The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-01-15

will darken and deepen there, so long as her name
is heard among the nations of the EARTH The vir-
tues of Il thousand Lafayettes could not bleach it a
shade whter-the devasatons and boosted glory
of n Bonaparte, but serve to furnish another broad
leaf TO the sangunary record. The greatness of
her illustrous line of mOnarchs is overshadowed
and rendered dim by the hideous monster of anar-
chy, that swept its dark garment over the whole
country, breathing atheism upon her altars-blast-
ing her eyards-tearlng down her wine-presses,
and setting up in their empty places guillones,
reeking with the innocent blood it lhirsled for
France may become more prosperous, greater and
better than her sister kingdoms; yet posterity when
they read her history, will shudder as they turn to
that page which tells of the time when she lay, like
an unnatural monster, satiated and drunken with
the blood of her own children-of the innocent
the beautiful, the young and the helpless
her temples were turned into monuments of shame,
when liberty became base mockery,-when
the delicate ties of society were rent and crushed
with fearful hand and ndecencies were perpe-
raled boldly in the high places of the nation. At
the time of our story the thunder of this moral
earthquake was beginning to be heard louder and
louder each day ,-bu still the court lived on as if
ignorant of the warning. Kisses and groans min
gled with the shouts of the people whenever the
queen went abroad, and execraions were heaped
upon her by the canaiiie of the metropolis. Her
oXtrayagancics were openly complained Of Gricv-
ed and amazed at her waning popularity, she made
an effort TO regain it before her departure for her
palace of Versailles, Finding but partial success,
she naturally drew about her the 'arstocras of the
court; and by the entertainments and pro(use ex-
pense by which she bound them TO her, still farther
eyasperaied the greater portion of the nation. The
knowledge she had gained of the reignng discon-
tent had been gathered from observation, and was
necessarily imperfect, AS yet none of those about
her had ventured to hint al her unpopularity; but
now, when suddenly told that secret meetings were
held by her enemies,-and menaced by one of her
own subjects bold enough to break in upon her re-
tlremen, she felt that her danger must be immi-
nent, and for moment, shrank astounded from
the conviction.
In seasons of danger and difficulty, Marie An
toinee was truly great woman, quick to resolve,
and strong to execute. Since the last unmanly
threat other prosecutor, she had been standing with
one white hand resting on the marble table, and
her eyes bent on the floor. She felt that she had
given imprudcnt liberty to her feelings, and col
lected all her womanly powers to charm away the
evil Raising her fine blue eyes from the shadow
of their dropping lashes, she met the earnest gaze
he had been silently fixing upon her, with one of
those soft, soul-subduing chances that had so en-
thrallcd his heart in past years-and smile, arch
and playful, lay upon her rich lips, like light upon
ripenng pomegranatc.
$50 you will expose all my old follies unless
90 on committing new ones! Well, whether ]
will or not, we must be friends;" and she grace
fully extended one of the most beautiful hands in
France.
De Gouvion hcsilated and looked scarchingly in
her face for moment--bu her assembling was
perfection. Not shadow durkened her beautiful
features, and bright smile of apparent fiankness
and gaiety lighted them into transcendent lowell
ness of expression. Convinced of her sincerity, or
rather bewiIdered by the fascination of her look
and manner, he took the extended hand and press
ed it fervently to his lips
"And so, mon ami, you really thought me Sc
riously angry" she said, with rich laugh that
filled the little room like The murmur of waters
through bed of viocis. ".Na fol- what bra
vado you have become 20
"Foigve me-" he answered in some confusion;
'the thoughts of your displeasure drove me TO dcs
peraton."
She gaily interrupted him, and glancing at the
notes in his hand, exclaimed" How you did
threaten me about them! but, n imporie, Je rous
pardonne Toiia!" she added with another sweet
laugh, pointing TO the crushed note on the carpet
as she gIlded 10 her former seat, and throwing
manded him TO occupy it. lie smiled and was
about to seat himself by her side; but with another
musical laugh she cried
"Kneel, knec you are rebel and must take
a new oath of allegiance"
Evidently delighted beyond measure, the young
courier gracefully bent his knee TO the cushion,
and pressed his lips with mock reverence to her
extended hand.
"a tribute for your sovereign! a trbuter'
"What can | olleri" he CALAMITY answered,
again touching her hand. " My heart but you
have rejected that 80 often ~
"Any hng--those billet-doux, if you wll.'
In spite of her efforts TO prevent it, slight tone
Of anxiety affected her voice, as she made this care
less demand lie looked in her face, and sus-
picous cloud darkened his brow. She saw ii, and
hastily added
"No, mo- had forgotten; they are your last
hope-bui the diamond on your little finger that
will do and she held out taper finger to be cir
cled by the ring.
lie attempted 10 take off the gem she had de-
handed, but it was small, and came over the joint
with difficulty. The package Of notes prevented
free use Of his hand; and with his mind entirely
engrossed by the refractory ring, he hastily twisted