Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1841-10-12
POPULAR READINGS.
From he Metropolitan fer S,pL
THE COUNTESS AND HER FRIENDS.
Tale Of Coqueify.

BY wAHsrE oIirHAsr
When went abroad, the hope Of enjoying
the society Of an old college friend, Ned Hay
leigh, with whom | had long been on terms Of
the most confidential intercourse, induced me
10 60 forthwith TO Milan. Had reflected on
his confirmed social habits. some hesitation
might have delayed this step; should have
[ remembered that whercsocver Ned llatcigh
was, there was no room for the indulgence Of
| a moody humor, since he was an lnalibIc at
tractor OF all the merry spirits like hInselthat
came within his sphere. aud one was certain
To Ind HIM the centre OF as rIotouS "A group as
ever gave food for the police sheet OF Bow
street oihcc, or trouble 10 the painting proctors
Of our Alma Mater. As 1t proved, however,
my seeking him was the wIscst that
could possibly have been adopted for under
the very worst circumstances high spirits are
more or less contagious, and the melancholy
that might have unused itself into madness
frequently gives way before the exharating
influence of surrounding mirth. Poor Ned
, n finer fellow never breathed he would have
dared earth and sea to serve friend, and so
well was his warm nature appreciated, that
his friends would. one and all. have done their
utmost 10 serve him in turn. He was drown
ed some years after in Norway and there lies
his dust.
Noll, my denr boy said he, when Joined
him, you are as welcome as if you brought
news of legacy. Sit down here, old fellow.
Dined, suppose Sullivan, shove round the
bottle. GrImmett, bring glasses Sullivan,
Jack, Forby, Macnel, Wllson-my friend
Warner Oliphan,.'
This bret introduction paved the way to a
delightful addition TO nv circle of acquain-
No. .,-l hoo OF
ST Johns; Major Sullivan was a stranger
but had known his brother; Macncil and
Wilson were new faces, but being very Young
very merry, and very good natured, were ia
mlIlar at once, and lntlmaies in an hour.
I'VE are to adjourn TO the Ia ScaIa,' sale
Macnci, n young Scotch Iaud are you in
cIined to Join us ? You will hear the fines
singing IN Italy 10 night, if llayleigh permits
you TO listen
Very true said Major Sullivan. 'Ncllut
was in magnificent voice at rehearsal, though
| prophesy that this '.3UreiianO will dsap
point the hopes of lis STRIPPING composer Thu
thing viii be failure, unless that wonderful
voice, with ITS Incompatible power and exc
cution, avails to save IL. However, with Vel
luti you do not risk disappointment
And as all the world will be there, SAT-
Wilson, YOU can have a catalogue with note
and illustrations of the mentlonables in Mi
Ian. 1t will be a vast saving of time 10 you /
that preliminary branch of your education
| shall be delighted to visit theatre whic
has the credit Of being the first in the world
Let me finish my glass of claret, and al
much AT your service.
After II few minutes further conversation
we rose TO 90 Ned heard Sullivan sa'
'you know it is quite against rule to alo
your friend to sit with US; that u.s. in the Soc
etys box al least
: Nonsense will be his surety that b
Joins MS in a week, said llayleigh.
n in that case we may for once break ii
&c rule said Sullivan. The fact is he adde
ID turning to me, the .lmIn, society 10 whc
in We all belong bu, YOU, has a box at Ia Scala
and We have agreed to suspend our rule again
ne the admission of strangers in your fayor; lia
rs leigh here will explain the somewhat unusu
ar method Of gaining admittancc, should YOU DE-
T. sire 10 become one Of US.
IN In half an hour we were all seated in II
O. theatre, ENJOYING the second act Of Rossin
~ .IureIiaao. and surveying the varied and ~
mcrous audience. There was only one pc
e. son IN our box besides our own party; he "
r. young man who seemed TO take very lat,
no interest in the opera aud a great deal IN
,T. box on the same tier as ours, but the oPposl
10 side. concluded he was one OF the .imld
a. Pray, Ohphant, said Ned, 'whcrc did V
rk pick up that funeral aspect: You are n
Ne dressed IN mourning, or | should fancy 20
"a. grand-auu, had died. Where goitcst tie
that goose look 80
Ter Do not ask me now; YOU shall hear 4
,e. stor, soon, and fearful one II Is. But con
49, tell me how one Is admitted 10 the pryllc1
IA Of tins society: have serious thoughts Of b