Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-12-24

sswe both love you as our father, we DO
not want TO leave you; we can love no other
father but you"
"The daughter that is not mine has neith-
er father or mother, il is her mothers mother
who claims her. But she will give her what
I cannot give--a great name, riches and q
. position in society far above the one that 4
have placed her in. Which Of you is it ? "
Jeanne and Marie both kissed his cheek (;
neither spoke. Jeanne was thinking that the
advantage he set before her would remove
the obstacles which separated her from DC
taye, but she only sighed deeply, not for an
instant did she dream that she could ever lay
claim to all this brilliant fortune but Marie,
taking her fathers hand, calmly asked him ii
there was no sign by which they ought to re-
cognize the rightful heir?
q The heiress of the Marquis de Valbourg
has a sign-so says letter from her mother,
1 do not think it is love that makes them so
anxious to find her, but the Due de Blossac
/ is heir to the property, and the revenues OF
I all the estates have been accommodating for
years. Until the death of this girl is proved
T. the Due de Blossac cannot touch penny.
Jeanne, what is the matter with yOu?"
"Nothing, father; / feel faint"
"My darling, sit down."
"Well, you must know that by an AMIGA
bic arrangement made years ago, when the
existence of this daughter was suspected. 1t
was decided that when she should be found
and installed in her rights she should become
the wife Of NJ. de Blossac, that young, hand
some Duke, you know, he has been here often
TO buy diamonds-but Marie, Marie, look at
your sister, she has tainted"
Jeanne was conveyed TO her room, for she
had indeed tainted. An hour afterward Ma
RE slowly entered the room, where her father
was anxiously pacing the floor.
Father" said Marie, Jeanne is better,
she will sleep soon, and then all viii be right
Father, have you ever had afavorite between
us?" c-
Eyes; the one who was sick when you
we're children always loved most; now that
Jeanne is suffering and seems unhappy, why,
darling, think love her
"Not better than your Marie--that can
never be. But would you be content TO see
Jeanne happy?"
CAT any cost"
"Tell me the sign by which this lady says
she can recognize her granddaughter"
a violet mark imprinted in the way in
which sailors mark their arms, put over the
heart"
"Then," said Marie, you must love me
best, father, for am your child, andJeanne
is Duchesse de Blossac."
40 love one of you is terrible, my darl-
ings but Jeanne will be a great lady do you
think that will console her ?"
81 do, though she will never forget US"
That night Marie knelt by her Jeanne's
bedside; the door was locked and the sisters
were alone.
Marie I" exclaimed Jeanne, al cannot
hear of this sacrifice. What right have to
deprive you"
s'Of course, my sister. You love the duke (;
/ do not. If l claim the Inheritance must
become his wife. cannot; so now submit" "
Still Jeanne resisted; but Marie was firm,
and drawing aside the night dress with firm
and light hand, she pricked the shape of a
violet just over her sisters heart Then rub
bling it with gunpowder, she male the mark
indelible.
"Now, Jeanne, said she, that is exactly
like the one on me-the one probably my
poor mother made. But l love Pierre, who
has been to us father. have no taste for
splendor. Be happy, my own sister, and do
not forget us.
So Jeanne, in great state, was recognized
as the heiress of Nine. de Valbourg, and a
| few DAYS afterwards was married with great
pomp and ceremony to the Due de Blossac.
For a few day she had hesitated, then she
had determined not to accept her sisters
sacrifice, but she loved, and the temptation
was too strong. The inheritance she could
! have renowned, not Octave; so forever she
| buried her secret in her bosom.
Without one pang did Marie watch her
| sister drive away in her brilliant equipage.
| With a smile she looked up into her fathers
face, and he, wiping a tear from his eye,
pressed her to his heart; neither then, nor
to the day of his death, ever knowing that
| the child who made his home so happy, who
loved him so faithfully, a woman fully OF
sense, simplicity and sensibility, was the
heiress of the house of Valbourg, and should
/ have worn a ducal corenet.