Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-03-26
TAKEN BY STORM.

encroach upon it b. little as possible"
The speaker, young Prusian officer
in full uniform bent low before the beau
tiful girl whom he addressed.
But Maria Moreau saw neither the
courtly grace of manners, nor noted the
young handsome face and form. She
only knew that the enemy Of her coun-
try stood before her.
"Sir," she answered, her lips curling in
undisguised scorn as she spoke, 1--WE are
women and defenseless. 1t fits yon well
that you should make pretense of ask
ing, through courtesy, that which you
have already obtained through force.
The only request that we can make of
our guests''-emphasizing the latter word
with supreme irony-"s that we may be
permitted to see as little of them as pos
ssible. Unless your regretful considera-
ton demands all the house, leave US any
portion, however small, that shall be
,ours, not only in word but in deed.
"Mademoiselle, your wishes are COM
mands," answered the young officer,
through flush which had risen to his
cheek ut her hot words of scorn. "My
advice to you would bet take the upper
floor where there would be no excuse of
intrusion from me- lwish most earnes-
tly that / might withdraw my men from
the house, but it is impossible. The
town is small, and the troops are many.
They're quartered everywhere, and even
should | withdraw them, you might be
subjected to fresh annoyance, from which
it shall be my earnest endea Tor to shield
you. Permit me, mademoisslle, to hand
you my card, and to beg youito command
my services, and to report to me any
inciviity which you may encounter"
- speaking, he placed on the table
beside her slip Of pasteboard, and
making a low bow withdrew.
The girl made no motion toward it
not even bending her naughty little head
nrecognition his courtesy.
"Really, Marie, said heraunt, stretch
ing out her hand for the card, "theyoung
man was very polite. Itwould have been
better policy, my dear, had your manner
not been so repellant."
"Repellent," 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 % true
FrenChwoman will bear any insultrather
than the humiliation of Prussian mag
nanimity ?
Hugh Won Trenck," read the elder
lady, aloud from the card. "We must
not lose this. The young man may re-
ally he of future service to u.s."
"Aunt, how can you! Give me the
card, or tear it up yourself. Do you
think would ask favor at his hands
AYE, or accept one9 Never, never y
and the bright eyes flashed.
But madame quietly slipped the piece
of pasteboard within the reticule she
wore at her belt, determining if necessa
Try, to take the young officer at his word.
MADAME will pardon Il strangers in
reference, but must beg that she nor
Mademoiselle venture into the streets
to-day. The soldiers are in state OF
revelry and riot, which subject them to
insult. Any commands should be hap.
Ply to fulfill. Respectfully,
"HuGR VoN TRENCH"
Madame MORGAN, some three days la.
ter, read aloud the above from card
just slipped beneath the door,
Her niece stood before the glass, tying
on her hat aud listening with curtin G
Ups.
NYou sce Marie she said, glancing
mp from the writing, ''you must not &C
out. II would be rash madness"
But Marie only picked up her veil ant
began adjusting it across her pretty
face.
marie, do you hear me 7"
Eyes, aunt" she answered, but mas
much as am very hungry, and there il
nothing in the house to eat, think i
amatter of necessity than of choice
Besides, would rather have been open
ly inSulted than Herr Hugh Won Treuck'
magnanimous interference. Have n,
fear, auntie, am quite able. to tax,
care Of myself"