The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-03-05
BY HUGH WILSON AND W. c. BENET.

Matilda's devoted heart; he exaggerated
poverty; he invented tale about debt
and engagements which he wonld not b.
able to meet; he pointed out to her tht
horrors which would surround his mis-
erable old age, beggared and dishonored
he even limited to her that it would bt
far better to cut short his troubled life
She alone had power to save him; she
must forget Napoleon and wed the
Count de -, whose handsome anC
manly face, whose noble soul she vel
must know how to appreciate.
A little seltishness, and Matilda woulC
have been saved; but it is the weakness
of elevated minds not to shrink from
sacrifices. Matilda, in despair, threw
herself in her fathers arms and prom.
ised all. He blessed and thanked he,
for her devotion.
He was yet speaking when Matilda
had left the room, unable longer to con-
troll her overcharged feelings. Pale,
exhausted with the struggle, she has.
tened to her apartment, and, sinking on
seat, gave way to flood of silent but
bitter tears.
Flow, flow, cruel tears Weep thou
noble creature, upon thy dreams so
bright, so short-ived Happiness,
alas was never made for souls like
thine
The banns were published, and on the
10th OF January, 18-, in the church of
St. Thomas d'Aquinus, Matilda was
welded to the Count de -. The
generals face was radiant with satisfac-
tion.
At the moment OF the nuptial bless
ing, when the bridegroom puts on the
finger of the bride the ring-symbolic
link of the chain that unites them-in-
stead of giving her left hand, as is the
custom, Matilda suddenly passed to
the counts right and gave him
her right hand. The count was
about to make an observation
and take her hand ; but Matilda
drew it back and again extended to him
her right hand, lowering her eyes, but
with that air of frmness and determina-
ton which is not to be, mistaken.
The count saw it at once, and, fearing
scene, did not insist, but put the ring on
the right hand which Matilda still held
ont to him.
The count was of jealous nature, as
Jealous as Othello. A fatal suspicion
had taken possession of his mind. The
ring which Matilda wore on her left
hand gave him much uneasiness. He
told Matilda that he looked upon it with
aversion, and begged of her to wear it
no longer. Matilda replied that she
would never be separated from it, giving
her answer with much sweetness, but
with the same determined air which she
had shown at her wedding.
From that time that which had pre-
viously only been a suspicion in the
counts mind became certainty. He
determined upon being revenged, but
dissembled his feelings and purpose. A
system of surveillance was organized
around Matilda. Soon there came a
letter from Napoleon. The youth, ignor-
ant of Matildas sacrifice, and the ruin of
his dearest hopes, spoke of his love,
of his future happiness, of their speedy
marriage. He reminded Matilda that
her hand belonged to him, and he
requested her to look often upon the
ruby of his mothers ring whilst think
ing of him. He concluded by announc.
ing happy tiding. He was charged ly
his Ambassador to be the bearer Of i'm
portant dispatches to Paris. Before
month was over he would again see his
beloved Matilda.
This letter was put into the counts
hands. He saw through it all. He
went to Matilda's apartment with the
open letter in his hand, and, handing it
to her, said coolly:
81 can imagine your scruples, but
why did you not explain yourself soon
er? You have sworn that your hand
will belong only to him ! Very well !!
as soon as he arrives I shall take itupon
myself to make your promise good"
added he, with frightful smile.
Matilda did not even shudder; she
seemed to have nothing more to fear
upon earth.
In short time Napoleon returned to
Paris; but he was much altered. Grief
and despair had preyed upon his heart,
for he had heard of his misfortune.
The day after his arrival small ebony
box was presented to him. which had
been brought by servant in livery. He
opened it. His horror and his anguish
might moro easily be imagined than
described. That casket contained
bloody hand-the hand of woman
Matilda's hand | On a paper, stained
with blood, he read these words: So
does the Countess de -- keep her
word" Roaring with rage and indigna-
tion, he took his pistols and few to the
counts house.s
The count and Matilda had disappear
ed during the night, few hours after
the bloody deed, and no one knew
whittier they had gone.
On the night Napoleon had recognized
his mothers ring on the doctors chain,
he had gone to that ball because secret
presentiment had urged him thither.
The next day DR.. Lisfranc and his an
tagonist met in the wood of Vincennes.
The doctor received severe wound be-
low the armpit. Helay long in danger,
but hopes were entertained for his re-
covery. Before leaving his adversary,
the doctor related to him the incidents
of that terrible night on which he had
been compelled to commit crime for
the sake OF humanity.
"However," added he, Matilda
could not have suffered much; sublime
exaltation sustained her courage. but I
am sure she was happy in her suffering,
in the thought that her hand, at least,
would be returned to you. And when
it WAS over I heard gentle voice muir
muring from behind the curtain that hid
her from my sight: Tell him, I beseech
you, that my heart will 60 toward him
even as my hand Had it not been for
the ring I could not have fulfilled her
wish"