Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-09-04
NO. 200.
Gales ano Sketthes.
TAKEN By STORM.

| 1ht speaker, Young Prussian officer
in full uniform. bent low before the beauti-
tul girl whom he addressed.
But Marie Moreau saw neither the court
ly grace ofLmanner. nor noted the young,
handsome face and form. She only knew
that the enemy OF her country stood before
her. that the tri-color of France had been
dragged down from its standard where it
tioated protectingly over the little French
town, and the hated banner Of Prussia put
in its stead; that the very privacy of their
hearths and home" had been intruded upon
in many instances. ruthlessly-and that
the man before her was but representa-
i've of all that the disaster entailed
Sir" she answered. her lip curling in
undisguised scorn as she spoke. 1--WE are
women, and detenseless. 1t fits YOU well
that you should make pretense OF asking,
| through courtesy, that which YOU have al
ready obtained through force. The only
| request that we can make of our guests
emphasizing the latter word with supreme
irony-"is that we be permitted to see as
little of them as possible. Unless your re-
gretful consideration demands all the
house. leave us any portion. however
small. that shall be ours, not only in word
but in deed"
"Madamoiselle, your wishes are CON-
mands," answered the Young officer,
though flush had risen to his cheek al
her hot words of scorn. MY advice to
you would be to take the upper floor,
where there would be no excuse OF intru-
sion upon you. wish most earnestly that
| might withdraw my men from the house.
but it is impossible. The town is small,
and the troops are many. They are quar-
tered everywhere, and even should with
draw them, you might be subjected to
fresh annoyance. from which 1t will be my
earnest endeavor to shield you. Permit me,
Madamoiselle, to hand you my card. and
to beg you to command nv services, and
TO report to me any incivility which You
may encounter"
SO speaking. he placed on the table be-
side her slip of pasteboard. and making
a low bow Withdrew.
The girl made no motion toward it, not
even bending the naughty little head in
recognition of his courtesy
''Really, Marie said her aunt. stretch
ing out her hand for the card. 1.-THE young
man was very polite. II would have been
better policy. my dear. had your manner
not been so repellant."
"Repellant." exclaimed the young girl,
rising from her seat in her excitement and
pacing up and down the room 81 wish
could have crushed him with my scorn.
Does he not know that a true French wo-
man will bear any insult rather than the
humiliation of Prussian magnanimity |
hate him hate them all How shall |
ever draw free breath, knowing that they
live on the same mir that sustains me! All!
France. be patient. it is but for little
longer"
Hugh Won Trenck,'' read the elder
lady, aloud. from the card I'VE must
not lose this. The young man may really
be of future service to us.''
Aunt. how can youp Give me the
card. or tear it up yourself Do you think
| would ask favor at his hands-aye, or
accept oneP Never, neverr' and the
bright eyes flashed.
But madame quietly slipped the piece
Of pasteboard within the retcule she wore
,, at her belt. determining, il necessary, to
take the young officer at his word.
Madame will pardon strangers inter-
ference, but ! must beg that neither she
nor Madamoiselle venture into the streets
to-day. The soldiers are in state o f
revelry and riot. which might subject
them to insult. Any commands should
be happy to fulfill.
Respectfully,
HUGH VoN TRENCH.
Madame Moreau. some three davs later,
read aloud the above from card Just
slipped beneath the door.
Her niece stood before the glass, tying
on her hat and listening, with curling
lips.
"You see. Marie. she said glancing up
| from the writing, you must not 90 out.
It would be rash Madness
| But Marie only picked up her veil and
began adjusting it across her pretty face.
marie, do you hear mea"
''Yes. aunt" she answered, ''but mas
much as am very hungry, and there is
nothing in the house 10 eat, | think it
rather a matter Of necessity than of choice.
Besides. would rather have been openly
insulted than accept Herr Hugh Won
Trenck' magnanimous interference Have
no fear, auntie. | am quite able to take
care of myself
And in spite Of the elder lady's entreat-
les, and with good-by kiss. and reas-
suring smile. she was gone.
| But the smile faded as she stood q mo-
ment on the threshold of the outside door
and glanced up and down the street, filled
with soldiers. The color in her cheek
paled to whiteness, and her heart beat loud
and fast.
She almost determined to turn back,
when some one, standing at her elbow,
said, in tones so earnest as to be nearly
harsh: ''Did your aunt not receive my
warning?''
1t was Hugh Won Trenck who spoke.
.'Are you in authority in this house, sir.
over all its inmates P'' she questioned
IF we are prisoners, let us know it. You
:an then enforce your wishes.'
"You do me injustice. Madamoiselle,
he replied, in low, thrilling tones. II
beg you for your own sake, not for mine,
not to venture out this msrning.''
Your prayers and commands are all
one to me, SIR" she retorted.
| The next moment she had gained the
street, fear forgotten in her indignant
anger. With quick step she hastened in
the necessary direction. Beyond rude
stare of admiration she was unmolested,
and her few purchases were soon effect
ed.
She started to return, when coming im-