Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-01-29
door and saw him walk cautiously away, till

better spirits than usual. They conversed ot
the latest rumors from Paris, and judged
there would soon be reaction, in public
opinion. Breakfast concluded, Garcinier went
to Mother Nicholet's cottage to see it he
could learn anything concerning her. The
little rooms no longer looked neat and cozy
The furniture was broken and scattered about
and the house rifed of everything of value
He looked in vain for Therese, and returned
home in as much doubt respecting her fate as
before. ,.r
He had scarcely finished the simple nara
lion of the desolation of the good woman's
cofiaec, wLen, upou casually turning his eyes
toward a window, he perceived armed men
surrounding shc house. Fleurian had gone
10 lie vault; for him they felt little anxiety
The door uaa .bura: opaHs and the wretches,
calm: themselves soldiers u. .tae Republic, y
rushed in.
"To the cellar-to tho CELLAR" cried the
leader. who wore the uniform Of sergeant.
q A Tampa ampr' he added, turning fierce
II toward Gercinier.
Cecie hastened TO get one, and actually
lighted it for the vile horde.
"Come with me-" said the leader, looking
at Garcinier and Mademoiscle. "If we find
him, it will be the signal for your arrest"
Father and daughter, with affected indif-
ference obcyed this imperious mandate.
When Cecile saw the soldiers examining the
walls, thrusting their bayonets between the
stones, she could not but feel the liveliest ap.
p-ehensions. Others struck upon the stones
with the butts of their muskets to test their
irmness, and to Judge By their resonance if
there was an open space behind them: This
was more trying scrutiny than they had ex-
peetcd. Every moment was fraught with the
most painful suspense. They gradually ap-
preached the entrance to the vault.
Hold up the lsmpl" said the sergeant,
paurip. before the fat stone, and passing the
point cf his sword into the interstices around
it. "Ah, what is here! Men, pry out this
stone. think We shall unearth the fox !"
M.denoiselle's face became white with pal
lor. The timely support of her fathers arm
prevented her from falling. For some min
utes the stone resisted the endeavors of the
searchcrs, but finally yielded. The vault was
revealed TO view.
i"See in what holes these conspirators bury
themselyes!" exclaimed the sergeant
With shouts Of savage JOY they dragged
Fleurian from the retreat where he valnly
thought to find security.
Cecie was nearly overpowed by the Vlo-
lence of her emotions; but the voice OF raul,
calling to her to be firm, revived her courage
"Be brave' said Fleurian. "Do not let
these miscreants sec your fortitude shaken.
Do not think OF ME. am going to death, 1t
is true but though it may separate US now:
it will ultimately unite US forever"
"Poor consolation for one so young and
handsome!" said the sergeant, with an un"
feeling laugh, while others Of the party made
coarse and brutal remarks.
"Come, citizen; and you, pretty Mademol.
selle, are also wanted before the Commission"
added the sergeant. addressing Garcinier and
Cecile.
"What," exclaimed Fleurian, for the first
time manifesting alarm, "have l brought
misfortune upon you, also? p
The Young man covered his face with his
hands, and shed tears.
This is q true love affair! 1t is pity to
interrupt it," said one, which sally called
forth other jests of a similar nature.
These worthy and heroic people were hur-
ried to prison, without being allowed mo-
ment to make preparations for such an event.
Persons conversant with the history of the
Reign of Terror need not be told of tue hor-
rors of French prison during that troubled
period. Such will form tolerably correct
idea of the place where Madcmo:selle Gar
cinier was incarcerated on being torn from
home and its comforts. The three occupied
separate cells; circumstance that was par
ticularly painful to Cecile, who wished to be
near her father, during the few hours OF exis
tcnce that might be allowed them.
A very singular surprise was reserved ior
her; which was the appearance OF Monsieur
Santerville, q short time after her imprison-
mont. BE entered the compartment in which
she was immured. She could not suppress an
exclamation of as!onishment.
"Monsieur Sauterville! Do indeed be-
hold you here? hoped you were far from
Nantes"
81 assured you that I had friends who
were interesting themselves for my escape.
One Of them has much influence over Jean
Baptiste Carrier; and he has c1erted himself
SO earnestly in my behalf, that l can now
ralls the streets Of Gantsa without fear. l
csa, % you perceive, gAn o1eas even to this
uretclted prison." be eiisu eraa.
I" tensieur, you sre SEahgSy fortunate"
Cecile replied :.
~ ought to bc grateful to God," returned
Santervile, piously. 81 should be grateful
to you also; expect to prove that l am. l
have come here burning with desire to save
you and your friends. Mademoiselle, there
is but one method of effecting iny purpose.
This is not a timo to practice ceremony, or to
let scruples Of delicacy deter one from doing
everything in his power to save life. Carrier
mas promised my fricad-who, as have in
formed you, is all-powerlul-to protect my
family. Said he, Tell Citizen Santerville
that bis family shall not be moIssted. he
NAV send for them to come 10 Nantes when
ever he wishes.' This pledge has suggested
a plan of saving you. Mademoiselle, become
nv wife, and the liberation of your father and
Fieurian you may consider certain"
"That,n replied Cecile blushing, is inn
possible. If should live to- be wife, Paul
Fleurisn will be my husband"
"Paul Fleutian," responded Santeryille,
with slight contraction Of his brows and
decided voice, =" will die tonight. The order
is already signed for his execution. To-mor-
row. the waters of the Loire will roll over
him. This shocks your sensibiliies. il
grieyes me, also, to announce the fatal truth
but truth alone must be spoken here"
@Oh, I am sure, can never be your wife p
cried Cecile, wringing her hands. Santeryille
anp.ared to reflect seriously, walking the lit
tie compartment with bent and medltatlVe
aI have another expcdient, Mademoiselle, 7"
he said, pausing before her. To save you,
I will submit to mock marriage, by which
shall have no legal claim upon you. The il
legal forms gone through with, you and your,
friends shall be furnished with the means OF
escape from Nantes. can devise nothing
better. If this does not meet your approval, ,
a.lanu IN rnun Won u MademOiSalle