Martinsburg Gazette

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.

The clock of Notre Dame was just telling midnight. I was hastening home to my hotel in the Suburb St. Germaine; when I crossed the Pont Neuf, a horse, driven rapidly in a gig, stumbled and fell, sparks of fire flew in all directions, from the violence of the fall, and a scream of alarm in a female voice, issued from the interior of the carriage. I hastened to yield my assistance, and arrived very seasonably, for the driver reckless of every thing else, had rushed to his horse's head and vainly endeavored to get the animal, which was dangerously hurt, upon his legs again.

The lady had fainted. I took her out in my arms, and seated her on the side walk. As fear had been the principal cause of her swooning, she soon opened her eyes; her senses returned, and in a sweet and trembling voice, she thanked me for the kindness I had shewn her. "You will permit me madame," said I, "to complete the good work begun by so happy a chance: you certainly will not refuse me the pleasure of seeing you safely home."

"I am sorry to give you so much trouble, Sir, but I accept your invitation thankfully: my abode is not far from this—I shall not detain you a moment."

"What number Madame?"

"Forty."

We were there in a few minutes. I was retiring, "Not yet," said the lady, "you must not refuse some slight refreshment."

There was so much kindness in these few words that I could not refrain accepting the invitation—more particularly as the stranger was very beautiful.

We therefore entered, an old servant opening the door.

"I shall treat you without ceremony sir, and receive you into my bed-room, it is absolutely too cold in the parlor."

Now I never entered a bed-room, especially a young lady's without delightful emotions. I always identify myself with the divinity when so near its altar, and consequently the sight of a fine bed, the mysteries of which set my imaginations at work, goes right to my heart.

Refreshments were served up: the lady and myself seated ourselves at a marble table. The conversation of course turned upon the accident to which she had so nearly fallen a victim.

"Do you feel any pain, Madame?" I asked,—"Not the slightest Sir, fright made me faint but I am now perfectly well."

"Then I shall always bless the occurrence that produced me the happiness of your acquaintance."

There was really something romantic in this adventure. Don't you think so.

This singular question, although very simple in itself, embarrassed me considerably. I know not what answer I made to it; for a cold sweat had overshadowed my forehead. According to my usual praiseworthy custom, I had coursed over the lady's bed with my eyes, and upon the embroidered muslin that covered it, I had seen numerous drops of blood!

Strange suspicions assailed me. The hour:—the horses fall might have been a trick; unceremonious conduct of my entertainer: her invitation up stairs: blood:—all these taken in connexion made me extremely uneasy; but judge my feelings when a moment later I saw the hilt of a dagger peeping out from the pillow.

I started up. I was pale no doubt: for the lady looked at me with alarm.

"What is the matter Sir?" asked she.

"Nothing, Madame, nothing"

"You appear to be violently affected, are you unwell? Shall I ring for Thomas! we can soon prepare you a bed."

"Nothing ails me, I assure you. But it is getting late, and I fear my friends will be uneasy at my absence. I must beg your permission to retire."

"I cannot allow you to go in such a state."

She had seized the bell cord. I would not suffer her to ring.

"You must take a few drops of ether at all events."

Saying this she ran to the door of her dressing-room: the light penetrated into it; oh horrible! a man's head hanging by the hair met my gaze! my knees gave way, and I fell back upon my seat; the lady returned with a vial.

Passing suddenly from lethargy to a state of despair.

"Let me fly," cried I furiously, "No I will receive nothing at your hands. Is this the reward of the service I rendered you?"

These words produced a magic effect. The lady rang. Thomas appeared, but no order was given him.

We were all three mute with surprise. Thomas at last broke silence. "Did you ring for me, Madame?"

"Show the gentleman out."

I gave no time to repeat the order. In two jumps I was out of the house—the old servant was at my heels, but the keen night air cooled my agitation and I stopped a moment to breathe freely.

"Wretch, what is your mistress name?"

"Miss"

"It is well. I shall complain of her"

"Sir?"

"I shall immediately go to the police office."

"Why so Sir?"

"To have her taken up for murder: the proofs are ample."

"I dont understand you Sir?"

"Of what profession is your mistress?"

"She is an actress."

"What means the blood upon her bed?"

"You are under a mistake Sir. You no doubt saw some tulip leaves that Miss scattered there this morning."

"And the dagger under her pillow?"

"My mistress has several; she was to appear with one to-day; she made a selection, and the one you saw probably she had rejected."

"But the man's head in the dressing room?"

"It was no doubt one of her wigs; you must have seen it from behind."

I, in effect waited on Miss—the next day in the green room. I told her my ridiculous terrors, and they made us both laugh heartily, and long. In short the consequences of this acquaintance were worthy of the manner in which they were formed, and Miss ——— is now my wife.

N. Y. Constel.