The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1879-06-14
THE CONSCRIPI'.

vine and mulberry, stands the picturesque
village of Porlro Attracted by its simple
beauty. took up Il summer residence there
some wears ago, and formed the intimate &C
ouaipIance of its venerable pastor. lie was
at that time verging into his seventeen year
bnt ihc hand of Time had touched him lightly
there was a cheerful freshness in his voice, and
an infectious humor in his laugh
was one evening seated in his cosy sitting
room when nv eve CHANGED to light upon two
military Orders and golden cross OF the iron
Crown, cncircled by wreath and suspended
over the mantc-piecc. Feeling curious 10
learn how those badges Of war had come to
adorn this peaceful home, | questioned my
host respecting them Suddenly, however, Il
cloud gathered over his furrowcd brow.
NV question causes you pain ?" vcntured
10 remark.
NO no. he ialtcred, mot pain; but the
memory OF sad events is awakened by those
mementoes. II you Will patiently hear me to
the end, | will relate them
promised attention and after puasc he
thus began. -
NV story refers to the period when Pied
mont's brave sons were driven forth to swell
The armies of Napoleon, Near the school
house at the end of the village there stands Il
vinctlresscrS cottage, where resided WIN his
widowed mother young peasant named An
drew Tomato. He was fine, stalwart youth,
with supple limbs and powerful frame. In an
adjacent cottage there dwclt the beauty, may
say pride, of our little community, Marie lie
vale She and Andrew had grown up togcth-
er, and rs they reached maturcr years, their
attachment ripencd into earnest love.
AT length the bridal day was fixed; but
within a week Of its approach the sound OF
the drum through the village street caused
many "A stout heart to quail with fear, IL an
nounced the periodical conscription and few
hours later met Andrew on his way to the
rendezvous He was permitted to take fare
well of his mother and Marie, and wishing to
bid him adicu FASTENED at once to the cot
age.
Marie he was saying, as paused, unseen
upon the threshold, my darling Marie, next
Sunday was to have been our wcdding-d day, >
he continued; but now four long years stand
between that happiness we have waited for
with so much anxiety
Yes, four long years, Andrew she said, in
FAINT whisper.
"If they were twenty SAID he, Il could wait,
Marie, and find no change in you, even though
your face should be wrinklcd and your hair
silvered. But | shall have 70 encounter perls'
in every shape before my return; nay, perhaps
even death itself
The young girl shuddcrcd, and chung to
him with convulSivc grasp, as she slowly re
peated,-
Death
Yes, Marie, he continued and before we
separate, possibly forever, | wish to release
YOU from your VOWS to mc--to leave you free
TO accept another who will love and protect
you as would have done if Providence had
so wlllcd it. This is my earnest desire. viii
you comply wth itY
~ cannot, Andrew she replied, in II be,
seeking tone; i cannot. My heart IS yours
my love is yours; they can never belong to
another
"'Ay, Marie said he; but if you wait and
wait through weary years untll your youth
fades where will you find protector in your
age
In God, Andrew, she replied in voice of
mcekncss.
AT that moment the short, measured tread
of armed men fell on my ears and the sergeant
with his tile OF soldiers, halted in front of the
cottage. Andrew knelt hurricdly before his
mother and received her parting bcncdicton;
then, folding Marie to his breast, he babe her
look up, that lac might bear the image of her
bright face forever in his memory
while the painful scene was passing, she
pressed a small cross carved in wood and en-
twined with a lock of her golden hair, into his
hand. lie took the humble token and placed
il next to his heart
Al that moment the word to move forward
was given. | received Marie from him, and
the band marched away on their sad route
We watched them pass around the winding
hill the declining sun slanting their shadows
OF the dusty road, until they disappeared from
our strained sight
\ Ilp end pf two ,unntbz a lpttar arrival
from Andrew, dated Magdcburg. 1t told us
that he had joined regiment OF grenadIcrs
The following spring he wrote from Aranza,
in Spaln he had then passed unscathetl
through many Il ard,iought field, had risen to
the rank of sergeant, and had been decorated
with an Order
Two years wore away. One evening my
attention was arrested by group gathered in
front of Andrews cottage.
Here is our pastor" they shouted; he will
be glad to hear the news
What news, my friends ! inquired
Every voice, as with one accord, cried JOY.
fully;
Andrew Tomato is returned"
II passed to the door, where Marie welcom
cd me, her beausiful face all smiles and tears
Following her, encountered the erect form
of Andrew in his uniform. The mother with
her furrowed iace resting on his breast, wa,
trying to bear her part bravely, but the emo
non Of her heart was plainly visible
Back, Andrew, at last" said, as he grasp.
cd my hand.
Yes he replied, we are now on our way
70 rejoin the Italian army. | have obtained
three days leave Of absence to visit my
mother and Marie
And how long have you to serve now"
assed.
1.-Two years, he smiled as he drew Marie Il
ms side and then the trial and suspense Of
this devoted heart will be over She Will be
mine forever then-iny wife
TO Marie, those three days were the bright
est she was ever destined to know. When th,
hour for Andrews departure came, he placed
a ring upon her finger and small golden
cham around her neck
You viii see me again, Marie he said