Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1839-07-05
THE IDRIAN MINER.
AN AUSTRIAN TALE.

Every splendid saloon had been thrown open:
but among the beauteous forms assembled
there, the young Countess herself was the
most admired. 1t might be.that every eye
looked in almost determined admiration up
on one so gentle, and so distinguished BY
birth and fortune. But the young and inno-
cent Blanca was very lovely. The usual
expression Of her large hazel eyes was elo-
quent tenderness, her features were beauti-
iul, and every movement of her tall and deli
cate form was by nature graceful; though
her dress was adorned by Jewels of immense
value, its appearance was less magnificent
than simple.
That day she had taken possession OF her
princely wealth, and, for the first time she
appeared as the mistress Of her own palace :;
her manner was perfectly dgni6ed and easy,
but during the whole evening, the rich bloom
Of her cheek was heightened by continual
blush s.. ~.
The Empress remained some hours at the
Florenheim palace delighted with the APP
pearance and conduct of the young and no
BILE orphan. The parents of the countess
had deserved and enjoyed the favor of the
Sovereigns, and Maria Theresa lovedto dis
tinguish their child.
Every guest had departed and the young
Countess stood alone in her spacious and
magnificent saloons. She pressed her hand
for a moment over her eyes, for they ached
with the glare Of the tapers still blazing
around her. She looked at the beautiful
flowers which hung in fading garlands
round the room, and sighed -Wilh true
girlish fancy she took down long droop-
ing branch of roses from the tall candelabra
beside her; the blossoms were all faded she
sighed again; but her heart had not been in
the gaiety and splendor of the evening, and
now she had leisure to attend to the silent
thoughts Of her bosom. She thought of her
betrotbed husband, and she could not help
reproducing herself for having shared 10
any way the festivities around her, while
Ernest Albert was exposed 10 the dangers
Of war.
AS the young Countess was retiring 10
rest, the arrival of a person, who earnestly
requested to see her that very night. was an
nounced she hesitated at first, but after
few moments consideration, she consented
10 appear. She returned to the deserted sa-
loon, and there waited till the man was in
troduced TO her presence. She recognised at
once the servant of the Count Albert, and
dismissed her attendants. How often did
she tremble, how often did she turn pale
with horror, during the short interview l.
Earnest had fought with his general officer
against the positive commands ofthe Empe-
ror; the general had been MORALLY wound
ed, and Albert was digraced, high re-
ward set upon his life. He had however es-
capped, but his servant knew not whittier.
Many months passed away. months Of
doubt and sorrow to The hopeless Blanca
The young deserter was never heard Of; and
the festive magnifcence which had flashed
for moment in the place Of the Countess,
entirely disappeared. All Vienna talked OF
her engagement with Ernest, and many pro-
nounced the engagement TO be dissolved 1t
was said that the Empress had herself for
hidden the Countess TO think OF the disgrace
ed Albert. Blanca was certainly comman-
ded to appear at Court, and she did not re-
fuse. Many of the young courtiers deter.
mined TO pay more than usual attention to
the very beautiful and very wealthy heiress.
She appeared. but none presumed 10 insult
her sorrow with their addresses; her real.
artless grief invested her with dignity
which no one dared to infringe upon. She
did not attempt to conceal how severely the
blow had fallen upon her, but her grief
though silent, and seeming to claim no in
terest was quietly majestic. Calm and pale,
she stood among the ladies Of the Court an
object of respect and admiration even to the
Empress herself.
A year passed away. The General
whom Albert had wounded was not dead,
hut he had met with so many relapses that
his recovery was still pronounced uncertain.
Blanca continued quiet mourner but now
her allience was sought by many OF the no.
blest houses of Austria; gently, but firmly,
every proposal was declined. For the first
time the empress interested herself in the
suit Of the Prince, one Of Bianca's enthusias.
tic admirers The young Countess did not
repel the confidence which her Sovereign
sought she disclosed withahecting earnest
ness the feelings her heart, and the prin-
ciples on which she acted before she quit
ted the Empress, she perceived that her feel
ings were understood, she guessed that her
principles we're approved.
The mother OF the Count Alberti was liv.
ing, and still presided over the household Of
her son. The Countess Blanca was now
a constant visitor at the Albert palace and
few days after the above mentioned inter
view with the empress, the aged Countess
and Blanca were conyersng almost cheer
fully together they were elated with hope,
for the petitions which had been presented
in behalf Of Earnest seemed to be successful
The Empress herself had written to the
Countess. Albert the letter was in Bianca's
hand Suddenly person entered the ga