The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1867-10-30
ITON VIRGINIA. WEDNESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 81, 1867
- as 1 did upon the shadow Of the vessel

ing as l did upon the shadow OF the yesse
stealing over the silent waters.
| love silence and order-I hate noise an,
confusion The lights should all have beef
extinguished by this time ; but when looked
upon the deck l thought saw little RET
hue Of light beneath my feet. At anothe
time this would have made me angry, bu
knowing that the light came from the cabil
Of my little de parties, determined to SCI
what they we're about.
| I had only to look down. could see int
the cabin from the skylight.
i Theyoung girl was upon her knees, and wa
saying her prayers. A lamp swinging from
the ceiling lighted her room. She had on {
long, white night dress, and her fair colder
hair foated over her shoulders, and almost
touched two little bare feet which were peep
ing from under her white dress so pretty.
turned away but pshaw said I, | am an
old sailor What matters it. So staid
The husband was sitting upon a little trunk
his head resting upon his hands, looking al
her as she prayed. She raised her face te
to heaven, and then saw that her eyes were
filed with tears. She looked like Magda
lene. AS she rose, he said:
| 'Ah, my sweet Laurette, as VIC approach
America | cannot hel p being anxious. I do
not know why-but feel that this voyage
has been the happiest part of our lives
$50 it seems to me- she answered. 4 only
wish it might last forever
Suddenly clasping his hands in transport
Of love and affection, he said:
And you my little angel, I see you cry
in your prayers, and that 1 cannot stand, for
/ know what causes it, and then fear you
must repent what you have DONE
Repent she said in rebuking tone, re-
pent Of having come with you? Do you
think because [ have been yours only such a
very short time, that l should not love you
Was I not your wife I? How can you be sor-
ry that should be with you, to live with you
if you live, and to die with you, if you are to
die"
The young man began to sigh, striking the
floor impatiently with his feet, while he kiss
ed repeatedly the little hand and arm which
she was holding out.
| sAh, Laurette, Laurettc! When I think
if our marriage had only been delayed FIVE
days-enly five days-that should have
been arrested and transported alone, cannot
forgive myself
| At this the little one stretched out her
round white arms, clasped his head. pressed
his forehead, his hair, his eyes, smiling like
a cherub, and murmuring all sorts Of woman's
fond things. | was quite affected, and con-
sidered it one of the prettiest scenes [ ever
| witnessed.
| And besides, we were so very rich, too,
said she, bursting out laughing. Look at
my purse-onc gold Louis dor-all my
worldly wealth.
He began TO laugh too.
sYcs, dear, have spent my last half crown.
[ gave it to the fellow who carried our trunks
on board
sAh, poor.' cried she; what matters it !?
Nobody so merry as those who have nothing
at all beside have two diamond rings that
my mother gave me they are good for some
thing all the world over; we can sell them
when you like; besides, am sure that the
captain meant kindly by us, and suspect he
knows very well what is in the letter
Its recommendation to the Governor Of
Cayenne
Perhaps so; who knowsY
To be sure it is, continued the charming
little wife. You are so good, am sure the
government has banished you only tor short
time-I know they have no feeling against
you
1t was high time that the lights should be
stricken out, and now | raped on the deck
and called to them to do so.
| They instantly obeyed, and I heard them
laughing ard chattering like two innocent
school fellows.
One morning when / awoke was surprised
not to feel the slightest motion on the vessel
| Hurrying on deck | found that We were be-
Gained. Latitude one degree north; longi
tude between q and % degrees west.
| l waited until night, When descended to
my cabin and opened the letter, with dull,
and awful feeling. I held my breath while
broke the big red seal and read:
Captain Fountainbleau-the convict, An
TONNE Hindsclear, stands convicted Of high
treason against the Republic. The Directory
order that he be shot in mid ocean, and you
are hereby instructed to see that these orders
are carried into effect
read the letter backward and forward.
went on deck. There they were, she looking
upon the ocean, and he gazing upon her with
an expression OF unu,terable foadness.-
Catching his eye, | signed for him to come
Into the cabin, and, bidding her good bye, he
came down. his face all smiles.
l was bathed in cold sweat, I felt as il
deadly sick; 1 handed him the letter. and
he read it, together with the death warrant
which was drawn up in due form, and attach
ed. 1 gathered voice as he finished.
| He colored slightly and bowed.
| I ask nothing, Captain he said, in the
same gentle voice that always characterized
his speech mo man can be expected to sweryt
from his duty. only wish to speak 6
few words to Laurette, and to entreat you te
take care Of her, if she should survive.
hsrdly think she will
'All that is fair, my good fellow, said
IF you request it, will carry her back t.
France, to her family. I will never leave
her until she wishes to get rid of me, but
do not think she will survive it,
! He took my hand and pressed it.
Most kind captain, see you suffer more
in this business than do but there is nj
help for it. I trust you will preserve wha
little property Of mine is left for her sake
and that you will take care she gets wha