Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-01-15

as the Duke Ndu luiOFU1eu ile mdTVula NC mNtHNtu
to acquaint his daughter Of his intentions towards
him Finding he could not draw her into converse
ton he arose 10 take his departure. The Duke
strongly urged him to repeat his visit, and desired
him as particular favor 20 consider the house at
his command Blanca took leave Of him. and re-
marked that she considered quite unnecessary to
press him to call again, after the persuasious Of her
father and that she was always ready to entertain
his guests to the best Of her abilities.
The Marquis retired but determined in his own
mind not to be baIled by this formal and cold recep
ton but to renew the attack thereafter with yigor
His estates were gradually diminishing by his gam
bling and debauchery, and II required some bold
movement on his part TO replenish his finances.
The Duke was in an i'll humor at Bianca's con.
duct and strongly censured her bearing towards
him, aud desired her, as she feared displeasure,
to be more cautious in future.
Blanca retired to her ROOM TO while away the
weary hours that would elapse ere she should meet
Alphonso; for. had he received her note. he would
have had sufficient time to arrive, as he was but
short distance from Venice, on a visit TO aged
relative, whom he had not seen for many years.
When he received the note he started, the color
forsook his cheeks, and he would have sunk to the
ground, had he not supported himself BY char.
He Immediately made arrangements to return TO
Venice post haste. IL was but few moments after
his arrival. ere he was at the garden gate Of the
Dukes palace, and in another was Blanca in his
arms.
"Thank heaven r he exclaimed, "thou art safe.
my own beloved but what could have caused
this hasty summons-does any danger threaten, or
has something already befallen tbeel ?"
In few words she related to him her situation,
and concluded amid burst OF tears. Aphonso
was indeed troubled and as he drew her to a seat
breathed in her ear words Of encouragement, that
he was as much in need Of as herself, for he well
knew the firmness 70 her father After conyersing
until late hour, endeavoring to console each
other they forced reluctantly to part. Alphon-
bidding her be ofgood cheer, for the cloud would
pass away when her father discovered his daughter
happiness depended upon her own will in regard
to her marriage, when, feryently embracing her, he
tore himself away.
The Marquis set about his plan Of operations
without delay, well knowing that should the Duke
discover his real character his hopes would be blast
ed forever Night aiteI night lie gave magnificent
entertainments, which 10 her sorrow Blanca was
forced to attend, as ii deprived her ofthe company
OF Aphonso. In fact the caterers Of pleasure were
kept constantly employed. TO win one smile from
Blanca, but without avail People began to whisper,
and wonder why the marriage did not take place, as
time enough bad elapsed since he became her suitor,
for such an event be brought about. but she was
almost distant to him the day on which she be-
came acquainted with him. On many occasions
had he pressed her 10 be his as the world already
looked upon them affianced but she invaria-
bly, gave him some evasye answer, as she was not
at present in any great dread from her position, and
! as she also daily met Aphonso, she became grad
ually more reconced to her situation.
The Marquis had by this time become desperate
his estate was gradually wasting away through the
expense he was daily under in forwarding his suit
| He called the Duke aside one day, and explained
| his to him, and told him that il his daughter
did not Immediately give her consent to the union,
he would directly drop the suit, as he considered
it an insult TO be thus uiaed with by hayward
girl.
The Duke was much moved by the words of the
Marquis, and pledged his honor that his daughter
should give final answer within three days. With
this assurance the Marquis SansoVini took his de-
parture
The Duke ordered Blanca to attend him in his
room. When they were seated he told her he had
brought her there for the purpose of hearing her
views in regard to her marriage with the Marquis
For" said he ''this trifing is quite unbecomine
in a daughter of de Monti. have pledged m,
honor to give final answer 10 three days and see
for your own welfare, that it is favourable one.
"Neyer never will be the wife Of the Marqui,
Sansovini," exclaimed Blanca; my purpose is fix
ed"
The Duke expected some opposition from her
but fattered himself, by persuasive language h
would gradually gain her consent but great wal
his establishment 10 hear her speak so decidedly
| he knew not what to say he was astounded at he
firm and resolute manner, and was for momen
incapable of utterance, but by the workings Of hi
features il could be that he was in grea
! phrenzy.. At length he spoke but in accents S,
terrible that Blanca trembled.
/ "Hark We, Blanca" he said, 81 have pledged IN
word to this thing. and it must be done so il
three days prepare yourself 10 accept the Marquis
| or spend the remainder Of your days in convent
for my roof shall never shelter disobedient child
So saying, he left the room.
Blanca was placed in fearful situation TIL
relation she stood in to Alphonso would never allo,
her to wed the Marquis, even could she oyercom
the disgust she entertained for him. The idea O
entering convent, 10 leave the being she madl
+ loved, was to her heart-rending in the extrem,
Heavily dragged the hours that interviewed befor
she could meet Alphonso Night at length camt
and the lovers met at the foot Of the garden.
, Alphonso was deeply moved as he listened to
ancas description Of the interview with her fathe
! As she concluded he pressed her to his bosom
and heaved deep sigh.
"Bianca," he said, "it is indeed fearful situa
ton but there is one chance Of escape and but
which is, for us to fly and become united withoI
the consent of your father"
Blanca started at these words, and strongly ol
: jected to such course but the powerful MgI
ments offered by Alphonso, induced her to wave
and almost, ere they parted, 10 give her consent
Alphonso arranged that they should on the 10
lowing night repair to the neghboring chapel
be united after which, they were TO fly post hast
d and take refuge with the Cardinal de Mendei, VII
d had always entertained kindly feelings for hin
with him they we're to remain, until the excltemeI
}. had 10 measure blown over, and the Duke BEGAN
s reconcied, for notwithstanding his severity he hi
e great deal of affection for his daughter. AlphOn.