Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1862-08-15
MIS- Gel Ny.
A BLIHDPoLD MARRIAGE.
ny GEORGE l.. AIKEN.

l "'"'-' w" ""F''''s W S'"''s >"s"s W
fnncho Compte-a natural son Of the
Klng-with Lydonie. Duchess de Baliverne.
u wealthy heirc.s.
Tho singular feature Of this ceremony
was. tbs, the bridegroom's eyes were band.
aged with q white handkerchief.
This circumstance excited the wonder OF
all. Had tho 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
cnragcd. he prudcnily held his peace and
suffered the ceremony to proceed.
| A fe~ word. will explain the motives Of
the bridegroom.
When Louis Nlv,h came back from his
great campaign in the Pala'ina'c, he de-
iermined to unite hi. son. whose valor and
daring in the war had greatly pleased him,
to one Of the wealthy wards Of the crown.
/ H. proposed the union TO the young Ouch.
ess OF Baliyerne. and found her iavorably
] inclined.
She had jus, come TO Court, having just
emerged from the convent where she had
compl,,ed her education.
/ Shc had seen the young Coun, often,
though be had never deigned TO ca,l glance
upon her. She knew he Vas brave and no.
bic. and she thought handsome. The bar.
sinister in his e.cuteheon wa. no objection.
She accepted him.
I Unfortunately. LOUIS Of franehe Compie.
who. like his father. wa. something Of .
rerroba,c. would not accept her.
My son. saii the crca, King, we have
resolved that you shall marry
My worthy .ire. and mos, cIcellen, Ia
ther." returned the Count, have resolved
TO do no such thing
The King frowned. llo was not in the
habit Of being con,radic,ed.
Il have made formal proposition. in
your name. for the hand Of the Duchess Of
Bali,crne. and she ha. accepted you. he
said gravelv.
Doubtless specred tho young scape-
grace, her taste 10 excellent. and how could
.hc refuse me- Perhaps II would have been
as well TO have consulted my inelina,ions
in this matter. DO no, wish TO marry
Are you in love with any onc''
NO
Then love my Duchess. She i' noble,
wealthy
\ am your son-tha, s nobility enough
he bowed low a. he spoke, and the King
smiled at the compliment; and the jew.
trust me-what could do with more god''
'She |. the rre,,ics, woman IN my court.
lam tired Of pretty women they are
AWAY, fools
Gould you bu, see her, you would be
.urc 10 fall in lose with her.
Il never will zee her. answered the Count,
deierminsdly.
See her or not. you shall marry her "
cried the King in a rage.
III do IN marry her with my eyes Shut
returned the Count
The King grew purple with passion.
'lIarsy'c boy. You owe me obedience
u. snbrc, and us son. ], !. my will that
you be.tow your hand upon the Duchess de
Baiiyerne. Tho wedding shall take place
thi. day fortnight. Submit to my will with
a good grace. and will create you Duke
on your wedding day. Dare to di.obey me,
and I will "trip you Of your title. and the
land. you hold from me, and cas-, you into
the Bas,ile.'
This was what had brought the Count Of
rrauche Comp,e blindiolded to be married.
The King smiled srimly but said nothing.
The Coun, placed the ring upon the fo.
ger Of bis bride. but he did no, salute her,
and when the ceremony was over he turned
his back upon her, took the handkerchief
from his eyes. and walked deliberately out
Of the chapel.
LydOnic pouted her pretty lips, and was
almos, ready to cry with yexation.
The King took her in charge, escorted
her to her carriage. and they were conveyed
to the hotel her husband occupied.
Here you are. my dear, said the King.
conducting her through the apartments he
had expressly furnished for her reception
here you are, at home
.Bu, where's my husband?' asked Lyd.
onie
silly boy mut,ered the King. looking
very much annoyed. Never mind. my
dear. he /, your husband; the ress will
come in time
What 10 the use OF having q husband II
he will not look at you! ? poutcd Lydonic.
{. lie shalt look at you. or will .end him
to tho Bas,ile!'
oh. no. cried Lydonie, do not forcc
him to look q, the. II he has not curiosity
enough to eco what kind Of wife he has
got, I'm sure do not wish to oblisc him
to look ut me. zee how IL is.' she contin.
ued. a sad expression stealing over her iea.
tures. Sire. you have forced the Count
into this union?'
The king coushed and looked guilty.
oh cried Lydonie. with anguish. be
will never love me, then-ho will never love
me
why should you care7'
Because love him. answered Lydonie.
innocensly.
Love him?'