Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-07-16
Gales aud Skttthes.
A SISTERS LOVE.
BY MRS. JAMESON.

My heroine-truly and in every sense
does she deserve the name-was the
daughter of rich brewer and wine mer-
chant of Deuxponts. She was one OF five
children, two much older and two much
Younger than herself. Her eldest brother
was called Henri he had early displayed
such uncommon talents, and such decid-
ed inclination for study. that his father
was determined to give him all the advan-
tages o1 learned education, and sent him
to the University OF Elangau, in Bavaria,
whence he returned 10 his family with the
highest testimonials of his talents and
good conduct His father now destined
him for the clerical profession, with which
his own wishes accorded. His sister fond
ly dwelt upon his praises, and described
him, perhaps, with all sisters Partially,
as being not only the pride of his family,
but OF all his fellow-citiZens, tall. and
handsome and good of most benevo-
lent, enthusiastic temper, and devoted to
his studies. When he had been at home
for some time, he attracted one of the
princes in the north of Germany, with
whom he travelled. believe, in the capac-
ity of secretary. The name of the prince
and the particulars of this part of his life,
have escaped me; but it appeared that,
through the recommendation of this
powerful patron. he became professor of
theology. in a University of Courland,
think at Riga. or somewhere near it, tor
the name of this city was continually re-
curing in her narrative. Henri was at
this time about %.
While here, it was his fate to fall pas
sionately in love with the daughter OF
rich Jew merchant. His religious zeal
mingled with his love; he was as anxious
to convert his mistress as to possess her
and, in fact, the first was preliminary to
the second. The consequences were all in
the usual stvle of such matters. The re-
lations discovered the correspondence, and
the young Jewess was forbidden to see or
speak to her lover. They met in secret.
what arguments he might use to convert
this modern Jessca, know not, but they
prevailed She declared herself convinced
and fionsented ia fly with him beyond the
frontiers, into Silesia, to be baptised, and
to become his wife.
Apparently their plans were not well
arranged, or were betrayed, for they were
pursued by her relations and the police,
and overtaken before they reached the
frontiers. The young man was accused of
carrying off his Jewish love by force and
this, believe, at Riga, where the Jews
are protected, is capital crime. The af-
fair was brought before the tribunal, and
the accuser defended himself by declaring
that the girl had fled with him by her own
free will that she was Christian, and his
betrothed bride, as they had exchanged
rings. or had gone through some similar
ceremony. The father jew denied this on
the part of his daughter, and Henri desired
to be confronted with the lady who was
thus said to have turned his accuser Her
family made many difficulties. but by the
order of the Judge she was obliged to APP
pear. She was brought into the court of
justice, pale, trembling, and supported by
her father and other of her kindred. The
Judge demanded whether it was by her
own will that she had fled with Henri
Ambos? She answered in faint voice,
mo"
Had then violence been used to carry
her off?
Yes
Was she Christian?
mo"
Did she regard Henri as her affianced
husband?
mo"
On hearing these replies, so different
from the truth-from all he could have
anticipated-the unfortunate young man
appeared for a few minutes stupefied :;
then, as if seized with a sudden frenzy,
he made desperate effort to rush upon
the young Jewess. On being prevented,
he drew knife from his pocket, which
he attempted to plunge into his own
bosom. but it was wrested from him; in
the scuffle he was wounded in the hands
and face, and the young lady swooned
away. The sight of his mistress insensi-
BILE. and his own blood flowing. restored
the lover to his senses. He became
in his own defense, refused to answer any
questions, and was Immediately conveyed
to prison.
These particulars came to the knowl-
edge of his family after the lapse of many
months, but of his subsequent fate they
could learn nothing. Neither his sentence
nor his punishment could be ascertained
and although one of his relations went to
Riga, for the purpose of obtaining some
information. some redress, he returned
without having effected either of the pur-
poses of his journey. Whether Henri had
died of his wounds, or languished in a
perpetual dungeon, remained mystery.
Six years thus passed away. His father
died; his mother, who persistently hoped
while all others despaired, fingered on in
heart-wearing suspense. At length, in
the beginning of the year 1888. a travel
ing merchant passed through the city of
Deuxponts, and inquired for the family of
Ambos. He informed them that in the pre-
ceding year he had seen and spoken to
man in rags, with a long beard. who was
working in letters with other criminals.
near the fortress of Barinska, in Siberia
who described himself as Henri Ambos, a
pastor of the Lutheran church, uniustly
condemned. and besought him with tears.
and the most urgent supplications, to con-
vey some tidings of him to his unhappy
parents. and beseech them to use every
means to obtain his liberation.
You must imagine-tor cannot describe
as she described-the feelings which this
intelligence excited. A family council
was held. and it was determined at once
that application should be made to the
police authorities at st. Petersburg. to as
certain beyond a doubt the fate of poor
Henri-that a petition in his favor must be
presented to the Emperor of Russia. but
who was to present it? The second