210

leaned over his desk and fell into a doze. We went on discussing: it was about the Spanish affairs. In a quarter of an hour the hero awoke. took up the discussion where he had left it, and settled the point. I mention the Emperor's nappardonable enough in his position-because I attribute to it the strange aberration to which I was a victim."

"Good Heavens! You alarm me."

ing to his family were restored to him, and, length, as had frequently happened before, he he justified these favours by an unshrinking courage; besides, he was often employed on delicate missions, and had always fulfilled them His was of a in the most satisfactory manner. chivalric disposition-brave, good, and witty; he sang well, drew beautifully, and danced as people danced in the reigns of Vestris and Trenis; generous to prodigality, and with a most elegant taste, he added to these advantages what then was rarely met with-exquisite polish of manners; that precious relic of the last century. This last gift might be traced to the long stay he had made with Madame la Maréchale, Princesse de Montlaur, a connexion of his family, who at the age of seventy preserved all the wit and sound judgment that had ever distinguished her estimable character. So many pleasing qualities joined to his handsome person would have made him a dangerous man, but fortunately his prevailing characteristics were goodness and delicacy.

66

My good Anacharsis!" 'My dear Raoul!"

Repeated the two friends, examining each other with eager eyes.

"What's all this your old Dauphin tells me? Are you really off, without giving me one day?" said Anacharsis.

Unfortunately, I cannot put off my journey a single day. I have just left the Tuileries, after receiving the Emperor's last orders. I must be at Vienna by the third of March, at the latest, for the Prince de Neufchâtel will arrive there on the fifth. My good fellow, you can't think how I regret these cross-purposes; but why did you

not write?"

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"Listen-listen. The audience over, the Emperor retired. In a short time the usher on service came to desire my attendance on the Emperor. He found me in the refreshment-room, where, by the way, we were always well treated; I remember I was eating the wing of an ortolan. I tore myself away, and followed the usher, who soon left me face to face with the great man. I was as near to him as I am to you. He surveyed me with his keen grey eye-an eagle's glance!-as he took three pinches of snuff. After this silent contemplation, he said, 'I have never seen you before. "Tis strange!—you have not the sort of countenance I imagined.' I bowed low, much astonished that he should have done me the honour of imagining any sort of counte nance for me.

He then produced a sealed packet, and with his brief tones, said, "You will set off immediately for Madrid with these dispatches. Sew them up; hide them in the lining of your coat, so that if you are attacked by guerillas and fall, these papers may not pas into the hands of the enemy. The king of Spain will give you your ulterior orders. Th commission is perilous-very perilous,' adde he, pinching my left ear; but it will fit you like a glove-you are a fire-eater! We have heard of your exploits in the Tyrol!"

Why-deuce take it!--I wanted to surprise Why when were you in the Tyrol?" you. I ought to have remembered that surprises "Never, Raoul, never; but wait a moment don't succeed with me! Do you recollect this time two years-on your return from Italy? I Bewildered by all I heard, and incapable d caught you as you unbooted, and insisted on uttering a single word in reply, I muttered some taking you to sup with Mademoiselle de Nan-unintelligible phrases, bowed lower than before teuil, prima-donna at the Empress' Theatreto give her a surprise, as she did not expect me." "I remember it well! You were the surprised person, through something you found in her apartment! But I thought you were in Spain?" Raoul," said Boisseau, gravely, pointing to his grizzled locks, "do you see this premature

66

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whiteness?"

'Why, truly, Anacharsis, when we parted last year there were no signs of this snow."

"My friend, this frost-to continue your simile-this frost was the work of one night; and yet it was a terribly hot one too!"

"Explain this phenomenon, Anacharsis. Was it love-jealousy-danger?"

"Danger, my friend; great danger! in which, alas! there was neither love nor jealousy. You know that two years ago, for the sake of having something to do, I obtained an appointment in the Foreign Office. In my turn 1 appeared at the councils, where the Emperor presided. One day, the great man spoke for a long time, cutting away as usual at the table with his penknife; at

and was about to retire, when the Emperor con tinued, more gravely-almost with emotion You may be sure that, in case of the worst, will take charge of your mother: I will console her, at least; for I know you are a good 50% Enough: you must be on your road within twe hours! I depend on you. I have not forgottet the Tyrol; I will not forget Spain!"

"Your mother! I thought she died long ago?" said the Colonel, more and more astonished. "So she did-but we were playing a detestable game of cross-purposes! The great man doubt in consequence of his nap-took me for one Boitol, a dare-devil, sent into the Tyrol t foment the insurrection against Austria."

