Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1882-02-08
To Rule.

During the time Cardinal R.cheiieu held
such tyrsnnic sway in tie legislative con-
Germs of France, an old officer who resided
upon small estate in Normandy, had oc-
casion TO visit Paris on some important
business. He had been some days in the
capital, when on returning to his hotel one
evening, he found on his table note ad-
dress to himself in the handwriting of the
Cardinal, which proved nothing less than
al invitation to dine at the Chateau de
Ruel the Bext day. So great an honor
was surprising as il was gratifying lie,
however, attributed this high distinction TO
some friend at court, and set cut in time
to arrive at the hour appointed. The old
soldier commenced his short journey on
foot, and having ascended the hill of Neuil-
~, he perceived cabriolet approaching.
Having some doubt whether he had taken
the right road, he inquired OF the occu-
pant of the vehicle his way to Ruel.
ITO Ruell" answered the stranger; 'sif
you will accept a seat IN my chase shall
be happy 10 drive you thIther-that is my
destination Also"
With many thanks for this polIteness
our officer entered the cabriolet and began
" NOIfGlsS Will bSf NOiAp p1ii-
lou.
II am going to dine with the Cardinal u
said the latter.
Mon Dieui' exclaimed the veteran,
show very singular. am about to do the
same thing; yet am al loss TO know how
| deserve so high an honor, for never to my
knowledge have | served his highuess in
any way; neither hare i been introduced
10 him"
''How." exclaimed the driver of the cab.
uolet, with surprise. And then, changing
his manner, he said slowly and sorrowful
ly:
''You have never seen the Cardinal, and
you and ] are 10 dine with him to day.
pity you"
GOOD Heavens wnat has made you
change countenance2"
''Call up every circumstance from the
reeesses of your memory, said the stranger
with great earnesiness. II coDjure you
to recollect yourself. Have YOU ever d.
rectly or indirectly had communication
personally or otherwise with the Prime
Minister"
'Indeed never to my knowledge
Try again, | emplore you," continued
the gentleman with increased anxiety.
'That circumstances is of great Impor
tance to you, although you may not be-
heve it.
..Sir, you alarm me-" calculated the
veteran.
''Noi unnecessarily can assure you.
Have You evere alluded TO the Cardinal in
any public wayf'
mot that can remember
"Never were guilty Of satire or--g'
''Oh, yes, | had forgottea. When al
Court some time since, | published few
poems, among one was an epigram not very
hsttering to his highness."
81 thought so. Listen to the fate which
awaits you. The Cardinal has discovered
in you an enemy, His vengeance is terri
bic. ae never invited me except when
some horIid crime is to be committed.
You are the victim today
''Horrible." exclaimed the old officer,
''how am to believe yCul''
81 am the best authority for what you
have jrst learned. In me you behold
"Whol"
The ErecUtiOaer. feel happy in
warning you-In saving at least one vic
tim from premature death!''
How, how can | reward youl" said the
veteran.
''Only by keeping the secret of my hav-
ing saved your life, and not forgetting me,
Flyl Leave Paris with all speedi"
The officer lost no time IN descending
from the vehicle, and making the best of
his way 10 Paris.