Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-06-03

arc yet far short of what she would have them. whom she lays them at the feet of the man who has won her heart. and deems the 1 g!ft-nothing.
 l In every grade of life--in evory typo and l phase of charnctcr-how tho old story re. peats itselfl
 | The love of these two-a village girl and a Norman miller-might not seem 10 possess any striking characteristics. and yet the cle- ments of tragedy lay beneath 1.-the mater ials of romance terrible in its pathos, grand in its truth.
 The quivering sunbeams dancei on the river as It ran silver in the light. On the solitary level of the corn fields, the hot rays poured their morning | brtlliance. Tho birds hidden in de- iicious shadow. poured out their songs of welcome. The tall lindens and tho straight solemn rows of poplnrs swayed gently in the cool early breeze; everywhere blnzed tho scarlet poppies, tho gold of tho corn, th 0 | flame of tulips, the hues ot roses. Pierre Leroux stood and looked at 1t all in | the glow of the summer dawn. while the song of a lark thrilled the silence with melody, and echoed his hearts own music. His lips smiled, his eyes frightened, as ho looked at the beautiful picturesque old house-the house where today his wife would be brought to reign henceforth in her gay girlish beauty as tho idol of his life. While he stood there think ing these thoughts, dreaming these dreams, the still ness around was broken by the beat of drums, the sound Of marching feet. He started and looked away across the level golden fields to the white winding road be- Hs.o rrl. >e muskets. cloud of dust between the flower- ing hedges and the slender poplar stoms Nearer and nearer they came, marching steadily up to the mill entrance. He moved forward and stood before thom. "Whom do you seok?" he asked
 "A desorter," the officer in command an- swered him. He escaped last night. Have you seen aught of him2"
 "No," was the firm surprised answer.
 "Well sec you harbor him not. There is price on his head, and whoever conceals, or abets his escape, becomes amenable to the law. Hero Is n description of him."
 He tossed paper to the young man. his eyes meanwhile searching tho orchard grounds and the old mill itself as if for the fugitive.
 Do you wish to make search?" asked Leroux. "You are quite nt lib,rty to do so, as. to tell tho truth, I am tho last man in the world to show pity to descrter. sympa- thize too strongly with Franco now to par don any son who Is base enough to forsake her in the struggle"
 "You speak well" said the officer. glancing approvingly at the strong, well-knit frame and handsome figure of the young miller "Why do you not lend your aid in her ser vicer
 The young man looked round at his DOS. sessions respectfully.
 "I am not at liberty to do so. My race have been sons of toll for many genera tions past This mill Is my heritage; be- sides"
 What besides2"
 A soft sweet smile crossed Pierros grave face; his eyes frightened with exulting joy.
 II am about to be married" he said.
 "Oh, good enough reason for stopping at home. But take care you are not called out Things look very black now. These devilish Prussians arc hitting us hard. They say that every man fit for service will be sum- moned ere long,"
 The bronzed face of the young miller paled perceptbly. The golden notes of the danc- ing air quivered before his eyes, the song of the rising lark lost its ringing music. Into his heart fear crept not for himself, but for her, the fair girl-wlfe whom he might be called upon to leave, even in the first sweet days of welded bliss.
 "1t Is as France wills." he said and then turned and led tho way through the shad- owy orchard grounds, and into the quaint old dusky chambers of tue mill
 The search was in vain, of course. No likelihood was there of Pierre Leroux har- boring deserter-a creature whom his bold courageous nature held in adherence, whom his tongue would have lashed with fiery scorn and stung with fierce rebuke. Thesoldiers accepted his offer of refreshment. The officer fingered short while longer, chatting and laughing spontaneously with his frank honest.eyed host; and then the whole party loft. and went away through the green meadows. and along the winding field-paths. and so into the high -road once more. Pierre Leroux watched them, shad- ing his eyes from tho sunlight.
 "Wiu they find him. wonder ?" he said to himself. He deserves his fate If they do."
 Good morrow, Pierre Lcroux," said a voice beside him. II have brought present for thy wife that Is to bo am here bGtimes am not 2'
 He turned round.
 What. is 1t you, Rose Michelp"
 "Ay, have brought some flowers for thy bridal chamber. Itis a poor gift, but have none other to offer."
 "The gift Is welcome,'' he said kindly. "Will you go within2'
 Presently. Were those soldiers who left you Just nowp"
 "Yes. they arc searching for deserter. Have you seen aught of n soldier lettering in the neighborhood?"
 "Not I. Did they give you news of the war;"
 "Very bad news They sacIa to think more volunteers will be needed"
 ''Ay, heard so. Every able bodied likely youth is to be called out. sad day for us truly. You might have to go. Pierre. What would your bride say. think you9"
 He was silent.
 "Not but dare say she would soon con- sole herself" resumed Rose spitefully "A born coquette Is Ninette. and one that will mad to he wall looI ed n f. er hv tha man cho