Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1875-07-29
WHO STALL xARRY HER :"

| 8 bThA6BUhG, VA.
WHO SHALL xARRY HER"
A strong bond Of friendship had
from their earliest childhood existed
between Verneuil du Pres and Henri,
de- Savigny. At college the same
studies and pursuits were followed b,
both. In the same army they hello
each the grade of lieutenant, and served
in the same regiment where, by the
officers. they. were called Castor and
Pcllux, Orestes and P1eiades, Damon,
and Pythias, and other titles as applica
BILE. Years and experience ripened
and strengthened their affection into
the most scrupulous fidelity. When
about sixteen, the age when Others are
ingeniously exaggerated, du Pres and
! Savigny one day pledged themselves
to each other as friends which death
alone could part. ..- -
''Let us solemnly swear said du
Pres, sto share alike each others pleas
ures, pains, fortune and misery
"But suppose the time should come
when each may long for some object
that may not be shared 2"
"Then let it be renowned"
"No, let us rather promise to play
for possession"
s'That is happy thought, responded
de Savigny.
$50 let it be arranged" he continued,
sthat game Of chequers or cards shall
decide"
"Be it so. Accepted thus all dis
putes will be avoided and our friend-
ship remain intact. This plan is well
suggested"
The two friends, with their company
of huzzars, were garrisoned at Saint
Germaine, and the officers had been
feted as so many heroes. The chateau,
terrace and forest rendered Saint Ger,
maine, 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 natural
result, the house 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 to society as the daughter o.
one of the old correspondents of biz
house. Her name was Blanca Marrelli
and her first appearance in the socia
circles of Saint Germaine was signalei
by the manifestation of the most pro-
nounced admiration on the part Of the
gentlemen, and by an intense dislike
from the fair sex, the natural result O.
Jealousy. This was, however, strictly
disguised by the protestations of ex'
ceeding friendship.
Many admirers paid court to the
lovely Blanca, and not few asked hel
hand in marriage; but offers had me-
with positive Encouragement, and il
was generally believed that Monsieur
Dubois intended the treasure for hi
son.
There is no more infamable hear
than that of an officer In the huzzars
Among the most impressible, and al
well, the most timid, were du Pres and
de Savigny. Blanca was amiable, bu
gave no one reason to hope. 1t may
be that the hour for loving had no
dawned, or that, in the depth of hel
heart, she treasured some mysterious
secret.
Mile. Marrslli not only did not en-
courage, but she we'll knew how tt
avert declaration on the very lips O
her admire rs-a fact which in no wis,
diminished her troop of adorers, but
rather heightened the fever of attract
ion.
! One morning Captain Dubois invited
his friends to ball, an invitation gen
orally accepted.
/ "That day" said Dubois, twill be T.
me one of happiness, and 1 trust al
will be present to learn the reason o
my joy and rejoice with me"
1 As he spoke bright color fushe
his checks and his eyes sparkled wit
pleasure.
4 The evening arrived. Never ha
Blanca looked more ravishingly beau
4 tiful; her power seemed irresistible,
with uncommon grace she receive
each guest, and many in her geni'
smile read An encouragement uncon
sciously given,
7 Da Pres, who had long endeayore
10 confess his love, determined to dc
clare his sentiments during the cotilllol
Before speaking he allowed his eye
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