ROMANTIC HISTORY.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1906, 11 February 1875, Page 3

ROMANTIC HISTORY.

The Paris " Siecle" says :—One of the most attractire actresses of one of pur vaudeville theatres was lately seized with an ambition very common to her companions. Tired of ephemeral triumphs and 'transient connections, tshe dreamed of marriage—a grand marriage which would give her an aristocratic title and a solid fortune. Possessing considerable attractions, she was not long in finding a gentleman who suited her ideas. A young marquis presented himself, brilliant, having a good name, belonging to the pure blood of the Faubourg St. Germain, and perfectly imbued with the philosophy of the day, which consists in disdaining all prejudices. The marquis was one of those who are not alarmed at the report of adventures, or at the hundred and one names inscribed on the tablets of gallantry of a theatrical nymph. He thought that true conjugal happiness might and ought to be found with a woman who had seen much of life in a short time ; he therefore set forth his pretensions, and made honorable proposals. "We still throw the veil of marriage over the past," nobly exclaimed the young imarquis^i The actress was prudent, and before accepting his offer she called and made due enquiries, from the solicitor of her suitor. She wished for nothing better than to be a marchioness, but she had made considerable savings, and she did not feel inclined to place them in an opulent common fund.; The solicitor completely satisfied her that the marquis had a fine income of 80,000 francs a year, free of all incumbrances, and was completely free from debt. She hesitated no longer, and her hand was graciously: accorded to the noble suitor, who declared himself to be the happiest of men, and exr pressed his wish that the marriage should take place very shortly. "In the firsts place, however, and before our marriage," said he to the actress, " there is a sacrifice which my delicacy and my dignity demand from you. I can accept your past life, but not the profits you have derived from it. I will ;nofr consent that you; should bring me as your dowry the tribute of nations, nor that the jewel-box of my wife should bef composed of thef gifts; of a crowd of generous admirers; I cannot see you adorned with the insighii of your former follies. Send back, therefore, your diamonds, bank deposits and other securities which you may have. As to your furniture, sell it, and give the proceeds to the poor. I wish you to be stripped of all,' like a repentant Madeline. You must owe to me alone your fortune and your ornaments." The pride of the gentleman | was inflexible on this point, and the actress resigned herself to the sacrifice for which she was to be so amply indemnified by the title of the Marchioness, the 80,000 francs a year -income) ojfvher husband, and the promised splendour,; of [her wedding presents. She executed his wishes with good grace. The furniture was lately sold forthe benefit rofthe^poor, and ttieljewels and securities returned to her old friends, who were not a little astonished at the unlooked for restitution, and it is said thafc nsQine:>of rthe gentlemen^! who had j almost ruined? themselves -withojtheir prodigalities, were weUv : satisfied iat 'the: circumstance. "All this. was; done, and there ■; seemed :'■ nothing ; to > delay the marriage; when suddenly I young marquis disappeared withouti a c wqrd: of intimation; Whether he yielded 1 to, the representations bffhisi family dr'irienids, or_ whether the whole affair the pur-; pose of revenging himaelf oh th'6 1 actress^ or of playing a joke her remains a mystery. The rage of the duped actress may better bo' imagined than described. It is said that she is about to commence legal proceedings against her deceiver. That is what her comrades recommended her, and what the curious are in hope of.