Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-01-31
CHAPTER II.

only reminder Oh Jtle GGfln1l occupation CnlJlS
not altogether diStasteful" II was tried ana
pronounced good, and our host, having himself
swallowed q glass OF the compound. and m lde
WY face over 1t, proceeded with his story re-
freshed.
.'Some one had been waiting for US at the
Villa Potter, for when we reached the side
dCor-the great door had been abandoned to the
use of the PruSSiau inmateS-it was opened
quickly and noiseleSSly. / received a soft warm
pressure ofthe hand-not intended for me alas, u
pressure that made me for the moment feel en-
yiouS OF my younger brother, even in his pres
ent plight. ThGrGse had been waiting at the
door listening for ErneSt's footsteps; for the
younger servants could not be altogether
trusted, and the old bousekeeper. who was
known to be faithful, was watching over my
poor Suseite, whose loyalty was also suspected
though as 1t proved, unjuStly.
My pi0uS fraud was almost JuSti1el by
facts. The excellent Madame POTTER was ac-
tUaliy IL, in bed, overcome by the troubles and
anXietieS CT this dreadful time The suite OF
rooms occupied by her and her daughter Were
the only parts OF the house absolutely secure
against interruption, and at Madame PoJtiers
bedside we held our family council. Gathered
about her couch, In low, sad tones we con-
suited as TO Ernest who now in his own proper
garh stood beside ThGrGSe, holding her
hand in his. Should we let him go-hiin upon
whom depended the happiness OF two families,
the very existence or his own?
80 Ernest, began Madame POTTER in a low
broken voice, my child may soon lose the prO-
lection of her mother. Remain here and guard
her in the troubles and perils that may beset
Will draw out the contract OF marriage on the
spot; it shall be signed tonight, and to-mor-
row my Thtrese VIII have protector
"'To-morrow.' murmured Ernest; to marry
ThGItse tomorrow: OH, my dear belle mere,
you tempt me Sorcly. But my comrades who
wait in The forest?'
~ own that forgot for momentt the claims
oil honor and patriotism. thought only or the
dear mother deceased, recalled only her dying
words eonfding the much-ioyed son to my
charge
I'D . 7
and live for our sakes. In the name OF oar
dead parents bid you remain; your comrades
shall be warned
".But am their leader he said; without
me they are lost. Tell me, my friends, can any
asylum be found for them in this place?'
I'VE looked at each other, but felt that it was
impossible to rescue them. With every house
occupied by soldiers, and strict watch kept
upon all, TO attempt to harbor this little band
would be only to lead them TO destruction, and
uselessly TO bring seventies upon the peace
save, but tire rest must save themselves. H.
saw the answer In our faces.
"'Then must CO. he cried.
Speak TO him, TnertSe' said TO the young
girl; remind him OF the rights that you nav
over him Forbid him for your sake to throw
away his life.'
face or maiden who had hardly left her moth
erS side since infancy, who had known no Wori
except that OF the affections, and whose softly
dawning passion had been engrossed by on ,
alone. He was all the future 70 her now thi
bright young lover. as her parents had been al
her past Surely. the mothers voice would fin
an echo IN her She: TOO, would bid him TO stay
How could he resist her voice, the gentle ap
peal OF her tears? for tears ran unheeded dow
her cheeks while her soft, swimming eyes wef
nxed upon him. A sob quivered In her siende
throat, and her Lip trembled like that of a chill
in deep tribulation. But her voice was clear
and firm as she clasped her hands on his shoul-
der and said, leaning against his breast:
- You must go, dear Ernest. II have the
right over you, as they say, still must bid you
go; 1t Is better TO die with honor than live dis
graced.'
"We all wept like children, for we felt that
the girl was right, and yet it seemed to be send
ing him forth to certain death.
1.-The merry music from below now broke out
In wild mocking strains and the house shook
as the walters whirled swiftly round. All,
how our enemies re}0iced, while we gathered
siealthily together and In silence and grief de-