San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-01-15
THE ROSE OF BLOOD.
BY EDWARD sTAPLEToN.

Written for the LIGHT
Many In France could tell of the
tragic end of Marshal Mel and his
beautiful daughter, Louise; and
though the story may attain the acme
of romance, 1t Is true. Thousands,
all over the world, possess memento,
which they tend with great care,
without knowing the origin of its
name.
Many, perhaps, will be glad, as
was, to hear the story from one of the
oldest men In Franco.
"You see that large warehouse?"
began the old man, after RECALLING
himself with q huge pinch of snuff
from much worn silver box which
was given to him by the Great
Emperor for some private service.
"Before the fall of Napoleon there
was on that spot n beautiful chateau.
The owner, Marshal Mel, was q great
favorite of our emperor, and in cOnse-
quence, was rarely permitted to remain
at home for any length of time, for
the active mind of our Leader always
had something to be done and that
quickly, SO the Marshal had but little
leisure, to devote to his favorite re-
creation horticulture, but though
seldom at home the grounds were
kept we'll stocked with flowers and
shrubs to delight the master when
ever he CHANGED to return.
Well,it was in the beginning of the
summer of 18-when the Marshal
came home looking the worse
for wear, he was seated In his etudy
one morning scanning the latest
news; He was then about fifty, hard
featured and tanned, deep lines fur
rowed his ample forhead, and heavy
brows hung over his, rather small
piercing, grey eyes: He was q man
after NapoliOD's own heart, his word
was law and must be obey ed whether
that word was given to his LOWEST
servant or to his beautiful and only
child Louise.
His brows contracted as he read the
plans of attack of French general in
command at the front, he cast the
document aside in anger, crying,
"Fool, you will be defeated!"
At that moment q steward entered
with q card bearing the name of Cap
tain Grandet; q quick nod from the
Marshal was understood by the do
mestic, who forthwith ushered the
visitor into the presence of his master.
"Pardon my intrusion, Marshal,
but you are so seldom at home of late,
and the object of my unceremOnious
visit lie of such vital Importance to me
that / have taken the liberty of call
ing on you Immediately on your arri-
val"
captain Grsudet," said the Mar
shall, mOtioning him to be seated,
always remember that the first
chance Is the best. What Is your
businessH
Grandet was a little Disconnected
by the Marshals abruptnsss, who
knew that bis visitor bore anything
but good reputation, especially as
soldier.
"Marshal Neil, you have a daugh-
teri" he began rather nervOusly.
II have sir, what has that to do
with your visit?"
"Simply this 1t is to beg of her es-
teemed father her hand in marriage
III
Captain Grandet" interrupted the
marshal rising, "my daughter shall
never bear the name of GraDdet.n
"Is not my name as good as yours?"
said the other rising In his turn.
at may be, but you are not equal
to your name"
lido you mean to insult me?" asked
the enraged Captain taking step
forward.
"Insult your" said the marshal
folding his arms and looking straight
into his threatening visitors eyes,"
/ have heard you are proof against
trifles, but as you please, insult or
no insult you are the judge. Adieu,"
with which he rang The bell.
The Captain ground his teeth and
fairly Kissed with rage as he followed
the servant out.
When the marsha had composed
himself, he descended into his favor
tie rose garden. On either side of o
well rolled crushed shell path, beau
tiful and rare rose trees were planted
at equal distances, with strict regard
to coIOriDg, size and beauty. Although
the perfume was apparent immedi-
ately on entering the garden the old
warrior would now and again bury
his nose in temptingIy poised, half
blown blossom and initiate his lungs
to their fullest extent with its seduc-
tive fragrance, then pass on with
what seemed to be sigh of regret at
having to leave such sweetness, to
the next.
While he was bending over q rare
specimen, his daughter lovely bru-
nette-advsnced noiselessly, to his
side and slipping her arm around his
neck, kissed his suDburned cheek.
"Petite," he said, after returning her
saiutation, sis not this the most per-
fectly shaped and tinted blossom you