The Mississippi Creole

THE DUCHESS OF C**** NOW DUCHESS OF D***

There lived, about forty years since, an old Duke, whose principality, in the event of his dying without heir, was to revert to the crown of Russia. This old Duke had passed sixty years of his life in a state of constant hostility against the Emperor and the Russian government.

He was without children, and saw with despair the moment approach, when his death would be the means of enriching those he so cordially detested.

One day he adopted a sudden resolution. A noble in his neighborhood, his vassal, had a daughter of seventeen, beautiful, full of talent, and well educated. He asked her in marriage; in other words he announced to his vassal he intended to marry his daughter. A refusal was impossible; the proposition was received, as it ought to have been, with submission and respect. The young lady herself, who perhaps had already dreamed of other lovers, was not the less bound to yield to the wishes of her father and her prince.

The ceremony was celebrated without delay. On leaving the church, the old Duke gallantly seized the hand of his young bride, and said:

"Madame, I must have an heir before the end of twelve months. This country is too cold, and does not suit you. Your equipages are ready; you will set off instantly for Italy. My chamberlain, an amiable man, handsomely made, and full of talent, will accompany you. Let me hear from you from time to time, and do not return until you are a mother."

The young Duchess once more submitted, and set off on her journey. She returned at the expiration of a year: the old Duke had an heir.

The cold sky of Russia was not probably more suited to the youthful heir than to his mother: for immediately after the death of his father, the old Duke, she fixed herself in France, having made an arrangement with the court of Russia for an exchange of her principality.

Married to a young Duke much in favor, in consequence of his being the nephew of a very powerful personage, she is at the present day the most distinguished ornament of the diplomatic salons.