The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1873-11-28

family, who at present found them
selves in this pleasant little city on
the Main, where an estate had been
left to them from rich relative).-
'Is, then, the rage of this unfortunate
war to be forced upon this little
place W
II hope that I, as clergyman. shall
be exempt from quartering any Of the
soldiers"
Hardly, my good sir" replied
Herr Dumot; "where can the officers
find accommodations unless each fam
| lily receives a portion of these guests?
Already have promised to receive a
good number of the bluecoats, and
have no doubt but they will be very
orderly. Have no anxiety" he con-
tinued, turning to his wife and daugh-
ter. "You, Marie, were pleased to
dance with Prussians when you were
at the seminary in Wurzburg."
The parson took his hat and cane,
and Herr Dumot went toward the
house with bis wife and daughter
Marie, however, remained alone in
the garden. Her eyes filled with
tears as she thought of that time and
with sorrowful look glanced out up
on the realities of life.
The amiabIe Marie Dumot had
many suitors, but she encouraged none;
but there was one, ah! one who of her
had long since ceased to think.
In an hour the infantry entered
Some were directed to the house of
Herr Dnmot. He received them cor
daily; said to the tall man who was
foremost: II am glad to greet sur
geon among you. You come to heal,
not to slay," The doctor bowed, en-
tered into conversation with the
host, which soon took friendly turn.
Presently the door opened and
Frau Dumot entered, Patient behind
her, who suddenly bounded toward
the doctor, then leaped upon him,
barking joiously. The former student
was thus stormily greeted by his first
patient! Moritz then came into the
room and soon after Marie, looking
more matured, paler and more serious,
but still as lovely to eyes Of Heinrich
as when he floated through the dance
with her. or in the dark under the
chestnut trees before the house listen
ing to her songs
Heinrich now was in circumstances
to marry, and told the beloved maid
en- all that was in his heart, and
learned from her lips how long and
faithfully he had been beloved.
AS the light of the moon illumined
the garden, the lovers, after Heinrich
had obtained the blessing of the par
ents, wandered, betrotbed pair, up
and down the vine-clad arbor. /
The sun had not yet appeared in all
bis majesty behind the mountains ere
the trumpet signal called the officers
to their regiment The Dumot fami-
ly hastily assembled in their sitting
room, while the cook prepared warm
breakfast for the soldiers. Heinrich
stood at the window, hand in hand
with his betrothed, endeavoring to
cheer her Finally, the parting could
no longer be delayed; with one kiss
for his beloved, and pressing the hands
of the parents and brother, he was
gone.
The little city, in which for short
time one could hardly move, being SO
thronged with soldiers, was now quiet
as the grave. Those who had ac-
companied the marching troops had
returned to their labor, to forget the
bloody work that death was soon to
begin.
By-and-bye the church began to fill;
and Marie, though Lutheran, knelt
in the convent chapel to implore God
to keep her beloved.
An hour after the line of Prussians
had departed the thunder of the can
non could be heard in the distance
Through messengers and country peo-
pie, whose business led them that
way, it was reported that the Prus-
slams near Hundheim had met band
of troops, and there had been bloody
encounter,
Marie's nature was not communi-
cative. For long years she had loved
Heinrich in the secret depths of her
heart, without her mother having the
least suspicion of the fact. So, to-day,
the dear girl in her joy and sorrow,
was equally undemonstrative.- But,
as later in the afternoon the thunder
of the cannon ceased, her usual self
possession forsook her, and she went
to seek her brother. She found him
in his room preparing to go out.
"Moritz, dear Moriz," she began
with trembling voice, "if you knew"
"As if I could not read your soul.
I know you, my good, faithful sister,
as we'll as my own self, You are
anxious about Heinrich. | am al
ready on my way to procure intelli-
gence Of him"
"Moritz, / am sick with anxiety. l
beg of you to let me go with YOU"
The brother shook his head, and
said gently: '"I cannot consent TO
that. You have always been our self
reliant Marie; deserve this praise to-
Gay, in this trying hour. Remember,
that surgeon is not surrounded by
as much danger as the combatants;-
that the bitterest enemy will not in
| iure the one who can help him. Your
going would only hinder me, dear
Marie. A forsaken battlefield is no
sight for woman. You know l am
a good walker, and / will return to
YOU tonight with intelligence of
Heinrich"
AT least take bandages, and strong
essences, and Patient"
"I will, have all prepared, and
here comes Patient. Adiou."