Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1875-11-24
A Fatal Sacrifice.

Leontine was the only child of Mad
anne de Neuilles, a lady of fashion; in
fact, one of the leaders of the Jear monde
OF Paris.
Leontine de Neuilles was upon the
eve of what was considered a most bril-
liant marriage, but although the event
was near at hand she seemed oppressed
by sadness, and her mother was at a
loss to explain the reason of said dejec-
tiOn. For some time the young girl re-
fused to consent to the marriage, but at
length, TO the surprise of all, accorded
voluntary yielding to the wish of her
family. Madame de Neuilles tenderly
questioned her daughter upon the sub
ject, wishing TO read her heart.
Il am willing to marry" responded
Leontine.
But are you happy, my child:" in
quired her mother.
AS happy as | can be-" was the sad
reply.
The Baron de Neuilles. anxious re-
specIing his daughter, questioned his
wife frequently. Il am pleased that
Leontiue has acceded to my wish" he
said; ''but fear that she entertained a
prior attachment for Maurice Dorval." :"
NeTilles; ''she has long been attached
TO Maurice, but she has reason to be-
iieve him false and so consents to wed
another"
.fHas she proof that Maurice Dorval
is false?"
undoubtedly; and a love trifled with
is destroyed"
You NAV be right" added the Baron,
n Il. n =
and she will learn when toe late that
life is earnest"
The morning fixed for the marriage
arrived and Henri de fremont was
united to Leontine de Neuilles i'm the
chapel of st. Cloud, both being sur
rounded by host of admiring friends
and relatives.
The last eight days of her girlhood
had been passed by Leontine in kind
of stupor. She seemed dead to all that
surrounded her. Each day her mother
had assisted at her toilet, and embraced
her tenderly. and vet she did not seem
To realize the fact that additional and
devoted attention was accorded her.
Every thought was given to the past,
TO Maurice Dorval and his treachery.
Arraved in her white robes, and
shielded by her vail, Leontine was
driven to church and led to the altar
without one thought OF the terrible sac
rifice she was making-the sacrifice of
heart, soul and pride-wOman's pride
that pride which, once stung, will recoil
in bitterness.
Madame de Neuilles, seeing Leontine' 5
unnatural condition and death-like COM
posure, besoughU her to reflect and
weigh well the importance OF the step
she proposed.
elf this marriage is displeasing TO
you.'' she said, There is yet time to
avert the evil. Speak, my darling child,
it is not too late yet"
You are mistaken" responded Leon
tine: "this marriage must take place,
mother-it is inevitable"
In making sacrifices women are more
courageous ordinarily than men-their
will is inexoIa able. Like Sappho, they
would throw themselves into an abyss
rather than fail.
The marriage was celebrated with
much pomp in the Royal Chapel. The
court attended the ceremony, and great
was the display of grandeur.
The newlY-married couple passed the
day at the chateau, where the scene of
ravetv was brilliant in the extreme.
I.eontine had never looked more lovely !;
her bridal robe and wreath of orange
blossoms seemed TO enhance the pure.
immaculate style of her beauty, lending
her an exquisite charm.
Not a ray of color tinged the marble
pallor of her fair cheeks, and in the
dreamy depths of her dark lustrous eyes
there was deep meaning. Many COM
ments were passed upon the appearance
of the bride. and all were struck by her
marble-like calm.
..What ails YOU, Leontine?" ques-
toned the Princess de P, in low
whisper.
Nothing" responded the bride.
"Why, then, do you look so sad, so
cold and calm."
1T is the effect of getting married, "
replied the Countess de v, who had
overheard her words. 'Wben we
women marry we all look more dead
than alive. Some say it is pure deyo-
ton TO the object of our choice" The
words were followed by a merry laugh.
The Young bride smiled sadly, and.
without response, turned away.
alt is said that Leontine has secret
attachment" added listener, land II
so. this marriage will not end happily.
my dear friend, you are mistaken
she adores her husband, and II Is mar
riage of hearts as well as hands, re-
piled the Countess de V.
During the evening Leontine was ire
ouently seen 10 raise a small gold vinai-
grette TO her lips and then hide itquickly
in her handkerchief. The precious
stones with which il was constructed
could be seen through the fine lace oil
the handkerchief.
Att o'clock the Baroness de Neuliies
led her daughter to the room she mad
always occupied. Nothing had been
changed except the bedstead. The ittie
snow-white bed, which had formerly
invited rest, was gone, and in It's place
stood one of regal appearance, surroup,
,Ied by rich lace curtains and covered
by damask spread. Upon the mantei
were ornaments of gold and fragrant
flowers. All the candles were hghteo
i'm the chandeliers, and in all respects
the nuptial chamber looked bright ana
beautiful.
After lingering for some time, tne
Baroness at length embraced her daugh-
ter and retired.
.sTry to be reasonable and happy, my
child" she said at parting, land re-
member, you are now married.
''Not for long," murmured Leontlhe
when the Baroness closed the door:
Not for long; but although married
will never consent to be the wife OF the
man whose name | bear. i was asked