The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-06-12
SELECTED TALES.
THE IDRIAN MINER.
An AUSTRIAN TALE.

AN TALL.
The palace of the Countess of Floren-
helm was thronged with lordly company.
Every splendid saloon bad been thrown
open; but among the beauteous forms as
sembled there, the young countess herself
was the most admired. Ii might be that
every eye looked in almost determined ad-
mirntion upon one SO gentle, and so dlstin-
guished by birth and fortune. But the
young and innocent Blanca was very love-
ly. The usualexpression of her large hazel
eyes was eloquent tenderness, her features
were beautiful, and every movement Of
her tall and delicate form was by nature
graceful though her dress was adorned by
Iewels Of immense value, its appearance
was less magnificent than simple.
That day she had taken possession Of
her princeIy wealth; and for the first time,
she appeared as the mistress of her own
palace her manner was perfectly digniiied
and easy but during the whole evening,
the rich bloom of her cheek was heightened
by a continual blush.
The Empress remained some hours at the
Florenheim palace, delighted with the ap-
pearance aud conduct of the young aud no.
bic orphan. The parents of the Countess
had deserved and enjoyed the favor Of their
Sovereigns, and Muria Theresa loved to
distinguish their child.
Every guest had departed and the
young Countess stood alone in her spa
cious and magnificent saloons. She press
ed her hand for n moment over her eyes,
for they ached with the glare Of the ,apers
still blazing around her. She looked at
the beautiful flowers which hung in fading
garlands round the room, and sighed.
With .-~ s;.i;sh ran.y, - .-rL Lnwn n
long dropping branch of roses from the tall
candclabra beside her the blossoms were
all faded she sighed again: her heart had
not been in the gaiety and splendor Of the
evening, and now she bad leisure to attend
to the silent thoughts Of her bosom. She
thought Of her belrothed husband, and she
could not help reproaching herself for hav'
ing shared in any way the festivities around
her, while Ernest Alberti was exposed to
the dangers Of war. ....
As the young Countess was retiring to
rest, the arrival of n person, who earnestly
; requested to see her that very night, was
announced: she hesitnted at first, but after
few moments consideration, she consent
ed to appear. She returned to the deserted
saloon, and there waited ill the man was
introduced to her presence. She recogDis-
ed at once the servant Of the Count Albert
and dismissed her attendants. How often
did she tremble, how often did che turn
pule with horror, during the short inter.
view Ernest had fought with his genera
officer against the positive commands of the
Emperor the general had been 'nortally
wounded, and Alberli was disgraced, u
high reward was set upon his life. lie had
however escaped, but his servant knew moi
whittier.
Many months passed away, months o
doubt and sorrow to the helpless Blanca
The young deserter wns never heard of
and the festive Inagnilicence which hac
= flashed for moment in the palace OF th,
0 Countess, entirely disappeared. All Wen
$ ma talked Of her engagement with Ernest
y and many pronounced the engagement Il
n be dissolved. II was said, that the EN-
:. press and herself forbidden the youn,
r. Countess to think Of the disgraced Albert
- -Bianca was certainly commanded TO up
pear ut Court, and she did not refuse
Many Of the young courtiers determined Il
pny more than usual attention to the vcr,
. beautiful and very wealthy heress. Sh'
appeared, but none presumed 10 insult he
u sorrow with their addresses her real, art
IS less grief, invested her with dignity which
'f no one dared to infringe upon. She dI'
not attempt To conceal how severely th'
blow had fallen upon her but her grief
n though silent. aud seeming to claim no in
g terest, was quietly msjestic. Colin and pale
: she stood among the ladies' of the court, Al
object Of respect and admiration even to tn
" Empress herself
A year passed away. The general whom
J. Albert had wounded was not dead, but h
II had met with so many relapscs that his re
e covery was still pronounced uncertain
J, Blanca continued n quie, mourner, but nov
o her alliance was sought by many Of the no
Is blest houses of Aostria (; gently, but firmly
y every proposal was declined. For the frs
n time, the Empress interested herself in tb
J. suit Of the Prince, one Of Bianca's enlbus
:, iastic admirers. The young countess dI'
of Dot repel the confidence which her Sover
e. eign sought; she disclosed with affectinI
= earnestness the feelings of her heart, nm
le the principles on which she acted; befor
J. she quilted the Empress, she perceived Ma
I'd her feelings were understood, she guesse
=, that her principles were approved.
The mother Of the Count Alber
N was still living; and still preside'
a over the household of her son. The Copn
d, te. Blanca WAS now constant ,isiier