The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-09-26

ton guilt Sas with burning dngsfs IL
branded its mark of. possession On the
soul, When the world called me brave
and HONORABLE, and Won 9 commenda.
tions from the noble and the good, 7
was, indeed, the-g whited sepulchreS
Within was the FOUL sickening stencil
Of guilt-a heart full of cursed ruenao-
fies, which. II men knew, they would
turn away from in 1oathing, disgust and
horror. Then I met Lucilles whom I
thought the most beautiful woman I had
ever seen. Men like myself never real
ly love, and did not care for her heart,
or think what wife she would prove.
My admiration was excited-ambition
and her encouragement did the rest, aud
soon was her most abject slave. In her
l found nothing but beauty, save her
family influence would bear ME up to a
higher station, and she was mere step
ping stone to that attainment. I had
never thought she loved me with that
unwaveripg fidelity and unquestioning
devotion that Marie once bestowed on
me, but I regarded her as unequivocally
attached to me, and counted upon her
family influence to secure my promotion
to higher rank, previous to our MAJ
riage. In pursuance Of this object,
obtained a leave of absence in order to
visit Lucille at her fathers residence in
Paris. When I called on her, I was
chilled to see my division commander in
the room, acting more like one at home
than visitor. T chafed under his pre-
sence, and when he had gone showed
my jealousy and my imperious spirit in
my manner, as we'll as the questions I
asked. These seemed to arouse her
pride, and the interview passed most
frigidly. did not think of the contrast
between Lucille's temperament and that
OF submissive, unquestioning Marie, and
upon my next visit rather imperiously
asked that she, rs my affianced wife,
should not receive the visits of the Go
neral, limiting that his character might
be such as would compromise hers. In
On instant I saw I had gone too far,
and realized that had made fearful
mistake.
Colonel Levasseur is very polite in
thus slandering one of the oldest friends
of my family, who is his superior officer. u
My anger was aroused, and refused
to apologize. She arose and swept from
the room, saying:
"Good evening, Colonel. The servant
will show you down."
I was so completely thunder-struck
that it was several minutes before I
could collect my scattered senses and
walk down stairs. I could scarcely re-
alize that all my visions of the future
could be so rudeIy dispelled in so short
time, and for such frivolous cause
Next morning received our engage
ment ring, i'll an envelope addressed
in the Generals handwriting, but not q
line, or even word, from Lucille, and
I saw all then; felt as if fate had set its
seal on me, and I was already doomed,
though I had none to blame but myself
l had wrought my destiny with my own
hands-had reaped of my own sowing
and the measure had meted to others
had been measured to me again. But
my senses were dulled; I was dead to the
keener pangs of anguish had dealt to
those who once so fondly loved me.
What a mockery poor Marie's words
were then. "May you be happy"
that L was alone in the wide, cold world,
with none to think or care for me, whe-
thor lived or died; happy in the halo
curses Of God on my head and hell in
my breast. spent the remainder of my
furlough in one constant round of de-
OeSAa3 SAASoAt At'SthOd3 eh1oo ootCAipGllB "
light the darkening shadows of despair
that were fast gathering over my path
way. was not surprised. when joining
my command, heard of Lucille's mar
riage to the General. For once I had
met my match; had found heart rs
cold, unscrupulous and calculating,
though not SO guilty, as my own. Soon
[ began to feel her cold, vindictive heart
through her husbands power, and L am
only o colonel yet. But this will be o
desperate battle, and if he is killed I nm
sure to succeed hin, in command.
What is that! The enemy have opened
fire on us as they form across tho field in
front. "Adiutant, form the regimentr'
Here is another opportunity to hide
from myself again. Are my orders never
coming, and my men to stand here all
day and be shot down like sheep? All!
here is the courier. "Colonel Leyasseur
will at once form against the enemy and
clear his front; then take position i'll
the field, with his right resting on the
road leading to the village" How fear
fully pregnant with meaning are the
concise words and disjointod sentences
of q military order! II these few lines
40 rao5 tl,o laofL xrorro,t &c l,,p,1,aJe