Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1869-02-18
SeGett Gare.
From the Baltimore Home Journal.
ELISA BECKER.
A TALE OF FLANDERS.

the frontier Countries were still trembling
and disorganized by the recent events that
had torn the continent, Monsieur Becker
was wealthy man, in the prime of life, q
widower, and the father of only one child
"a daughter.
He had married very early, and the s0li>
tary trial of his career had been the death
of his idolized wife. The fierce struggles
which had rent entire nations passed un-
needed by him, rs he devoted hts thoughts
TO the welfare of his little Elisa, and the
cultivation Of his estates. He was too in
dolent to mix in politics, too simple 10 bis
heart and tastes to be ostentatious, ahd he
was allowed to vegetate in safe retirement
while less wealthy neighbors had already
paid the penalty of their riches in a prison
or on q scafiold: they perished, and Beck>
er pursued the even tenor Of his way, as
his farm prospercd, and child daily grev
more beautiful.
Nor when order was partially restored
did he alter his style Of living. People,
however, began to look about them to see
whose heads were yet on their shoulders,
and who had wherewithal TO fill their
mouths; and il was then discovered that
Elisa Becker was charming girl, and
would eventually have a good property
Beaux swarmed around her when she ap>
peared at the different rural festivals, and
she was unanimously declared to be the
best catch in the whole district of Ar
denne.
| The country lads, however, were not
quite suited to her taste. Her father had
spent some of his earlier days in Paris,
and there acquired The manners OF the
French gentleman. He had ,emainsd
there only long enough to gain that exqui-
site polish; he had left ere his young mind
could be vitia,ed by the detestable vices
which drove an oppressed nation to fren>
zy, while his retired life and devotion 10
hi, daughter had given an almost chival>
rous tone TO his demeanor. With such a
father. Elisa was hard 10 please. Her rud,
ry faced suitors seemed Doors unworthy of
notice and were speedily dismissed; while
Their homage had given her a sense of hei
own consequence. and taught her to think
on subject never entirely absent from a
young girls fancy. She felt that where
she gave her love it would be entirely and
forever; that, deeply, fondly as she loved
her father, there was yet more passions
ute feeling; and she longed 10 inspire, to
besiow it.
Monsieur Becker did not quite share his
daughters opinions. and was inclined to
be angry at these repeated rejections. Ce-
libacy is so disgraceful in foreigners eye
that they cannot believe it voluntary iu a
woman unless sanctioned by religious
vows; and Elisa's remaining unmarried at
Is was source Of great annoyance TO
her father -
They were strelling along the high>way
one day, and he was demonstrating with
her on the subject. when they were sud
denly intercepted by man on horseback,
who, looking very earnestly. almost rude
ly ut Elisa, asked to be directed to the
neighboring town of Tuerveeren. After
receiving proper instructions he made a
polite bow, and rode on, still occasionally
turning for another glance.
Monsieur Becker was remarking on his
cultivated voice and accent, so different
from the neighboring farmers, and rallying
Elisa on her conquest, when the horse by
shying, threw his rider with great violence
to the ground. Both flew to the spot; bat
he was senseless, and his forehead fearful>
iy cut.
| Have you courage to remain here; Eli>
So, asked her father, while run to the
farm? My mer shall bring up door and
mattrass to carry HIM on. Poor fellow!
we must have him up to the house and
see what can be done for him.
Go, 90, dear father said she; L will try
to stauuch this horrld blood. Never mind
me-
Monsieur Becker hastened on to procure
assistance. while Elisa remained with the
stranger. She knclt down by his side, and
gently raised the heavy curls already mats
ted with gore; even then she was struck
by his handsome features, and the ex-
ireme silkiness OF his beautiful black hair
In moments like these. each moment was
an age; and rapidly as her father returned
she mentally accused him with hardness
while her interest in the sufferer increased
with each movement, with everv care and
fear he excited.
He was carried to their house, and they
there discovered that his wounds were moi
dangerous, though severe; but his pro.
louged insensibili,y had already excited
Elisa's feelings in his behalf.
Who has watched by the sick>bed, even
of stranger, without finding all their
sympathies awakened, and tn at the pa
tient becomes daily more dear7
How sweet to watch the lauguid smile
4 and trace each days recovery, to hear q
weak voice murmur our name 10 grateful
ONES, to feel the pressure Of the hand, to
feel that for the time we are all in all "a
our charge.
Is it wonderful, then, that Elisa, while
fostering the stranger thus romantically
introduced to her, should prove that ''pity
pity is akin to lover or that he. receiving
the many nameless attentions woman on
ly can pay in such situation, and from q
beautiful young girl, should wish to ce,
ment their sudden friendship by warmei
tie?
His story was soon teld. Arnold vans
braer had come to reside at Tuervceren
where be intended practicing as lawyer
He was an-orphan, having lost almost all
bis family in the late horrors; but had re.