Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-26

Generated with pomp UNKNOWN In any
other Of 1.-THE numerous converts ct. the city.
Francois fulfilled In these ceremonies the
tasks OF en- acolyte. or censor bearer, carry
ing the great silver cand;estick or swinging
the censor, the smoke from which flooded the
chapel with that clinging odor peculiar to
eastern perfumes Often, also, he accompa-
MED the monk charged with the duty Of max
ing collection from among the worshiperS
Passing before Jeanne de Sicard, the young
brother could not prevent himself from rails
ing his eyes TO his benefactress; she made
sign to him, unseen by all others, but which
did not escape the young man. Through all
the winter this little mAneuver was repeated
every Sunday; but when spring returned,
Jeanne went back to her castle Of Pali6cat,
in Croix-Daurade, and tt was useless for the
poor little friar to pass and repass before the
pew that she had customariiy occupied, he
did not sse her again; In consequence be ex-
parienced genuine grief. all the more acute
because he could confide in no one.
About this time, the month Of February,
1870. cams on, and with it the decree of the
constituent assembly, which set aside the &c
clesiastic vows and threw wide open the con-
vent doors. Many monks, held by force in
their monasteries, fastened to profit from
the liberty that toe revolution offered them;
they shook off their obligations, shaved their
boards and parted with their gowns and
NANTES to enter into civil life Francois,
who was about to be received as novice,
having reached bis 10th year, and not
feeling strong inclination for the prisstly
life, also left the convent, and found himself
Ior ~, r<v e,f
Toulouse, and with only the few frsncs that
they had given as indemnity to each monk
OF novice who had thrown to the dogs his
frock and white CT brown cassock.
III.
But what should he do now, without reia-
lions, acquaintance, friends OF any one to
assist or to protect himi Then the thought
came to him to go and find his benefactress,
Jeanne de Sicard, at the Pali1cat castle; but
he did not dare to 60. How would she Judge
his resolutioni What greeting would she
offer to one who had shown 80 little eager
ness to retain the unimportent situation that
she had procured for hint He turned over
in his mind several projects upon which he
tried to decide, when, as he stood on the cor
ner Of the Rue du Taur and the Place Royale
he read bill stuck up there, calling for
young men to serve as drummers in the Ma
tional guard, then forming.
At that time the drunlmers were not, as
they are today, attached to particular COM
panies, but were young fellows of IL to is
years, who galloped in advance Of the regi-
ments, beating tho marches. Francois went
to the mayors office, where he was enrolled
forthwith, dressed and equipped, and on the
II, - I,
and two dru,nsticks.
He was now handsome, stout, strapping
youth, with an open and frank face, eyes
that were like flames, SO bright they shone
under heavy black eyebrows, and 6ne mus
tache surrounding his upper lip. On seeing
him as be piled his sticks, the throng cried
out spontaneously, "Ohl the handsome drum
mer!"
When the National guard defled before
the Boulingrin, q public drive and place of
assembly, Francois saw on the gallery that
had been built for spectators, beside her
father, Jeanne de Sioard, and her face was q
deep purple She had recognized him, but
Francois had not the time to weigh the effect
that his Transformation produced on her, be-
cause the regiment marched at quick rate,
and it was not much more than a vision, but
one Of the visions that one loves to recall,
and that one remembers forever with q real
delight. For week Francois thought of
nothing else; be dreamed Of it at night, and
when be beat a march it seemed to him that
his beautiful protector would soon be found
again at the corner of street or square,
seeing him pass and crying out, as he had
heard 30 many others cry:
"Ohl the handsome drummerp
But he did not see her again, and it was
useless for him to look, useless for hlm to ex-
pand his form and hold up his head, making
his plume wave; it was all over; never again
was Jeanne de Sicard to be seen when the
National guard went by.
Three more years rolled on. There was
frightful rapidity in the course Of events.
The old order Of things no longer existed;
the republic had replaced royalty, and Louis
XVTs head had fallen under the knife Of
the guillotine. A host of the mobiles had emf
grated, leaving France to lead back her enc
mics against her. Francois had grown and
had become q soldier. Sent to the Rhine he
had rapidly won there the insignia of SER
geant, second lieutenant and captain, q very
common accomplishment at that time, when
our victorious armies were commanded by
beardless colonies and generals 20 years old.
One day, Capt Francois, being at the head
Of recommending detachment, met an
Austrian convoy. He ordered an attack on
the little column and his brave soldiers soon
put to flight the white jackets, who left their
chief wounded on the ground. Great WIS
Francois establishment when, on going
nearer, be recognized In the Austrian leader
the Marquis of Sicard, his former master
The marquis, like so many others, induced 70
was found bearing arms against
French soldiers. Francois, exsrciyfnE his
right, made the marquis q prisoner ON parole,
then, instead Of bringing him back to the
camp, left him on a farm near by, where
every care was bestowed on him. When the
marquis was recovered, Francois, thanks to
ths relations that he held With the head Of
The army, obtained pardon for his benefac-
tor, who was thus enabled to return to
Toulouse, where his confiscated property,
him As . special favor. Reinstated IN his
castle, the marquis had his daughter return |
from Turin, where be had ieft her. Taking !
advantage Of q leave of absence, Francois |
came to pass three months ct Croix-Daurade, |
whore, as may readily be believed, be was re-
ceived With open arms BY the marquis
4nank uoo captain, sdso Ice marquis 70 1
bis daughter; at Il to him that you are in |
debted for still having father; and l owe |
him, besides my fortune, this happiness, |
more precious still, Of being able 70 embrace
you1
What more shall addt
What should happen happened Jeanne
md Francois loved each other. and told each |
other 60. Tie marquis consented TO their
which was celebrated with great /
pomp In the church ct Croix- Daurade, and /