Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-03-27
TAKEN BY STORM.

Mademoiselle, we are obliged to
ask your hospitality. Believe me, we
will encroach upon it as little as pos
sible."
The speaker, young Prusslan
officerin full uniform, bent low before
the beautiful girl whom he addressed.
But Marie Moreau saw neither the
courtly grace or manner, nor noted
the young, handsome face and form.
She only knew the enemy of her coun-
try stood before her, that the tri-cOlOr
of France had been dragged down
from it's standard where it had fiOated
protectingiy 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 on-in many instances ruth
leSSly-and that the man before her
representative of all the disaster
entailed.
.'Sir," she said, her lips curling
with undisguised scorn as she spoke,
1--WE are women, and defenSeleSs. 1t
fits you well that you should make a
pretense of asking through courtesy
that which you have already obtained
through force. The only request we
can make of our guests ''-emphasiZ-
ing the latter word with supreme
irony" is that we may be permitted
to see as little of them as possible.
Unless your regretful consideration
should demand all the house, leave us
any portion, however small, that shall
be ours, not only in word but in deed.
Mademoiselle, your wishes are
commands" answered the young
officer, though q flush had risen to his
cheek, at her hot words of ScOrn.
my advice would be to take the
upper floor, where there would be no
excuse Of intrusion from me. [ wish
most earnestly that might withdraw
my men from the house, but it is
impossible. The town is small and
troops are many. They are quarter
ing everywhere, and even if | should
withdraw them, you might be sub
jected to fresh a annoyance, from
which it will be my earnest endeavor
to shield you. Permit me, Madem-
oiselle to hand you my card, and to
beg you to command my services and
report to me any inciVility which You
may encounter"
So speaking, he placed on the table
before her q slip Of paSteb0ard, and
making Il low bow withdrew.
The girl made no motion toward it
not even bending the naughty little
head in reorganization of the 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 not your manner been so
repellent.
''Repellent, exclaimed the young
girl, rising from her seat in her own
excitement and pacing up and down
the room. Il scorn him. Does henot
know that a true French woman will
bear any insult rather than the humil-
iati0n Of the PruSSian magnamimity?
hate him! hate them all How
shall eveS draw u free breath, know
ing that they live on the air that suS-
tains NE? All, France, be patient;
it will but little time longer.
Hugh Won Trenck," read the
- card. I'VE must not lose this. The
young man may really be of future
service TO rs.
Aunt, how can you? Give me the
card or tear it up yourself. Do you
think I would ask q favor at his hands
aye, or accept one Never, neyer!"
and the bright eyes flashed.
But madam quietly slipped the
piece Of rasteb0ard within the ret
icule she wore at her belt, determin-
ing if necessary 10 take the Young
officer at his word.
MADAM will pardon a strangers
interference. but / must beg that
NEITHER she nor madamoiselle venture
into the streets to-day. The soldiers
are in state OF revelry and riot.
which might subject them to insult.
Any command I shall be happy to
fulfill. Respectfully,
HCGH Won TRENCH.
Madam MOreau, some three days
later, read aloud the above from q
card slipped beneath her door.
Her niece stood before the glass,
tying on her hat, and listening with
curling lip.
You see, Marie,'' she said glanc-
ing up from the writing. .'vou must
not go out. 1t would be rash mad
ness"
But Marie only picked up her veil
and began adjusting it across the
pretty face.
Marie. do you hear me?"
Yes &''lt. she answered: but
inaSmuch as / am very hungry. and
as there is nothing in the house to
eat, l think it rather a matter of
necessity than Of choice. Besides. |
would rather have an open insult
than Herr Hugh Von Trenck's mag
unanimous interference. Have no
fear, auntie; am quite able to take
care Of myself
And in spite of the elder lady's
entreaties, and with good-bv kiss.
ana a reassnrins smile. she was gone.
But the smile faded as She stood