Litchfield enquirer., 1874-02-19

he broke with look of the greatest i'm patience His eyes frightened up as he perused 1t. The officers were themselves too much engaged too notice anything. ''Gentlemen." said Silvio, ''circum- stances require me to leave without de- lay. I go this night, and hope you will not refuse to dine with me for the last time. I expect you also," he continued, turning to me; "I expect you withou fail J With these words he hastened out, and we shortly dispersed, having agreed to meet at Silvios
 arrived at the appointed hour. and found nearly the whole of my brother off, cers. Silvio's moyeables were all packed and little remained but the bare and bat tered walls. We sat down to dinner; our host was Ill high spirits, and his cheerful ness was soon participated in; the corks flew necessarily, and we wished the tray eler with all possible sincerity God speed and every blessing. It was already late when we arose. While the caps were be- ing sorted, ,Silvio, bidding everyone ''good- bye, took me by the hand and detained me, Just.as was on the point of leaving, Il must speak to you," he said in a low voice. Iremained.
 The guests had left; being alone, we sat opposite each other, and silently be- gan to smoke our pipes. Silvio was care worn, and there were no longer any traces ot hls affected cheerfulness. The pallor ot hls sombre face, his sparkling eyes, and the dense smoke issuing from his mouth, ,ssgave him a truly demoniacal look. kSeVeral minutes passed away, and Silvio broke silence:
 "We may perhaps never meet again, ;" said he; ''I wish to have an explanation With you before we part. You must have noticed how little value the opinion of the world, but like you, and feel that It would would prey upon me were to leave an unjust impression on vnur ID iad, ,'' tied pipe; l remained silent with lowered eyes.
 You thought 1t strange" he con- tinued, ''that I did not demand satisfac- tion from that tipsy fool R.. You will doubtless own that the right to choose weapons being mine, his life was in my hands, my own being almost beyond the reach of danger. might ascribe this forbearance to pure generosity, but will not deceive you. Had it been in my pow CT to punish R., without risking my own life Ill the least degree, I would have by no means: let him off. D
 l looked at Slivo in surprise, and vas completely taken back by such confes- sion. Slivo went on:
 ''That's just it. i have no right to i'm peril my life. l received box on the ear six years ago, and my enemy still lives"
 My curiosity was thoroughly awakened. ''You did not fight him?' asked I. "Cir- cumstances probably parted your'
 ''I did fight him. answered Slivo, "and here is the memorial of our duel'
 Silvio rose and took out of nat-box a red cap ornamented with gold tassel and braid, (what the French would call b0n- net de oolice) he put 1t on; it had hole about an inch from it's edge
 ''You known," continued Silvio, 'sthat I served in the--Hussars. My disposi- tion Is known to you. I am accustomed to take the lead, but in my early days it was 9 passion. At that time practical jokes were i'll fashion, and I was the greatest scamp in the whole army. We prided ourselves upon our drinking pow CTS. I outdid the famous Bourzoff, whom Denis Davidoff has sung.* Duels took place constantly in our regiment. I took part in all of them, either as a witness or to principal. My comrades idolized me, and the regimental commanders, who were constantly changing, looked upon me as an unavoidable evil.
 was thus quietly Chat is, turbulently) enjoying my popularity. when there join ed us wealthy youth, member of a well-known family, q do not wish to men tion names.) Never in my life have I met such favored child of fortune! Imagine to yourself, youth, talents, good looks, the most exuberant cheerfulness, the most undaunted courage, ahigh-sound- ing name, wealth to which he knew no bounds, and you will form some idea of the impression h1s presence produced up- on us. My pre-eminence received check. Dazzled by my reputation, he would have sought my friendship, but I received him coldly, and he turned from me without any show of regret. began to hate him. His success in our regiment and ill the society of ladies threw me into complete despair. I sought opportunities for quarrel, but my epigrams were answered by eplgrams, which always seemed to me more unexpected and more stinging than my own; they were of course immeasura- ply more lively. He was facetious; was vicious. At last, upon the occasion of a ball given by Polish gentleman, seeing that he was the object of all the ladies, and especially of the hostess herself, who was an ally of mine, I whispered to him some grossly rude remark. He warmed | up, dHl SdNO u1S d UOA Ou GIl6 eur. we flew to our swords. The ladies tainted; we were separated, but the same night we drove off to fight duel.
 The day was breaking stood at the appointed spot, attended by my three seconds. i awaited with inexpressible impatience the arrival of my opponent. The sun had already risen, and It's rays were gathering heat. observed him in the distance. He was on foot, in uniform, wearing his sword, and accompanied by one second. We walked on to meet him. He approached, holding in his hand his cap, which was full of cherries. Our seconds proceeded to measure off twelve paces. I was to have fired fired first, but my rage was so great that could not re- ly upon the steadiness of my hand, and to gain time conceded to him the first shot. My opponent would not consent to this. It was decided that we should draw lots; he, with his usual good luck, won the toss. He aimed, and his bali went through my cap. It was now my turn. His life was in my hands at last looked eagerly at him, trying to detect even 8 shadow of uneasiness. He stood covered by my pistol, selecting the ripest out of his cap, and splitting out the stones. which nearly reached me as they fell. His coolness exasperated me- What is the use, thought I, of depriving him of his life, when he values it so little? A wicked thought fitted across my mind. dropped the pistol. You are not think ing of death now,' said I; You prefer to enjoy your breakfast; do not wish to disturb you?' You do not disturb me in the least, replied he, please to fire away; but, by the way, that IS just as you please; your fire remains with you; am always ready and atyour seryiceP turned to l the seconds, declaring did not intend to proceed at present, and thus our meeting ended.
 Iquitted I the service and retired to this place. But not day has since passed without thought of vengeance. Now my time has cone"
 Silvio drew out of his pocket the letter he had that morning received and handed it to me. Somebody (probably the per son entrusted with the care of his busi- l loI L.