The Unholy Compact Abjured

In the churchyard of the town of Salins, department of Jura, may still
be seen the remains of a tomb, on which is sculptured in figures as
rude as the age in which they were carved, a representation of a
soldier, firmly clasped in the arms of a maiden; near them stands the
devil in a menacing attitude. Though the inhabitants of the town are
all ready to swear to the truth of the story, they are not agreed as
to the time when it happened; so that we can only say, that some
centuries have rolled away, since a young soldier named St Amand, a
native of Salins, was returning after a long absence to the bosom of
his family. He walked with quick and cheerful steps, carrying with
ease, in a small knapsack, the whole of his worldly goods. Never since
he quitted the paternal roof, had he felt so happy; for he hoped ere
night, to see his pretty cousin, Ninette, whom he loved with all his
heart, and whom he intended to make his wife.