The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1876-08-23

moment victor appeared, tney leit
they had a formidable rival. The
belle of the chateau could not help
showing her decided preference for
him, though, with modesty and deli
cacy natural to his position, he re-
Trained from making any decided ad
vances.
One night, however, transported
beyond himself he betrayed the secret
OF his heart tU Julia, as be led her to a
seat after an intoxicating waltz. The
reception of bis almost involuntary
avowal was such as to convince him
that his affection was returned. But
he felt that be had done wroag-and
a high sense of honor induced the
young soldier Immediately to seek
the general, and make him a party to
his wishes.
lie found him alone in the embra-
sure Of window that opened on the
garden Of the chateau.
General" said be, with military
frankness, II love your daughter"
The general started, aud cast a
glance of displeasure on the young
man.
81 know you quite slightly, Cap
tain Bertrand" he answered, "but
you are aware that the man that
marries my daughter must be able to
give her true position in society
Show me the proofs Of your nobility
and wealth, aud | will entertain your
proposition
ALAS !" answered the young sol
dier in faltering voice, II feel that
| have erred-pity me-forgive me-
| was led astrsy by q passion too
strong to be controlled. | have no
name-and my fortune is my sword
The general bowed coldly, aud the
young soldier passed out into the
garden. 1t was a brilliant moon
light evening. Every object was de-
fined as clearly as if Illuminated by
the suns rays Removing his chap
eau, that the night air might cool his
feyered brow, be was about to take
his fayorite seat beside the fountain
where be had passed many hours in
weaving bright visions of the future,
when be perceived that it was al
ready occupied. An old man 10 a
faded military inform sat there, with
little dog lying at his feet. One
glance was sufiicient-the next in
stant Victor folded his father 10 his
arms.
Father ~ my boy :" The words
were interrupted by convulsive sobs.
After the first passionate greeting
was over, the old man passed his
hand over his sons dress, and a smile
of joy was revealed by the bright
mGonbeams.
"A soldier | thought | heard the
clatter of your sabre" said the old
man. Where did you get these
epaulets ~
AT AusterliIz. father-tbey were
given me by the Emperor.
Long live the Emperor !" said tie
old man. "He never forgets his
children"
NO father. For when he gave
ME my commission, be said, thought
fully, Bertrand, your name is famil-
lar Yes sir-my father served un-
der the tricolor.' | remember-he
was one OF my old Egyptians And
then-father-then be gave me the
cross of tbe legion-and told me,
when | found you, to atfix it to your
breast in his name"
at is almost too much ~ sighed
the old soldier, as the young officer
produced the cross and attached it to
his fathers breast.
And now" said the young man,
give me your hand as of old, dear
father, and let me lead you"
Whittier ?''
Into the saloon Of the chateau, to
present you TO General Duvivier and
bis guests.
What. in nv rags before all
that grand company ?"
why not, father The ragged
uniform of brave soldier who bears
the cross of honor on his breast is the
proudest decoration in the world
Come father"
Leading bis blind father, young
Bertrand re-entered the saloon be had
so lately lefl, and went directly to
the general. who was standing sur
rounded by bis glittering staff.
General" said be, "here is nv
title of nobility-my father is all the
wealth possess 10 the world"
Tears started 10 the Generals eyes,
and he shook tn. soldier warmly by
the hand Taen beckoning to Julia,
be led =. TO Victor, and placed ber
trembling hand in lis.
Let this dear girl" said be make
amends for nv coldness a moment
since. A son so noble hearted is
worthy OF all happiness"
la a word, Captain, afterwards
Colonel Bertrand, married the Gen
erals daughter. and the happiness Of
their freside was completed by the
constant presence of the good old
soldier. to whose selfdenial Victor
1wed his honors and domestic bliss