The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-10-25
The Anti-AGonopolist.N
Iuperfsst Page

tween God and ourselves. You cannot con-
denim her to the agony of listening to my
confession Will you allow her to leave the
| room?"
.sNo,'' responded Curtius.
..Then listen TO me-" continued Mire; .sas
have said, a year ago l became acquainted
with Blanche. One evening Twas 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, clasping 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 knelt support
ing her, my eyes riveted upon her face. the
Marquis entered, and in q transport of rage,
raised his gun which he held, being fully
equipped for the chase. | uttered a sud-
den cry, 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 arrested the aim, and l
left the house unframed.
$50 on" said Curtius.
There is no more to tell,'' replied Mire.
4 lam to understand that marriage fol-
lowed this scene?'' inquired his listener.
Eyes. At least our love was spoken
During this recital Blanche de Ia 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.
sis this woman your wife or not?" in
, quired Curtius.
Eyes and no" responded Mire. s'If
t 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 our
union His blessing transcends all earthly
e power.
'.Then she is your mistress?"
sMistress or wife-as you will. I.cal
her wife"
Gas delegate of the sovereign people, l
must consider the welfare of that people
8 Moral, as well as physical health, requires
protection. l was formerly Sacristan.
will go fer my tri-colored scarf, and then
: return to accord you my benediction in thu
$ face of God and man.
"But," stammered Mire.
5 ..No butts: if you are as you say, really
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"
y 'sWat but until tomorrow" responded
Mire.
."You hesitate. said Curtius. "ant
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 yol
l. acknowledged yourself to be you snail nov
become in good earnest. namely, her hus
band. grant you one quarter of an hou
for reflection during which time | will g
for my scarf. | withdraw my men am
leave you together, but, remember, th
n 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,
9 musician. I'm order to save your life
have said that which now, for the sake o
your liberty and life. / dare not unsay."
Il understand and appreciate your act,
!, murmured his listener, extending her hand
a IL understand, and am ready to make TIL,
Q sacrifice"
II at cannot be- exclaimed Mire. 81 au
poor and humble. | have nothing to offe
I. you, no chateau in exchange for your in
e tangible air, aud my dreams of futur'
4 greatness which. like life itself, arc unsub
e stantial Blanche de la Chesnaye. dar
not ask you to link your future with Mire
I the poor musician"
t Your music is sublime murmured tn
girl, her small hands clasped, and her eye
: riveted upon the sky, as though pleading
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 it
voice until my soul is wrapt in an elysium
but, inspired as may be my gift, it cal
o raise no chateau on the sand of my folly
1t is. after all, but empty sound
"Mire. you are unjust" responds
Blanche in a low voice.
= For a brief space the musician walked t
and fro through the little room, his eye
. flashed with the fervor of his thought an
y a bright flush of color burning his pal
$ cheeks.
Il had forgotten, mademoselle,' he sud
r
and passion, .'that you still have refug
;, from the horror Of being bound to me o
the stones below this window you may FIN
20 release and eternal oblivion
10 At this instant Jeanne entered the room
a Il have heard ALL said the girl. in
trembling voice.
e. This gift of yourself you cannot offe
e. both, Responded Blanche. ''She love
Id you, be true to her, and forget me-
n. Jeanne, have I ever spoken to you {
= marriage. Have ever spoken to you {
i love-" inquired the musician.
Never, and yet believe il your low
10 because you were kind and gentle
,e ..Chiid. have. it is true. ever welcome
you with kindness. and have loved 20
;. Jeanne, as love all that is bright an
beautiful as the flowers, the birds, SUM
r sky. with its fieecy clouds and sweet prom
| ise-but with no thought Of marriage"
re- s.Oh no. nurmured the girl. Il onl
or knew that you loved me, and that va
d. happy"
u ..Narriace. with its deep, full meanin,