The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-07-14
II WHO SHALL MARRY HER ?"

their earliest ch!I 'ifDl eS.Stei pS-"ecn
Verneuil du Pres az Henry dc SAv!gny.
1t college the same studies ana pursuits
were followed by 10th. In the same army
they held each the sra le Of lieutenant, and
served in the same r. ,iment where, by the
officers, they were call / Castor and PoliuX,
Orestes and Plciadcs, damon and Pythias,
and other titles rs q. aGcable. Years and
experience ripened and strengthened their
affection into the most s,rupulous fidelity.
When about sixteen, the age when others
are irgeriously exaggerated, du Pres and
Savigny one day pledged themselves to
each other as frieals which death alone
could part.
"Let us solemnly swear" said du Pres,
"to 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 -
"Thcn let it be rcnounced."
!. "No; let us rather promise to play for
Possession"
"That is a happy thought responded
de Savigny.
$50 let it. be arranged" he continued,
"that game af chequvrs or cards shall de-
eide"
"Bs it so. Accepted thus all disputes
will be avoided AID our friendship re-
main intact. This plan is we'll sus-
gcsted."
The two friends, with their company OF
huzzars. were ~nrrisoaed at Saint Ger
maine, and the ot:ccrs had been fetcd as SO
many heroes. The chateau, terrace and
forest rendered Saint Germaine delicious
sojoun. Quite near the barracks, Mon,
seiur 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,
ct all times, open 70 them.
About six months prior to the commence
ment OF our story, a young Italian girl had
come to ST. Grrnaine, and been introduc-
ed by Monsieur Dubois to society rs the
daughter Of one Of the old correspondents
of his house. Her name was Blanca Mar
relli, and her first appearance IN the social
circles of Saint Germaine was signalled by
the manifestation OF the most pronoun led
admiration 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
protestat;ons CT exceeding friendship.
Many admirers paid court to the lovely
Bianca and not Il few asked her hand in
marriage; but offers had met with posi-
tive discourayement, and it was generally
sel:eved thai Monsieur Dubois intended
the treasure for his son.
There is no more iatiumlnable heart than
that Of an officer in the huzzars. Among
the most impressiorable, and as well, the
most timid, were Gu Pres and de Savigny.
Blanca was a:niable, but gave no one rea-
son to hope. It may be- that the hour for
loving had rot dawnel, or that, in the
depth of her heart, she treasured some
mysterious secret.
Nile. Marrelli not only did not encourage,
but she well knew how TO avert, declara-
tion on the very lips of her adlnirers-a
fact which in nowiSe diminished her troop
of adorers, bat rather heightened the fever
of attraction.
One morning Captain Dubois invited his
friends 10 bali, al Invitation generally ae-
cepted.
"That day" sad DIbois, "will he to me
one of happiness, aai l trust all will be
present TO learn the lcason Of my Joy and
rejoice with me-"
As he spoke u bright color flushed his
cheeks and his eyes sparkled with pleas
ure.
The evening arrived. Never had Blanca
looked more ravian:ngiy beautiful; her
power seemed irres: :stiUIe, as with uncommon
grace, she received each guest, and many
in her genial s.uilc read All encouragement
unconsciouSly given.
Du Pres, who had long endeavored to
confess his love, determined to declare his
sentiments daring the cotilfion. Before
speaking, he allowed his eyes to rest upon
hex in silent aduuzItion, and now and then
LaZarled q pressure ol tnc hand, and as
length whispered the desire to speak to
her alone.
r0, will ont f.t, yD1nn DnT1tC
conversation IN private,' said du Pres, IN
low tone. 81 have something most con-
fdentinl to tell you."
m also have something confidential to
lell you, and Will sec you when the ball is
over" responded Blanca, sadly. "Wait
until then, beg of you, for trust you will
understand ME and be willing to render
me justice"
"Justicep' replied du Pres, surprised by
her answer.
"Yes," she resumed, "but do not try to
comprehend my meaning; you cannot un-
til 1 explain" Then recalling, although
with seeming effort, her gayety, she ex-
tended her hand, adding, "Come it is our
time to dance"
Du Pres at first knew not what to think
but. absorbed by his own feelings, on re-
Election, he concluded that Bianca's reply,
gave him reason to hope, and fed by this
thought he gave himself up to dreams Of
future happiness.
The quadrille over, dc Savigny ap-
preached Mile. MarTelli to recall her prom
ise to waltz with li.a; and, leaving her