The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-02-19


received, had suggested the vasicus e3tenu.
ating circumstances which presented them.
selves to their minds. This, however, they
did in cautious, careful way, for they
knew the strong passions of the duke apd
his ungoyarnable rage when thwarted, and
they were well aware that however he might
try to conceal his feelings, he was watching
every look, noticing every word, and would
never forget or forgive what might chance
70 be said. Appeals of mercy would have
been useless, forthle of offender was prejudged
They knew this too well, and no voice was
heard in opposition as the duke, after
briefly alluding to what had transpired,
stated that the young count must necessarily
suffer for high treason.
At this moment page entered and an
nounced that old Count Orsini the father of
the accused) and Count Felice, were in
waiting, and begged to be admitted This
was expected, for, from the day when his
dearest friend had been incarcerated up to
the present hour, Count FeGce had been in
defatigable in his efforts to obtain his par
don. The grand duke knew wen the object
of the visitors, but his purpose was un-
changing. The councillors too had ex-
pected this visit, and many of them rejoiced
that the old man had come to plead for his
son at the last hour, and inwardly prayed
for his success '- " .
A word from the grand duke, and the
supplants were admitted Every one
present was painfully struck with the as
pect of the old man, for few short days
had aged him considerably, and the anxiety
of the young count for the safety of
his friend was depicted on his counte-
nance.
They advanced together toward the place
where the ducal chair was placed upon aplat-
form but slightly raisedabove the floor. The
aged nobleman leaned upon the shoulder of
his young companion, and as they advanced
a striking contrast might be observed be-
tween the cruel features of the duke, re-
solved in his purpose and yet half fearing
to execute it, and the anxious, pleading
looks of the two before him awaiting his
decree. Yet the aged noble, whose tenure
of life was evidently SO short, would have
scorned, to present petition on his own
behalf, and the young Felice was well
known to be rash and daring to fault in
all things which pertained to himself. But
now they came not to plead for themselves,
but for one whom each loved dearer and
better than his own existence.
The grand duke frowned upon them
sullenly as they advanced, but at the same
time made stiff and formal show of gra-
ciousness. They bowed profoundly to him.
The old man was speechless, but the elo-
quence of the younger gushed forth in an
earnest appeal for the life of his friend, and
as he knelt, and in his anxiety grasped the
velvet mantel of the duke, the eyes of the
spectators were sufused with tears. The
grand duke alone was unmoved. With eyes
averted from the supplant, he said in stern,
harsh tones:
mo, count, it is useless to plead. We
have listened to all that could be said in
favor of young Orsini, but it is all in vain.
lie has long been a turbulent and daring
subject, Notwithstanding our special favor
shown toward him; but few thought that
he would have the audacity to attempt the
life of his sovereign because of an imagin-
ary insult which he fancied his sister had
received. He intended to commit treason,
and in doing 80 he nearly committed muir
der. The reverend senators have all agreed
with me that he deserves to die, and our
sentence is that he be beheaded tomorrow
at noon"
The young count ssw that it was in vain
for him to plead, even though it was for
the brother of her he loved, and he rose
from his knees with an expression upon
his countenance which boded no good
for the duke. But the aged Orsini, with a
fathers love, walled forth one last appeal
for grace.
+ 'Let him live, my lord duke! He has
offended, know, but Christ in his mercy
forgave sinners, and can your grace refuse
me when on my knees I ask the pardon OF
my only son? Confscate all my property,
or let me suffer in his stead, or Danish my
son forever, but only let him live!"
AS the old man uttered these words il
seemed as if his heart were. wrung to its
utmost core.
1t was, however, all useless for the old
man to plead with the tyrant who with a
gesture of impatience waves him TO be
silent, and with broken heart and quiver.
ing voice he turned to Count Felice and
faltered:
'Let us go, my son, let US gol"
+, The following morning dawned with all
the glory of spring, The chilly night had