"Ah! I understand, now!"

"You see, Raoul, I dared not-in fact, could not-decline the mission the Emperor had honoured me with. I took the d-d dispatches and at twenty leagues from Madrid fell plumy into a band of guerillas. Did I ever tell you that I wear flannel next to my skin?" "Never: but what has that to do with you story?"

"You shall see. I had hidden the papers | under my flannel-waistcoat. Now I wear very fine, flesh-coloured flannel, and these savages took it for my natural covering-(I don't say it from vanity!)-at all events, they searched no further; but, furious at finding nothing, they passed a halter round my neck, and were about to string me up to a tree, when chance-or, rather, Providence-sent on a convoy. The guerilla dogs made off; I joined the convoy, and arrived at Madrid with my dispatches. But so great had been my emotion, when I felt the halter round my neck, that I still bear its effects my very hair grew pale!" "My poor fellow!"

"I presented my dispatches. But when King Joseph explained to me the diabolical trade I was to carry on in Portugal, in order to undermine the English diplomatists-still taking me for that mad-cap Boitol-I rectified the mistake; and, I suppose, was not considered capable of standing in Boitol's shoes, for I obtained my dismissal. I understand now why the great man was surprised at my physiognomy, when he took me for that determined fellow!” "What do you now intend to do? With your fortune, you can do anything or nothing; but you are ambitious?"

Highly talented; he was Jerôme Morrisson during the Revolution, and now fills some of the first posts in the government. The Emperor made him duke, and brought about his marriage with my cousin, Mademoiselle Jeanne de Souvry, daughter of the late Vicomte de Souvry, and niece of Madame la Maréchale, Princesse de Montleur."

"Of course it was not a love-match ?"

"It is an entire romance, filled with heroic devotion, on my cousin's side, you understand. As for the Duke, he is fifty years old, gloomy, taciturn, ironical, and morose; but wonderfully gifted, and firm even to harshness. He was even unpitying when governor of some of our foreign possessions, and with his cold energy has done the state great service. The Emperor respects, though he does not like him. Speaking Not I, faith! I have but one ambition, and of him, he said, I like Bracciano as I like the I counted on your assistance. In your position-bar of iron that bars my door or supports my marquis of the old régime, and one of Napoleon's colonels-you command an entrée to both parties, both aristocracies-the old and the new. I wanted you to introduce me to our shining

stars!"

"I can-I can!” replied Raoul, after a moment's hesitation. "I can open the doors of the two worlds to you, by introducing you to a lady, a relation, who belongs to the empire by her marriage, to the ancien régime by birth. Once received by her as my oldest and best friend, the path is open to you! But, tell me, are you not something of an antiquary?"

"I have read Winckelman, and outbid an Englishman for a collection of medals and cameos because he had come between me and a prima donna at Naples."

Capital-capital! Listen. Every one now is something or nothing. I make you a savantantiquary-and you take your position at

an

once!"

Now, don't laugh at me, Raoul! Give me your serious opinion on my name-Boisseauit is so common-place! Is there no way of modifying it?"

"Are you mad? Are you not one of the literati-an antiquary? Are Monge, Chaptal, Denon, Berthollet, aristocratic names?" "Who is this lady who is to throw open the doors of the great world to me?" "The Duchesse de Bracciano." "The duchesse!-the young, the beautiful duchesse! Oh, Raoul, you rascal! you double

roof.'

"Great man! his words paint to the life! So I must not call you a rascal, though you are the cousin of a young and pretty duchess, who has such an ugly bar of iron for a husband!"

"No: I am but her friend-her true and de

voted friend. She has never loved me-never

will !"

Jeanne de Souvry, Duchesse de Bracciano, was about twenty years old. Hers was not regular beauty; but large dark eyes, fringed with long eyelashes, an ivory complexion, a small mouth, round which a melancholy smile ever played, and rich bands of brown hair rendered her charming. She appeared pensive and Pooh-pooh! do you think we nobodies are thoughtful. A German edition of Werther lay

refined rascal!"

You are mistaken!"

not aware of your reputation?"

open before her.

212

The groom of the chambers announced M., with bitterness even--I was convinced that they de Surville. They were alone.

"What a sudden departure!" said Madame de Bracciano. "You go then to Vienna ?" "Yes, and I fear I shall remain there some time."

