Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-08-13
TAKEN ny STORM.


girl whom lie 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 protectingly over the little French
town, and the hated banner of Prussia put in
its stead that the very privacy of their
hearlhs and homes had been intruded upon
in many instances ruthlessly-and that the
man before her was but n representative of
all that the disaster entailed.
Sir" she answered, her lip curling in un-
disguised scorn as she spoke, I'VE are women
and defenceless. II fits you well that you
should make n pretence Of asking, through
courtesy, that which you have already OBJ
tanned through 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 RI
possible. Unless your regretful considera-
tion demands all the house, leave us any por-
tion, however small, that shall be ours, not
only in word but in deed"
'Mademoiselle, your wishes are COM
mands, answered the young officer, though
n flush had risen to his check at her hot
words of scorn. My advice TO you would be
to take the upper floor, where there would
be no excuse for intrusion. l wish most
earnestly that l 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 withdraw them, you might be sub
jected to fresh annoy ance, from which it will
ever be my earnest endeavor to shield you.
Permit me, mademoigelle to hand you my
card, and to beg you TO command my ser
vices, and to report TO me any incivility
which you may encounter"
So speaking, he placed on the table beside
her slip of pasteboard, and making low
bow withdrew.
The girl made no motion toward it, not
even bending the naughty little head in rec
ognition Of his courtesy.
Really, Marie, said her aunt, stretching
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 repellant"
"Repellant !" exclaimed the young girl. ris-
ing from her seat in excitement and pacing
up and down the room. 81 wish l could
have crushed him with my scorn. Does he
not know that a true Frenchwoman will bear
any insult rather than the humiliation of
Prussian magnanimity? How / hate him
l hate them all! How shall l ever draw a
free breath, knowing that they live on the
same air that sustains me? All 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 really be of fu-
ture service to u.s."
Aunt, how can your Give me the card
or tear itup yourself. Do you think would
ask favor at his hands-aye, or accept one /?
Never, never" 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 interfer-
once, but must beg that neither she nor
mGdemOiselle venture into the streets 10. day.
The soldiers are in a state Of revelry and riot
which might subject them to insult Any
commands should be happy to fulfil
Respectfully, HUGH Won TRENcK."
Madame Moreau, some three days later,
read aloud the above from card just slipped
beneath her 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 out. 1t
would be rash madness"
But Marie only picked up her veil and be-
gan adjusting it across the pretty face.
Marie do you hear meY"
"Yes, aunt she answered ''but mas
much as am very hungry, and there is moth
ing in the house to eat, think it rather
matter of necessity than of choice. Besides,
l would rather have open insult than Herr
Hugh Won Trenck's magnanimous interfer-
ference. Have no fear, auntie. 1 am quite
able to take care of myself"
And in spite of the elder lady's entreaties,
and with a good-by kiss and reassuring
smile, she was gone.
But the smile faded as she stood moment
on the threshold of the outside door and
glanced up and down the street filled with
soldiers. The color in her cheek paled TO
whteness, 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 receive my warning2" 1t was
Hugh Won Trenck who spoke.
''Are you in authority in this house, sir
over all its inmates ?" she questioned. IF
we are your prisoners, let us know it. You
can then enforce your wishes
"You do me injustice, mademoiselle," he
replied, in low, thrilling tones. Il beg you
for your own sake. not for mine, not to ven-
ture out this morning"
''Your prayers and commands are all one
TO me, sir" she retorted.
The next minute she had gained tho street.
fear forgotten in her indignant anger. With
quick step she hastened in the necessary di-
rection. Beyond a rude stare of admiration
she was unmolested, and her few purchases
were effected.
She started to return, when, coming imme-
dately toward her, extending from the curb
to the wall, was line of Prussian soldiers,
arm linked in arm, their steps unsteady from
liquor, and their voices raised in laughter
and song. What should she do? She feared
TO turn and flee, lest they should pursue.
Perhaps by hiding her tremor and walking
boldly on they might make room for her to
pass Herr Won Trencks hated advice rang
in her ears She should hate him trebly if it
proved unnecessary. But now all the sol
diers eyes were turned upon her, as they
stood, an impossible phalanx, barring her
way.
'Pay us toll, my pretty little Francaise,
said one, fastening his coarse gaze upon her.
"Yes, pay us toll" the others echoed. "A
kiss apiece!"
Concealng the awful sinking at her heart
she stroVe to pass them by stepping down
from the curb; but the outside man and first
speaker threw out his arm to prevent her es-
cape.
"You are our prisoner and we let you of ca
sy. Pay us willingly and we will prove good
as our word. Drive US to force and wen
help ourselves"
To scream would be but to gather round
her fresh tormentors, so she struggled to ap-
pear calm.
LET me pass" she said in low, indignant
tones, when, without deigning further par
ley, the first speaker threw his arm about her
waist.
She felt his tainted breath upon her cheek.
Oh, God must her lips be polluted by his
touch?
With sudden strength she wrenohed her