Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-07-02

found himself, for an instant, opposite
to Doctor Llslranc. His eyes mechan'
lcally falling upon the doctor, soon as
sumed an earnest stare, then gllttered
with fearful expression on the ring
that shone on his chain. With a sud-
den and rapid movement, the young
man passed through group that sep
arated him from the doctor, and, walk
ing directly up 10 him, elbowed him
rudely and Intentionally. The doctor
politely demonstrated but, instead OF
answering, the young man struck him
repeatedly in the face.
1t may easily be conceived what ex-
element and CONSERVATION this scene
produced.
The next day was appointed for a
meeting, and the company soon after
dispersed n confusion.
The young Matilda de- (the names
are too illustrious and too well known,
for us to point them out, even by inl.
tails the young Matilda de was the
daughter of one Of the most illustrious
soldiers of the Empire. Her father had
acquired an elevated rank, great glory
and a high station in the army, but he
was one of the few generals whom the
Emperor had not enriched. Matilda
de- had, therefore, no fortune to be-
stow upon the one who should call her
his.
Napoleon de- was the grandson oil
the noble Duchess de. The duch'
css had great name, an empty title,
but no fortune.
Notwithstanding this, the Duchess and
the General long. bound together by
ties Of friendship, had actually agreed
10 unite their two children in marriage.
OF this determination, however, they
soon repented. While Matilda and Ma.
poleon gave themselves up to the sweet
charm of their mutual affection, the
Duchess and the General, alarmed for
the interests of their children, and a
little also for their own, played scene
of high comedy.
IF nv daughter SAID the General,
'marries that poor devi! Napoleon ,adieu
10 luxury and pleasure
If my son, soliloquized the Duchess,
should wed girl aud not fortune,
how could we ever restore the lustre OF
the noble house o"
The General, therefore, sought to
wean Matilda from Der lover; and the
Duchess exerted herself to divert Napo-
leon from thinking of Matilda. But
neither could succeed. Napoleon and
Matilda loved too sincerely, too devot-
edly. to fall an easy prey to the snares
spread out to entrap their youth and in
experience.
Unable to disunite them, the General
and the Duchess insisted upon the de-
parture OF Napoleon, and on his absent
ing himself for a while from Paris. They
told him that the smallness oftheir for-
tune required it. It was indispensable
for him to acquire position in the
world. The Minister had just offered
to provide him with place, as secreta-
ry TO some foreign embassy. Should be
refuse to 90 he would shut out himself
from a brilliant career. lie must ac-
compll.h this sacrifice, were it but for
Matlda's sake, as her future welfare
depended upon it, and he was to become
responsible for her happiness. NapoleS
on, at length, unwillingly consented.
He saw Matilda for last time he
told her OF his departure. A cry of ag-
ony burst from the young girls bosom.
In vain did Napoleon acauaint her with
his projects in vain did he endeavor
to comfort her by pointing out, in a
speedy return, whole life of love, hap
piness and wealth. Matilda still re-
NAMED inconsolable. A dark forebod.
ing prevented her from believing the
false promises Of all uncertain futurity.
What could she gain in exchange for
happiness which, at present was theirs,
and which they were about to sacrifice
to their duty? She felt that her golden
dream was oyer-that it was fading
away from her sight.
Napoleon took her hand in his, and
covering 1t with tears and kisses, Re-
member said he, remember that thou
art my betrothed, and that this hand is
mine, forever NINE
Saying which he put ruby ring on
her finger.
1T is my mether's, murmured he.
Matilda could only answer by press
ing the ring to her lips, then fell faint
ing and desolate upon couch.
Napoleon departed His absence
facilitated the projects of the parents.
The General then.made an appeal to
Mahlda's devoted heart; he exagger-
ated his poverty--he inyented tale
about debts and engagements which be
would not be able to meet; he pointed
out to her the horrors which would sur
round his miserable old age, beggaredand
dishonored; he even limited to her that
it would be 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 hand
some and manly face, whose noble soul
she must we'll know how to appreciate.
A little selishness and Matilda would
have been saved; but it is the weak
ness of eleyated minds not 10 shrink
from sacrifices. Matilda, in despair,