The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1875-09-17
VOLUME 3.
@Whnm do Won loye2n

Nv no else but Blanca Marrellls Ine
beautiful Italian. For her would give
my very Life; without her, existence is
valueless."
"Bianca?" exclaimed du Pres. ''Is it
Blanca you love?"
ait is" responded de Savigny.
For a moment there was silence; each
seemed oppressed bv the sense of i'm
pending evil
And you?' at length murmnred de
Savigny.
al also love Blanca MarrelIi, /" said du
Pres.
"Our oath?" responded his listener.
AS in the past, we will be true to
our vows, continued du Pres. Listen,
de savigny, this rivalry must not weak
en- our friendship. Blanca alone shall
decide"
$50 be IT," responded SAgigny, "but
il is just to say that have already
heard sufficient from Blanca this even
ing to believe in the certainty of being
loved by her."
"On my part. believe you to be de-
ceived," )" said du Pres. "and you compel
me TO acknowledge that have faith
that / am her choice"
81 doubt, !" replied Savigny.
"Listen, then, and will tell you, that
you may judge for yourself"
"No, listen to me, and you will per-
ceive that yon are in error"
"Well, we are mutually confident"
exclaimed du Pres; "but of one thing /
am certain, Blanca intends to announce
to one of us our triumph over the 9TH
er."
Gas to me, am resolved never TO re-
sign in your favor" responded de Sa-
vigny, hotly. 81 love Blanca Marrelli,
and she must be mine"
"Neyer while live to dispute her
love-"
ave will see," was the firm answer.
"Then, du Pres, we are, suppose, to
forswear our long-tried friendship, and
be faithless TO our oath?"
ado you still desire to respect that
oath?" replied du Pres.
"Yes!" exclaimed de Savigny, "and ]
here demand that our agreement be car
ried out"
"Shonld the game prove favorable to
me, will you retire without any ill-feel-
ing toward me, and make no further at.
tempt TO win Bianca?"
81 will"
"Then 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 pas
sion, 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, determined ex-
preston on the face of each, marking
the set resolve, which honor bade them
keep invIolate.
Pale and earnest, du Pres and de- Sa-
vigny handled the cards, playing eacl
in turn with deliberation throughout.
Great drops of perspiration stood ou:
upon their brows. At length the last
throw was reached. BY some mischance
both threw a ten of diamonds.
"Neither has gained" exclaimed one
of the lookers-on. "Take another pack
and re-commence."
"No," replied du Pres. 'Such ten
sion TO the mind could not be endured
twice." With these words he rose brus-
quely and took his departure, followed
by de Savigny.
1--WE must decide" said the latter, as
they reached the hall.
''Yes, and at once" responded du
Pres. Even while he spoke he turned
toward the garden. As they crossed the
terrace the sound of a hurried footsteI
attracted their attention, and turning
they saw Dubois, who had witnessed
their game and followed them, fearing
trouble.
"Moved by some terrible motive" ex
claimed Dubois, "you propose a projec
which l am determined shall not be &C
compllshed. You cannot refuse my
prayer, for. in memory of the old friend
ship whIrh has SO long united us, i'm
plore you"
"This is no idle sacrifice you demand,
responded de Savigny.
"May it not be quarrel, the motiv'
of which exists alone in your imagina
tion."
''If such be your opinion you are in
capable of appreciating a serious pas
sion" said du Pres.
"It may be SO, my friends" resumes
Dubois, smiling; "but on my honor,
swear this duel shall not take place no,
and here. Tomorrow, after cain
thought, if such a plan be still desire,
by both, I myself will be your second
Now, are you satisfied? Tonight, a
!, host, and in common courtesy to m
hospitality, claim you both, as, havin
accepted my invitation, you belong t
me for the present" Leading the way
Dubois, accompanied by du Pres and d
Savigny, re-entered the ballroom t
!, find the apartment deserted, supper hay
ing been served in their absence. A
; they entered the banquet room, MOI
: sieur Dubois stood at the head of tn
table, beside him Blanca Marrelli. ]
= an instant Captain Dubois had joine
them, and as he did so, the young TIA
ian extended her hand.
"Allow, me, my friends, to present
. you my daughter" said Monsieur d.
bois. "In Blanca Marrelli introdu'
: to all my sons wife, lady whom tn
happy fellow married some months sim
in Italy. For family reasons we ha'
been Obliged to keep this marriage a 8
= cret until to-day, but now rejoice
!. making it known to ALL"
= With forced composure the two frien
fandered their convratulations fo "a