The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-09-02
CHAPTER III.

| BLANCHE
| It was some minutes before Blanche
could realize the full significance of her
fathers words; and even when she did so
she did not weep and wall in the manner
Of historical damsels. Her father had
not misestimated her character; she pos
sessed both courage and self-control. Yet
it would have been seen, had the SUM-
light been shining upon her, that the life
blood had fed from her cheeks, leaving
them white and cold as marble, and that
in her eyes there was fixed expression Of
horror and pain. Trembling violently, she
clung to her father, as if she already felt
the iron hand which was about to snatch
him from her.
Father, you will not go! France has
I have only you? Promise me you will
stay-promise, and l know you will keep
your word"
my word is already given, replied the
Chevalier, gently; and it pledges me 10
accept service in the defense of my coun-
try. My darling, have hesisated long
time in my great love aud care for you; but
the events of the last few days have de-
feel myself little better than miserable
coward"
NO one would think you that!" e1-
claimed Blanche. AL the world knowa
that you are brave.'
Blanche, my darling, do not unman me.
You know now which way my duty lies.
Suffer me to fulfill it; you must! you will"
1T is so sudden, so terrible, she replied.
And We were so happy here together.
Oh, father, must you go?"
you know I must"
Then I will try to bear it-I will try to
justify your faith in me. And in a little
while you will come back to me, will you
not?"
Yes, dear, God willing"
As he spoke he clssped her in his arms,
and kissed her tenderly again and again.
Both were strongly moved; both seemed to
feel the shadow of an eternal separation.
But with strong effort the noble girl con.
quered her agony before it could conquer
her, and sought with all her power to
tighten the burden Of her fathers sorrow.
The next morning when they met she
was calm and resigned, though very pale.
She had spent the greater part of the
night in prayer, and sacred strength had
come to her from the divine source of all
our smiles and tears. Her father looked
at her in wonder; for he knew the depth Of
her devotion to him and realized fully
the supreme effort she was making for his
sake.
Two days later came letters from the ad-
ministration accepting his voluntry SER
vices and bidding him to repair at once to
headqQa,ters.
Quietly, almost calmly, Blanche saw to
the preparations for his departure; but on
the last night before the separation the
anguish became too much for her and she
fairly broke down and sobbei upon his
breast. Then taking from her bosom
small gold medallion attached to slen-
der golden chain, she placedit in his hands,
saying:
Father, seel It contains my mothers
portrait and mine. You vii, wear 1t, Will
YOU not? Perhaps-Goi knows!-it will
be a charm to keep you safs, to bring you
back to me. Oh, father, rather!" she
added wildly, what shall do when you
are gone away?"
He drew her softly to him, smoothing
her hair with bis hands and lookingllnto
her eyes.
Blanche, my child" he said, do not let
% be selfish in our sorrow; do no. let US
forget that ours ls eomuou MISERY,
shared by thousands upon thousands, not
only here in France, but yonder IL! Ger
many, beyond the Rhine"
"Ah, my father, you are good. Even IN
your great sorrow you feel for others more
than for yourself. But all tho world knows
even Father Andre has said it 10 the
pulpit-our enemies are monsters, without
pity and without love"
Nay, Blanche" he answered.. gently,
they are only unfortunate men like our
selves, speaking different tongue, but
capable of the same holy affections. They
are not to blame, but the evil rulers who
rrce them on. 1t is with o sad heart, my
child, that draw the sword against any
fellow creature; but the peril of France is
nv justification, and whatever blow l
strike will lie blow of elf-defense."
Ito BE CONTINUED