The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1869-02-13


haps even of his life, and eagerly set to
work to draw up this second agreement
But when all the signatures but Gabri-
elias were affixed to it she hesitated, and
holding the pen in her hand, said
''Father, before / trace one single let
ter. | must have your solemn promise, Of
which the Scnor shall be witness, that
you will suffer the union of Blanca and
Giubilei to take place tomorrow instead
of the one intended to have been accom-
plished, and that you will be present to
give your countenancc and blessing to
them"
The present was not the moment to
refuse any request Of the triumphant
girl. Nienzi having unwillingly assent
ed, she affixed her name to the agreement
and delivered it witd smile to Zarmondi
who took his leave, facinated by her wit
and beauty, and not in the least regret
ting the exchange he had made.
From that time the destiny of the
young Florentlne underwent an entire
change. She issued joyfully from the
| dull seclusion and the ir> rule Of home,
ana reveled with wild and reckless gayety
in all the pleasures of the world
Zarmondi idolized his betrothed He
was both proud and jealous of her at
fractions. His eyes followed her every
movement and action, but could detect
nothing to raise doubt in his mind
The day at length arrived, day long
remembered in Florence and the smiling
bride yielded up her willing hand, and
returned in state to the splendid palazzo
Of her husband.
The excitement and festivity of the
day proved too much for the enfeebled
| frame of Zarmondi. Toward noon he
complained of being fatigued and retired
for few hours to repose. In the fascin
ating society OF Gabrielle his absence
was scarcely noticed until, waiting te
be led to the banquet, she sent a messen
ger in quest of her absent lord. 1t seem.
that the messenger had found Zarmond
lying on couch in his dressing room
quite dead. The costly robes of tn.
bridegroom contrasted fearfully with tn,
rigid limbs ard withered, livid features
which they surrounded.
When Gabrielle recovered from tn,
long illness which this sudden shocl
threw her into, she found herself mis-
tress of one of the largest estates in Flor
ence; and, after year devoted to mourn
ing, she did what no one was surprised
at-gave her hand to the Due d Louvers
handsome and insinuating nobleman.
But Blanca alone sorrowed over tn,
object of her second choice for the Due
although he had succeeded in concealins
it from Gabrielle, bore but very indif
ferent character. He had sought ane
, obtained her young heart, not to return
the rich gift with his own, but becaus
he thirsted for the gold which she woult
bring with her as o dowry and th'
young wife, too keen sighted for her owl
, peace of mind, soon fathomed the char
, acter of her ambitious and reckless hus
band
!. With all the fervor of passionate ant
/ deceived woman she upbraided the Du
!, with his crime, and her answer was hi
. careless and mocking laugh. She threat
, ened and all the evil passions of Vi
r enza flashed from her glittering eye
r while she spoke But the contemptuou
and ill-timed mirth of the Due quaile
not beneath her fierce menaces, and b
3 dared her do her worst.
"Be it so," muttercd the young Ouch
ess between her ground teeth; 81 ha
: hoped, De Louvers, in the hour of you'll
full pride and trust, that we might liv
always together. 1t is enough now if W
perish thus"
The following day the Due was brough
before the tribunal, charged by his wit
with the willful murder of the Seno
Zarmondi, by administering poison to hi
on his wedding-day; the facts bein
proved beyond doubt, he paid the fo1
: feiture of crime and ambition on tn
scaffold.
Gabrielle was reprieved. But, alth'
: she escaped the arm of the law, deaf
: was not to be deprived of his victim TO
as the mournful bell ceased to toll on th
r morning on which her husband was ex
r cuted. she urithed suddenly as if in pail