The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-06-12

the Aioefu palace anu lew days after
the aforementioned interview with the
Empress, the nged Countess and Blanca
we're converting almost cheerfulIy together;
they were elated with hope for the petit
ions which had been presented in behalf Of
Ernest seemed to be successful. The en-
press had herself written to the Countess
Albert, the letter was in Bianca's hand.
Suddenly u person entered the saloon IL |
was the old and faithful servant OF Alberi
he told them news that almost overw helmed
them. The young count had returned, he
had been brought TO Vienna with gang Of
desperate buaditti, he was said to bo the
captain of men who were outlaws, robbers,
aud murderers. "Alas alas :" exclaim-
ed the old countess, and she gazed with
look OF beart-broken sorrow on magnii-
cent portrait Of her late husband; this is
to be the end of The house Of Albert.
Your only son, smy beloved Conrad, the
child Of our hopes, will he prove shame
TO his fathers name; 1t is well that you
witness our dsgroce." Ernest will never
disgrace YOU" cried Bianca, eagerly.
" We know him much better !" she added,
clnsping the trembling hands of the coun-
tess with tender affection "there is much
to be explained in this story. Dear, rash
Ernest" she faltered, leaning her head on
her mothers shoulder and bursting into
tears. 1--WE know him better; he may be
wild and faulty, but he will never disgrace
any one" He never will, you are right"
replied the Countess /; 81 spoke hastily. !
ought to hope, ought to believe better
things of my beloved son. Daughter of my
love, was very wrong to doubt him for a
moment; you judge him rightly. Bless
you, bless you, my sweet Bianca."
Alberti had been indeed brought TO Wen
ma, among the bandilli of Istria every
proof was strong against him. lie was
condemned TO be broken on the wheel, aud
there seemed no hope that the senlence
would be mitigatcd. Ernest himself told
an improbable story about his not being
connected with the handful; but nobody
listened to il, and he mentioned it no more.
Blanca md his mother did believe him.
The account was perfectly true.
The Countess Alberti, with her young
and lovely friend, used every exeriion to
prevent his execution; but the verdict mp
peared irrcvocuuic. uv uoy, tic u,v.oe-,
day of death was fixed, and they implored
an audience Of the empress; the aged moth
er, the betrothed wife, lay at her feet in
speechlcss agony; they cntrented, they
clung to her in the delriun, Of grief. Their
gentle sovereign wept with them, she en-
deavored to console them; but although
her whole frame trcmbled, nnd her voice
faltered with agitation ms she replied to
their entreaiies, her answer left them quite
hopeless. They obtained, however, per-
mission TO see the prisoner before his exc
cution, and even this had hitherto been de-
MED to every one.
An unforeseen circumstance saved the
life of Albert. The captain Of the bnndi,ii,
who had not been taken with his compan-
ions, had heard that Ernest was condemned
to die. He had once been man Of honor
himself; aud ne gave himself up to justice,
and proved clearly that the count had not
joined his band, and had always indignant
y refused when asked to join it. The sen
tence was therefore changed, and the no
BILE and gallant Count Ernest, wns con-
der,ned in tho prime Of youthful manhood
TO become a workman for life, in the quick
silver mines Of Idrin.
The first surprise which made known to
the aged countess her sons safety, was JOY.
ful; but her grief soon returned as she
thought upon the dreadful termination
which awaited all her hopes for him. But
Blanca wns young, ardent, and the worst
that would happen wns n joy to her. She
devoted her whole heart aud every energy
Of her mind, TO plan, which she instantly
resolved 10 execute, which was to occompa-
ny her beirothed and share his imprison-
ment Not only the mother OF Count Al
berti, but even the Empress herself, endea-
yored to dissuade the lovely Blanca from
such rash resolution. They pictured to
her that she would by such an act deprive
herself Of her own estates and fortune-that
the momen. she married Albert, her estates
and title would be forfeited to the crown,
aud she be the simple wife Of nm ldrian
miner; aud that she would be obliged to
form the duties of n meniol servant to per-
her husband.
"Countess Blanca Of Florcnheim," con-
tinued the Empress, "can YOU dare to un-
dertakc such a sacrifcei Are you aware
that your mind may be upheld by an IN
certain enthusiasm7 7 Have you thought
upon the drear dull cnlm Of poverty, and
decsying beaIth2 DO you feel assured,
that when the first tumnltuous feelings have
worn themselves ont, when there are none
around to wonder at your extraordinary de-
votion to Albert, when your name viii be
almost forgotten indeed, by all but few
friends whom you will never behold again,
do you think that you will then reIoice at
the decision you have made! When per-
haps your husband may be dying in the
morning Of age, with no attendant but n
weak, helpless wife, who may be then ton
III even to stand beside him then what
will your feelings be ?" The Empress re-
pea,e,l her question, for tho words which
.,.na.I.I 4. lad ah.nrhed Riancn'f ihonphts.