Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-04-04
WHO SHALL MARRY HER ?"


A strong bond :of friendship had from
their earliest childhood existed between
Verneuil du Pres and Henry de Savigny.
At college the same studies and pursuits
were followed by both. In the same army
they held each the grade of lieutenant, and
served in the same regiment where, by the
officers, they were called Castor and Pollux'
Orestes and Pleiades, Damon and Pythias,
and other titles as applicable. 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,
"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? 20
"Then let it be renowned"
"No; let us rather promise to play for
possession"
''That is happy thought" responded
de Savigny.
$50 let it be arranged" he continued,
"that game af chequers or cards shall de-
eide"
"Be it so. Accepted thus all disputes
will be avoided, and our friendship re-
main intact. This plan is well sug-
gested."
The two friends, with their company of
huzzars, were garrisoned at Saint Ger
maine. and the officers had been feted as so
many heroes. The chateau, terrace and
forest rendered Saint Germaine delicious
soiourn. 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 a
natural result, the house of the father was,
at all times, open to them.
About sixmonths prior to the commence
ment of our story, a young Italian girl had
come to st. Germaine, and been introduce
ed by Monsieur Dubois to society as the
daughter of one of the old correspondents
of his house. Her name was Blanca Mar
reli, and her first appearance in the social
circles of Saint Germaine was signalled by
the manifestation of the most pronounced
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
protestations of exceeding friendship.
Many admirers paid court to the lovely
Blanca and not few asked her hand in
marriage; but offers had met with posi-
tive Encouragement, and it was generally
believed that Monsieur Dubois intended
the treasure for his son.
There is no more inhammable heart than
that of an officer In the huzzars. Among
the most impressionable, and as well, the
most timid, were du Pres and de Savigny
Blanca was amiable, but gave no one rea-
son to hope. 1t may be that the hour for
loving had not dawned, OF that, in the
depth Of her heart, she treasured some
mysterious secret.
Nile. Marreli not only did not encourage,
but she well knew how to avert, declara-
ton on the very lips of her admirers
fact which in nowise diminished her troop
of adorers, but rather heightened the fever
Of attraction.
One morning Captain Dubois invited his
friends to ball, an invitation generally ac-
cepted.
"That day" said Dubois, ''win be to me
one of happiness, and 1 trust all will be
present to learn the reason of my joy and
rejoice with me-"
AS he spoke bright color flushed his
cheeks and his eyes sparkled with pleas
ure.
The evening arrived. Never had Blanca
looked more ravishingly beautiful; her
power seemed irresistible, as with uncommon
grace, she received each guest, and many
in her genial smile read an encouragement
unconsciously given.
Du Pres, who had long endeavored to
confess his love, determined to declare his
sentiments during the cotillion. Before
speaking, he allowed his eyes to rest upon
her in silent admiration, and now and then
hazarded pressure of the hand, and as
length whispered the desire to speak to
her alone.
eff you viii grant me few moments
conversation in private" said du Pres, in