The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1869-07-05

when | was interrupted just now.
"When n young man in France, I
was employed as valet to the Duke de
Bridgeuorth, who then dwclt there in the
environs of Paris. His chateau was Gle
CANT and royal in its appointments, and
he, had everything thst heart could wish
to make life desirable. But he had one
possession which CALLED the heart of his
valet, and that was his young and lovely
wife, whom he married after he had him
self attained to over forty years Of
age. Jennie Marchmont had been her
name in maideuhood, and she had not
belonged to the titled aristocracy Of France
though she was gentlemsn's daughter.
Before her marriage to the duke, had
managed to gain an introduction to her
| was then a travelling actor, and she had
repulsed me with scorn, saying that an
actor was neither gentleman nor scholar
and not fitted to mate with gentleman's
daughter"
later this rebuff I vowed revenge.
for I considered myself rs greatly in
suited as she had thought herself to be.
Soon after, the Duke de Bridgenorth was
attracted to Jennie Marchmont, for she
was very beautiful; and though somewhat
aspiring, yet gentle and amiable to her
friends; and then there MAS quick
wooing, and an elegant wedding, and she
was removed from her former home to the
extensive chateau of her titled husband.
And I witnessed all this, and vowed in
wardly that ] would yet have my revenge
upon the now exalted lady who had re-
fused my own poor, yc. honest suit.
"In pursuance Of this resolve, l re-
tired from my actor life, and habited my.
S il. as valet; presented myself
before the Duke de Bridgenorth; and
by means Of forget papers, as to my
capacity and character, managed to obtain
the situation which would keep nc near
his person, and, consequently, much in
tho presence Of the duchcss-bis wife.
But | disguised myself somewhat, so that
the latter would not recognize me, for
had not yet fully matured my plans
and not knowing what ! should yet DO,
was not DESTROYS of discovery; forseeing,
that in that event tic duchess would
speedily persuade her husband TO send me
away.
Z" But ] gained my olject-revenge,-
| lived near her for two years. and then,
when she gave birth to a child, and died,
I vowed to make that child despised
actor, and thus repay the scorn Of the
woman who had refused me on that plea.
After the disease of the mother, when the
little one was about three years old, stole
her away from the chateau, and had her
taken to distant town.
~ remained with the duke fJr year
after thi, event, and behold him mourn
daily the loss Of the little one. when he
could not discover by any wealth or effort
which he had, Immediately upon her dis.
appearance, caused to be made. The
child was gone. and he was mourning
broken. hearted parent! But l watched
his grief with delight in my own bosom
for | said to myself. that he had enjoyed
what had not in winning the mother Of
the girl; and so l stocled my heart, and
grew jubilant over his sorrow inwardly,
while, outwardly, was louder than any
in the expression Of my sympathy and
grief.
"But a year passed, and then tho
Duke signiGed bis intention Of removing
to London; for the sight Of the familiar
scenes Of bis home, ever reminding him
Of those who ws,e gone, was becoming
iu,olerable to him; aul! 50, as King
James was his friend. and he la! many
noble acquaintance there, he shut up his
chateau in Paris, and found his way 10
London. I was glad Of this, for, now l
had good pretext to leave his service.
and 20 about the other work | had planned
to execute when the dukes daughter
should be old enough 10 commence her
primary lessons Of acting.
~ excused myself from the duke ;
and, as I had become acquainted, while
in his service, with those who we're CON-
petent 10 fll my situation, recommended
one Of these; and, upon his departure
from France, expressed much regret that
| should behold bis hishness no more. as
it was not profitable, with my great at
tachment to my beloved country, that |
should ever be tempted away from France.
Then, after the duke was gone, at once
proceeded to the place where had put
the child with an old couple who sup
posed her my niece; and, after that, when
she was old enough, l endcavored to in
culcatc a love Of acting into her young.
impossible mind, and brought her up as
singer and dancer. But, though | tried
every means in my power to cause her to
love this life. yet was unsuccessful, and
could only induce her to do my bidding
by the plausible tale | hit upon, which
was, that her parents had both been actors,
aud it was their dying wishes that she
should follow their profession, which they
loved SO we'll could the better make
her credit this by the tale which had be-
fore told, that I was her uncle and, as
again took up my former mode Of life,
the whole thing seemed plausible and
true.
Time passed 10 this manner; and tho
Young duchess became d prominent star