The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1860-05-18

soN - sue ID biEily III 10 all titS s4iAiC ~
every rich, aud very pretty"
The Viscount thought of bis unknown anc
sighed then thought OF his creditors and con
sented. The uncle arranged everything, anc
when all was settled, he gave the nephew hi
benediction and two hundred pistoles aud SEN
him of TO Burgundy TO pay his respects to the
| Mile de Roche Noire, whom he was TO marry
in fortnight.
A gloomy journey of several days duration
brought hIn at length TO the ancient feuda
manor house OF Roche Noire, situated in the
heart OF forest, on lofty rock from which il
derived its name. He was expected. The
grand door OF the mansion was open, and an
aged servant met him At the threshold and con-
Quoted him into large hall, at the extremity OF
which sat an old man and young girl. The
| former, whom he OWNED at once TO be the
| Baron of Roche Noire, rose at his entrance, and
sautIng him in the somewhat formal fashion OF
the day, presented him TO his daughter, Her
mine. The latter had The delicate beauty of the
| flower which has unfolded under a northern
sun. She was pale, with fair hair, and eyes OF
the deep blue of an italian sky. Her figure
was slight but graceful, her hands exqusltely
shaped and transparent as alabaser. So much
the vIscount saw as he bent low before his be-
tToyhed and 10 spite of his professed indiffer-
ence, he inwardy congratulated himself on his
good fortune.
The viscount and baron exchanged the usual
reciprocal! compliments and inquiries. Ralph
was accustomed to society, and understood well
the art Of making himself agreeable the baron
spite of bis seventy winters, had not forgotten
how to be courter, and Hermine had the SIM
pie grace, the dignity, the modeSty, without
prudery, OF young giIl of high birth ,religlous-
ly educated, but without any rgidity. The
conversation soon became animated and spark
ling, while Ralph watched Hermne, and now
and then muImured to himself, ''She is charm
ing blessings on my uncle for finding me q
wife at once that is SO pretty, and so very
rich.o
When supper was announced, he offered hIs
hand to the young girl, who accepted 1t with
blush, while the baron led the way to the dining
room 1t was lofty apartment, furnished IN
the massive style of Louis XIV. and upon the
walls were suspended ancient family portraits.
As RaIph's eye glanced over these it was at
tracted by one whose freshness formed strl-
king contrast to the smoky canvasses of the de-
funct Barons of Roche Nolre. 1t represented a
young girl of dazzling, but foreign beauty, such
as is only found under southern skies, more
brilliant daughter of Spain never danced the bO-
lero in the perfumed gardens of the AIhambra.
The eyes of Ralph were fixed immovably upon
the canvass the first glance had told him that
ii was the long lost unknown Of the fancy
| bail.
ssCome my dear Viscount," said the Baron,
olet US be seased.'
Ralph started and o5eyed, then turned his
eyes from the portrait to Hermine. In contrast
with that glowing beauty, she appeared to him
utterly lnsimd. He made some remark about
the picture. The baron did not reply, but a
cloud passed over his face, and Hermine turned
pale, and sat silent with downcast eyes. a
chill seemed to be thrown owe? these three per
sons, just now talking SO joyously. Brief re-
marks were made occasionally, in constrained
tone, and the supper ended almost in silence
At ITS close the vlscount made the fatigue Of his
journey an excuse ior retiring early. As the
servant was conducting him to his apartment,
they again passed through the large dining
hall.
"Whose portrait is this 2" he asked, pointing
to the picture of the lady.
The servant hesitated.
"Speak," said the viscount mperiously.
"It is the portrait of Mile Fulmen," said The
old man trembling.
mAnd who is she ?"
"The elder sister Of MILE Hermine."
"But she is dressad in Spanish costume"
eyes, her mother was a Spanish lady"
cAnd Fulmen, where is she now %
"Sh4 is Dead" said the old man, solemnly.
the chateau"
Fatigue had no power that night TO bring
sleep to Ralph's eyelids. 1t was in vain that
be extIngulshed the candles and buried his head
under the blankets the image of Fulmen still
pursued him. Now, it was Fulmen radiant
with beauty, as she was represented in the PIC
ture, as be had seen her at the fancy ball a.
gain, il was Fulmen, pale and cold, extended IN
her coffin under the pavement of the chapel.
Then he remembered his oath, 10 love her as
we'll dead as living, and cold sweat bathed
his brow. At that moment light at the oppo-