructed some
what their hearing and view Of what was
passing in the garden beneath, they be-
held there, seated on a stone bench i'm.
mediately under the window. Franklin's
valet, Dick, in close discourse with An
nette, the daughter of Madame Helve-
tius's gardener, young maiden of sew
enteen, and by no means unattractive
specimen of those dark.eyed daughters
of France, frequently to be met with
among the peasant girls of the environs
of Paris, whose rustic beauty is not a lit.
tie enhanced by the charm Of GUS
tom at once simple and picturesque.
Between the leaves of the lime-tree
both Franklin and Madame Helvetius
remarked that the heads of the two
young people were so closely inclined to
each other, that the fair hair Of the
American almost touched the black
braided tresses Of the maiden Of Auteuil.
"Let me 90, Monsieur Richard -
said the damsel, the light olive com.
plexion Of her sunny cheeks suffused
the while with richer blush OF red. al
Madame knew that you were following
me so, she would be sure to discharge e
me from her service. Let Inc go, |
beseech you. ., | must go! There,
don't you hear &? think my father call
ed me to water his peas, Yes, and be-
sides. have not yet made the chees c
for Madame, nor yet skinned the last
nights milk"
Nevertheless, Annette rose from the
bench on which she was seated. But
that might be accounted fer by the cir.
cumstance that Richard, though without
the least effort to detain her, had put
his arm around her slender waist, doubt
less to prevent her escaping.
On witnessing SO much undue famil-
iarity on the part OF his servant, Frank.
lin evinced great uneasineos, and from
a sentiment of virtuous Indignation his
cheek become crimson red. He was
about to speak in anger to the :houghtless
young couple, when Madame Helvetius
putting her small white hand over his
mouth, compelled him to silence, and
to listen further.
"You will not understand me, An
nette," was Richard sreply to the maid,
en-, "What | say to you, l would as
openly say in the presence of Madame
Helvetius and Monsieur Franklin. &c
call your father if you will, and l wi
speak before him"
The young girl inclined her pretty
head in silence, and as though her in,
most heart responded in sympathy to the
frank avowel Of the young mans senti
ments towards her, the Slight motion
made by the neat little foot that mechan
ically rubbed up the gravel path Oh
which it rested, brought her somewhat
yet closer to Richard. No further reply
from her was needed.
"Well, then," continued the young
man, 1--WE will be married, l will opcr
my mind to Monsieur Franklin. lie
will speak to Madame Helvetius, anG
then both will arrange matters will
your father"
care you really in earnest, Richard
You wish to marry me p
"In all truth and earuestness l mcar
it, dear Annette. We will go to Amer
lea and you will see that it is the fines
country in the whole world, Mousieul
Franklin will give US some land which
will cultivate. We shall be free there
and live content and happy. o my