New York Clipper (Apr 1880)

FRA-NK QTTEE3V, » fiiltor and Proprietor. ) NEW YOUK, SA-TURD^Y, AJPRIL 17, 1880. * Prloe 'X'eii. Cents* THE MOUNTAINS' SGCRET. WElTTUXlrOB TRBSIW-TOBJCjCUfFEIL I ihlDk me that God with an Mrthquke OiK« ploughed thcM fdnoira deep* Till the huddled pUlna, upsUited. jlsde muimuuu cngg«a and ateep. Bat that i-« the monataloa* a e cr e t, Ate-biddeo la their breait; "Hi* pM'"** '* ererlaatln^" Are tUe dmrn-wordi of tbelr rest. nehath made them ihe haanta of beauty. He hath Kirea tbem grmodeurandxracc; Thedorf of moEnloK crowna Uxem, ne flukset Ugfau their face. The ttiuoden tread in miulc or root£ilIa echoLnir Imc. And cam- tm^eatlc greeting To all tbe ailenc throng. The vlnd brinoR mcMRgei to tbem, WUd Monn-newB ftom the main; Tliey situ; it down to the Talleys lo tbc love-MBf ol the rmlo. jbfj are numeries for Toung rirera, Keau for the flying cUnds. Uomeit for the uaborn rvcen* jfuterful, free and proud. And the people tknm tifed cities Come up to their Bhrlnea and pnj\ For peace In the one word written On the brow of the motmrcha gray. Cmd It l>e I have catight their secret. The beautv deeper than all bitthUr That ifre'a dark moments, Wtieo the rumbling echoes Call. Are but God as he ploaghit new mountaliu— Steep mouDtamft that yet may be The Murces of peace unoroken. And re»t for run and me. THE BLONDE SIREN: AN ADULTEROUS DRAMA. BY XAVIERDE MONTEm. TiuBlatcd tnm the orisliul In '''Le Fl^ro" ofPuh FOR THB SKW TORK CLIPPEk, BY PAUL PRESTOS'. islor of "ffiU BUI." "The BUck Baud," "The Pride of the Areiu," etc. (Copvrtfffltot.) PART FIRBT-MARBUEBITrS HUSBAND. CHAPTEB VII CO MiMJfci> . NichoUis Bouchard, pieceding Paul and the opholsterer, caused them to troveise a vestibule nerelacomplete flguiesln mail, of very doubt- fal antiquity, but of exact imitation, enacted the nut ol men-at-ormB, the vlsois ot their helmets down an<l their iron-saontleted hands leoniDR gpon cruoilormed handles ot heavy, two-handed swords. Beyond the vestibule wero raached two hill?, one wainscoted In black oak, the other hum; in Flemish tapestiy, the both supplied, as xe have learned before, by Lebel-Gimrd with furniture ot a mediaval losnlon. conferring upon him tore credit Everywheiethe light penetrat- eil through small panes of colored class, richly embla7X>ned. The interference of the Imperial procurator in heraldic matters having ceased, once the archway and drawbridge wore crossed tho arms ot the Montmorencies cut an amazing dgare EU|id escutcheons upon luminous fields. FinaUf the thnp men arrived at the banquet- ing-cbaftibftr. ^pui apartment, hung In imita- tion Cordova laajther, proudly displayed slda- lioards, coffers, and high-backed chairs, (abricat- in thn Btvle of thn Wnnnlfwanrnt, nrHBti-ft- trr- umph ot Lebel-mrord's genios. Handsome sil- ver-ware, miisslve and of sterling metal, sho^vn from cupboards of carved black wood, while tiea\7 curtains of magnificent brocaletto draped the windows, gleaming. like those of the preced- ing halls, with heraldicolly decorated stained ;;las5. A candelabra ot vellow copper, in the nn' cieat sty loot Flanders, hung suspended from a central point ot a ceilijag moulded in compart- ments. In tact, the ensemble ot all these decoia- tioas was both effective and picturesque, and on artist would have admired this restoration ot a previous period ns complete and successful, pre- senting tne work ot an architect of rare merit and of an upholsterer ot transcendent meclian- Ical ablUty. A square table with curved legs, covered by a red and black cloth, embroidered with gold, supported vast silver coolers, where- in were placed Iced drinks of an endless variety. "Well, Count," inquired Nicholas Boucliard, vhlle outpouring liquid retrealiment for his visit- ors into huge tiuip-shspcd glosses, "what think pu of the inteiiial fnmishincs of my pretty asUet?" "I am in ecstacies with them," replied PauL "Kot only do I remark prodigality m magniiB- cence, but also evidence of pure and oxqcisite taste. I am habituated to things ot beauty, but un nevertheless charmed. Becelve my sincere biicitotions." Nicholas Bonchard drew his head visibly up- right, which, however, did not prevent him from replying, with an assnmpUon of false modesty, in phnisies evidently prepared and committed to memory. "les, by heavens I" quoth he, "it Is handsome, Idonotdeny. StUl.wnatarethesegewgawsina cricketty framing compared with the truly im- posing splendors In whose midst our forefathers moved? Everything 'was 'within reach ot those (pants 1 Everytliing is witliin ours to-day, for to-day we are dwarfs 1 I do not allude to you. Count, be it well understood," he hastened to add. opening and closing a parenthdftls. "Speak for me the same as for others, my dear host," explained Paul, with a frank out- burst of merriment. "I woold suffocate, believe me, beneath the cuirass of one ot your men-at- arms in the vestibule, and it is doubtful whether I have strength enough to lift his sword. Now, then, you see that I likewise am a dwarf 1" Kicholas Bouchard bowed. "Too modest. Count I" he muttered. "Never- theless, modesty is the inheritance of truomerlt." Then he resumed the thread of his little im- provisation, laboriously prepared: ' . "I love to surround myself with relics of a tii&e no longer In existence," he said, designat- ing with a pathetic gesture the furniture ema- natiiig from Ijebel-Glraid's manolactoiy. "I lore to live in the midst ot glorious reminis- cences of a great race, ot which I am a descend- ant—very degenerated, perhaps. Issue ot a oianch impoverished by successive misfortunes, and wliich impovcrishmentevencondemned me to obscurity, i demanded from work, ot which I am far from being alnshed, means wherewith to re-establish tlut branch, and gold wherewith toredecorate my tarnished escutcheon. Follow- ing the example of more than one gentleman of tile ancient nobility, in place ot girding on the sword of my bthets and selecUng from my country a grade which perchance she would not have (granted me—tor who knows but that an opportunity for conquering a Marshal of France's baton might have presented itself?