Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1875-07-29
"Tben, let us go, the game will de

eide"
The recall of the oath, which had
with so potent charm bound them for
so many years, seemed to awaken the
sentiment which, for the moment, gov
erned by the spell of more mighty
passion, had seemed to sleep.
At length they found themselves seat
ed in the card room. Five or SIX per-
sons stood near. watching the game,
surprised at the strange,d determined ex.
preston on the face of each, marking
the set resolve, which honor babe them
keep inviolate.
Pale and earnest du Pres and de
Savigny handled the cards, playing each
in turn with deliberation throughout.
Great drops of perspiration stood out
upon their brow. At length the last
throw was reached. By some mis-
chance both threw ten of diamonds
"Neither has gained" exclaimed one
of the lookers-on. "Take another pack
and re. commence"
ono" replied du Pres. "Such ten
sion to the mind could not be endured
twice" With these words he rose
brusquely and took his departure, fol
lowed by de Savigny.
I'VE must decide" said the latter, as
he reached the hall.
eyes, and at once," responded du
Pres. Even while he spoke he turned
toward the garden. AS they crossed
the terrace the sound of hurried foot.
step attracted their attention, and turn
ing they saw Dubois, who had witness
ed their game and followed them, fear.
ing trouble.
"8Ioved by some terrible motive"
exclaimed Dubois, you propose pro
ject which am determined shall not
be accomplished. You cannot refuse
my prayer, for, in memory of the old
friendship which has so long united us,
I implore you"
"This is no idle sacrifice you demand
responded de Savigny.
"May it not be quarrel, the motive
of which exists alone in your magma
tion."
eff such be your opinion, you are in
capable of approaching serious pas
sion," said du Pres.
cit may be SO, my friends" resumed
Dubois, smiling; "but on my honor, l
swear this duel shall not take place now
and here. Tomorrow, after calm
thought, if such plan be still desired
by both, I myself will be your second.
Now are you satisfied? To night as
host, and in common courtesy to my
hospitality, I claim you both, as having
accepted my invitation, you belong to
me for the present. Leading the way,
Dubois, accompanied by du Pres and
de Savigny, re entered the ballroom to
find the apartment deserted, supper
having been served in their absence.
As they entered the banquet room,
Monsieur Dubois stood at the head of
the table, beside him Blanca Marrelli
l an instant Captain Dubois had Joined
them, and as he did so, the young Ital.
ian extended her hand.
"Allow me, my friends, to present to
you my daughter" said Monsieur Du-
boia. ''In Blanca Marrelli l introduce
to all my sons wife, lady whom this
happy fellow married some months since
in Italy. For family reasons we have
been obliged to keep the marriage a
secret until to-day, but now rejoice in
making it known to oil.
With forced composure the friends
rendered their congratulations to Cap
tain Dubois and wife, and then hurried
from the house.
I. is needless to say that the duel
did not take place, the lady having de-
cided who she would marry prior to
their joint claims for her affection.
REVERSE OF FORTUNE.