Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-05-21
FRENCH VILLAGE ROMANCE.


in pretty little village only few hours
distant from Paris. Julia Ravaude, hand
some girl of eighteen years, with large blue
eyes and rosy mouth which opens on two
rows OF pearls, looking charming in her white
dress and under her wreath of orange Bios
soma, The promenade de lac noce wedding
promenade over the sunny plain was also
charming, for there were the hchus and the
red skirts of the peasant girls, the light-col-
ored white, sky-blue, or pink costumes OF the
-.AsA-aI bridesmaids and OF lie other young
girls in the party against the green back
ground of the growing wheat, looking from
a distance like peoples and bluebells and
marguerites springing up in the well titled
fields. The long procession wound its way
along the rural path preceded by two musi-
clans covered with ribbons, one playing on
violin, the other a cornet-a-piston, en- route
for the hamlets where the happy husband
was to introduce his wife to his new friends
and relations. In the public square of each
hamlet the young people had spread out
tables and offered the UiI dhOn7leu to the
bride, with an accompaniment of music and the
firing of guns, after which the procession,
swollen BY the addition of all the boys and
girls of the place, passed on toward the next
hamlet. In the evening there was grand
feast-a pantagruelesque feed in the barn,
with omen wine-casks and barrels OF beer, at
which everyone could at Will replenlsh MS
or her mug; and this lasted all the next day,
and the day after that also.
II the month of October, 1870, the Ra-
vauds inhabited little isolated house situated
on the edge of forest. One day, while The
father and mother were at work In the helds,
their little girl Julia was left IN charge OF
the house. She was then only seven years
old, but had already manifested rare intel
Iigence and an energy that is seldom to be
met with in one so young. For two months
Oh ha1
the exactions, of the ensorced ser
vices. and of the outrages committed
, by the Prussian invaders, who had be-
come all the more cruel on account OF the
invisible bands OF franc-tireurs, who killed
a great many German soldiers from behind
ambuscades Julia was standing at the door,
when suddenly lad whom che knew very
we'll came running out OF thlcket and
dashed into the house.
as Monster Rsvaude hereP he asked.
"No. My father and mother are IN the
| field at work"
-HWelL must hide me. l am pursued by
two Prussian gendarmes. They have seen
me, and are close on my heels. If am cap
| tured my fate is a certain one"
| The child led him into the back room and
pointed to the oven. When he had got into
| It she took fuel and laid it ready to be
| lighted. She then returned to the door, and
presently the two Prussians galloped up.
| They sprang from their horses, fastened
| them. and the one who spoke French began
to question Julia.
Where are your parents?
ain the fields, sir" she answered, shrink
| ing back as if with fear, and hiding her face
! in her apron.
"There is a franc-tireur here, and we mus
have him-where is he?"
The child had sudden inspiration. She
| went and took from its corner her father :
old gun and brought it TO the Prussian. "A
man came in and set his guB down and theI
when he saw you coming he ran away along
the road 10 Mont Saint German. This way
l will show you" The soldiers looked a
her suspiciously, but she had sucn childish
air, and was so pretty that one, who coult
speak French, said to her:
"Do not be afraid, little one, We won
hurt you," and while they were hunting al
over the place she drew near them, watched
them with wide open, curious eyes, and sooI
began to touch their sabers and kick he
sa5ots against their rafting spurs. One 0
the Prussians turned round and patted he
on the head, and then picking her up in hi
arms he said:
ssWiil You give me kiss?"
ais it you,n answered little Julia, "tha
killed Father Chsuvean" This was tn
name of an old game-keeper who had beel
shot by the invaders.
"No, my little girl, it was not l."
There were some wicked men who kiile'
him." resumed the child "Are you wicked!
The soldier, who was being more and NOR
touched by her childish talk, sat doWr
placed her on his knee and began to talk 1
her, translating what she said to his com
rade, who remained standing, and who wa
also deeply interested in the scene.
: 81 say,D asked Julia, shave you also got
| little girl?"
E The Prussian turned pale and his lac
=, grew sad. "Yes, 1 have a dear, good httl
girl at home,p he answered.
E sAh, then you may kiss me-" He presse
9 her close to his heart, and the tears fell dow
P on his thick, fair beardi and then they boi
e mounted their horses and rode away. Whs
. they we're gone the lad came out Of b
q hiding-plsce and ran into the forest. 1t "
: this same young fellow, saved by the INTEL
E gence, the GOODNESS and the childish grace
Z little Julia Rayaude, who, when she "
; eighteen years old, came and asked for IA
+ hand, and it was their wedding promena'
which have told you about.