—I entered ardently into tzade. An ongrateliil ''Bde it was!—that ot cork-making. Hy an- ^^ois should have applauded me while I thus derof^tcd, for, underneath vulgar means, they should perceive the nobility ot my aUn, which cost me many years to attain. At last a fortune was reached. To-day I am rich, very rich, and shall have the pleasure of spending my last days In the lite ot a gentleman 1 Do yon approve of me. Count?" "Certainly," cxctaimsd Panl, with a superb conviction; "and all those marvels surround- ing and fascinating me appear to me the more worthy ot admiration, now that I know the cost or their acquisition." Nicholas Bouchard, veritably touched, seized anew the two hands ot De Nanoey, and pressed them wittila his own with redoubled enthusi- asm. "Ah I Count," he said alter a pause, "you speak ot marvels, and you know not as yet the most beautiful, the most charming—rather, tlie onlvcharmingthing—of all here." "Which?" iniiuired Paul in curiosity. "My daughter." replied the worthy man. "At least, I already knowtliat Hademolsolln BOQchard Is an accompUdbed lady," replied tbo Coont, "and I solicit, my dear host, the precious lavor of presentation to neras soon as possible." "Whenever you please, Cormt" "This very instant, then." "Be it so. Marguerite is certainly in her little parte pavilion, where she passes her afternoons In drawing or in muslo—for the dear gUl draws and plays like an angeL Ah I her education •■as cost me a large sum, but I do not regret the ■ money, I tell you, tor the little darling has ProQted nmnzingly from it. Do you wishUiat I eijoin upon one ot my footmen to order Har- perite's first wattlng-mald to go in search ot ner mistress, or do you prefer that we go seek her ourselves?" "I desict^, above all things, not t« cana«Mad»- i moiselle Hargoetite any inconvenience, and I I beg of you to conduct us into her presence." "Come," said Nicholas Bouchard, arising; "we will take the avenue ot the Lindens, to have shade, and at the same time to visit a porUon ot my modest park. It is not as large as those of my ancestors, stlU one can be lost In It all the some." And the two visitors, guided anew by their host, resumed, across the haUs, the way to the vestibule. CHAPTER 'VIXL-ausouEHriK. One ot the counterfeit men-at-arms perform- ing in the vestibule their motionless and silent guard-duty bore upon the handle ot his gigan- tio sword a large panama. "Permit mer' said the master of the house, taking down his hat, a hall metre In breadth when outspread; and, placing it upon his bead, he produced a most singular effect in connec- tion with his diesB ot ceremony. By winding pathways, woU sanded and bor- dered by flowers, Nicholas and Ills guesta gain- ed a dark avenue, which a double row ot lindens protected against oblique lavs ot the sun. This avenue led to a mstlo pavilion, constructed in uncleft wood, whose thatched roof spread out in all directions, like the furred cap of an -ancient Russian. Proportionately as was approached this pavilion, whose door stood ajar, could be heard escaping a vague and floating melody, at each step growing more distinct. It was the notes of a piano, accompanying a young female voice. This voice, of moderate compass, stiU pure and sympathetic, very exact, and managed with per- fect taste, executed an ancient pathetic air, bor- rowed from a collection of popular French pro- vincial songs recently issued by an intelligent publisher. De Nanccy, walking in advance, stopped, and by a sign requested his compan- ions to imitate nis c2Lample. "What are yon doing. Count?" inquired in a low tone Nicholas Boncnaid. "I am listening," responded Paul. "Do you Uke music?" **Yes, enthusiastically." "Let us remain here as long as you please, but I am really aimoyed that Marguerite has the ridiculous fancy to hum on old street-ballad with no significance, instead ot singing one of those beautiful airs of the Grand Opera which she has at her flngers'-ends, and plays much better than her professor. There is particularly a gem from 'Lucie dc la Meio Uorto,' which never faUa to draw tears from my eyes." "Ah 1" reJohiedFaul, with a smile, "how I ad- mire that artless sln^ngl What a sweet and rustic savor I what originality I what sentiment 1" "Tastes are personal," murmured the cork- maker, much surprised. "But certainly the Count should be a better judge than I." The young girl totmlnoted ner air, which died out gently, as it in a sigli. "I could clap hands, and it would be Justice," said Paul; "still I dare not. It is sufflciont im- pertinence to have steathlly listened to celestial notes human ears are unfit to hear." "Marguerite 1" shouted NlchoUis Bouchard. "Papa?" replied the young girl from the in- terior ot the pavilion, "Come hither, my child, Tou have wurbled like a linnet for an audience desiring to applaud you." Marguerite shortly appeared upon the thresh- old of her rustic retreat, and perceiving, in tact, her father not to be alone, olushed to the roots of her hair. She jievetfheless.^i3iaeed, timid im<l:~dlscon'ceiie3,'stIll graceful amid her' embarrassment. "My child," quoth the ex-cork-manufacturer with a ludicrous solemnity, "I Introduce to you the Count of Nancey, who has honored us with his presence at dinner. Count, Mademoiselle Marguerite, my daughter—my only daughter— my dearest treasure. The heiress of Nicholas Bouchard made a boarding-school miss' curtsey. Paul bowed lowly, saying: "Permit me to thank you, mademoiselle, for the vivid pleasure your song, and your voice particularly, procured ior me." Lebel-Olrani leaned over towards the young nobleman and whispered into his ear: "What a pretty little Countess she would make? £b. Count?" Paul responded quickly by a gesture whose affirmative meaning was by no means dubious. At the commencement of the preceding chap- ter we sketohed outlines ot Nicholas Bouchard's Sortrait. Such was he at the period of his Intro- uction to onr readers, and such had he ever been—that is to say, personally ngly and men- tally grotesque. His wife, deceased some four- teen years, had battled victoriously despite ugli- ness and ridicule. How these two people, mar^ ried late in life, could in their oldoge have given to the world this exquisite creature, seemingly bom with the exalted gifts of a genius and or a tally, is next to incomprehensible. Nature boasts mysteries inconceivable to human science. After being a fascinating child, Muguerlte developed into an adorable woman. The graceful face, crowned by an opulent and silken head of duk chestnut hair, her delicate, rose-tinted complex- ion, her large, lustrous blue eyes, her dainty mouth, her form ot faultless proportions, her tapering hands, her small, narrow and arched feet—everything about her presented that natural distinctiveness not to be disavowed by the proud- est descendants ot earliest Christiim oarons, and that inimitable stomp which we style race, and which caimot be found ordinarily in equal per- fection save among patrioian families conserv- ing tor centuries the blue blood ot the old caste uncontaminated from adrntsture with the re- putedly less pure blood ot the middle and populax classes. Marguerite possessed not only beauty and distinctiveness, bntseductlve charms and gracefulness invincibly attractive. Not that she was a coquette, as she was Ignorant of coquetry's existence and ot the power ot her own l>eaaty; but her glance possessed the gift ot disturbing souls as the half-veiled eyes of Made- moiselle Lizely possessed that of agitating the senses. Encircling her brow floated a species of mysterious halo, a perceptible aureola ot virgin basbtulness. Her countenance, herattitude, hep movements, expressed aheolnte candor, chastity of thought ana immaoulate purity ot soul. In her presence the most unscrupulous Lovelace would have recoiled. This impression was instantly, or, to explain more clearly, spontaneously generated wltliln the mind ot De Nancey. He forgot at once the whims and millions ot Nicholas Bouchard. He forgot that Ills creditors and that a desire to handle a heavy dower, more than that ot dis- covering a female companion worthy ot in- spiring love and capable ot extorting a return, induced his pUgrlmage to Montmorency. He no longer rememl>ered that he belonged to a Skeptical clan of fast men, used up as regards sensations ot mind and matter, bronzed nmid the flras of the Parisian hells, whose only God was Btammon. "Were I richer than Croesus," he said to him- seU, "and ahe the poorest ot mendicants, beg- ging at street-comere, I will marry her.' The resolution in this -wise formed likewise gleamed from the young noble's eyes in a style so manifest that Lebel-Oirard, a tradesman of experience, and very far-seeing, moreover, when his interests were at stake, trembled with re- strained joy. "Everytung goes well," thought the worthy Municipal CouncUman. "Marguerite's eyes have produced their effect The girl will be Countess, and we shall be paid." WhUe Iiebel-Olnud rubbed bis hands, Nicho- las Bouchard exclaimed: "Everything in fine trlml Presentations made and perfected. It is now four o'clock. We dine at six. I propose n turn in the park, and then a game of bllllatds—that is, provided it be agreeable to the Count." Paul replied that any proposition so graclouS' ly made by his host oould not fall In proving ac- ceptable to him. espedallT the stroll through the VMki should Mademoiselle Maiguerite^o him the honor of accepting his arm. Thus speaking, De Nancey approached the young lady, who, bluslilng and almost hesitating, consulted her father uiroogh her eyes, and finished through timidly poising her graceful fingers uponher cavaliers sleeve, which they scarcely grazed. Nicholas Bouchard, overjoyed, laughed outright, and, nudging Lebel-Oirard -with his elbow, exclaimed: "Look at them now I Will .they not really make the handsomest oouple ever seen? Let% in advance, my chum; the young folks -will follow, and, if they stop to gather flowers by the wayside, they will Imow where to find us." And' the retired oorkmaker drew LebeNGl- tard to a distance, desirous of extemporizing an limooent tete-a-tete for De Nancey and his prospective Countess. -twA followed slvwly ii alBlnthe and liquors hod moved the ex-eotkr maker to tenderness. He advanced towards, the young man, not without gyrations, and, com- iressing his liands within his own, stammered a a paternal tone ot voice words interrupted by frequent iiiccupe: "Count, or rather my child—my dear cliHd—It you allow BO near a term, have you aught to say to me? Speak fearlessly. Open your heart; it is a father listening to you—and from heaven on high the great Constable hears you." To this pathetic invocation, evidently pre- pared since morning, like all bis Important dis- courses, Paul responded: "I am sincerely touched, sir, by yourgraclous- ness and encouragement; still, can you not read my heart as well as myself, and divine that which I am burning to express?" "Whi t If I do not divine it?" responded Nich- olas Bouchard. "Can I not leom it, my dear Count, better from your own lips? Come, un-. bosom yourself all the same, although I know what's coming," "Weil I" exclaimed Panl, "I have been unable to see Mademoiselle Marguerite without loving her." "Ah! ahl my fine fellow I" Interrupted the worthy Bouchard, with a hearty laugh,^'presto I you have a fine taste I My little Margot is a perfect treasure I I sometimes call her Margot in honor ot the queen by the same name, -who. had a kindly feeling tor one of my ancestors," "And," continued De Nancey, "I claim the honor of asking her hand." "I bestow it upon you," replied Nicholas, "To my arms, my son-la-law I" Paul passively obeyed this Invitetion; then, after a hearty accolade, the master ot the house resumed: "Do not accuse me ot acting frivolously. I am well informed, that I ami In the first place, personally you pleased me greatly, and uiat is but one reason. I could have found you per- fection, and could have replied: 'Touch her not 1 You caimot have my daughter.' Thntwhich de- cides me, see you, is that there was in Palestine a Baron de Nancey attached to the person of his Majesty Louis ordinarily known as Saint Louis. Your cscutoneon Is emblazoned nznre, with numberless stars. I have longed to -view it with my own eyes in the Hall of the Crusaders, und I have done so. I was at Versailles this morning expressly for that purpose. It is im- possible tor my daughter not to be happy be- neath that blazonment. Hence I give ner to you. Take hert Lebel-Olrard has concealed nothing from me. You are in debt. 8o much the better. It is a sign ot pure blood t We will the briganflntf . ])By your debts, and the descendant of the Con- stable -will bring you in her petticoat more c^o^vns than will be neoded to close up holes T): (■}. ??.M.DTNG, Ci-c i-ci I»;;oi':^iKTon .vxd .M.vx.vgkr. silence, his eyes riveted upon the adorable maid- en walking at his side and seemingly dreading to lean upon him. Marguerite wore a pole rose- colored muslin dress, -whose shape chostlly out- lined her elegant form, although as yet unde- veloped thoroughly. Her wide sleeves exposed the delicate tormation of her -wiiste and the ex- quisite tall ot her shoulders. Emerging unex- pectedly from the pavilion, she had no other head-gear save her brown locks, negligently clustered, whose semi-disorder revealed their entire wealth. A faint and delicate perfume arose from this sixteeR-year-old head ot hair, and Paul rapturously inhaled the odor waited to him. De Nancey remembered tliat upon the day be- fore, almost at the same hour, ne had prome- naded the avenues ot the little park at Yille d'Avray, having upon his arm another woman, no less charming than Marguerite, but charm- ing altera totally different fashion. Howsoever dissimilar, equally -was the impression made manUest A voluptuous, atmosphere, an irro- sistlble, amorous electricity emanated from Blanche Lizely. Her approach created an in- toxication like unto ttiat experienced through long respiration of a heady perfume. Theslngu-. lar and vertlglnoua charm oi that blonde syren hod inebriated Paul, and caused to flow through his veins an inflamed blood. In Marguerite's presence, on the contrary, he submitted to a charm of vestal chastity, calm, refreshing, and in a measure purified. Nothing gross or sens- ual commingled with the feeling attracting liim to-wards her. Forthe first time m his life he on- Joyed the heavenly poetry of chaste love, against which he had so often railed.. Blanche Lizely could t>e the most desirable of mistresses. Mar- guerite would be, beyond a doubt, the most ac- complished of wives—devoted and faithful until death. De Nancey meditated over these things In silence so prolonged tlutt the young girl com- menced to wonder at bis abstraction. He com- prehended, and, seizing the first pretext for conversation, discoursedi music to Marguerite In connection with the ancient air she hod sung in the pa-vilion some minutes previously. Paul was an excellent conversationalist, ha-ving that ready and. Parisian tact, the result of commtogllng in society, picking up a little everywhere—in the saloons, the etudloe and the theatres. He found topics ready-made — the question was simply where to place them for the best. Mar- guerite, having listened to none save her teach- ers and some of her lather's friends—Leliel- Giiard incontestably the best among them— -was, in the first instance, dazzled and rendered almost mute tlurongh excess of timidity; still she gradually recovered, and finished through demonstrating to her interlocutor the possession of a judgment as correct as her voice, and ot an Intelligence rivaling her beauty. Whllo conversing, the young folks made at times slight stoppages in their walk. Marguer- ite profited by these holts to gather roses. She made a bouquet, placing it In the belt of her dress. "Mademoiselle," quoth Paul suddenly. In on affected tone of voice, "permit me to solicit a tovor?" ■ Marguerite glanced upon him in nstoniah- ment, repeating: "A favor?" "Can you not divine what oae?" "No, fii truth, sir." "WeU, I desire to obtain ono ot your flowers." "That Is very easy." Marguerite leaned towards a bush laden-with moss-roees, and set about detaching one from. itestem. Paul stopped her.' "Ton have minundeistood," said he. "The flower I covet is one from your bou'iuet." "Why?" inquired the young girl, ^1th charm- ing candor. "Those on the bush are moro .beautiful." . ■ ' "Perhape; still you hive not worn them." Marguerite inquired no more. A fresh rush ot bloml empurpled her face, and, she knew not why, her heart beat as it bad never beaten be- fore. "Do you refuse me that flower?" continued Paul. No; Marguerite refused not Slowly she deteched one of the roses from her bouquet, and, -with a trembling hand, ten- dered it "Thanks I" he stammered-"oh, thanks 1" And before placing it In his button-hole he pressed it to his lips. "Bravo 1" exclaimed a Joyous voice—"bmvo 1 Count I Gallantry has revived! Behold the tra- dibons of the ancient French nobility. Riche- lieu personified 1" Nicholas Bouchard, who thus spoke, rubbed his hands with indescribable satisfaction. He and Lebel-Oirard, softly retracing their stops, bad found themselves separated from the yonng people merely by a mass of lilacs, and they had witnessed, unseen, the grncetul little scene we have depicted, and It appeared to them, by good right, a nappy augur; tor the marriage l>oth had at heart Marguerite, much affected, threw^oiself into her father's arms. Nicholas Bouchard em- braced her enthusiastically, saying -with pride: "It is a Countess I embrace I" The young girl experienced a profound trouble, tor wmch she coula not account, for she was In ignorance' of ite cause; still it appeared to her delicious. By a species ot instructive shams she did not reproach Paul, and, seizing her father's haiid, led him in the dliectloD of the house. "Eh, Count," said Lebel-Oirard In a semitone, "what think you ot our little biend? Have I spoken too highly ol her?" "You have not spoken sulBciectly," responded Panl, -with enthusiasm. "She Is an angol—an actual aiigell She hides her wings, but I am sure she lias them. I am an idiot 1 Still she must need to love me I Believe you that she can ever love' me?" "She will love you, I -will answer for that She loves you already without being a-ware ot It Did you not comprehend her maimer of pre- senting the rose?' replied the upholsterer, with a smile, and laying emphasis on his last word. "Then to you I owe my happiness I" "And, fortunately for me, you owe me morn," thought Lebel-Oirard, ."Since it is thus, make your declaration," he added aloud. "So soon?" muttered Paul. "It is never too soon to close a good bargain I Moreover, what do you risk? His consent Is a foregone conclusion, as the affair is prearrang- ed. Desire you an immediate tete-a-teto with Nicholas? I will take oare ot Marguerite." Paul reflected an Instant "No," he said finally; "not immediately." "When, then?" "This evening—after dinner." "Be it so. But no absurd timidity I Declare yourself before leaving,'and carry -with you Bouchard's promise." Friend Bonchard awaited his guests in the blUlard-room, the only apartment m the minia- ture caatie wherein, thaiiks to the importunities of archlteot and of upholsterers, concessions had t>een mode to modem tastes, and the-tuml- ture otthe middle ages and the Benalssanoa was replaced by contemporaneous utensils. The gome commenced, and in Marguerite's piesenoe, she having xeceived from her father the Important mission of marking up the points. Ttiat presence, however, caused Paul such dis- traction that, althongh a more tlian ordinary player, he was easily beaten by Nicholas Bou- chard, whose rejieated violorios fairly turned his head. At six o'olook precisely a maltre tthoM In stete uniform, followed Dy two footmen with superb calves, pompously announced that din- ner was upon the table. Paul gave his arm to Marguerite, and they pas.<<ed into the dining- hall, where, as may be Imagined, the young folks found thcm.«elvcs placod side by side. As Lebel-Girard had observed to De Nancey, the cook ot the eccentric descendant of the Montmorencies proved a veritable cordon bteu, while his cellar contained an imposing collec- tion of celebrated wines, whose titles and parch- mente could be bettor authenticated than those Of the master of the bouse. The dinner was exquisite—slightly too much moistened, per- chance, by Nicholas Bouchard, who, in the ec- stacy of |oy and nristocmtic aspirations, placed little restraint upon himself and his cups, recited his armorial history and related family anec- dotes of dubious accuracy, while proposing significant toasts as to the union of the ancient escutcheons and the noble names of French his- tory. In fine, the worthy man -was unendura- ble ; but the Count paid little heed to him be- yond giving adroit replies when necessity de- manded, as he was wholly absorbed in a par- ticular conversation -with Marguerite. The young giri, instinctively nt her ease, betrayed ner expansive inquisltlveness, while revealing the treasures of an upright soul and candid nature. As thesecond course-was served,NIch' olas Bouchard arose unexpectedly and addresS' ed his guests with comic solemnity. "My good triondH," quoth he, "your court- eous attention t Oorancestorssurpassedus; let us resuscitate some of their good old customs. Hertofore, at thelrhdspltable tables, in the midst of a repast, they failed not to drain a middle cup. Let us imitate them in their -wisdom'. Copjrlng their habita, we pave the way for social regener- ation I" Nicholas resumed his seat, when bds maitre (Thotet presented upon a silver salver to each of his guests, not excepting even Marguerite, a 'Venetian glass filled with atmlnthe. "To the perpetuation of old customs I" said the retired cork - manutacturer, draining his glass at a gulp. Thus did the worthy fellow understand social regeneration. Paul and Lebel-Olrard smiled, and contented themselves with moistening their lips with the emerald-colored beverage, which Marguerite took pains bimply to touch. The dessert arrived, and -with it coffee, to which the master of the house added liquors in such infinite varieties that, upon leaving the table, lie was not to say inebriated, but more animated than rational, while his countenance, habitually colored, glowed with a %-iolet tinge, prophetio of Imminent apoplexy. Tne upholsterer took De Nancey by the arm, and addressed him In a whisper: "Have I deceived you? Look at the good fel- low. He certainly cannot last long. He Is ab- solutely a most desirable father-ln-Iaw. Pass into the parlor, wliere I -will contrive to leave you alone, and then make your declaration. This marriage must come to pnss before another flow of blood to Ills head, which may happen from hour to hour." They quitted the dining-room. Nicholas stag- gered, decidedly. Matgncrite appeared neither surprised nor uneasy at nIs condition, Undoubt- edly, she had become habituated to it The glazed doors of the parlor, thrown open, afforded entrance to the fresh air from the park. Night had fallen. Tb^ moon, at full, was emerging, above' the horizon behind the tall trees, flooding the greensward with a silvery light Oirard led aside the young lady, and the Count discovered himself, not wholly nnom- barroased, face to face -with Bouchard, whose boisterous breathing announced a painful di- gestion. "How to broach thesnbjeot?" meditated Paid. "Is my destined father-in-law in a condition to uindorstand me?" HIS omtmrmssment and hesitation' were ot short dumtlon. The fine wines, 'dhambertin. und all manner ot breeches. Now I -will call Marguerite and announce to the little HarHnrF that within fifteen days she will be Countess Nicholas Bouchard -was advancing to-wards one ot the glass doors -with a treaa rendered more unsteady from this outburst of his elo- quence, when Paul stopped him. , "1 pray you, my dear sir," he sold, "do noth- ing " "Ah, bah I and why not?" "For reasons to you apparently foolish. I do not desire Hademolselle Marguerite to re- 'goid me OS yet as her offlolal betrothed. Now that I have the joyful honor ot being accepted by you, permit me to attempt pleosingkerwhom I ad')re. Allow me to pay court to her, and, after having obtnlned her from you, permit me to tindeavor to win her from herself.'^ "Charming I chahnitiel" stamm'^fed Nicholas,' rubbing tiis hands—"ddloious, upon my honor I By the faith of a knfght, it is a - refinement worthy of chivalry I I will say nothing to Mar- guerite. You have a carte-blonche, and the house is open to you I Pay your court, my dear Count, pay your court I Only hurry about it, for to please and to marry I only oUow fifteen days, which is fifteen times longer thun is need- ed by a knight ot your worth, and who bears uzure, with numberless stars." The . conversation was at this point when Lebel-Oirard reappeared with Marguerite. At a first glance the upholsterer recognized the two conversationalists to have harmonized, and, conceiving his bill as good as liquidated, cou' gratulatcd himself -warmly. An hour subsequently, jDe Naocey reascend- ed Into his carriage -with his improvised mat- rimonial agent, and resumed his route for Paris, after having deposited upon Marguerlto's trem- bling hand a kiss replete with eloquence. "Well?" anxiously inquired the upholsterer when the brilliant equipage resumed motion. "All Is arranged," responded Paul. "I marry Marguerite within fifteen days." "And you love her?" "I adore herl" "And I gave her to him," thought Lebel- Olrard to himself as he scratched an ear. "By right I should claim a bonus 1 Well, I'll ponder over it" TO BE COMTDniKD. ed upon an enttrely new H s nn a H was pBrcnaaed and fitted with aocbiiiiDO- ' datlonB foraclrsna company, and the next two years were paused in Brazil, Cianay, Baenoa - Anes and the West Indies, On the retain voysie tlie veaael was -wrecked at Long Braneh, N. J., t&e people and horBes, together wlu some of the bag- gaee, being saved, bat the amphMheafiv -wwa- Tobe, properties and veaul were lost rNotwlth- ■ standing this disaster, the ventorewas a great llnanclu sueeeas, and it is said tliat more aooois .-were Imtowed upon the company than t>ia been received by any Other alinllar tronpe Inafbielgn land. InlUftSpaUUng A Rogers dissolved partner- ship, and Mr. Rogers retired from profenloaal Ufe, and has since resided near FhilaMlphla, Fa. The copartnemhip Itetween Spalding ft BldweU contln- ued, and shortly afterwards tliey leased and lebultt' the Olymnlc Theatre, at Lonu, Mo. Having al- ready the Academy of Moslo, New Orleans, LaTtbsr leased thesoes in MoMIe, Alv, and Memphis, Tenn., and established a theatrical circuit wtdch they condncted succesafDIly lor a Ifewseaaona, Thomas B. MacDononsh lielna asaoolated with them In a msn- agerlBl canity, and the flrm-tltle being SpalOini, BldweU & ifacDonongh. In IBST a sclnme was de- vised to send an American circus company to Paris, France, to perlbrm daring the Exposlnon.. The managers and capltallate were Avery Smith, Gerard 0. Quick. John J. Nathans, Dr. O. B. Spsld- Inirand David BldweU An edifice in wMcli they were to have performed -was boilt for Oiepitrpoae hy Mr. EeUnedy of Alltany, N. T. It -was of wood, with a canvas fop, and had the following capacity: Forty-fonr prlvue-boxes, besides an imperial toi^?, seven hundred and sixty parqoet«eaia, firatteen "hundred and twenty boiconr seats, and a gallery- capable of accommodating' nearly two thousand . persons, the seats belngaU cane-bottom chairs. Cql. Van Orden bad been sent In advance to Paris to prepare the way for th^ company, which was very strong. The chief attiaotlona, acooidlng to the Dies of Thb Ouppbb, included James Robinson and his son Oiaience, Frank Pastor, Robert SUok- ney, G. U. Kelly, Lorenzo Maya, the RoHande -Brothers, Wm, Conrad, Charles Rivera, the per- forming noise Hiram, a peribnnlng hnilklo, and a troupe ot Indians. Moat of the compaior and all the stoek, consisting of twenty-three horMS. two mules, and a buliaio, also fbnr noises tielooglng to James Robinson, leR New York in the steamttiip Onldlng Star March so, I8«T, David BldweO and Oer- 'srd C. QDlok accompanying them. The other per- formers followed In eteamuiips that sailed at later dates. Afler arriving in Paris, and when nearly all the preparations fbr their showing had been made, it was discovered that a local law prevented the erection of any wooden twllding within the city limits; consequently they conld not use their pavilion, and, all other places being engaged, ttie .ventore -was about to end in lailiire, when for- tunately oppqTTumty was given the American com- pany to play for a brief time, bnt the reanlt was not what bad been expected. In 18T2 Dr. Spalding again put Dan Rice on the road -with a show man- aged by Hairy W. Spalding, who was dangeronslr wonnded by a pistol shot In Baxter Sprlngit, Kas.. which -was probably the remote cause of his 'death, which took place at his lather's resl- .dence. in Sangertles. N. Y., Feb, 4, iSTi. Dr. -Spalding's Issi venture, we believe, In the cir- cus bnalneaa, was during the season of 1875, when he was the principal backer of Mel-' viUe, Blaglnley A Cooke's Centennial Olroos and Thespian Company. Spalding ft Bldwell dlssolfsd cop^tnershlp some lew years am, and In the division of the property David Bidwell ntalned ,the Academy of Maalc, New Orleans, and Dr. 'Spalding the Olympic Theatre, St Lonls, which h 8 beeneucceasltilly managed by his son Obarlea Tor a few years past Spalding ft BldweU had re- cently tonned what may be considered a new co- partnership, as a few -weeks ago they purehaaed the St Charles Theatre, New Orleans, La., wlilch they intended to restore to its previous poaltloa of a first-class theatre. The deceased left a -widow and one son, Charles. Besides Harrr'W., whose death la referred to above, there bad been a daughter, who died, wtien qniteyonng, in 1847. Dr. Bpaldlng'H "remains will be brooght from New Orleans, to. Sangertles, and will probabQr be boiiaa In his native town. THE CRITIC'S PEN. "DR." GILBERT R. SPALDING, whose portrait appears on this page and whose death Is recorded ta onr circus department, was bom slx^-elgbt years ago In Coeymana, Albany Connty, N. IT., and the title of "Doctor" was generally pre- fixed to his name by his friends and acquaintances because, from atxint 1840 to 1846, he kept a dmg- store at the comer of Lydlus and Pearl streets. In All>any. The canse of bis entering the show busi- ness was the loaning of some money ts Sam Nichols, a well-known circns-manaaer, who gave him for aecuri^ a mortgage upon lus circus prop- erty. Bad business prevented Mr. Nichols tnm re- paying the money at the time specified, and Dr. Spalding foreclosed the mortgage, but permitted Mr. Nichols to run the show. Finding, however, that by pnisnlng such a course he was not Ukely to speedily recover his money, he personally visited the olrcna -with the intention of miming it Into Al- tiany. and there disposlBg of the property by auction or private sale. Before leachlngAIbany he discover- ed tliat under his energetic management the show was makingmoney, and, as heUked the business, he determined to contlnae in the management for a time, at least—that time extended over a period of thirty years. The show was known as Spalding's Norin American Clrcua In the season of 1847-8he visited New Orleans, La., and, coming North, upon reaching St Louis, mo., he divided nls company into two shows, retaining the original title and management of one, and pnttlng Iran Rice at the head of the other, with Col. Van Orden (Dr. Spald- ing's brotber-ln-law) as manager. He chartered a steamboat called the Allecheny Hall, and In It the last-named company cruised on the Ohio, Mis- souri and UlssisslppI Rivers. Among the periorm- ers of this company were. Dan Rice, clown; Frank Rosston, If. P. Madlgan, Bnraell Rnnnells and tamUy, Hons. La Thome, W. B. Bnmlsh, John Glenroy, Thomas Osborne, Hiram Day and others. In the Fau of iSM Dr. Spalding sold to Charles J. Rogers one-hair or the North Amer- ican Clrcns, and the foUowlng spring the show started on the road newly organised and equip- ped. Among the novel ftsatures then present- ed for the first time were the Appolonlcon, drawn by forty hones, four abreast, and driven by one man; ubieaux ponraylng Incldenia irom the lives of Gen. Pnaam and "Mad" Anthony Wayne; and the cairvlng of a horse and rider on men's shoDldeis. The Dan Rice .Show in the Winter of 1848-0, while traveling In the South, were compelled to disband owing to the fearful ravages of cholera. In the Spring of 184S Dr. Spalding asaln started Dan Rice at the head of what iray be termed in this connection a land show, tTaveling by wagons. In the Fall of the year, in eettl'-ig up the bns- Iness, the entire show reverted .» or. Spalding. TheSpaldlng ft Rogers Nonb .American Circus contlnned its travels, meeting -with success, and In 1850. during the first tour through New England, Dr. Spalding Invented and nsed the qnarter-polea, eleven-tier seats and extra trout seats, now in gen etal use by all circus companies. A year or two later. In the West, SpaldlngA Rogers built the Float- ing Palace (npon which entertalnmenta were given on the Western rivers) and the Bteamt>oat8 James Raymond, Baitjo and Gazelle, and also parvhaMd the Jenny Llnd, Alleaheny Hall, Loyal Banna, North Riverand Fairy, all being nt«d In conducting their bnslneas. In isiespaldlng, Rogetaft Uldwell(Oavld Bldwell having prevlonsly lieen taken Into cqpan- nerstilp) took a ten years'leaso of the PeUcan 'Thes- ae. New Orleans, La., leconstracted It and fitted It up In excellent s^le, so that It conld be used for either a circus or a theatre. It was christened Spald- dlng ft Rogers' Amptutheatre, which title some Siars later was changed to that of the Academy of nalc, which It still retains. It has undergone sev- eral reconstractlona. Is nowa very beantUtiltheatie, and Is owned and managed by David Bidwell. Daring the next few years Binlding ft Rogers had two and sometimes three companies tonring this country and Canada, oavellnaby raUroada, wagons and water. In 1880 they put a Circus tnd dromatio company Into the Boweiy Theatre, this city, and prodowd equestrian dramas in spefctac- uli BtTle, and ttom there they trantAri^ ttelr entire Ibroes to the Boston (Maia) Theatre (then known as the Academy of Hnsio), where they played a hlohly sncceaiiflil engagement of aome weeks' dnnuon. In the Spring of 1883 a mag- iilficent portable -amphltheaire was oonstract- WaiTTEC rOR TBS 51W TORK CUFTIB. BT OECAB B. BBBSa A little Tlolct, bloooalnm Hmlr-hldden 'neslb a thrift^ i Did seem to me as •tnuotUai Frvm mich • ahelter to be nedL Ah mel I thooflbt bow rery true— So like a gcDlos tt did M«m— A hldd«i sweet, IX bioofbt to Tlav, . Mlsht win tor It the world'. Me*m. Then, noopliw down, 1 Mocked ib« berl^ And inuliedailde the Diades of gnaa, Bnt left the violet nndlatnrtMd, To klis thg aephjia as they paaaed. Next mora I wandered there aoaln. Alas! the oael wreck I Ibond'! - Somrana bad cnt the stem In twmla. And torn the roots ftom oot the grouud. 111 naetfd bnt a mom ent then Where yeAcrday my violet irrew. So nreet. so tradn*, and ao ftlr. That God had giren me to view. And 1 thonjtbt, how traa. Indeed. The tiDman race like Tloleta iccm; rr from obncnrtty tb.y'r* frMd. They wreck hot danger Inrka nnaeen. Abl aetRoes, and actors, too, My flower'a 0U« jon moat dividew Becaose balT-blddeo onoe yon anw, Till lomeene pnibed the weeda aside. 'Then came the cTltlc*a cmihlnc pen. Where yon. Joat blooomlu, were found: . They bnie your gloiy Oom the atem. And duhod yoor caitlM to'tba gtound. Jiraoartc laag FOR MUma CHUP VARIETT nRFOMEBS. warrrxx roa thb kxv torx cuma. BT JOHN H. BTBNE. - Stbaiobt mbn,— One old-man ing, an oM morn- ing-gown and a cane. Combdiam (for the season).—One cloac-cnp wis, one tright-wig, an old pair of pants abnndantv Sstetaed.old vest and coat, and an old hat of any escription. AUorthe alwve pieces or -watdiotie must be as diny as possible, to create a langh. Enduxn.— The usual apology for an eveimigsnlt —swallow-taUed coat, diagonal vest, any kind of Cte, so long as they are not black; and thefbl- Ing remark alter the lady vocalist has finished her ballad: "Say. Ur. Chesterfield, that's a nice song. Did you ever eee my girl t Oh, ahe Is a dar- ling, yon bet ahe Is. S-a-y, 1 got a connndrum for yon. Why ami like a bottle ofbeerr Anstctr.— BecanseI'm corked np." Bakjo-soiaisis.- An ordlnair pair of pante of any description, a coat of sulDaent length in the talis to mop up the floor of the stage,.red vest old white hat, shoes large enough to cover a coalhole If necessary, and a very cheap banjo. After going through the nsnal bnslneas of allding foot acnes the seat of the chair, then duMing itoff with coat- tails, they proceed to tone up: and while doli^ so' they inform you of the Ihct that they will stnga new song, -written for them Inr a Comanche in Italian, and vocalized a Zulu ta Constontl-. Ha?r^> ^"'^''^ ^ Bed-headed Soko-AMD-DAKOB ABTIST8.—Any kind of attire for the pedal extremities, from a pair of black tlghta to a lalr of pante -with material enough in them to make a tied-ack, and an oia "piDg" hat u kick—though they don't "kick" hair so loud on the stage as they do at the twardlng-bonse ir they dont gettnrkey, pie. Ice-cream and lalaliia seven times a' week for five dollars. SancH ABTiSTS—Characten: one mole, one ft-: - male. The female Is a stage-stmok maiden who: aspires to do Juliet or "I hope I don't intrade." (But she does tntmde, and ahoiild tiavc stayed at her old position of cook and dlsh-pollaher at the CUIy House.) The gentleman is a honse-servant of a sable complexion, and Is dressed In the way tbatall house-servants are—a huge palrofplantaflon shoes, and an extrevagant pair of panta made of calico or bed-ticking. They tell several conundrums and jokes, sing a medley and Then comes the best part of the act-^the scenes close in on them, and onl comes the Uorro VocAUsr.—He IS gotten op regardless ot'. expense. In fnll evenlng-drtaa, white collar, white neckUs, white coin, wtilie glovta, an d and white- white—paper bosom. He alnga, with a strong nasal- twang, that he is "Something in the City," and yon think" he Is—s vagrant, and should get eleven dr months and thirty-one welL lays on the isle de Black- Sbbio-cohics.— A thing of the past How they' are made nowadays: Take a woman, give tier • satta dreaa (made of alUda, six cente per yard), one box of powder, one box of range, a sawtiel to cany make-np to the theatre, and a towel to put her dices in—ahe never has a hall-trunk. That is her wardrobe. This Is her repertory: One medley— The Babies on Onr Block," and an Imitation of Pat Rooney. Musical aktists.— In theatrical pariance "Mu- sical Mokes," "Hnalcal Hikes" or "Hoslcal HopaJ' Their stock In trade conalsU of on asthmatic ac-. cordeon, a concertina, two tnalca, a tnlqr-fiddle aiid a tln<whlBtle. and'the fumy leuer wears a coat that' is "spilt from the collar to the talL" . : , . To the Ingredients ta the above reolpes are to tw added one per cent of talent to ninety-nine per cent of gan, together with a happy faculty for com- mitting to memory eveiything the artists see or ' hear dona or said by'i>rodaeare" ((.&:. people wtio ' origliiate acts or sayings), and at the next turn ' doing it one week ahead af.(ha origluals. ' ALL flattzbk' Is dangeions... So people always t thins, iritis addressed lo otheii,hut never when , Ituoildreasedtotheraaelvea,'--^'^•-^ - -'^--V*