Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-05-23
MOrtester @afIp Spp.
THE BLINDFOLD MARRIAGE.

~ AAS WIN
confidence.
81 am not afraid of you," she said, with
sweet simplicity. 81 know you are too good
to injure me-"
The duke blushed for the first time in-he
could not remember how many years-he
knew he was receiving better character than
he deserved.
''What is your name?" he asked, as they
proceeded on their way.
''Bergeronette" she replied
'EWhat pretty name! And so you live
here in Paris all alone with your mother?"
eyes"
81 dare say you have plenty of sweet
hearts? '
'No, l haven't one"
''What, no one that loves your"
''None," she replied.
''Would you not like sweetheart?"
perhaps"
''You must be particular in your choice, or
you would have had sweetheart before now
What kind of one would you like, now?"
Those sparkling eyes were lifted to his for
moment.
Il would like one, if you please, ike-like
''Like what?"
''Lke your
"Phew! !" thought the duke, 81 am getting
on here. Now, is this cunning, or is it sim
plicity?"
They walked on in silence for some time
Bergeronette checked the duke before lit
tie cottage, with garden in front. There was
wicket gate leading into the garden.
''Here is where 1 live said she.
She took key from her girde and unlock
ed the gate.
''Will she invite me to enter" thought the
duke-and the thought was father to the wish.
Good night, sir" said she, "and many
thanks for your kindness"
"She is a DIANA was the dukes mental
reflection.
"Shall l ever have the pleasure of seeing
you again." said the duke.
''Do you wish it?" she said earnestly
''Most ardently."
''Ill ask my mother"
An oath rose to the dukes lips, but he pru-
IDENTITY checked it.
''Will you receive me Tomorrow"
'You may come and if mother is willing
yes"
81 shall be here sure"
''You will have forgotten me by to-mor-
row."
81 shall never forget you"
81 have heard mother say the men always
profess more than they mean"
''Your mother is" the duke paused and
bit his lips.
''What is she?" asked Bergeronette archly.
"She isis right. But mean what say.
As sure as tomorrow comes, so will l."
"Come. Good night"
She turned from him and was about to en-
ter the garden.
''Bergeronette, he said quickly, ''one kiss
before l go. Surely my forbearance deserves
it."
She made no answer, but inclined her head
gently towards him. For moment she lin
gered in his arms, and then tore herself from
his embrace and passed quickly through the
gate.
The duke determined to follow her When
he placed his hand against the gate he found
it securely fastened. Bergeronette had pru-
IDENTIFY locked it after her.
SO the duke went to his lodgings-he had
taken bachelor apartments on his wedding day
to dream of Bergeronette
The next day he went to the cottege in Rue
st. Helene.
He was received by Bergeronette timidly,
and introduced by her to her mother, a fine
matronly dame, who sat quietly spinning in
the corner, and allowed the young couple to
rove about the garden at will.
The duke thought she was a very sensible
old woman.
The duke departedatthe end of three hours,
LlOTS Ill love lIldu ever.
He came every day for fortnight, and eve
ry day he pressed his suit But there was
only one way in which Bergeronette could be
woman honorable marriage.
The duke was in despair and at his wits
end. lie had a stormy scene with the king,
who threatened to send him to the Bastile if
he did not return to the duchess.
So he came to Bergeronette on the four
teenth day to make final effort to obtain her.
They were alone together in the garden
''Hear me, Bergeronette," he cried when
he had exhausted every argument, and found
her still firm. II swear to you were | free
this instant would l wed you. l will confess
all to you. | have told you that am duke,
but not my title Now you shall know all. |
am the Duke de Franche Compile, and am
nlready ma1YiedF
"Na,7'ied" echoed Bergeronnette, with
smothered scream.
81 was forced into this union by the kings
command. | do not love my wife. / have
never seen her face. | left her at the affairs
foot, and we have never met since. She pos
sesses my title, but you alone possess my
heart Ely with me. In some distant land
we may dwell in happiness blest with each
others society. Time may remove the obsta
Gle to our union, death may befrend us. n d.
vorce may be obtained, and then | swear IN
you by every saint in Heaven, Won shall no.
come my duchess"
''Were You free, would you really make
me your wife,?
81 have pledged you my word"
81 believe you"
''You will fly with me?"
81 will"
Dear Louis" she murmured, for so he had
taught her to call her, ~ also have something
to mpart to you. My name is not Bergero-
nette, and l am not what you take me to be-"
''What do you mean?"
II have title equal to your OWN"
"Then this old woman"
sis not my mother but my nurse"
s'And the man who assaulted your
''Was my lacky, instructed for the pur-
pose"
The duke looked bewildered.
"And like you," she continued, 81 am
married."
'rll cut your husbands throat, exclaimed
the duke wildly.
81 don't think you will when you know
him"
''Who is he then, and who are you"
'Iam Lydonie, Duchess de FraHche Compile,
md you are he?"
The duke was thunderstruck
Lydone knelt at his feet
'Forgive me this little plot" she pleaded !;
1t was to gain your love. If it has succeeded
am happy; iii has failed, with my own lips
will sue to the king for our divorce"
-"Up-up to my hearth" cried the duke low
fully, as he caught her in his arms "you have
insured our mutual happiness. All! none are
so blind as those who will not see. Little did