St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-03-23
A TERRIBLE REVENGE.

hausted by fatigue, were encamped on an
immense plain, shut in by chain OF hills,
on which lowered the white houses OF the
town. Lightning, playing among the lead
en-colored clouds, illumined at intervals
with lurd light the battlefield of the NOR
row. Nothing else lit up the camp. No
fires were allowed as a measure Of prudence,
All were not asleep, however. Besides
the outposts and pickets, manyin camp were
wide awake. Here and there were groups of
men, lying on the grass around their tents,
conversed in a low tone and discussed the
probable issue of the coming battle.
In the middle of asmall group of officers,
who talked over the chances of the morrow,
was Col. Eugene de Valmont, who COM
manded a regiment of light dragons. He
had the well-earned reputation of being one
of the most splendid officers in his own
branch of the service. Althoug strict dis
ciplinarian, he was beloved in the regiment
by officers and men alike, and deservedly
SO.
Col de Yalmont appeared to pay but little
attention to what was said. He seemed in
profound rcverie, as he bit, rather than
SHOheu, IL HILL COHoulutu CISdl. Luz hlLlo
suddenly to his surgeon-major, veteran
with wel-bronzed face, he said
''Brisac, do you believe in PRESENT.
ments?'
'It depends, Colonel. One may have
them, nod doubt; but to admit that they are
ever realized is another matter"
''You look upon them as valueless, devoid
of any prophetic Importance"
''Quite So"
"Ah! 1t is true, as is said, that all you
doctors are more or less materialsts." After
pause he added: ''You are right, perhaps,
and so much the better. There are some
thoughts which should be banished on the
eve of a day like what tomorrow promises to
be.n
So saying he got up and added: II shall
turn in and get some rest and advise you all
to do the same. In few hours we shall
need allthe strength we can command"
One by one the group broke off and pres
entity there was left only three officers-the
major, captain and sub-leiutenant.
''What did the Colonel mean by PRESENT.
ments!" asked the younger of them. "We
know he has no fear about tomorrow; yet
his manner and his last words, to say the
least, are not reassuring."
clad you been longer in the regiment,
young fellow,' replied the major, ''you
would know that the Colonel periodically gets
fthe blues;' but we take no notice eff them.
They soon pass, and he becomes himself
again"
''But what is the cause of his recurring de-
pression!'
''The cause?" said the Captain. "Why,
all the regiment know the cause"
Except myself. 1 only joined three
months ago.
''Well, here is Brisac back from his
rounds. He can tell the story best.''
The Surgeon-MTajor being appealed to, lay
down upon the grass, lit a cigar, and said:
"In 1884, De Valmont, appointed lieuten-
ant in the Chasseurs d'Afrique, which had
just been raised, landed in Algiers, where [
was assistant-surgeon attached to the militia
ry hospital. Though was older than he, We
soon struck up an acquaintance that ripened
into friendship, which time has not impaired.
Eugene was young, good looking and man
of fascinating manners. He came of a dis
tinguished family, and his friends kept his
purse well filled; in short he could get money
as fast as he wished to spend it.
"'We served three years together, when
De Valmont got leave to exchange and re-
turn to France. His mother was the cause
of this, for she had in view for him mar
rage with a rich heiress. Leaving Algiers
would have been all plain sailing except for
bidding farewell to a certain lady called La
Severina, a danseuse at the theatre In APP
pearance she was decidedly handsome, of an
olive-colored complexion and with raven
black hair. In her large expressive eyes and
in her irmly-cut mouth there was a signifi-
cant indication of determination which sug-
gested that the young lady would be more de-
srable as friend than as an enemy. She
said she was an Italian, having been born at
Rome; but her parents were Bohemians, who
travelled through all countries-rope dancers
by profession.
La Severfna had conceived for Eugene
passion as violent as it was hopeless. When
she heard of his proposed departure she was
wild; when she learned the motive of it, she
turned a demon. Failing in determined
attempt to baulk his plans by stabbing him
with stiletto, she assured him with her last
words that she would be revenged. De Val
mont laughed at the threat. l, however, de-
termined to keep an eye on the actions of
the young lady. In this resolve, NV ver,
! was foiled. She left Algiers about Ii.,"tt
after, and I never knew what became of
her.
"eNearly four years had passed since Eu-
genes return. We kept up constant cor
respondence, and I learned of his marriage
and the birth of one son, whom he called
Lucien. He continually pressed me to ex-
change and 90 back to France.
60 EAt 1aOoth 7 rot orpOiptad IN oouo1rv
regiment quartered in Paris, and left Algiers
to take on my new duties. Landing at Mar
settles, I put up at the Hotel Castellane,
where the first names I read in the list of ar
rivals were those of the Count and Countess
de Valmont. We met with joy after our
long separation. Eugene introduced me to
his wife-a lady as lovely as she was charm
1ng-and showed me with pride his son-a
fine chubby child, with curly hair, and the
splendid blue eyes of its mother. He simply
worshipped this boy-poor fellow land his
life and soul seemed wrapped up in its being
and existence. And now, as to the sad Sc
quel to my tale.
"'De Valmont was on leave, and at his
wife's desire they were about to visit Italy.
Not to fatigue the child their route was
mapped out in short stages. They were rest
Ing two days at Marseilles before going to
W -" OOIulCuS, 6O ! ucClutu W Sudy
and see them off.
In the afternoon of my arrival, as the
weather was glorious, little Lucien was sent
with his nurse down to the sea, on that mag
nifcent beach where the splendid palace of
Prado stands. Two hours after this nurse
returned alone, looking like a mad woman.
The eyes were starting out of her head, and,
sobbing and crying, she threw herself at the
Countess's feet, and said she had lost the
child. She and her charge were playing on
the beach, where they were attracted by the