The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1897-06-16

1V0U'0 w y hand I would
swear she had been changed in her
cradle. Wait little while till we teach
their arrogant pretension how France
resents it; and then such women will
lament the treachery they dare call
love-"
So spoke.Pierre Duval in hot breath,
just before the siege of Paris had be-
gun-breath kindled by the news
brought him by the fair girl shrinking
before his anger-the news that one of
her schoolmates, the daughter of an
old neighbor, had been married, the
day previous, to a young Prussian Off
Ger, bearing active arms against the
country of his newly wife; and
he had left her side twenty -four hours
after the completion of the ceremony,
to rejoin his regiment.
All through the day, old Pierre kept
muttering to himself; at nightfall, he
called his little Marie to him.
Women are strange beings" he be-
gan, as if to relieve his mind of load
which was weighing upon it; "and per-
haps I've no right to believe you of diff
ferent stuff from the rest. These are
uncertain times we're in, too. The
Prussians are proving stronger than we
thought, and it behooves every man
who can carry musket to stand ready.
But, Marie, girl, if your old father
marches after the drum and fife with
the rest-and no young legs of them
all Will march more willingly want
you to make me solemn promise; nav.
more, to kneel beside me and make me
a solemn oath. Kneel, my girl-kneel"
Pale and terrified, the girl knelt.
You frighten me, papa" she said.
ITS naught TO frighten you," he
answered; 'but it's one thing to march
out to the field and another to march
back. They may leave me cold and
stiff behind them ON their return-the
gallant sons of France; but I'll rest
easier in my grave, though that grave
be trench filed with the bones of my
comrades, if 1 know my child never
will dishonor her race. Now raise
your hand, Marie, and swear that you
will never marry a man who cannot
boast French blood in his veinsr
Solemnly the girl swore.
The old man smiled triumphantly as
he bent and kissed the long, haxen
braid wound about the little head.
I'm ready now," he said
Within week the siege of Paris
had begun. Within month Pierre
Duval's daughter was orphaned A
Prussian bullet had stilled forever the
heart so loyal to France.
For time Marie was stunned. No
one found opportunity to sympathize
with her grief, for around and about
her every one was nursing some misery
of their own. Every house bore some
badge of mourning. Every heart
carried its own burden.
But sorrier days were in store for
Paris days when the Prussians
marched untroubled through its
streets, and spoke their hated language
in loud, triumphal accents.
On party of these Marie stumbled
one evening as she hastened home.
Her pretty face, from which she had
thrown back her heavy veil of crepe,
attracted them.
Instantly two of them approached
her, addressing her in her own tongue.
She hastily drew down her veil, but
one bolder than the rest raised his
hand to again uplift it. Scarcely had
he done so than it was struck down by
a sharp, quick blow from behind.
Marie turned, to see the French
man who had befriended her; but, 10
a young officer, in full Prussian uni
form, stood before her, respectfully
touching his hat.
A few swift words of command to
the men sent them, abashed, away.
Then, with an accent almost as pure as
her own, he begged that she would
allow him to escort her to her home.
Such outrages in time of war are
difficult always to prevent, he said;
'but you risk much by appearing un-
attended in the street. Always your
father-your brother"
'Ah!" she interrupted, edo you
leave us our fathers and our brothers?
Mo- / have been to the hospital, caring
for the poor men who may be spared
to their daughters aud their sisters.
As for me, you have already taken
from me my all. "
Aud she moved quickly away. as il
the conversation were at an end; but
the young officer kept pace beside her.
Pardon me, she said, "but you