THE DUC DE SORIA TO THE BARON DE MACUMER

MADRID. MY DEAR BROTHER,--

You did not make me Duc de Soria in order that my

actions should belie the name. How could I tolerate my happiness if I

knew you to be a wanderer, deprived of the comforts which wealth

everywhere commands? Neither Marie nor I will consent to marry till we

hear that you have accepted the money which Urraca will hand over to

you. These two millions are the fruit of your own savings and Marie's.

We have both prayed, kneeling before the same altar--and with what

earnestness, God knows!--for your happiness. My dear brother, it

cannot be that these prayers will remain unanswered. Heaven will send

you the love which you seek, to be the consolation of your exile.

Marie read your letter with tears, and is full of admiration for you.

As for me, I consent, not for my own sake, but for that of the family.

The King justified your expectations. Oh! that I might avenge you by

letting him see himself, dwarfed before the scorn with which you flung

him his toy, as you might toss a tiger its food.

The only thing I have taken for myself, dear brother, is my happiness.

I have taken Marie. For this I shall always be beholden to you, as the

creature to the Creator. There will be in my life and in Marie's one

day not less glorious than our wedding day--it will be the day when we

hear that your heart has found its mate, that a woman loves you as you

ought to be, and would be, loved. Do not forget that if you live for

us, we also live for you.

You can write to us with perfect confidence under cover to the Nuncio,

sending your letters via Rome. The French ambassador at Rome will,

no doubt, undertake to forward them to Monsignore Bemboni, at the

State Secretary's office, whom our legate will have advised. No other

way would be safe. Farewell, dear exile, dear despoiled one. Be proud

at least of the happiness which you have brought to us, if you cannot

be happy in it. God will doubtless hear our prayers, which are full of

your name.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024