The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-10-25
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tween God and ourselves. OH cannot con-
denim her to the agony Of listening to my
confession. Will you allcw her to leave the
ROOM"
No. responded Curtius.
Then listen TO me" continued Mire; .sas
| have said, year ago | became acquainted
with Blanche. One evening was alone
with her in the drawing-room of the chat
eau; she was playing upon the harpsichord,
| upon the violin. Suddenly my-my wife,
whom | then loved only in secret, became
very pale and tainted in my arms. My
duty told me to call for assistance. but love
babe me hold her to my heart. She looked
so pale, SO beautiful; and in silent worship,
knelt beside her, casping her small hands
in mine, and gazing into her pale sad face.
In falling Blanche had broken her comb,
and her long, luxuriant hair fell like veil
around her shoulders. AS | kneit support
ing her, my eyes riveted upon her face. the
Marquis entered, and in 4 transport Of rage
raisa,l his gun which he held, being fully
equipped tor the chase. | uttered a sud-
den ary, aud Blanche opened her eyes. In
an Instant she realized all, and sprang into
her fathers arms. The gun was discharged,
but her hand had arr. sted the aim, and l
left the house unharmed.'
$50 on" said Curtius.
There is no more to tell replied MIre
| IAN | to understand that marriage fol-
lowed this scene??" inquired his listener.
'.Yes. At least our love was spoken
| During this recital Blanche de la Ches-
nay es had remained silent look of min
gled confusion and anxiety flushed her pale
face, and from time to time she tremble,l
with fear.
lis this woman your wife or not?" in
CURED Curtius.
.'Yes and no. responded Mire. If
listen to the dictates of my own heart
again answer as have already done She
is my wife"
Were you lawfully married."
BY law, no; but God has blessed oul
union. His blessing transcends all earthly
power
''Then she is your mistress"
''Mistress or wiIe-as you will. 1.cal
her wife"
LAS delegate OF the sovereign people,
must consider the welfare of that people
Moral, as well as physical health, requires
protection. | was formerly a Sacrlstan.
viii go fer my tri-colored scarf, and then
return to accord you my benediction in tn
face of God and man"
But" stammered Mlre.
mo butts: if you are. as you say, reall,
married, you need not fear to be remarked
One sacrament, more or less. will do harm
As your wife, citizen like yourself, she i
protected, and not otherwise
wait but until tomorrow" Responded
Mire.
You hesitate said Curtius. ..an'
through that very hesitation you acknowl
; edge the tact that you but proclaimed your
self her husband in order to save her from
falling into our hearts. That which yoi
: acknowledged yourself 30 be YOU enall no,
become in good earnest. nancy, her has
band. grant you one quarter of an hou
for reflection daring which time | will &
for my scarf | withdraw my men an
leave you together, but remember, til
house will be strictly guarded. =
Having spoken these words, Curtiu
strobe rapidly from the house, followed b
the sans -culotte. and Blanche and Mir
were alone.
"A am in despair exclaimed the youn
) musician I'm order 10 save your life
have said that which now. for the sake G
your liberty and life, | dare not unsay."
Il understand and appreciate your act,
!, murmured his listener extending her and
Il understand, and am ready to make til
Q sacrifice.
1T cannot be exclaimed Mire. II at
poor and humble. have nothing to offe
you, no chateau in exchange for your IN
e tangible air, and my dreams of futur
greatness which. like life itself, are unsub
e stantial. Blanche lie Ia Chesnaye. dar
no, ask you to link your future with Mire
The poor musician.
Your music is sublime murmured tn
girl, her small hands elasped, and her eye
riveted upon the sky, as though pleadin
for strength.
Yes, but unlike that of orpheus. who
when he sang gave life TO the very stone
play upon my violin, and listen to il
voice until my soul is wrapt in an elysiuu
but, inspired as may be my gift, it ca
o raise no chateau on the sand OF my folly
1t is. after all, hut empty sound
..Mire you are unjust" responde
Blanche in a low voice.
For brief space the musician walked ,
and fro through the little room. his eys
: flashed with the fervor of his thought. an
: bright flush of color burning his pal
cheeks.
Il had forgotten, mademoiselle,' he sut
r denly exclaimed. in a tone of mingled iron
and passion. THAT you still have refus
= from the horror Of being bound TO me. Q
the stones below this window you may I'm
q release and eternal oblivion"
q At this instant Jeanne entered the room
!. Il have heard ALL. said the girl, in
trembling voice.
;. This gift Of yourself YOU cannot off
a both. responded Blanche. She low
d you. be true to her, and forget me-
!. Jeanne, have | ever spoken TO you
> marriage. Have | ever spoken to you
i lover inquired the musician.
Never. and yet | believe il your Low
% because you were kind and gentle.
e Child. have. it is true ever welcome
you with kindness. and have loved 70
). Jeanne, as love all that Is bright ar
beautiful as the flowers. the birds. sum-
r sky. with its fieecy clouds and sweet prom
I ise-but with no thought OF marriage.
% ..Oh no. nurmured the girl. Il on
,r knew that you loved me. and that | ":
/. happy"
i Marriage. with its deep, full meanin