The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1875-10-27


by the fever caused by the fracture of his
arm. His keys passed into the hands OF
one of his assistants Behind this turn
key, who introduced the Recorder, Rosa,
the fair Tristan maid, had slipped into the
recess of the door, with a handkerchief
to her mouth to stitle her sohs.
Cornelius listened to the sentence with
an expression rather of surprise than of
sadness.
After the sentence was read, the Re-
corder asked him whether he had any
thing to answer.
"Indeed, have not" he replied. "On-
ly confess that among all the causes of
death, against which a cautious man
may guard, / should never have suppos-
ed this to he comprised"
On this answer, the Recorder saluted
Van Baerle, with all that consideration
which such functionaries generally be-
stow upon great criminals of every sort
But whilst he was about to withdraw,
Cornelius asked, "By-the>by, Mr.. Record
er, what day is the thing-you know what
| mean to take placer
"Well, to-day" answered the Record
er, little surprised by the selfpossession
of the condemned man.
A sob was heard behind the door, and
Cornelius turned round to look from
whom il came; bnt Rosa, who had fore-
seen this movement, had fallen back.
"And," continued Cornelius, "what
hour is appointed?"
Twelve o'clock, sir"
"Indeed," said Cornelius. 81 think |
heard the clock strike ten about twenty
minutes ago: l have not much time to
spare"
Indeed you have not, if you want to
make your peace with God" said the
Recorder, bowling to the ground. ''You
may ask for any clergyman you please. "
Saying these words he went ont back
wards and the assistant turnkey was go
ing TO follow him, and to lock the door
OF Cornelius cell, when a white and
trembling arm interposed between him
and the heavy door.
Cornelius saw nothing but the golden
brocade cap, tipped with lace, such as the
! Tristan girls wore he heard nothing but
some whispering into the ear of the turns
key. But the latter put his heavy keys
ihlo the white hand which was stretched
out to receive them, and, descending some
steps, sat down on the staircase, which
was thus guarded above by himself, and
below 10y the dog. The head-dress turn
ed round, and Cornelius beheld the face
of Rosa, blanched with grief, and her
beautiful eyes streaming with tears.
She went mp 10 Cornelius, crossing her
arms on her heaving breast.
"Oh, sir, sir!' she said, but sobs chok-
ed her utterance.
my good GIRL" Cornelius repliel with
emotion, what do you wish ? | may
tell you that my time on earth is short. "
81 come to ask favor of you" said
Rosa. extending her arms partly toward
heaven
Don't weep so, Rosa" SAID the prison.
er, "for your tears 90 much more to my
heart than my approaching fate, and you
know the less guilty prisoner is, the
more it is his duty to die calmly, and
even joyfulIy, as he dies a martyr Come
there's a dear, don't cry any more, and
tell me what you want, my pretty Rosa. y
She fell on her knees. Forgive my
father" she said.
"Your father, your father said Cor
nelius, astonished.
Yes, he has been so harsh to you, but
it is his nature, he is so to every one, and
you are not the only one whom he ha,
bullied."
'IIe is punished, my dear Rosa, more
than punished, by the accident that has
belallen him, and forgive him."
81 thank you, sir" said Rosa. "And
now tell me-oh, tell me--can do any
thing for you ?"
"You can dry your beautiful eyes, my
dear child" answered Cornelius nth q
good tempered smile.
But what can | do for you, for you
mean 2
"A man who has only one hour longer
to live must be a great Sybarite, still tl
want anything, my dear Rosa
THE clergyman who they have pro,
posed 10 you?
81 have worshipped God all my life
have worshipped Him in his works, an,
praised Him in his DEGREES | am at peac;
with Him, and do not wish for a clergy
man. The last thought which occupe.
my mind, however, has reference to the
glory Of the Almighty, and indeed my
DEAR | should asl, you to help me in car
rying out this last thought"
ooh, Mynheer Cornelius, speak, speak,
exclaimed Rosa, still bathed in tears.
"Giye me your hand, and promise m,
not to laugh, my dear child"
Laugh" exclaimed Rosa, frantic will
grief, laugh at this moment but do you
not see my tears?'