The state herald., 1895-01-04
"that I too might offer my life 70,
Erauce v

"that too might offer my life for
France"
The day Of parting arrived. and,
followed by those whom Ills example
had inspired, the chevalicr left his
home. A few days later word came
that tho Norman recruits, with others
from the neighboring districts, had
been formed into company OF tho
line, Of which Gavrolles was consti-
tuted captain.
courage, my dariins''' wrote the
Ghevalier to his daughter. ave are
ordered to the front at once" He i'd
ded, Id q postscript to his letter: 1.-The
medallion, With your mothers picture
and yours lies on MY heart Every
night before l lio down 70 rest look
and self-control. Yet Il would have
been seen, had tho sunlight been shin
ing upon her, that the llio-blood had
fled from her checks, leaving them
white and cold as marble, and that in
her eyes there was fixed expression
OF utter horror and pain. Trembling
violently, she chung to her father, US
If she already felt the iron hand
which was about to snatch him from
her.
Father, you will not go! France
has thousands upon thousands Of
soldiers, and l have only you! Promise
mo you will promise, and l
know you will keep your word"
MY w5rd is already given" re-
piled tho cheyalier, gently; "diid II
pledges mo to accept service in the
defense Of my country. My darling,
have hesitated long time In my
great love and care for you; but the
events Of tho last few days have de-
cided mo, ana II now delayed, l
should feel myself little better than a
miserable coward"
mo one would think you thntl' OK
claimed Blanche. "All the world
knows you are brave"
II should be q coward at least In
my own estimation. Blanche, there
are moments In the lives of nations,
Us there are moments in the lives Of
men, when life hangs lowering in tho
balance, when the slightest thing may
decide the sufferers fate for. good
or evil. Ono Of these moments
has now come to Franco. Yes
terday she was sinner,
justly punished; to-day she is
martyr, barbaroasly outraged. Would
you have your father stop hero, use-
less and despiscd, while other mon.
his countrymcn, arc sacrificing life
and fortune for their country's sake.
and when the sword Of every true
Erenchman is needed to rcpuiso the
invader and secure an honorable
pcacew
As he spoke he clasped her in his
arms, and kissed her tenderly again
and again. Both were strongly moved;
both seemed to feel tho shadow OF an
eternal separation. But with strong
effort the noble girl conquered her
agony before it could conquer her.
and sought with all her power to
tighten the burden OF her fathers sor-
row. Almost for tho first time the
chevalier realized the fill strength
and intensity OF that tender nature.
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 tho
divine source OF all our smiles and
tears. Two days later came letters
from the administration accepting his
voluntary services, and bidding him to
repair at once 10 headquarters.
Quietly, almost calmly, Blanche saw
to the preparations for his departure;
but on tho last night before the separ-
alton the anguish became too much
for her, and she fairly broke down. and
sobbed upon his breast. Then taking
from her bosom small golden medal
lion attached to a slender golden chain.
she placed II in his hands. saying:
Father. sec II contains my
mothers portrait and mine. You will
wear 1T, will you not9 Perhaps-God
knowsl-it will be charm to keep
you safe. TO bring you back to me.
Oh, father, fathor." she added. wildly.
"what shall | do when you are gone
away?"
Trust in God, my darling" he an
swcred. Then raising the medallion
TO his lips, "Placc 1t round my neck
with your own hands. So long as
am spared 1t will rest where you have
placed 1t; and II fall"
"Ah. do not speak OF 1t! God will
bring you safe back to mo. All. yes,
dear father, have faith. lie will not
part those who love each other SO
much"
He drew her softly to him, smooth
ing her hair with his hand and looking
into her eyes.
blanche. my child" no said. edo
not let us be selfish In our sorrow; do
not lot us forget that ours Is COM
mon misery, shared by thousands upon
thousands. not only here in France.
but yonder In Germany. beyond the
Rhine. II Is tho curse OF war that
spares no man, and Is cruelest 20 the
helpless and innocent. Evon our enc
mics have children who live and pray
for thcm-remember that
She looked at him in wonder. vnguc.
ly understanding. yet scarcely rcaliz-
ing. the largencss OF his noble com
passion.
"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 In tho pulpi'-our
enemies are monsters without pity and
without love-"
"Nay. Blanche. hc answered gen-
tly. "thcy are only unfortunate mon
like ourselves. speaking different
tongue, but capable OF tho same holy
affections. Thcy are not 10 blame,
but the evil rulers who urge them on.
II Is with sad heart. my child. that
] draw tho sword against any follow
4...... l..a IL. ..u..il E.u ...... L.