The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1855-11-20 00:00:00

180

SUPPL

exclaimed, in a voice of supplication,
you will bring me back the bouquet ?"
But what a singular idea, that of finding a
bunch of flowers amidst a floral mountain !
When the parties thus appealed to heard the
request of their sovereign lady, it was indeed
curious to watch the reception it met with. The
tallest replied, laughing, that it would be just as
easy to obtain a particular drop of water from
the ocean. The stout lover turned his head
aside, and muttered the words capricious, while
the youngest rushed like a madman towards the
stage, with the apparent intention of precipi-
tating himself upon it. Meanwhile, the ladies
retired to their carriage, escorted by the phleg-
matic attendants. I quitted my box about the
same time, with the intention of presenting my
last respects to Mademoiselle Taglioni.

" Which of

At this time it was possible to obtain an
entrance behind the scenes of the Opera, without
being obliged to show constantly an ivory medal.
It was quite sufficient guarantee when the person
was well-known to the director, when he was at
once admitted. My
.young friend, the hero of
the bouquet, was at the door, panting with his
exertions, when I arrived.

Mademoiselle Taglioni was still upon the stage,
in the midst of a forest of bouquets, with
features on which happiness and sadness were
so strongly impressed at the same time, that, to
see her, made one almost laugh and weep with
her. She extended her little hands to us, in sign
of farewell, when, suddenly, perceiving my com-
panion groping earnestly among the flowers,
seeking the bouquet of the lady of his heart, she
drew back, somewhat offended at his boldness.
I, however, explained, in a low tone, to the sylph,
how the matter stood, when, taking a flying leap
backwards, she gazed at the young man, as she
retired, with a look that might say, " Look well,
and love will reward you."
Soon after Mademoiselle Taglioni had left, I,
who possess a certain measure of sang froid,
discovered, in the midst of an enormous mass of
camelias and roses, my unforgotten little bouquet
of wild flowers. nd this was not to be wondered
at after all, for I had been present when it was
arranged, and had looked at it all the evening,
and there was no other bouquet of a similar ap-
pearance among the rest. I cautiously placed
the charming trophy in my pocket.
" Sir," I inquired of the young lover, who was
still seeking the treasure with a disappointed
look, " have you found what you have lost ?"
" Alas ! sir," he replied, " I am a mere block-
head ; I do not even know the bouquet I am
seeking." And he turned the flowers discon-
solatrely over in a vain attempt to find what he
had never seen, when the stage was suddenly
invaded by a multitude of subordinate nymphs,
who came to divide the fragrant spoils of the
triumphant Mademoiselle Taglioni.
It was now time to leave, and I found myself
in the street with the young man.
" Would you like me to come to your as-
sigtance to-morrow ?" I inquired.
He accepted my offer eagerly, and we made an
appointment to meet at my apartments.
The next day my young friend was punctual
to the hour. At nine o'clock in the evening he
came, attired in a suit of black.

" Well," he said to me, sadly, " have you any
news of the bouquet ?" _

" I would advise you," I replied, "to place in
your button-hole this sprig of wild thyme, de-
cayed and broken as it is. It has often produced
me good fortune. Remember, however, I only
lend it to you, and expect you will restore it to
me."

He gazed at me with a look so incredulous and
sorrowful, that I was on the point of laughing in