The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-12-27

to offer her homage to the sovereign, excl.
ted fresh applause.
+" All, my cousin," cried the enamourec
monarch, turning to the Prince de Conde
"what an enviable man am now abou, I,
render YOU, in uniting you To so charming
n bride . by the mass, il were bache
lor, | must have kept her for myself, anC
laid my crown at her feet and, even as i
/ is feel more pain than | am willing tC
confess in bestowiug her upon another"
Henri Quatre felt the hand of the youth.
F, ful beauty, which he had retained IN his
own, while addressing this high-aown com
plment ie her future husband, trembe in
his grasp Charlotte was conscious that
her sovereign was availing himself this OPP
portunity of pressing her fairy fingers, with
more ardor than became the paternal char
ac,er he had assunsd. A deep blush over
spread her countenance us the question sug-
gested itself to her mind, Wherefore has
he taken so much pains to seperate me
from Francois Bassompicrre 7" aud at the
same moment, she stole furiive glance al
him, whose destiny was, from that hour, 10
be SO closely connected with her own, aud
encountered the dark penetrating eyes,
whose scrutiny had so much disturbed her
at the Louvre. They were still bent on
her face with the same grave mourniul ex-
preston, as if intended To pierce into her
very soul. Those beautiful searching eyes
belonged to Henri de Conde. Scarcely had
she psadc this startling discovery, when the
king, assuming the imposing characteristics
of majesty, whichso much better became
his mature age than the light and reckless
tone of gallantry in which he had before
INDUCED, presented the Prince dc Conde to
her in due form. Then, putting hei hasd
into that of his pale, thoughtful klnsman,
he pronounced the patriarchal blessing Of
the suzerain on their approaching union.
Charlotte started, and impulsiyely drew
back from the icy touch Of the cold bnnd
that then family closed on hers. There
was nothing Of tenderness, or encourage
ment, IN the s.ernly composed features OF
Conde no trait of that silently expressive
homage, which is so dear to the heart o.
woman nothing in fact, to compensate 70
the absence Of manly beauty aud courtl,
grace ina very young man. Though TN
habits of politeness and eIf-controi, whicI
are so early impressed upon the daughter.
of the great, prevented Inc fair MoUtmoron-
ci from betraying her secret dissatisfaction,
she ventured to direct an appealing look TO
her parents, as il to inplore their iutcrfe-
renee but her mother turned away, aud
her father gave her a glance which intima.
ted thnt it was to late to recedc.
The marriage contract was read, and
subscribed by the king in his threeiold ca
pacity of zerainns or paramount licge-lord
of the contracting parties and also Ms the
next of kin aud guardian of the the illustri-
Gus bridegroom, who was nn orphan and "A
minor. II was next witnessed by the pa
rents Of the bride. The pen was theu pre-
sented TO the Prince de Conde. lie paused,
and appeared irresolute; dar,ed a glance
Of suspicious enquiry at the king, and bent
one of his searching looks on the face of
her to whom he was required to pligh, him
self Mademoiselle de Montmorenci was
unconscious of his scrutiny. Oyerpo~ cred
by the strangeness and agitating nature Of
the scene, she stood, with downeast eyes
and varying color, leaning her clasped
hands for support on the shoulder of her
only brother, afterwards so celebrated IN
the annals of France, as the illustrlons and
unfortunate Henri de Montmercnci. New
er had she appeared 50 charming as nt that
moment, when the feminine emotions of
fear and shame had lent their softoning
shade to beauty, which was, perhaps, too
dazzling in its faultlcss perfection, and cal
culated rather to excite wonder and admi-
ration, than to inspire tenderness. The
stern expression Of Condos leaturesr elaxsd
as he gazed upon her. aud observed the vir-
gin bues Of +" celestial rosy red" aud " an
gel whIteness," that came and went IN her
fair cheek. His countennuce frightened,
he took the pen with sudden animation,
and, with n firm hand, and in bold free
characters, subscribed his name to the con-
tract.
Charlotte Murgurite de Monimorenci
your signature is required" said the duke
her father to the evidently reluctant dam
sci.
:" have great mind not To slgn," said
she, in a confidential tone aside to her
brother, who was two years younger thad
herself
Are you minded to offer an affront 10
an honorable gentleman, and tn afford n
triumph to a recresnt loverp was the re-
sponse Of TIE youthful heir Of Montmorenci.
Charlotte advanced to the table, and
signed the instrument. She received some
what eoolly the congratulations with which
her friends and relations overw helmed her /;
aud when the folding doors Of the saloon
we're thrown open and the king gave his
hand to the Duchess de MoDimorenci to
lead her into the banqueiIng-room where a
spmptuous entertainment bad been laid out
iu honor of the occasion, she took the offered
arm Of the man to whom she had just afli-
anced herself, witb an averied bead, and a
sigh escaped her.
81 fear" said he, in low voice." that
you have been compelled to do violence Ia
your feelings in signing that contract"