Litchfield enquirer., 1862-05-22
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A BLINDFOLD MARRIAGE.

The elite of the court of Louis the XIV, the great monarch of France, were assembled in the chapel of the great Trainon, to witness the nup tials of Louis, Count of Franche Compte-a nat ural son of the King-with Lydonie, Duchess dc Balverne, worthy heiress. The singular feature of the ceremony was that the bridegroom's eyes were bandaged with a 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 prudeutly held his peace and suffered the cer- emony to proceed.
 A few words will explain the motives of the bridegroom.
 When Louis XIV. came back from this great campaign in the Palatinate, he determined to unite his son, whose valor and daring in the war had greatly pleased him, to one of the wealthy l wards of the crown.
 He proposed the union to the young Duchess of Baliverne, and found her favorably inclined. She had just come to court, having just emerg- ed from the convent where she had completed her education.
 She had seen the young Count often, though he had never deigned to cast glance upon her. She knew he was brave and noble, and, she thought handsome. The bar sinister in his es- cutcheon was no objection. She accepted him. Unfortunately, Louis of Franche Compte, who 1 like his father, was something of Q reprobate, would not accept her.
 Ny son. said the great King, have resolv- ed that you shall marry My worthy sire and most excellent father, re- turned the Count, have resolved to do no such thingp
 The King drowned. He was not in the habit l of being centradcted.
 T have made formal proposition, in your name 1 for the hand of the Duchess of Baliverne, and she has accepted you,' said he gravely. Doubtless sneered the young scapegrace, l her taste is excellent, and how could she refuse me? Perhaps it would have been as well to have consulted my inclinations in this matter.- do not wish to marry .. l Are you in love with any one?' 1 'No.' .>a-
 'Then love my Duchess. She is noble and wealthy
 q 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 prettisst woman in my court sIm tired of pretty women they are always l Could you but see her, you would be sure te fall in love with her. sst.veT
 T never will see her, answered the Count de terminedly.
 See her or not, you shall marry herP cried
 the King in a rage. se
 H do III marry her with my eyes shut r re The K'ng grew purple with passion.
 .Hark ye, boyi You owe me obedience a,
 subject and as son. It is my will that you be stow you hand upon the Duchess de Baiiyerne
 The wedding shall take place this day tortnight
 Submit to my will with good grace, and I Mi create you 2 Duke on your wedding day. Dar,
 to disobey me, and will strip you Of your title and the lands you hold from me, and cast you in to the Bastile.' \ This was what had brought the Count c ! Franche Compte blind folded to be married.
 The King smiled grimly, but sand nothing. I The Count placed the ring upon the finger Q il the bride, but he did not salute her, and whe } the ceremony was over he turned his back upo her, took the handkerchief from his eyes, an ], walked deliberately out of the chapel. Lydonie pouted her pretty lips, and was almol tready to cry with vexation. g The King took her in charge, escorted her
 her carriage, and they were convsysd to tho hs 'sl her hpsband ocsuPisd. sas s@sss9ssat esi : 5 s 5 fe s