The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-10-25
that word. I am your friend, but also the

"What injury have we dcne your" in
quired Mademoiselle de Ia Chesnaye. s'You !
often visited my house, and were kindly re-
ceived"
True" responded Mire Il visited the
chateau, but simply as the musician to per-
form for its guests, and when my duties
were ended was told to refresh myself in
the hall, and by this privilege l was con-
sidered we'll paid. The free heart reyolts
against such insult offered honest pride"
At this instant wild cries were heard in
the streets and the tramp of many men,
.'Oh, listen!" exclaimed Blanche. s'Do
you not hear their cries? They are in pur-
suit Of me; they will kill me. Oh, take my
life yourself; do not let me fall into their
hands. Rather than have such fate
would throw myself from this window and
meet death upon the stones below
With a sudden impulse the young must
clan drew the trembling girl to his breast,
while tears gathered in his eyes.
"Why are you so filled with fear?'' he in
quirsu. ou are woman ami they are
only men,"
"Men!" exclaimed Mdle. de la Chesnaye;
ssthey are scarcely human. Hank they
are at the very door, Oh, my father, my
father; if you could but protect me!!''
''Hush 20 murmured Nire; ''be calm and
trust me-"
A loud noise was now heard and almost
at the same instant a tall man, the leader of
! band Of sans culottes, entered the room.
! All were under the influence of liquor and
much excited, and to the wild song they
sang were added curses on royalty.
Eat last | have found YOU" exclaimed
| Curtius, the leader, and, advancing, he
! placed his hand upon Mademoiselle de Ia
Chesnaye's arm. ''As we find you at Mire's
we will arrest you BOTH
EYES," replied one Of the men, che taught
her music"
"What IT l was, as you say, her music
teacher? | am also sans-culotte like
yourselves. l acknowledge no royalty"
responded the musician, proudly.
''Then why were you not with us at the
chateau"
because, alone with my violin, all other
thoughts were absorbed by my music and
the dream of better days for France
well, we have orders to arrest that wo-
man, and your violin and dreams may as
well keep her company"
"n hat woman?' inquired Mire, a sudden
resolve cleaning in his eyes. ''Look at me,
am Of the people, tree man-and this
woman IS at nome.
What do you mean?'' inquired Curtius
fiercely.
.'That you and your drunken soldiers de
part at once"
sin the name of the law, citizens, | com
mand you to seize and hold these aristo-
Gratis" exclaimed the leader.
On hearing these words Blanche de Ia
Chesnaye arose and rushed to Mire.
- 4. Il
elinging to him in fear.
1--WE will see who is the strongest here,
replied the sans-culottes, surrounding them
There is but one way to save you,
whispered Mire; .dare use the means?"
Can you hesitate! Oh, save me-
''And you will forgive me?''
II will bless YOU"
These words were spoken rapidly and in
SO low n tone that only Mire and Blanche
, caught the sound
"You are traitor, and were but q slave
at the chateau said Curtius, raising his
clenched fist. "Friends, he has conspired
When the tocsn sounded he was not among
u.s."
ale is a traitor to the cause, a traitor to
France" exclaim cd several voices.
, II am neither, replied the musician
proudly. Citizens, like yourselves, lam q
! faithful patriot. 1t is true | did not go te
the chateau. and why? Because could not
fight against myself
} what do you mean" inquired Curtius.
! For an instant there was pause: the
pale face of the musician grew ashen in
! hue; but when at length he spoke, his voice
was calm aud finn.
II will explain. l have said l could not
} fight against myself. Know, then, that
that woman is my rife
..Your wife Is that true, citizans' re.
sponded Curtius.
1T is"
y .'Will you swear it!''
Il will"
GLOW long have you been married.
ssSix weeks"
..Aud you, madam, what have you Il
, say"
THAT it is true, was the trembling re-
: Spouse.
"You will tell us further respecting this
' matter" replied one of the men.
1T is very simple" continued Mire
drawing the fainting girl close to his breast
| ''simple, and yet, perhaps, somewhat COM
. plicated. You know taught Blanche de |,
. Chesnaye."
!: ..Yes, we know that. and more too; fo1
you were shown the door," said Curtius.
n II was and returned by the window.
4 replied Mire smiling.
: At this moment Jeanne. who had left tn
room, re-entered. and rushing toward tn
!. musician, threw herself at his feet. ella i'm
Il ing his protection.
: who has harmed yous' inquired Mire
o These men have frightened me" re
sponded the GIRL they are drunk an
X have voted to kiss me, but said that you
dear Mire. would avenge the girl you love.
a WHAT" exclaimed Curtius. ''is the citi
J. zen Mire bigamis;s'
Il would be willing to swear that
9 neither is he married. said one of tn
G men.
e "why do you say SOL" inquired Curiius
e because he is calm.
:, Il must know the TRUTH responded Cur
y thus. I'm the name of the law, Mire,
command you TO speak. II YOU deceiv
l. me will arrest all tkree-you as a traffic
and conspirasor. the woman as suspected
4 e. H.