The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-07-14
A Romance in Real Life.

A foreign correspondent relates the
following story. "Paul Starns, the late
clerk OF the Alabama Reconstruction
Convention, Inns been soiourning In Eu-
rope. At Rome he made the acquain-
tance Of Iscippi Geza, one OF the wealth.
lest and most influential Hungarian
noblemen, who was about TO depart for
Naples, where his family were passing
the summer. The handsome American
had made most favorable impression
upon the royalist, and was invited to
accompany him to Naples, Iscippi
6eza, the Count OF Temesyar, found
his lady in very feeble health, and the
physician had given up all hope. A few
weeks afterwards the Countess died,
and Paul Starns had meanwhile so en-
deared himself to his aristocratic friend
that another invitation was rendered
and accepted to accompany the Count
to his castles in Hungary. Only q short
drive from the City OF Temesyar lies the
beautiful castle Of Radowitz, the an-
cestral seat of the Gezas. II was pre-
sided over by the young Countess Paula,
q lady OF the pure Hungarian typo, the
only child and heir OF Iscippi GeEa,
The young American was quite stricken
by the intense beauty OF the lady, and
before three weeks elapsed, the two
were rs friendly as II they had grown
up together. During the hunting sea-
son distinguished guests arrived at the
castle, among whom Prince Esterlazy,
Of Morayia, was the most prominent.
The Prince was about thirty years oi
age, and had lately been promoted 10 Q
captaincy OF the Guards. Major General
Prince Estorhazy, the captains father,
and Count Geza, had been the most in
innate friends for almost life time,
and both desired to still stronger tie the
bonds Of friendship by uniting theil
two children. This was the main Object
OF the Princes visit, for the necessary
preliminary arrangements had long agt
been agreed upon by the two parents.
Paul Starns had meanwhile cared moth.
ing at all for the distinguished guests,
but had mainly passed his time in study.
ing modern languages. To his utter
surprise, Count Geza insisted upon his
joiningthe dinnerparty one certain day,
and the old gentleman was quite enthu'
siastic, when he continued: 1--WE have
o great surprise for our friends to-day,
and you must witness the proudesl
event Of my life.' But the surprise was
quite different from that expected,
Captain Esterhazy proposed and was
fatty refused. a bursting bombshel
could not have created q more profound
sensation, than Countess Paula's dec
laration that she would never marry
tho Captain. Some angry werds follow
ed, and Captain Esterhasy alluded t.
American intruders and beggars. Some
bluster abouta duel followed. Finally,
Paul Starns left tor Italy. Over q yeai
had since elapsed, and the Countess va,
in SO feeble health that q journey ts
!, Italy had been strongly advised. Sht
had persistently refused TO see any o.
the Esterhazy family again, and Count
Geza was inconsolable wien he saw tht
suferings Of his only child. AtRome
sudden change overcame the Count
ess she regained her health, and Coun
GOza was not q little surprised when HI
was one day informed that she had seer
Paul Starns in the theatre, and that sh,
would marry him or not marry at all
On the 18th Of May the wedding tool
ntana j.. f...fi