Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1862-12-06
A BLINDFOLD MARRIAGE.
BY GEORGE AIKEN.

tHe great monarch OF france were assem-
bled in the chapel of the great Trianon to
witness the nuptials of LOUIS, Count of
Franche Compte-a natural son of the
King-With Lydonie, Duchess de Bal
verne, Wealthy heiress.
The singular feature of the ceremony
was that the bridegroom's eyes were ban
daged with white handkerchief.
This circumstance excited the wonder
of all. Had the bride been old and ugly
they would not have been surprised. On
the contrary, she was young and quite
pretty.
The King alone understood this strange
freak of the bridegroom, and though much
enraged, he prudently held his peace and
suffered the ceremony to proceede.
A few words will explain the motives of
the bridegroom.
When Louis XIV came back from his
great campaign in the Palatinate, he de-
termlned to unite his son, whose valor and
daring in the war had greatly pleased him
to one of the wealthy wards of the crown.
He proposed the union to the young
Duchess of Baliverne, and found her favor
ably inclined.
She had just come to court, having just
emerged from the convent where she had
completed her education.
She had seen the young Count often
though he had never designed to cast a
glance upon her. She knew he was brave
and noble, and she thought handsome. The
bar-sinister in his escutcheon was no OBJ
lection. She accepted him.
Unfortunately Louis of Franche Compile,
who, Ike his father, was something of a
sebrobate, would not except her
"My son." said the great King, II have
resolved that you shall marry"
"My worthy sire and most excellent
father" returned the Count, 81 have re-
solved to do no such thing p
The King frowned. He was not in the
habit of being contradicted.
81 have made a formal proposition, in
your name, for the hand of the Duchess of
Ballverne, ard she has excepted you," said
he, gravely.
Doubtless sneered the young scrape-
grace, cher taste is excellent, and could She
refuse me A? Perhaps it would have been as
well to have consulted my inclinations in
the matter. do not wish to marry"
care you in love with any one ?'
''No."
"Then love my Duchess. She is noble,
wealthy"
81 am your son-that is nobility enough"
he bowed low as he spoke, and the King
smiled at the compliment "and the Jews
trust me-what could | do with more
gold ?"
She is the prettiest women in my court?"
"l,m tired of pretty women F.; they are
always fools.
could you see her you would be sure
to fall in love with her."
81 never will see her." answered the
Count determinedly.
''See her or not you shall marry her %
cried the King in rage.
off do I'll marry her with my eyes shut!'
returned the Count.
The King grew purple with passion.
clarke boy You owe me obedience as
subject and a son. It is my will that YOU
bestow your hand upon the Duchess de
Balivern. The wedding shall take place
this day fortnight. Submit to my will with
good grace, and will create you Duke
on your wedding day. Dare to disobey me
and | shall strip you of your titles and the
lands YOU hold from me, and cast YOU into
the Bastile.
This is what had brought the Count
of Franche Compile blindfolded to be mar
The King smiled grimly, but said moth
ing.
The Count placed the ring upon the fin
ger of his bride, but he did not salute bar
and when the ceremony was over he tnrne5
his back upon her, took the handkerchief
from his eyes, and walked deliberately out
of the chapel.
Lydonie pouted her pretty lips, and was
almost ready to cry with vexation.
The King took her in charge, escorted
her to her carriage, and they were conveyed
to the hotel her husband occupied.
sHere you are my DEAR" said tie King
conducting her through the apartments he
had expressly furnished for her reception,
''here you are at home"
t'But where is my husbaad?" asked Ly-
DOME.
''Silly boy!' muttered the King looking
very much annoyed. ''Never mind, my
dear, he is your husband the rest will
come in time"
"What is the use of having husband
if he will not look at you p pouted Ly.
DOME.
'.He shall look at you or will send him
to the Bastile.''
''Oh no." cried Lydonie, edo not force
= him to look at me. If he has not curiosity
enough TO see what kind of wife be has
got, I'm sure do not wish to obiige him
to look at me. I see how it Isl" she con.
tinued, sad expression stealing over her
countenance. "Sire you have forced the
Count into this unionv'