The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-02-21
So PER A.NNUM.

S"' 1"e young ueSerter was never heard
OF; and the festive magnifcence which
mad flashed Tor moment in the palac.
OF the Countess, entirely disappeared. All
vienna talked Of her engagement with
Ernest, and many pronounced the engage
ment to be dissolved. II was said rha,
the Empress herself had forbidden the
young Countess to think Of the discraced
Aioertl. Blanca WAS certainly con.,nan-
del to appear at Court, and she did not
refuse. Many Of the young courtiers de-
termined 10 pay more than usual at ell
ton to thevery beautiful and very wealthy
hearess. She appeared, but none presu,n-
ed 10 insult her sorrow with their audr.s-
ses; her real, artIess grief in, e,ted her
with dignity which no one darcu to N.
fringe upon. She die not a,,emp, TO
Conceal how sew erely the blow had fall J.,
upon her; but her griet, though silent.
and seeming to claim 10 interest, WAS
quietly maj ajesuc. Calm and paie. she
stood among the ladies Of the Court, AN
object OF RESPECT ami admiration even 10
the Empress herself.
Ayear passe away, the General whom
Albertl had wounded MAS not dead. but
he had met with SO many reIapses tina.
MS recovery was still pronounced uncer-
Blanca continued quiet mourner, but
no" her alliance was sought by many of
the noblest houses of Austria. G.uN
but hrmly every proposal WAS declined.
For the irst time the Empress Interested
herself in the suit OF the Prince, one Of
D'ancas enthusiastic admirers. The young
Countess did not repel the confidence
sh'ch her sovereign sought she disclosed
With affecting earneslness the feelings of
her heart, sni the principles on wh,cl,
she acted; before she quilted the Empress
she perceived that her feelings were IN
derstood, SIZE guessed that her principles
We're approved.
The mother Of the Count Albert WAS
living, and still presided over the house.
hold OF her son. The Countess Blanca
Was now constant visitor at AIberti Pa
lace; and few days after the above men-
toned interview with the Empress, the
aged Countess and Blanca were convers
ing almost cheeriully together-they were
elated with hope, for the petitions which
had been presented in behal of Ernest
seemed to be successful. The Empress
had herself written TO the Count Albert
the letter in Bianca's hand. Suddenly
person entered the saloon; it wac the old
aud faithful servant Of Albert. He told
them news that almost overwhelmed them
The young Count had returned, he had
been brought to Vienna will. gang Of
desperate Landilli; lie was said 10 he The
captain OF men who were outlaws, roULrrs
and murderers.
Alas alas !" exclaimed the old Count
ess, and She gazed with look Of heart.
broken sorrow on magnificent portrait
ot her late husband, this is To be the
end Of The house OF Albert. Your only
sou, my beloved Conrad, the child Of our
hopes, will lie prove a shame to his faith.
er's nanei l, is will you are not here,
it Is enough that | survive to witness our
disgrace"
" Ernest will never disgrace you," cried
Blanca eagerly. ave know much better"
she added, clasping the trembling hand
Of the Countess with tender affection
there ID much TO he explained in this
story; dear, rash, Ernest" she faI,ered,
leaning her head on the Countess shout
der, and burst Into tears. We know him
better; he nay he wild aud faulty, bit
he never will disgrace any one."
lie never will, you are right" replied
the COuuteSs, u spoke hastily. ought
To hope, 1 ought to believe better things
OF .ny Ue'ovS Daughter Of my love
! was very wrc,, ioubl him for mo
meat; you Judge him rightly. Bless you,
bless you, my dear Blanca r.
AIterti bad been, indeed, brought to
Vienna among ths banditti Vi Austria /:
every proof was against him. He was
condemned 10 be broken ON the wheel,
and there seemed TO be no hope that the
sentence would lie ditiga,ed. Ernest bhn-
self told an improbaLle story about his
not being connected with the baudItii---
bot nobody Iislened TO il anil lie mvntion-
Ell it NO more B,aocs aud his mo,!lsr
did believe him. The account was per.
fectly true.
The Countess Alter., with her young
and lovely frisnd, used exery exerliVn 20
prvven, the execution. bnt the yeraict ap
Psesel isfeyoesbls. The day, ihs dread
NJ day q .'sa,h va. aSsl, apd they i,a-
..N. /.