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

w nat injury nave we uCHe you. IN
quired Mademoiselle de Ia Chesnaye. .'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
sidered we'll paid. The free heart revolts
against such insult offered honest pride
At this instant wild cries were heard in
the streets and the tramp of many men.
..Oh, Isten!'' exclaimed Blanche ado
you not hear their cries. They are in pur-
suit Of me; they viii kill me. Oh, take my
life yourself; do not let me fall into their
hands. Rather than have such fate I
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
quiI>u. are u "o1.lan ana they are
only men"
.'Men!" exclaimed Mdle de la Chesnaye;
':they are scarcely human. Hank they
are at the very door, Ga, my father, my
father; if you could but protect me-
'.Hush - murmured Mire; ''be calm and
trust me-
A loud noise was now heard, and almost
at the same instant tail man, the leader OF
! band Of sans culottes, entered the room.
! All were under the influence Of liquor aud
much excited, and to the wild song they
! sang were added curses on royalty.
cat 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
"Yes,'' replied enc Of the men, che taught
her music"
What if | was, as you say, her music
| teacher? | am also a sans-culotte like
yourselves. | 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
We'll, we have orders to arrest that wo-
man, and your violin and dreams may as
well keep her company.
~ hat woman" inquired Mlre, a sudden
resolve cleaning in His eyes. look at me,
am OF the people, tree man-and this
woman is at home"
What do you mean?' inquired Curt US
. tiercely
THAT you and your drunken soldiers de
part at once
''In the name of the law, citizens, | com
mand you to seize and hold these arlsto-
Gratis" exclaimed the leader.
On hearing these words Blanche de la
Chesnaye arose and rushed to Mire.
.sOh kill me kill me-" she exclaimed,
elinging to him in fear.
I'VE will see who is the strongest here,
replied the sans-culottes, surrounding them.
. There is but one way to save YOU
I 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 a tone that only Mire and Blanche
) caught the sound.
.sYou are a traitor, and were but a slave
, at the chateau" said Curtius. raising his
clenched fist s.Friends he has conspred
When the tocsin sounded he was not anon .
US
'He is a traitor to the cause, a traitor TO
France" exclaim cd several voices.
Q Il am neither, replied the musician
proudly. '.Citizens. like yourselves, | am a
4 faithful patriot 1t is true l did not go te
| the chateau, and why? Because could not
fight against myself.
e "What do you mean" inquired Curtius.
5 For an instant there was Pause: the
pale face of the musician grew ashen in
4 hue; but when at length he spoke. his voice
= was calm aud Il, IN.
II will explain. l have said could not
e fight against myself. Know, then. that
y that woman is my r!ff'
: Your wife. Is that true, Citizen re-
sponded Curtius.
1t is
s. will you swear it,
IL will"
(, ..How long have you been married.
: .'Sx weeks"
h say"
: That it is true was the trembling re
y Spouse.
..lou will tell us further respecting this
v matter" replied one of the men.
g 1T is very simple" continued Mire
drawing the faintng girl close to his breast
d ..smple, and yet. perhaps. somewhat COM
' plicated. You know taught Blanche de /;
:. Chesnaye"
|; YES. we know that. and more too: fol
you were shown the door" said Curtius.
n Il was. and returned by the window
d replied Mire. smiling.
: At this moment Jeanne who had left til
room, reentered. and rushing toward tn
;. musician threw herself at his feet, ella i'm
II ing his protection.
= Who has harmed youss" inquired Mire
20 These men have frightened me, re
sponded the girl they are drunk an
K have voted to kiss me- but | said that Won
dear Mire. would avenge the girl you love
Ia What exclaimed Cur,ius, lis the clti
D zen Mire higanis;s'
Il would be willing TO swear that t
lie neither is he married. said one of tn
lie men.
lie why do you say so:" inquired Cur;ius
z because ne is calm
r. Il must know the truth, responded CuI
B. titus In the name of the law. Mire,
command you to speak. Ii you deceiv
i. me will arrest all ,kree-you as a traffic
and couspirator, the woman as suspected
ID and pretty little Jeanne for having refuse