The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1875-09-17
SELECT STORY.
awHO SHALL MARRY HERr'

where, W tuc OtnNCAS1 enSy "NO
Castor and Pollux, Orestes and Pleiades,
Damon and Pythias, and other titles as
applicable. Years and experience rip
ened and strengthened their affection
into the most scrupulous fidelity. When
about sixteen, the age when others are
ingeniously exaggerated, dn Pres and
Savigny one day pledged themselves to
each other as friends which death alone
could part.
"Let MS soIemnly swear" said du Pres,
tto share alike each others pleasures,
pains, fortune and misery"
"But suppose the time should come
when each may long for some object
that may not be shared?"
"Then let it be renounced."
"No; let us rather promise to play'fOr
possession"
"Thst ia a happy thought" responded
de Savigny.
$50 let it be arranged" he continued,
'that game Of chequers or cards shall
decide"
"Be it 30. Accepted thus all disputes
will be avoided, and our friendship re-.
main intact. This plan is we'll suggest
ed"
The two friends, with their company
of huzzars, were garrisoned at Saint
Germaine, and the officers had been feted
as 20 many heroes. The chateau, ter
race and forest rendered SAINT Germaine
a delicious sojourn. Quite near the
barracks, MONSIEUR Dubois. the father
of their captain, resided. With Dubois
the two young men had formed an
agreeable intimacy. and as q natural re-
suls, the honse Of the father was, at all
times, open to them.
About six months prior to the com
mencement of our story, young Italian
girl had come to St. Germaine, and been
introduced by Monsieur Dubois 70 so
ciety as the daughter of one Of the old
correspondents of his home. Her name
was Blanca MarPelli, and her 6rst sp-
pearance in the social circles of Saint
Germaine was signalled by the manifes-
tation Of the most pronounced admira-
tion on the part of the gentlemen, and
by an intense dislike from the fair sex,
the natural result Of jealousy. This,
was, however, strictly disguised by the
protestations of exceeding friendship.
Many admirers paid court to the love-
ly Blanca and not few asked her hand
in marriage; but offers had met with
positive discouraRement, and it was gen
orally believed that Monsieur Dubois
intended the treasure for his son.
There is no more infammable heart
than that of an officer in the huzzars.
Among the most impressionable. and as
we'll, the most timid, were du Pres and
de Savigny. Blanca was amiable, but
gave no one reason to hope. II may be
that the hour for loving had not dawn
ed, or that, in the depth of her heart,
she treasured some mysterious secret.
Mile. MarrelIi not only did not en-
courage, but she well knew how to avert,
a declaration on the very lips of her ad-
mirers-a fact which in nowise dimin-
ished her troop of adorers, but rather
heightened the fever of attraction.
One morning Captain Dubois invited
his friends to a ball, an invitation gen.
orally accepted.
"That day." said Dubois, ''will be TO
me one Of happiness, and trust all will
be present to learn the reason Of my JOY
and rejoice with me-"
As he spoke bright color flushed his
cheeks and his eyes sparkled with pleas
ure.
The evening arrived. Never had
Blanca looked more ravishingly beauti-
full: her power seemed irresistible, as
with uncommon grace, she received each
guest, and many in her genial smile read
an encouragement unconsciously given
.Du Pres. who had long endeavored tC
confess his love, determined to declare
his sentiments during the cotillion. Be
fore speaking, he allowed his eyes to rest
upon her in silent admiration, and now
and then hazarded q pressure Of the
hand, and at length whispered the de-
sire to speak to her alone.
"If You win grant me few moments
conversation in private" said du Pres
in low tone. 81 have something mos
confidential to tell you"
"I also have something confidential Il
tell You, and will see you when the bal
is over" responded Blanca, sadly. "Wai
until then, I beg of you. for I trust you
will understand me and be willing Il
render me justice"
"Justicep replied du Pres, surprised
by her answer.
"Yes," she resumed, "but do not try
to comprehend my meaning; you canno
until explain" Then recalling. al
though with seeming effort, her gayety
she extended her hand, adding, "Com
it ia our time to dance"
Du Pres at first knew not what Il
think but, absorbed by his own feelings
ON reflection. he concluded that Blanca
reply, gave him reason to hope, and fe
by this thought he gave himself up I
dreams Of future happiness.
The quadrille over, de Savigny ar
preached Mile. Marrelli TO recall he
promise to waltz with him; and, ieavin
her with his friend, Verneuil hastil
left the drawing-room and descended
the garden. But short thine elapse
when de Savigny Joined du Pres q
also seemed anxious and troubled; bu
absorbed by his own thoughts, his con
panion did not at first observe his maj
ner.
"Verneuil,". exclaimed de Sagign
"this evening has fixed my destiny"
"That ia just what was about to sa
to You" replied du Pres.
az am in lovep
"And alao," added his listener.
"The woman / love is beautiful. Fa
cy an angel Of loveliness; when ! thir
of the possibility Of failing in my su
/ feel as IL should 20 mad"