The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-10-14
Taken by Storm.


your hospitality. Believe me, we will
encroach upon it but as little as posi-
ble."
The speaker, young Prussian officer
in full uniform, beat low before the beau
tiful 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 coun-
try stood before her, and the tri-color of
France had been dragged down from its
standard where i: hoated protectingly
over the little French town, and the
hated banner of Prussia put in its
stead; that the very privacy of their
hearts and homes had been intruded
upon-in many instances ruthlessly-
and that the man before her was but
representative of all that the disaster en-
tailed.
"Sir,' she answered, her lip curling in
undisguised scorn as she spoke, 1--WE
are women, and defenceless. 1t fits You
we'll that you should make pretense of
asking, through courtesy, that which
you have already obtained by force.
The only request we can make of our
guests"-emphasizing the latter word
with supreme irony-"is that we may
be permitted to see as little of them as
possible. Unless your regretful con-
sideration demands all the house, leave
US any portion, however small, that
shall be ours, not only in word, but in
Decd
''Madamoiselle, your wishes are ccm-
mands,' answered the young officer,
though a flush had risen to his cheek at
her hot words of scorn. "My advice to
you would be to take the upper floor,
where there would be no excuse of in.
trusion upon me- | wish most earnest
ly that might withdraw my men from
the house, but it is impossible. The
town is small, and the troops are many.
They are quartered everywhere, and even
should l withdraw them you might be
subjected to fresh annoyance, from
which it will ever be my earnest en-
deavor 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 uncivility which you
may encounter"
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 recognition of
his courtesy.
Really, Marie" said her aunt, as
she stretched 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 re-
pellant."
"Repellant - exclaimed the young
girl, rising from her seat in her excite
ment, and pacing up and down the room.
81 wish l could have crushed him with
my scorn. Does he not know that
true Frenchwoman will bear any insult
rather than the humiliation of Prussian
magnanimity l hate him l hate
them all How shall | ever draw a
free breath, knowing that they live on
the same air that sustains me Ah,
France, be patient; it is but for little
longer"
Hugh Won Trenck," read the elder
lady, aloud from the card. 1--WE must
not lose this. The young man may be
OF future service to US.
Aunt, how can youl Give me the
card, or tear it up yourself. Do you
think l would ask favor at his hands
aye, or accept onel Never neverw
and the bright eyes flashed.
But madame quietly slipped the piece
of pasteboard within the reticule
she wore at her belt, determining if
necessary to take the young officer at his
word.
Madame will pardon strangers in
ference, but must beg that neither she
nor mademoiselle venture into the streets
to-day. The soldiers are in a state Of
revelry and riot, which might subject
them to insult. Any command should
be happy to fulfill.
Respectfully, HUGH Won TREScK.
Madame Moreau, some three days
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
lip.
/" You see, Marie" she said, glancing
up from the writing, "you must not go