Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-07-13
Taken by Storm.

croach upon it as little as possible"
The speaker, young Prussian officer in
full uniform, bent low before the beautiful
girl whom he addressed
But Marie Moreau saw neither the courtly
grace Of manner, 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
foated protectinely over the little French
town, and the hated banner of Prussia put
in its stead that the very privacy Of their
hearths and homes had been intruded upon
in many instances ruthlessly-and that tho
man before her was but representative Of
all tha, the disaster eniailed
Sir" she answered, her lip curling in
undisguised soon as she spoke, 1--WE are
women, and defenceleSs. 1, fits you well
that you should make a preience Of asking,
through courtesy, that which you have al
ready obtained through force. The only
request We can make OF our guests ts"-em-
phasizing the latter word with supreme
irony" is that we may be permitted to see
as little OF them as possible. Unless your
regre;ful consideration demands all the
house, leave Us any portion, however small,
tha; shall be ours, no; only in word but in
deed"
"Mademoiselle, your wishes are CON-
mands, answered the young officer, though
@ flush had risen TO his cheek at her hot
words Of soorn. Ny advice to you would
be to take the upper floor, where there
would be no excuse of intrusion upon me.
wish most earnestly that might withdraw
my men from the house, but il is impossi-
bic. The town is small, and the troops are
many. They are quartered everywhere;
and even should l withdraw them, you
might be subjected 10 fresh annoyance,
from which it will ever be my earnest en-
deayor TO shield you. Permit me, made
moiselle, to hand you my card, and to beg
you to command my services, and to report
to me any incivility which you may enooun-
ter
So speaking, he placed on the table be-
side her slip of pasteboard, and making
low bow withdrew.
The girl made no motion toward it, not
even bending the naughty little head in re-
cognition Of his courtesy.
Really, Marie" said her aunt, stretch
ing out her hand for the card, 'the young
man was very polite 1t would have been
better policy, my dear, had your manner
not been so repelant"
"Repellant, exclaimed the young girl,
rising from her seat in her excitement, and
pacing up and down the room. - wish l
could have crushed him with my scorn.
Does he not know that true Frenchwoman
viii bear any insult rather than the humilia-
ton of PruSsian magnanimityf / hate him!
hate them all How shall ever draw
free breath, knowing that they live on the
same air that sustains me? All, France, be
patient; it is but for a little longer"
Hugh Won Trenck, ;" read the elder lady,
aloud, from the card. 1--WE must not lose
this. The young man may really be Of fu.
ture service to US"
Aunt, how can you? Give me the card,
or tear il up yourself. Do you think I
would ask favor at lis hands-aye, or 90
cept one? Never, never!" and the bright
eyes flashed.
But madame quietly slipped the little
piece of pas;eboard within the reticule she
wore at her belt, determining, if necessary,
to take the young officer at his word.
Madame will pardon strangers inter-
ference, but must beg that neither she nor
mademoiselle venture into the streets to-
day. The soldiers are in state of reyelry
and riot which might subject them to in
suit Any commands / should be happy TO
fulfill. Respectfully,
"HUaH Won TRENoK."
Madame Moreau, some three days later,
read aloud the above from card Just slip
ped beneath her door.
Her niece stood before the glass, tying on
her bat, and listening, with curling lip.
"You see, Marie" she said, glancing up
from the writing, ''you must not 60 out.
1t would be rash to madness"
But Marie only picked up her veil and
began adjusting it across the pretty face.
Marie, do you hear mer"
"Yes, aunt" she answered; "but inas-
much as 1 am very hungry, and there is
nothing in the house to eat, think it rather
a matter of necessity than of choice. Be-
sides, would rather have open insult than
Herr Hugh Won Trenek's magnanimous in
reference. Have no fear, auntie. I am
quite able to take care of myself"
And in spite Of the elder lady's entreaties,
and with good-by kiss, and reassurins
smile, she was gone.
But the smile faded as she stood mo.
mcnt on the threshold Of the outside door
and glanced up and down the street, filed
with soldiers. The color in her cheek
paled TO whiteness, and her heart beat loud
and fast. " E .3isEi is 3f-1Ta
She almost determined to turn back,
when some one, standing at her elbow, said,
In tones so earnest as to be nearly harsh: