Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 January 1892 — A Fatal Ring:. [ARTICLE]

A Fatal Ring:.

Round the neck of the holy virgin of Almudens, the patron saint of Madrid, for whom a fine new church is being built close to the royal palace, a very beautiful diamond ring hangs on a thin gold chain. The ring belonged to the late King Alphonso XII., and a strange history is connected with it, which may well appeal to the minds of the superstitious Spaniards. On the day of his wedding to Mercedes, the daughter of the Duke of Montpensier, the King gave the ring to the bride, who wore it till her early death. After the funeral the King gave the ring to his grandmother, Queen Christine, who died soon after. Infanta Maria del Pilar, the” sister of the King, then became its possessor. She had worn it only a few days when she died. Then the ring became the property of the King once more, and he gave it to the sister of his late consort, Princess Christina, the youngest daughter of the Duke of Montpensier. Three months later the girl was dead. The King had now become aware of the unfortunate coincidences, and instead of giving it away again he himself wore the ring, till he also went to his early grave.— Pall Mall Gazette.