Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1884-04-24

ntI manu- 10 Tue young OIncerS nearC.
1T beatsr' she cried. "Oh, my Godi
he is alive! Men. nen, give me help to
bear bim to place of safety
Help to bear monarchist? 2" cried
the men in answer. "You ask too much
Let me put him where he'll need no
help" said a rough looking fellow, spring
ing forward with a bayonet in his
hand. ''Vive la Republique Socialel"
But before he could strike the blow
his murderous heart dictated, the girl
had covered the body Of the youag Off
Ger with her own.
Coward" she cried; "tO seek to kill
a fallen man"
There was the sudden sound of
horses hoOfs, and an officer, on whose
breast glittered the star of the Legion
of Honor, drew rein before the prestrats
woman.
What does this mean?" be cried.
Put up your bsyonet, man. Would
you strike woman?'
The girl sprang to her feat. Help
me, general" she cried, passionateiy
God will forever bless you. if you give
me aid now. There lies one whose life
is dearer far to me than my own. Pro
tect him; let me remove him to a hos
pital where L can nurse and care for
him."
She looked so beautiful, so brave, as
she stood there, her dark eyes wore a
look of such passionate appeal, that the
generals heart softened.
1T shall be as you desire" he said. 81
will act as your body guard, my brave
girl"
Half an hour later the young officer so
mirAculously saved lay in a comfortable
bed in the house of kind American,
tenderly guarded and cared for by, the
dark-eyed girl who dared 80 much for
his sake.
But it was many days before be knew
anything of what was passing around
him days in which he lay in the valley
of the shadow of death, deaf to the ten
der words whispered in his ear, blind to
the anguish in the face of his sweet
nurse, unconscious of the tears which
Tell fast on his face as she bent over
him.
"Where am I?r the pallid lips asked,
family.
with me, Hugo" answered the nurse,
bending over him, a word Of gIadness in
her lustrous eyes.
He smiled as if well content. Too
weak to make further inquiry, he was
satisfied with the knowledge that Vic
tOrine was near him.
1t was from the doctor that be learn
ed how his life had been saved, and
how unfaltering had been the courage
and care of the girl he had thought EeVer
to see again when he left her in the des-
olate cabin in the forest.
"Victorine." he said one day, when he
was feeling almost well again, and was
sitting by the window with his gentle
nurse beside him,''I haven't spoken to
you yet of what owe you. wanted to
wait until was streng enough to talk
with you about it. Tell me, why did
you come to Paris ?"
Victorine shuddersd, and her cheek
paed.
"The night you left me had a Wis
ion," she answered. Il saw you lying
in the street, wounded and helpless.
About you were soldiers, removing the
dead and dying. Suddenly you raised
your head and uttered the single word,
Come Then all was blank about me.
| saw no more. But lost no time. l
knew that heaven had sent a message,
and that must obey it. l set out on
foot for Paris and reached here five
hours before found you. l knew from
the first that nay search would not be
in vain
~Victorine,I have confession to make.
From the first hour l met you loved
YOU, | think. But between US was a
gulf | feared to cross. l am not plain
Hugo Laseelles; l am marquis, the
son of the Duke de VIllars, and my
blood is among the oldest in the land.
feared my fathers displeasure should l
mate with one so lowly as the daughter
Of poor peasant. l determined to leave
you before my heart mastered my rea-
son. But the longing to know if my
love was returned proved too great for
resistance, and l sought on the evening
Of nv departure to learn your heart.
became convinced that you did not care
for me. You we're cold and even un-
kind. So left you and came to Paris,
eager to help my friends in this conflict.
1t was from your father that knew of
Lhe fresh rebellion which was to shake
ali Paris. He was bitter insurgent."
"He is dead" said Victorine. My
DOOR father! He had suffered many
wrongs at The hands of the monarchy.
Victor, [, toe, O,have confession tS make.
[ knew from the first who YOU were,
for you told your secret in your deli
rium."
And you did not reveal it?" cried
Hugo. "Victorine! that was noble; for
you know your fathers hatred of all
with the throneT
MY father was not poor peasant,
Hugo, but noble, exiled fifteen years
ago because of his political opinions. He
found life nnbearable out of Frsnce,and
returned, disguised as peasant and
himself in that forest
"VictOrinel Alb, then. my father will
not refuse to give you a daughters place
in his heart. Be my wife. dsarest-my
sweet devoted wifel Alb, cannot you
1--we me? Victorine, your coldness Was
not genuine when we parted ?"
No; dared not permit you to know
nv feelings. l knew that as long as
you believed me the daughter of peas
ant YOUR filial duty would not permit
you to marry me. But my fathers
ieath has unsealed my lips. and, Hugo,
am yours for time and eternity"
He drew her to his arms, and with
leaIt too full for words. pressed on her
ips the seal of observation-disclosures Is.
Hollowell, in Frank Leslie.
A Lowell mill girl said the other day
20 director who wished her to consent
% a reduction of wages: Before Id do
+ I'd see Won and YOUR whole graspin