The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-07-16
NO. Is

Laura, leaving her friend, threw over
her shoulders her opera cloak and went
out on the terrace she needed to be alone.
1t little troubled her that every one smiled
at what appeared as her defeat if she had
not repulsed CASTOR, the rich American
girl would not have been 50 triumphant
but the world sees only. apparent success
and judges foolishly. That which made
Laura's heart desolate was the thought
that Franz had gone, perhaps, not to come
back again.
The young girl sat down on a sofa and
gave herself up toa sad reyery. The night
was calm. clear, moonless the light es-
Gaping from the large vestibule lighted up
the terrace, the perfume of flowers made
the air fragrant, the sounds of noisy
music reached over to Laura. She was
thinking of that unknown one whom she
had met for day.
lie had told her that he would come to
reclaim the price of his constancy and
since then she had never. seen him again
she was dreaming above all of Franz who
had saved her life, and whose care and de-
votlon deserved more than ingratitude.
Suddenly step made the sand on the
alley to creak, shadow was traced at the
foot OF the steps that led to the terrace
man wearing the armour of the knight,
tunic of green velvet, helmet surmounted
with feather of the same color, presented
himself to the surprised girl.
1T is the Knight of Hope"
Dropping one knee on the ground, he
murmured in very low tone:
Laura have you forgotten me ?"
Raising his helmet, he disclosed his face
uncovered.
Franz" cried she, reaching out both
her hands to him.
eyes, Laura. it is 1, since the compan-
ion of your childhood could not gain your
affection, the knight of Hope has come
again."
"Oh you are mistaken, long time ago
you had overcome in my heart that mem
DRY but 1 thought you Indifferent
Because didn't seem jealous of the
knight Il was though"
''Now, that am near you, that 1 am
listening to you, ask myself, Franz, how
it is, I did not recognize you; your voice
often recalled to me that of the knight:
You were then the victor in the tourna-
ment why did you not make yourself
known that day ?''
81 have told you, / was awaiting that
my hope should be realized
Laura arose.
"Come, Franz my father will be very
happy"
ut is the browning of my joy" said the
voice of the commandant.
Mr. de Tillac had heard all and he was
aughing to conceal his tears.
my dear Franz, it is not without
trouble that you have won your wife. 1
shall not be more cruel than the father of
The fair Yseult, my word for it! You
are young fellow of spirit and you know
we'll the somewhat romantic head of my
laughter"
"Oh my father, y protested Laura.
Mr.. de Tillac embraced her and extend
ing his hand to Franz, said with much
feeling;
''Zounds What glorious day. My
children. bless you for all the happiness
you give me-"
Some moments after a servant an
to the guests:
"Mr. =, the Knight of Hope!''
There was a general movement of Gu
'iosity. Nobody had forgotten the victor
in the tournament. They greeted him
with acclamations and thelyoung men van
Iuished by him were the first to come to
grasp his hand.
Franz sought the eyes of Alice and went
towards her.
"Ah!'' said the young girl, 81 wasn't
after ALL"
Had you recognized me ~
II guessed who you were. Has Laura
'een you ?"
Yes, and / am very happy"
Il am decidedly of the opinion that we
ire present at a ball for betrothal,'' said
IN old lady.
See how smiling Miss de Tillac is since
,he arrival of the knight
Eyes she doesn't seem to regret her
cousin.
''She didn't want him.
''Are you sure of that ?''
$50 they affirm
These remarks came to the ears of the
Commandant de Tillac throwing himself
to the front and cutting off all
means of retreat for Laura, he addressed
the assembly in loud voice:
My good guests, before we separate, l
wish to announce to you matter that fills
me with joy. 1 acquaint you with the
coming marriage of my daughter to Mr..
Franz de Boissy.
Ardent congratulations were addressed
to the happy father and to the youthful be-
trothed.
The Knights, the pages, the noblemen
surrounded Laura. exclaiming:
''Hail queen of beauty! Hail Knight of
Hope -
The Count de T, Ives, the magni6-
,ent,cameup to salute Laura, and grasped
Franz s hand, saying:
1T is to-day, Knight, that you are truly
victorious. The happy event we are cell
sbrating is worthy of the heroic times
whose memory we are keeping. Then, as
;o-day, love crowns valor, and the most
beautiful is for the bravest.
Two Very Ugly Twins.
They go hand in hand, and lead their
victim terrible trot down into the valley
If the shadow of death. One is neuralgia,
5he other rheumatism. These generally