The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-08-28

Of the vehicle, and in the convent parlor waited
high dame of the court 10 accompany her on
the Way.
The scene she had to 60 through. Mary felt
would be painful but there was greater de-
gree Of depression at her heart than even the
anticipation Of standing by the death bed of her
uncle could account for. Gloomy then and
desponding, disappointed, and anxious, Mary
entered the carriage, asking herself what was TO
be her fate when her uncle should be no more.
The night was dark and stormy ;-the dull
winds blew and whistled along the road, and
for about mile not a word was spoken by Ell
thet Mary or her companion.
At length, however, the lady said, | have
been commanded TO inform your Highness as
soon as we were actually on the way, that it
will be necessary for you TO prepare your mind
for a great change Of condition. The Duke is.
as you know, at the point Of death. The Duke
Of Nevers is the next heir 10 the coronet Of
Mantua, and il is absolutely necessary that all
claims to this duchy aud Monferrat should cen
tre in tne race, il has been determined that
your Hiehuess should give your hand 10 the
young Duke Of Rhetel. son Of the Duke OF
Never. The Prince destined TO be your hus-
band has already arrived at Mantua, and as
there Is the most urgent necessity that your
marriage should take place before the death of
Duke Fincenzo, he has generously determined,
that even in his mortal illness he will see the al
lance completed this very night. the proper
dispensations having already arrived from Rome.
IL was With difficulty that Mary Of Mantua
prevented herself from sinking off the seat in
terror and agony. The horror, the awful hor-
ror Of being called upon in a moment to we'd
one whom she had never before beheld. while
her heart was but too surely given to another,
| e.. L.., 81.
she recollectcd all the resolution and courage
Of her race she protested against the cruelty
and injustice Of the act which her uncle pro-
posed TO commit. and solemnly declared that
nothing should induce her TO yield her hand in
such indecent haste 10 an utter stranger. The
lady who accompanied her. heard all with that
chilling GOODNESS which is far more dispriting
than actual opposition. and said, that she fear
ed her IIigbncss would find herself forced to
obey
Mary had recourse TO silence, and though
her heart vas Sad and heavy, IT remained firm,
and she said TO herself. They can but Kill me.
that they will not do, better so die.
Once more she passed the manifold gates
and draw bridges, and entered what she felt TO
be for her. one vast dark prison; but she iho't
OF him she loved, aud though she censurcd him
in her own heart. for not having attempted TO
deliver her--s,ill she felt that she ought not.
she could not, dared not wed another.
The gates Of the palace were at length clos
ed, the courts were filed with soldiers; can
non guarded the entrance every thing told
that vast preparations had been made to secure
tranquility among The people on the death Of
I the regning Duke. She saw lights streaming
from the hall above. and led forward by her
companion, she advanced up the wide staircase
and into the anti-chamber. There, however.
an officer addressed her. saying, "All is ready.
Madam; the Duke waits your Highness.---
! There is not n moment TO sparen
! 60 forward, Madam - said Mary TO the la
dy who accompanied her, go forward, and tell
my uncle my upalIegablc resolve, as announ-
ced it TO YOU
The lady paused and looked back. and adj
v,ncing. she entered the hall beyond. leaving
the door ajar behind her. Mary could only SEQ
the faded form Of her uncle lying on a splendid
couch. and looking as if death bad already a.
chieyed the victory. But she heard first his
voice very sharply. II not by good will. by
force y and then another, but a sweeier voice,
and The French tongue, Let me speak with
her for a moment, my gracious lord
An instant after the door opened, and cloth
ed in princely apparel, young man appeared
but Marys heart beat fast--hcr knees trem-
bled--the color came and went in her check
she stretched forth her arms towards him--she
fell almost fantiDg an his bosom.
'Oh why came you mott why came you
not 7 she cried.
'Hark, Mary he answered. as the palace
clock struck loud and clear, hark. beloved, it
is our hour Of meeting and ! am here, thine
own dear cousin, Charles Of Gonzaga- will you
refuse the Duke Of Rhctal siilIr
The warm blood all over that bright
face; but the smile-the timd. yet confding
smile. spoke more than words could have done.
and in moment more the Duke OF Rhetal led
on to the altar raised in the hall beyond a
trembling. blushing. but not an unhappy
bride.