Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1876-06-08
A Fathers SACRIFICE.

Up four flights of stairs in house in
Paris were three snug little rooms in,
habited by the family Roumille. They
had only peaked roofs, chimneys and
the blue sky to look out upon, but SO
pleasant were the rooms within, and SO
neat, and tasteful and sunny, that there
was small temptation to turn the eyes
away from them.
1t was evening and the family were
assembled at supper. They were OBJ
serving fete and the best gilt china
glittering on the table, little bouquet
of fresh flowers stood by each glass
and an Ice cake surrounded by wreath
of rosebuds distinguished the centre
Around the board sat the jolly, efec
tionate old father, the delicate and
loving mother, their brave, handsome
boy. and one other Lot now belonging
to the family, but soon to be called
daughter by the parents, and wife by
the son. She was gentle loveing
young girl looking with affeetionate
respect upon the cid folks and with
fond modest eyes upon her lover.
Son said the mother for twenty-one
years this night hast thou been the de-
light of my heart. Thou hast glad
dened my every day thou hast lived,
All! that thou vert but few years
younger, that I might be sure of thee
longer!
Wife dost thou not see that Marion
takes thy word as reproach to her
said the father. Thou wouldst have
thy son all for thyself, thou sayst.
don't mean that I would not have
my child Marion for my daughter, she
replied. No, no! Bless her heart she
need nosblush so. And she need not
fear, / think even my Robinet happy
to be her husband. But the conscrip
ton father, Our boy is now ofage.
The old mans happy face grew pale
and uneasy.
Wife, he said, our boy is afectionate
to us, true to Marion, and loving to
God-If Heaven is just he will not
draw the fatal lot. Heaven blesses the
good.
Whom God loveth he chaseneth.
said the mother, with a sigh, and
Marion's cheeks grew winter:
Come, do not darken a sunny day by
clouds of fear, said the young man.
Tonight can be the happiest fellow
alive. Even if tomorrow I draw the
wrong number and must 60 to fight
may return to yon covered with honors.
Will you not be glad and proud then?
My son my son! l have known
many brave boy to join those ranks
dreaming as thou dost; but few come
back to their mothers. Oh! Robinet,
thou art my only son and if thou art
killed shall be childless.
All, wife said the father forcing
back his tears couldst thou not be
almost happy to be widow? The con-
scription spares the only sons of widows.
If thy useless old husband was gone
thoud'st keep thy brave young son.
Ab, alb. cried the wife; stop the old
mans tongue. Put thy hand on his
mouth Marion. I cannot bear to hear
him talk so.
Tonight let us be happy, said
Robinet. l am not yet conscript,
and believe l shall escape tomorrow;
SO begone dull care! Father, shall l cut
my birthday cake?
Yes, my boy, said his father. Let
us not borrow trouble, 1t would kill
me to see thee among the dissolute
soldiery driven to slaughter! I will not,
no, cannot think of it. Yes cut thy
cake, but do not harm those buds
Marion placed them there in token Of
how she will round thy life with
pleasure. Alb, Marion? Each bud for a
kiss or kind word, Ell!
Marion wiped her eyes and smiled
blushingly. Cheertulness was restored
and the happy family gave themselves
up to enjoyment CT each other. The
secret thought that perhaps it was for
the last time making every voice
tender.
On the next day the drawing was to
take place. Father and son proceeded
to the place of decision. The son,
with white cheek and dilating eye
drew, while the father stood by, his
usually jovial form trembling with
agonizing apprehension. 1t was fatal
number! and with groan Of despair
the old man fell upon his sons neck.
Oh, my boy! he said, | cannot let
thee go I cannot see thee driven to
slaughter Thy mothers heart will be
desolate. / cannot, no, Sod forgive
me, | cannot.
He wrung his sons hand, and, shak-
ing his head at the few brave, consoling
words Robinet's trembling lips uttered,
be stopped them short by kissing HIM
tendelly. He then went out with