The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1867-10-09
SISTER THERESA.
A rHnIIL1sa STORY FROM THE FRENCH.

The operate season was at its height in Par.
is, and the new prima donna was taking all
hearts by storm. Her beauty, her wonderful
genius, and, above all her magnificent voice
had created q marked impression even in the
gay capital Of France, where that which is
false either in science or art soon loses its gilt
ter and stands out in its true colors. But the
Signori Fonti had genius and merit enough
to stand dozen such tests; and she went
through the ordeal without suffering.
Of course she had many admirers, but
among them all she had not a single lover
The men said she was cold and heartless that
she was incapable Of loving; but one glance
at her lovely face was sufficient to refute this
SANDER, for one could read there the token Of
a warm and loving heart. But the signora's
heart was proud one also; it had been steel
ed in a school Of adversely, and she was eau.
tious how she gave people a claim even to her
friendships caution very necessary to wo-
man in her position. But that claim once
given, she was true and loyal friend through
good and evil fortune
She had just adopted her profession, and
this was not only her first season in Paris, but
also her first season on the stage. The direc-
tor of the Grand Opera had engaged her
merely as an experiment; but her success had
firm hold upon the Parisians, that she had
been retained as first prima donna and a for
tunate engagement it proved for the manage
ment, for the receipts Of the treasury were
larger than they had been for years. and upon
the nights when the signora appeared there
was no such thing as an empty seat in all the
vast theatre.
Among the admirers Of the signora was a
certain Colonel Dufour, gallant officer of the
army, who had won his way in Algeria and
the Crimea from the ranks to his colonelcy.
He was very quiet man, and was not given
to much talking; but he was one Of those
rare specimens Of the Almighty's handiwork
who make their way into our esteem and
friendship as irresistibly as they overcome the
obstacles in their way through life.
Colonel Dufour was thirty-six years old, and
the signora twenty They were we'll
suited in age, but entirely opposed to each
other in personal appearance, for he was as
homely as she was beautiful This was I'M
fortunate for the Colonel. as the signora was
an ardent lover Of manly beauty but it was
perhaps atoned for by the fact that she looked
for something more than beauty in man.
Towards the close of the signora's engage
ment the energy Of Che metropolis was direct
ed to the all-absorbing topic Of the approach
ing war with Austria for Italian liberty. The
gauntlet had been thrown down, and France
was about to take it up. Colonel Dufour was
of course, keenly alive to the situation, for
his regiment was one of the famous "First
Corps, and was already under orders to march
towards the Alps. He was true soldier
and was resolved, if the war came, to seek
still higher promotion in it; but for the first
time in his life the thought Of being called
into active service made him sad The rea
son was, the Colonel was in love.
The signora, ALSO was sad at the thought Of
her friend being called away She did not
love him; but with woman's tact she had
discovered his secret, and she knew he lovec
her better than he could ever love any woman
again. She valued his friendship as one o.
her dearest treasures; and it panied her deep
" THAT he should love her when she could moi
return his passion.
The night before he left Paris was holi
day to the signora, and she refused to see any
one but the Colonel, saying to him with sac
smile that she would not permit the world tf
come between them at their parting.
,'For you know" she said gently, "we are
very good friends to each other"
The Colonels heart beat fitfully. 1t hae
never even SO much as huttercd when the en-
emy's bullets whistled round his ears in bat
tie; not even when, with his heroic regiment
he drove back the last Russian effort to re
take the Malakof, but it trembled now at thu
/ tender voice of this woman he loved so we'll
but who, alas loved him only as she woult
have loved brother. Almost before he knew
it, he told her all his passion, and begged he
to be his wife if he came back safe from thu
war. The simple, manly offer of the Draw
soldier touched the signora deeply, and sh'
was almost tempted to give him the promise
he asked for but her innate truthfulness re
belled at this, and she told him frankly tn
true state of her feelings for him.
81 do not love you as wife should" sh
said, land I will not wrong you by marryin!
you love you only as sister might love
brother. You will some day learn to be sat
is6ed with this and then you will find anoth
er woman who can make you happy; and
will be your sister, and be happy in and prou
Of my noble brother"
| The Colonel's face was very sad; but
was calm and tranquil, and as the signor
spoke smile passed over it.
'sThat day, signora, will never come" h
said. II must rest satisfied with your decis
ion now, but will not resign the hope tina
you will yet be my wife; for assure you
Shall never marry any other woman
II wish I did love you," she said, softly
s.for I desire above all things to make 20
happy"
s'That is good beginning" Colonel Dr
four exclaimed, Frightening. Il love 70
too well to fail to win YOU 5....,'.
The signora did not contradict him. II
deed, she did not think it unlikely that hi
prediction might be realized; and SO she ar
swered him only with blush As they par
ed, the Colonel asked her for some token t
carry with him. a asa
II shall not need it to remember you" b
said; "but when am far away, marching an
Arhtino or nerhaps diving. It will make nj