The Sun.
London, England, 1864-11-19 00:00:00

SUSPICION.

" I was so restless, so perturbed, that, contenting myself
with a glass of wine and n biscuit for dinner, I took my way
to the deceased M. d'Estrees' domicile. I wished to speak
with Mademoiselle Le Blanc, whom I had known in Havre
de Grace.

'' As it happened, she was upon the point of leaving the
house as I approached it. Our eyes met; she started;
a visible terror shook her frame, and her face paled to the
hue of Inarble. What might be the meaning of that ?
Fanchetto Le Blanc re• entered the hall, and sank down half
fainting upon a seat. . How,' said Ito Mademoiselle Le
Blanc, ' does the sight of an old acquaintance alarm, ter-
rify you?' No—no,' she said, recovering herself by a
strong effort. What folly to suppose such a thing I
Seeing you, brought suddenly to mind the dreadful
tragedy in (which poor Madame d'Esttees is involved.
Of course,' she added, with a glimmer in her glowing eyes,
which I could but doubtfully interpret—' of course, I long
since knew how much you adored—l mean, I felt interested
in her welfare.' You knew the truth, Mademoiselle Le
Blanc. Who indeed would not feel a profound interest in
so charming, so amiable, so pure and innocent a being, and
now especially ?' The glimmer in the fierce eyes brightened
to a vivid flash, and her lip curled with a mocking expres-
sion, as she exclaimed, Innocent—innocent 1 Well, I
hape so. But youthful lovers seldom see stains or defects
in their idol.' That is not language, pardon me, made-
moiselle, to address to Eugene Devine at such a time. Has
M. Edouard Gaza, I asked abruptly, 'seen Madame
d'Estrees since her arrest—interested himself for her ?'
' Oh, no l' was the reply, in as abrupt a tone as mine,
whilst her eyes flamed, her cheeks flushed with what bore
the expression of exultant scorn,—' oh no—assuredly not
' Yet he was seen lurking ahout the place several days be •
fore the catastrophe occurred.' That is exact,' said Le
Blanc, the hot, colour in her cheeks fading again.
'He did not speak with Madame d'Estrees, I
understand ?" I did not see him speak with her.' He
came ani spoke with you, Mademoiselle Le Blanc ?'
Eh Lien I—yes, You are very inquisitive, M. Devine,' re-
torted the demoiselle, colouring again. Have you any
serious question to ask me,' she added. If not, I mus
make you my adieu ; I have business in Rouen." I will
not detain you, Mademoiselle Le Blanc. Stay ono moment.
Edouard Cazo's father is a skilful—a very skilful herbalist.
Do you think it pOssible that he may know tho secret of
making the vegetable poison called poNdre de successim,
and have--' Before I could finish the sentence, Fan •
chette Le Blanc, who had risen, fell back into the seat, and
fainted outright. There was a carafe of water on a table
in the hall, and I soon restored her to consciousness. Ano-
ther woman-servant appeared before I could again address
her, and both entered the house together.
A lighter interest attaches to other memoirs, con-
spieuous among which are those of Beau Brumnell,
and his brother Beau, of Bt‘th renown. In relating
the witticisms of the
.former celebrity, Dr Russell
very justly observes that the remark attributed to
Ozenstiern of Sweden, "See with what little wis-
dom the world is governed," might be paraphrased,
" See with what slender wit the world of fashion
may be amused"— ecce szynunz.