Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-02-12
Plus IX.'s Love Story.

4
From the manuscript of a forthcom-
ing volume, the work of pious Catholic
lady, the daughter of one of the oldest
Roman Catholic citizens of Baltimore,
the late David Williamson, of Lexing-
ton Manor" the London correspondent
Of the Cincinnati Enquirer relates the
only true love story of Plus IN, as relat-
ed by the Baroness de Kinsky, the Holy
Fathers intimate friend z5st
The young Count Giovanni Mastai
Feretti, the story says, met and loved, at
Rome, Camilla DevOti the lovely and
| accomplished daughter of widow lady.
Ihey read the poets together, and it
came to pass that the young nobleman
desired to hsa soldier, to be more worthy
of his promised bride. He applied to
Prince Barberini, commander of the
Papal Body Guard, and was repulsed
somewhat rudely with the remark that
his slender frame was better fitted for a
priests garb than adragOon's. The young
count appealed to the Pope, Plus VII,
was promised his commission, and spent
happy evening with Camilla. The
next day he did not visit her, nor the
next. Weeks passed and he seemed to
i
| She fell sick of fever at last, and on
that same day the count kneit before
the Pope and told his story. He had
been stricken with epilepsy in the street.
| Wlth this disease hanging over him, he
dared not marry. The Holy father babe
him interpret the affiiction as token of
the Will OF IGod directing his thoughts
heaven ward and his life to the Church.
He sent the young count pilgrim to
the shrine of Loretto to learn Gods will.
No tidings came to Camilla, and, after
some little time, knowing that hidden
yet good and proper reason for this SEEM
Ing desertion must exist, and, yielding
TO the earRest persuasiOns of her moth
er, she consented to listen to the solicit
tasions of the Baron Camucini, who
sought her hand in marriage.
1t strangely happened on that same
evening, while Camilla and her mother
we're sitting together in their quiet and
comfortable home, talking over the past
and the future events, the door sudden
ly opened and the figure of a young man
clad in black stood before them The
mother of Camilla, looking up immedi-
ately, recognized the face as that of
Count Mastai, and gave a cry OfjOy, but
he remained perfectly silent and notion
less. Camilla's heart at once sank, for
tshe quickly diseerned that he was dress
ed In the garb of a priest. She now saw
that all was ended between, them. The
Slgnora DevOti, not noticingin the dark
ness OF the evening the priestly robes he
wore, asked quickly, "Where have you
been all this time, and why have you so
Idsserted US ?" II have been on a pill
grimage to Loretto," he quickly replied,
"and subsequently to the Convent of st.
Agnes, where was anointed0 priest"
The SignOra DevOti nearly tainted on
hearing these words, so unexpected by
her; but Camilla remained perfectly
calm, and, forcing a smile said, in her
lgentie voice Tt is we'll that you have
come to me; heaven has sent you in my
hour of need to givesme counsela and sup
port. My brother is absent and L have
none other; will You take his place a:
his old friend and companion, and ad-
wise me? The Baron Canucini seek
my hand in marriage; my mother ear
nestly wishes it; what shall do? Will
: : you now counsel me how to act ?n-
II would strongly odvise that you accep
him as your husband" said the youn,
= priest, "for know him well as beinl
most amiable and honorable. havin
every quality to insure your future hap
lpiness. ~ .E -
Il VIA unite you in holy wedlock t
the Alan you will love and who wi
!, prove true and tender husband oyou
: but let it be soon, for I cannot tarr
long; have my mission to accompIis
and have come TO say farewell. In fe,
days i leave for the Convent of Singigas
iia, the city OF my childhood, there
= prepare myself before leaving Italy on
. long Journey, as intend to prepare fl
and devote myself to a monastic life.r.
A few days later Camilla Devoti kne
before the altar by the side of the Baro
Camucini, and the holy rites were pc
q formed by the young priest, Mastai Fe
etti, who. after Joining their hands, fe
ventiy prayed that God would bles
~ Them and tkni ro f>,ox,x~