Letters of Two Brides
Page 64THE 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.
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
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.
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.