A long pause succeeded. Raoul continued"I wish to speak to you, frankly-seriously. I am your friend-your relation-and yet I fear I may wound your feelings. I did not expect this sudden summous, and had intended to make further inquiries before mentioning my suspicions to you."

"What suspicions?" inquired the Duchess, with astonishment.

"Listen to me," replied Raoul, affectionately. "You know how dear you are to me! Promise, for the sake of our old and sincere friendship, not to interpret my words unjustly."

"What is this, Raoul? You alarm me! How can you offend me?-you, the best and kindest of men!"

"I will take courage, Jeanne. You were married when a mere child-but sixteen. Your generous devotion

"Raoul!"

"I will not be silenced now; I am speaking of your many virtues. You were naturally repugnant to this marriage-this sacrifice; but when an unguarded word betrayed the secret your family had kept so nobly-when you learnt that on your marriage with the Duc de Bracciano your aunt's fortune would be restored to her, and two of your old relations would be recalled to their native country, you consummated the sacrifice-you offered yourself a willing victim!"

"Raoul, Raoul, no more of this-I entreat I command you!"

were instilled by some one very dear to you!"

"Your sagacity is wonderful, my dear cousin," replied Madame de Bracciano, in a dry tone; "how is it that, with so good a clue, you have failed to discover your fortunate rival?”

"I have no rival, Jeanne," said Raoul, with a look of most affectionate interest; "I have long retired from the contest! If Herman Forster were my rival, there would be little generosity in repeating what I have to say of him."

On hearing the name of Herman Forster, the Duchess coloured violently. She remained silent awhile; and then, yielding involuntarily to anger on finding her secret discovered, and hearing the man she loved thus spoken of, she exclaimed, indignantly

"And this is Man! Jealousy and envy sol even the noblest characters! We disdain their homage, and they basely watch our every movement-to surprise our confidence, or build a ridiculous romance on some indefinite foundation! Go! I should never have suspected you of this cowardly action. You forget yourself when you condescend to calumniate an unfortunate youth!”

"Can I now doubt your love, when you plead his cause so warmly? Jeanne, look upon me as a friend: I must fulfil my duty. The ice is I care not, now, broken; hear me to the end! for your hatred-your contempt: one day you will do me justice! But, hear me now: Herman Forster is your husband's secretary! Notwith standing his extreme youth, he is compromised in the secret societies of Germany! He has taken refuge in France; chance has procured him an asylum under your roof; his misfortunes have awakened your sympathy. This stranger is handsome; his words express the noblest sentiments; and yet, I know not what secret presentiment tells me this man will be fatal to you."

your

brilliant

"A secret presentiment!" said Madame de Bracciano, bitterly, "and without any proof be yond vague suspicion! You, in position, at the summit of your ambition-you come to me to calumniate an orphan, wh us for his daily bread! You depends on have founded an odious accusation on a mere nothing!"

"You were introduced, young, beautiful, accomplished-never in the society of an old husband who is entirely absorbed by his important occupations. Surrounded by admirers, their homage has been offered in vain. Educated by your aunt, Madame de Montlaur, you had all the charms of virtue, without its prudery. I have known you from a child, and loved you madly loved you!-but I felt mine would be an unrequited love, and repressed my feelings; but still hovered near you. Mine is now a disinterested feeling: I have watched over you as "Mere nothings, Jeanne, have revealed to me a guardian-as a brother-and-I suspected-your love! And I am not mistaken-I tell you I am now convinced-you love—”

"Raoul !"

"Jeanne, Jeanne!-on my honour-I swear to you-I have discovered your secret; but it is safe with me! I felt you were changed: your old occupations had no longer any attraction; you neglected your harp-your pencils; at last, you began to study German, as an amusementthat surprised me. I was still more surprised to hear you, in whom your aunt had inculcated monarchical principles, support revolutionary doctrines. At first I fancied these republican theories a passing caprice-a paradoxical fancyin a woman of your rank; but when I heard you sustain these arguments with obstinacy

now that this man is dangerous. His is not a
natural character, and I dread the influence be
is gaining over you. I well know your generos
disposition. I know how even it might mislead
Nay, do not looki
you: I tremble for you.
me so angrily, Jeanne! What interest can I have
in speaking thus to you? I shall leave you to-night
for a long time-perhaps for ever! for the war
may break out, and a soldier's life has its dangers.
Again I swear that I am actuated by neither love,
nor jealousy, nor anger, while I repeat that this
man's influence over you makes me tremble för
your future fate!"

But what has he done? What has he said? Your fears must, at least, have a cause!”

"I cannot define my feelings; and yet, Jeanne, | I forget what! And a fine young man entered, you must feel assured of their force since they who, in the politest manner possible, invited have overcome my repugnance to mentioning me-in the name of His Majesty the Emperor such a subject to you. Hold: do you remember, and King,' if you please!-to present myself at a few days since, we were in this room-you, the Tuileries next morning at twelve o'clock. Herman, and I? You gave me a letter to read: This order, disguised as an invitation, did not by chance my eye fell on Herman. He was please me particularly. I had never concealed looking at you; and never shall I forget the my opinion of the powers that be,' and began satanic expression of his countenance. This, you to think of the banishment of Madame de will say, is childish; but the impression it made Chevreuse; at all events, I promised to obey; on me can never be effaced." and next morning, after saying my prayers, screwed up my courage, hid myself in my calash, and proceeded to the Tuileries. How my heart sank as I mounted the staircase where for the last time I beheld our adorable and gracious queen! But I overcame my emotion. I entered the gallery of Diana-I know not how you call it now-and found I was expected by the ushers. And they have even gentlemen-in-waiting!"

At this moment the Princesse de Montlaur entered.

THE

CHAP. IV.

FAREWELL.

Although the Maréchale Princesse de Montlaur was more than seventy years old, her carriage was still upright and dignified; but her dignity was tempered by a kindness, playful irony, and cheerfulness, that are unfortunately but too rare amongst old people. She wore a plainly-made dress of grey satin, with a cap, mantle, and mittens of black lace, of the old style; while her silver hair was frizzed and powdered.

"Good morning, my child!" said she to Madame de Bracciano, kissing her forehead. Then turning to the Colonel, she gave him her thin white hand; which he respectfully pressed to his lips.

"Well, Raoul, when do you leave?” "This evening, madam. What orders have you for Vienna?"

"And chamberlains!" said Raoul, with a smile.

The Princesse shook her finger at him, and continued—

an ex

"I was treated with the utmost respect. They announced me-an etiquette which seemed to me somewhat barbarian-and I found myself, face to face, with the Man of Destiny. For a moment I was frightened; but my old Gaulish blood began to warm. I put on, what a certain satirical niece of mine calls, my grand air, and mounted my high horse. After examining me a few moments with his piercing eye, Bonaparte began: 'I wished to see you, Madame la Maréchale!' I made a half curtsey, and replied very drily, with the air of an angry_victim, 'I could do no less than obey the Emperor's orders.' He proceeded: Your husband was cellent general; in his day he did much for the army; besides, he was faithful to his king-and that is noble under all governments, madam.' These words awoke bitter recollections. are rare with old people, but I wept: then Bonaparte, in an inexpressibly kind manner, took my hand, kissed it, and said, 'Do not weep, my good mother!' Poor soldier! there was something so good, so tender in his looks and voice, that I own, notwithstanding the strange familiarity of the words, 'My good mother!' I was touched-a hundred times more agitated than when, at the close "How can you speak thus, Raoul?-you- of our interview, he informed me that, in conone of us! How can you have suffered your-sequence of my high-minded character and self to be so dazzled-so bewitched?" my husband's merit, he restored our old estates to me."

"This evening! So soon? Your Emperor is pitiless."

"Alas! madam," said Raoul, with a smile, "unfortunately, I have not now time to resume our interminable quarrel, and to defend my Emperor against your attacks."

"I beg you to observe that I do not attack him-I merely judge him; and that is enough. I dare say he would consider it too much." "He certainly likes criticism as little as a legitimate sovereign."

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"But, aunt,” said Madame de Bracciano, who wished to conceal her emotion by an appearance of playfulness; you also were bewitched on your return from the Tuileries, after your interview with the Emperor."

“You, madame!” said Raoul, with astonishment. "I did not know-

"Alas! we all try to hide our sins to the best of our power! But I had better relate my escapade myself, or Jeanne, with her witching tongue, will persuade you-and me also-that I am a Bonapartiste. You must know, then, that one morning, a few days before my niece's marriage, my man announced a Monsieur

Tears

"And in consideration of Jeanne's marriage with the Duc de Bracciano, though you were not aware of that clause," added Raoul, mentally.

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Well, aunt, why should you wonder that Raoul also should have been bewitched?"

"But all this proves nothing. I had an attack of sensibility-that is all! I am the more sorry for it, that now I can no longer say all he harm I think of his Emperor! He has silenced me with benefits, so I must resign myself, and admire the victories that astonish all Europe."