The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-10-25

have not moment to lose. Retire to that
room and change dresses with Jeanne. =
As he said to Jeanne and addressed her IN
a low tone. Mile de Ia Chesnaye.s strength
seemed forsaking her. Jeanne left The
room quickly.
"Have courage whispered Mire. "My
marriage with this young girl will save you. :.
..For to-day, perhaps, but tomorrow.
"You will remain here with MS. You
will be thought to be Jeanne, and as long
as the danger exists you bear her name.
When all is over you will leave us, leave US
forever 81
..But tell me Mire. does Jeanne love you"
YES" responded the musician
.'And you, do you love her?s'
II respect her; she is good and pure"
'.But do you love herr
II love but one; but although my soul is
held bound to her in absolute worship, our
lives must remain divided a@Ha
"And yet you will accept marriage with
| another?..
..Yes, your heart has told you who
love; in life or death l am yours: but CO.
there is not moment to lose. Hereafter
remember how well love you.ss
| As he ceased speaking, Mire turned away;
for an instant Mademoislle de Ia Chesnaye
stood irresolute, and then quickly passed
into the adjoining apartment. As she dis
appeared sans-culotte entered the room.
SIS there nothing to drink here!" in
quired the man.
.'Water," responded the musician.
"Water be cursed,s was the rough re-
joinder. ..What else have'you to offer, cit
izen." e
Nothing" said Mire, calmly. am
poor man,
"a poor fool, if such be your beverage"
At this instant Curtius appeared, adorned
with his scarf. and followed by a man car
rying the register; alse, several sans-cu-
lottes. -. sc
"Well. have you decided? If SO, where
is the bride?'' inquired Curtius. .@
..In that room,.' replied Mire "Jeanne
is arranging her.veil.''
AS he spoke, the two young girls re-en-
tered the room. Jeanne was attired in the
dress previously woin by Mademoiselle de
la Chesnaye, and viel hid her face. Wear
ing the clothes of the peasant, her head
bowed, and handkerchief raised to her
face. Blanche stood close beside the bride.
''Citizen, have news to give you Of your
father" said Curtius.
"You have seen him." responded Blanche
without raising her head.
'.Ies; at present he is our prisoner. |
have, however, promised his liberty as soon
as you are married. provided he gave his
consent
What did he say to this marriage?''
'.Simply that he thought Mire a rascal;
but that if his daughter could stoop SO low
he would not Interfere
s.Stoop so low...s murmured Mademoiselle
!. de la Chesnaye, glancing at Jeanne.
"Approach,'' continued Curtius, COM
mandingly. Before US, Brutus Agricola
!, Egalite Curtius, representative Of the SOW
ercign people, aud in presence of these
witnesses. Mire. born of unknown parents,
espouses Blanche Cidevant Countess de la
Chesnaye? Citizen Mire, do you accept as
your wife Blanche de la Chesnaye?"
eyes,. replied Mire, in low, sad tone.
..Citizen Blanche de Ia Chesnaye, do you
accept Mire, the u.usician?.
"Yes," responded clear, firm voice; II
do accept Mire as my husband. As she
said these words, Mdle de Ia Chesnaye
took her place beside the musician. "Citi-
zsn Curtius. you are deceived this woman
is not Blanche de Ia Chesnaye | am the
daughter Of the ex-count de la Chcsnaye-I
will not witness the abnegation of this true
and good man. Itake the place Of Jeanne,
and here, in the presence Of all, acknowl-
edged that accept Mire as my husband. F"
..But refuse. responded the musician.
Il refuse to permit the sacrifice
Your refusal comes too late," replied
, Cur:ius, removing his scarf; ''you are al
!, ready man and wife,
Mire was silent. With his arms folded
upon his breast he watched each witness rs
he signed the certificate Of his marriage to
, the Countess de Ia Chesnaye, now called
!. Citizen Blanche Mire. Jeanne inscribed
: her name with the rest Pale and tremb-
ling, the young girl seemed scarcely to re-
alize the full import Of all that had trans
, PRED and, with bowed head, she hurried
from the room.
Each man as he signed the paper retired
and soon Mirc and Blanche stood alone
: For some moments the musician remained
in mute contemplation Of the beautiful wo-
man before him; then, taking his hat and
violin his sole treasure, he moved toward
the door. As lie reached the threshold be
7 paused
e ..In the future, when the thought Of thi:
. present time is recalled, remember that
1 loved you,. he said; ..loved you better thar
life or happiness, and now. farewell
..You are leaving me-. responded Blanche
. in tone of surprise, ..leaving me alone.
" on have nothing to fear: my name vii
: protect you, will guard you from all harm
; and almost within the hour your father vii
be restored to liberty.
t You have no right to go without me.
i replied his listener.
You will forgive me. if, perhaps. on
!. day return.
Il do not understands
Listen, then We will meet again wher
! l am worthy Of you, when | at least maj
q offer yen fame.
I ssworthy Of mes exclaimed Mademois
ellie de Ia Chesnaye.
Yes, worthy Of you Our country i
: the scene Of strife. I,.too, will fight fo
> the cause.
..Ycur wife is in DANGER responds
!, Blanche evil yon forsaKe me even fo
!. your country.
my Wife. nlurmured Mire. his eye
: lighting with : look Of hope and love
> .sYes, your wife. Our marriage Was NJ
4 ~ nrxr al hur ulaA