Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1892-09-21
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lhe mother countess weeping duu
wailing sought to bring back life into
the cold and motIonless body; the SER
wants ran aimlessly hither and thither
but all IestoratIves seemed futile.
At last they thought the young
countess was dead, when suddenly she
began 70 breathe slowly and soon
orsned her blue eyes as if she had lust
awakened from a disagreeable dream.
Pierre, who bad brought her body into
the castle was able to give only one an
sver to the many questions of the count
ess, and that was, that in coming from
bis dwelling, past the lake with water
with which to sprinkle the plants in front
of the castle, he hadheard piercing cry
for help in the direction of the water,
and perceived the young countess
yaiuly struggling, together with
another person, to reach the bank
In an instant he sprang INTO the water
and, being an expert swimmer, was
enabled to rescue them both, the
rouutess Marie and his own daughter
Jeanne.
As the young countess camel con-
sciousness, she supplemented Pierre's
meagre story by saying that little
jeanne had desired to cross the lock-
board, but in doing so had become
dizzy and fallen; without hesitation
she had sprung after her Ill order to
save her.
but You cannot swim, dear child, 3"
interrupted the mother ienderly. "In
that moment ] did not think of that,
mother, and besides Jeanne would
have been drowned, perhaps, if | had
hesitated a moment or called for help"
Yes, indeed, you alone have saved
Jeanne's lie, for wi hout your help L
should have come too late 10 her res
cue, ." said Pierre as be kissed the hand
OF the brave countess.
Many years had passed since this
event The countess Marie had de-
veloped into a beautiful maiden aud
also the gardeners daughter. now
MarIe's maid, but otherwise the change
OF yeaTs-it was towards the end of
the former century-had not brought
much prosperity.
A tempestuOus cloud bro nded over
France, which soon burst and brought
death and destruction to thousands aud
tens of thousands. The revolution
broke ont; the beads of the King and
Queen and many of their faithful al
lies fell on the scaifOld, while | au-
thorlty was Usurped by band of ter
rOrists who with blood and fear tried
to preserve their dictatorial power.
Over all suspected persons hung the
sword, and all who did not openly and
unreservedly attach themselves to the
violent Repul licans" Immediately
came under suspicion. Even into the
provinces, tie committee of public
safety sent their officers with an Id
guillOtine and the blood of the mobiles,
the priests and all adherents to the old
regime, without respect to age or sex,
flowed in streams The most quiet and
thoughtful peasants were, ont OF pure
fear, led to become vile denunclat; rs,
or hangmen's servants, merely to save
their own imperiled lives. Fanati-
oIsm, terror and anxiety, transformed
the most friendly citizen into a blood
thirsty wolf. The most aristocrat,c
families in the land were horror
stricken. The sins of the father and
grand father were visited in a terrible
manner upon the most innocent of
children.
At this time the countess st. Claude
WIS, with her daughter Marie, uron
her estate in Bretagne, with terror and
fear she heard of the cruel deeds of
the revolutionists who were constantly
drawing nearer her native province.
Already large number OF her friends
and relations had suffered for their
adherence 10 the kiDgly house and the
possession of a noble name.
During this reign of terror the old
countess was taken I'll and died, leav-
ing tue countess Marie alone in the
world. What now should be done,
where should she 60, from whom seek
help2 Daily the danger became
greater. Her only living relative
Camille de Fauconier, a nephew of her
mother, was an officer IN the army and
perhaps, long ago, had been sent into
foreign lands or TO subdue the ap-
preaching eastern enemy on the
border.
Marie's maid, Jeanne, had married
nelghbOring forester; she WIS faithful
and perhaps might advise aud help
her. Jeanne had been for many years
her conidant; she knew also that a
secret youthful love existed between
the countess and her cousin Camille.
Perhaps she knew of some way by
which she might find his address, he
who could rescue her from all difficult
ties.
1t was late one afternoon of warm
summers day, when Marie knelt in
the little chapel of the castle before
the altar, absorbed in deep inward
prayer. She be-ought heaven to lead
her to decide in what direction she
should turn her steps in order to es-
cape the approaching danger of death.
Suddenly sue trembIed, a cry of ioy
Camille" escaped her lips, and sob
bing she laid her head on the shoulder
of her beloved, who, directed by
Jeanne, had silently ent red the chapel.
'Have yOu come 10 save ne or to die
with me?' "Gou have your faithful
Jeanne to thank for seeing me here"
he replied. l left the army and decid-
ed to make q stand against the tyranny
IN Paris, bat Jeanne prevented me.
She found me and told me of the death
of your mother, of your helpless con
dltion, the apprOsch of the commits
sioners and the guillOtine in Bretagne.
l have come too iate, still not too late
to save you" Jeanne, faithful
Jeannep cried Marie embracing the
tOrestIr's wife. Glow cen 1 ever thank
you?" 'Have l not from childhood
been under obligation to you, count
ess? But the night draws near and
you have not moment to lose. The
officers were yesterday with the guillo-
tine IN POHtjUY and tomorrow the
bloody work will begin here. There Is
long list, and your name, countess
Marie, is included with the rest"
''How do you know that? asked Marie
astonished. "Do not try to find out"
laid Jeanne turning away, ''do not
ask who gave me the iuformationl
Escape to-day, Immediately. To-mor-
row it will be tco latel" "But where,
Jeanne, where?" "First of all to me.
Monsieur Camille will accompany you;
your servants have all fed. L can now
go out unobserved and IN half an hour
you must follow me Just as you are,
there is no time even to change your
dress. at the edge of the forest, at
the charcoal burners hut, I will wait
Tor you. Through forest path will