Connecticut western news., 1877-08-17
THE LAST STROKE OF FOR.
 TUNE

Twenty years ago an old house was still standing in Cologne, which showed to the street a frontage containing five small windows. It was the home n which the first painter of tho Flemish school. the immortal Reubens, was born A. D., 1876. Sixty years later than this date, the ground floor was occupied by two old people, shoemaker and his wife. The upper story which was the time we write of. Two lOdgers, however, occupied the garrett. The evening was cold and wet, and the shoemaker and his wife were sitting together in the room below.
 You had better go up stairs again,' sad the old man to his wife, and see how the poor lady is. The old gentle man went out early and has not been in since. Has she not taken anything since7'
 It Is only half an hour since was up stairs, and he had not come in. took her some broth at noon. but she hardly touched it, and was up again at three. she was asleep then, and at five she would not want anything more.
 Poor lady! This time of year, and neither fire or warm clothes, and not even a decent bed to lie on, and yet l am sure she is something or other. Have you noticed the respect with which the old gentleman treats herY'
 If she wants anything it is her own fault. That ring she wears on her finger would get her the best of every thing. .
 Then came knock at the door, and the woman admitted the old man they had just spoken of, whose grizzled beard fell down upon the tarnished velvet coat. The hostess sadly wanted to have little gossip with him, but he passed by, and bidding short good night groped his way up the steep and crooked staircase. On entering the chamber above, a feeble voice inquired the cause of his long absence. -h
 J could not help it. he said. I had been, copying manuscript, and :as was on my way here servant stopped me, who desired me to raise the horoscope of two ladies who were passing through the town; they were ladies whom had known before, I thought could get a little money to pay for some simples that will be of service to you
 I am cold.'
 It is very cold. I will make you something which you must take di- rectly.'
 The flame of asmall tin lamp stuffed to heat the water, and the patient having taken what the old man provided, was carefully covered up by him with all the clothes and articles of dress he could find. He stood by her motionless until he perceived that she was fast asleep, and indeed, long after; he then retired to a small closet, and sought repose on the hard floor. < r. The next>%morning the lady WAS SC much better that her attendant pro. posed that she should endeavor to leave the house for a little while; and he sue- ceeded in getting her to go as far as the Place Saint Cecilia. It was seldom that she left the house, for, notwith-
 landing the meanpess of her dress, there was that about her carriage which rendered it difficult to avoid unpleasant observation.
 Do you see that person yOnderF she said, suddenly. If am not much mis- taken, it is the Duke of Guise.'
 The stranger's attention had also been attracted, and he now approached them. ..
 'Parbleu!' said he; why, this is Mas cali. What, are you married.
 He does not know me- sighed the lady. m ust have altered'
 Mascali had, however, whispered a single word into the Dukes ear, and he started as if struck by a thunder bolt; but instantly recovering himself, he hastily took off his hat and bowed nearly to the ground.
 I beg your forgiveness,' said he, but my eyes are grown so weak, and could so little expect to have the honor of meeting you-'
 For the love of God,' interrupted the lady hastily, name me not here.A A title would too strangely contrast with my present circumstances. Have you been long in COlOgneT
 Three days. 1 am on my way from Italy. 1 took refuge here when our common enemy drove me forth and confscated all my earthly goods. I am going to Brussels
 And what are your advices from Franceq Is the helm still in the hands of that wretched caititf7'
 He is in the zenith to his power.' So, my Lord Duke. your fortunes son of a man who, had he not too much despised danger, might we'll have set the crown on his own head. and I. once the queen of the mightiest nation in ike universe; and now both of us alike -adieu,' she said suddenly, and draw ing herself up, the sight of you, my Lord Duke, has refreshed me much and pray that fortune may once more smile upon your steps,
 Permit me to attend your majesty to-
 3 A slight color tinged the lady's fea- lures as sheanswered, with a gently commanding tone:
 Leave us, my Lord Duke; it is oul ) pleasure
 ) Guise bowed low, and taking the 3 lady's hand, he pressed it reverently to his lips. At the corner of the street he met some one, to whom he pointed out the old lady, and then hasteneC away.
 The next morning knock at the door announced a person who was in. quiring for Monsieur Mascali; he had a small package for him, and also billet Inside of this was written:
 Two hundred louis dor constitute , tha whnle of mv nresent fnrtuna 100