The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-09-13
LUCIA ON THE BATTLEFIELD.

On the 18th of August, in the year
1860, number of the inhabitants of Ber-
lin were seen crushing wildly toward the
pillars outside Litfasz's, in order to get
the first glimpse of the victorious bulle.
tins that had just been put up there.
A stout old gentleman, with spectacles
on nose, now begged for quiet, and when
this was established he read out in
clear voice the deepatch dated from Pont-
a-Mousson, announcing that the enemy
had made sortie rom Metz on the 10th,
but had been driven back again into the
fortress. after twelve hours hard fight
ing. Heavy loss on both sides was, how
ever, a sad ending to the glorious news.
The crowd was just beginning to dis
perse when an open carriage drove up,
and the tastefully dressed occupant,
ordering her coachman to stop close to
the pillars, told the footman, who hastily
jumped down, to tell her at once the con-
tents of the telegram.
II can spare your servant the trouble,
Madame" said our gray-haired old
frien |, stepping toward the carriage and
lifting his hat politely.
"Ah, good morning, dear doctor"
cried the lady, very pleased. ~ have
not seen you for an age: please tell me
quickly, have we gained another
victory"
General Won Doring and Won Wendell
are killed, and Won Rauch and Won
Gruter are wounded" replied the
Doctor.
"Apd is there nothing about Iieuten-
ant Won Rhaden?" queationed the lady in
an anxious tone.
mo, Madame, your husband is not
mentioned" answered the doctor, smil-
ing good naturally at her naive ques-
ton.
''Then / must telegraph at once. Will
you, please, see about the telegram for
me, dear doctor? shall have no peace
till know whether my husband is all
right. We are close to my house, pray
help me in my forlorn state"
The doctor bowed assent and strobe
after the carriage, which stopped at No.
30 Victoria street.
who was that interesting. looking
LADY," asked bystander OF the district
inspector.
''That little lady with the spirituelle
face and speaking eyes is the prima
donna of our opera, Nine. Pauline Lucca,
the wife of Baron Won Rhaden, who is
now away with the army. She enjoys,
and deservedly so, the greatest popular.
ity here, and is always spoken of Is "our
Pauline" both by high and low.
"Mme. Lucca had scarcely entered
her door. when the porter placed . tele-
gram in her hands.
hastily tearing it open, she read:
'Lieutenant Won Rhsden 10 wounded,
but not dangerously"
"Ah, it is as / fearedr' she exclaimed.
cit was not for nothing that dreamed
three nights running about snakesl II
gerously wounded, but I am sure he
must want nursing; and here am-hun-
dreds of miles away from him!"
ued: mo, mol know my duty and
horses out, I must drive Of ct once.
Just come in time. Get everything ready,
linen in my small trunk-dresses We
shall not require, Is We shall certainly
not be asked to court. Here 10 some
money. go at once and buy everything
that will strengthen my sick husband;
RA80Our% Cu1SAouo, H4cOs0AefuCtp RhC~
serves; If there is any caviare, you can
get small barrel from the old Russian
in Charlotts street. and don't forget the
very best cigars, and take one dozen bot
ties Of the Oldest wine in the collar. But
must havs pass from Count Eulen-
berg, the minister Of the interior. Quick.
quick. Edithai pack everything into one
boz and send il Oh 10 the station. A.
coon - you are ready We start"
lyon are giving yourself unnecessary
expense and trouble" insisted the doc
tor. IF you want 10 take something
with you, LET il be comprssssd vegetables.
oondenssd milk, Lisbig's extract, coffee,
ia and sugar; alf thsss be oan enjoy and
IL ysu lhs, vill 60 and naks ~ nsess-
sasy puTchasas.
ssOh, doctor. could snbsees you'll"
ssPtay do -. sans esao," oaid he,
1aiohingly. - ~ took hi dspastuse.
Isvi6g soo1lsd her eonninesiae -