THE NOVELIST.

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THE BROKEN HEART.

A mutual affection had existed from their very childhood between
Henri Merville and Louise Courtin; their respective parents were
near neighbours, and on very friendly terms with one another; they,
therefore, watched the infantile attachment of their children with
great pleasure, and with still more self-congratulation did they
perceive that, growing with their growth, and strengthening with their
strength, it had ripened into an ardent and deep-rooted passion. When
Henri, however, had attained his twentieth year, Louise being also only
seventeen, it became necessary that he should leave the humble village
of Verny, and perfect himself in his trade as a cabinet-maker, by
visiting and working in some large and opulent towns. The lovers, amid
their increasing happiness, had never thought of this long separation;
so that when Henri was told by his father that he must leave home, and
be away three years, and Louise informed by her mother of the same
circumstance, the intelligence came upon them like an earthquake.
Woman's feelings are more easily excited, and Louise felt as if Verny
would be a desert without her dear Henri; he too was sad enough,
although the preparations for his journey occupied the greatest portion
of his time, and prevented his so continually thinking of the separation
as she did. Grief and regret were useless; the parting hour arrived, and
the now miserable pair were left to themselves. They mutually made vows
of eternal constancy and fidelity; as is the custom in the provinces,
they _exchanged rings_, and became rather more resigned to their