The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1879-02-26


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 q suspicion in the
counts mind became a 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 Matilda's 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 Y
his ambassador to be the bearer of i'm
portant dispatches to Paris. Before a
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:
I" I can imagine your scruples, but
why did you not explain yourself soon
err You have sworn that your hand
will belong only to him Very we'll
as soon as he arrives shall take it upon
myself to make your promise good, 4"
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 a servant in livery. He
opened it. His horror and his anguish
might more easily be imagined than
| described. That casket' contained a
| bloody hand-the hand of q woman
Matilda's hand | On paper, stained
with blood, he read these words: $50
does the Countess de - keep her
word" Roaring with rage and indigna-
ton, he took his pistols and flew to the
counts house.
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 DIR. Lisfranc and his an
tagonist met in the wood of Vincennes.
The doctor received severe wound be-
low the armpit. He lay 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 a crime for
the sake of humanity.
However," added he, Matilda
could rot have suffered much; sublime
exaltation sustained her courage. but ]
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 heard a gentle voice mur.
muring from behind the curtain that hid
her from my sight: Tell him, 1 beseech
you, that my heart will go toward him
even as my hand Had it not been fo1
the ring could not have fulfilled hel
WISH"