Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-04-08

artists o the day. Finally,
this triumph ofart and mechanical skill
was placed in the apartments OF the
Warehouses Of Milleroy, who gave
concert, which the queen condescend-
ed to attend.
The admiration lately excited by
her majesty's new German harpsichord
was now completely thrown into the
shade by that expressed for the Instru-
ment of native manufacture. The tones
it gave out from under the sklliul I'm
gers of Piccini, the Italian composer,
who was the first TO play upon 1t, blen-
ded exquisitely with the beautiful voice
Of the Princess de Polignac, whom he
accompanied. The queen herself was
no less enchanted than the rest, and
unwittingIy fastened on that triumph
which the malevolence ofthe duke and
the marchioness had prompted them 10
anticipate.
"Pray," inquired the queen. of Lau-
zun, as she broke up group Of deirac-
tors, of which he was the most active
and sarcastic, "to whose skill are we
Indebted for this charming instru-
ment."
"To that, your majesty, Of a French
man," replied the duke, with marked
emphasis.
"His manner" "Sebastian Erard. F."
"Indeed! that is a person never
heard of BEFORE" rejoined the queen.
unfortunately, the names of few
meritorious Frenchmen," retorted the
duke, laying stress upon the latter
word, "are known at the court of Yer
sailles."
Without noticing this discourteous
sneer, Marie Antoinette inquired to
whom the piano belonged. Lauzun
explained that it was made by his d.
rection, and that he was the possessor
"You!" repeated the queen, with the
good-natured archness by which she
was always ready TO conciliate the most
undeserved ill-will. "And pray, what
use can colonel Of huzzars make of so
elegant, so lady-like an Instrument"
The duke replied, with an aflectation
OF sentiment, that music was his most
cherished relief from the cares Of state
and the fatigues of military duty.
The truth was, Marie wasso charmed
with the instrument, that she longed to
become its possessor, and demanded
upon what terms Lauznn wonld part
with 1t. This was exactly the result
he wished; and, with every appearance
Of sorrowful humility, he assured her
majesty it was not in his power to par
with it.
"How so'" she asked, a little piqued
at is your own, and"
at aoas mine yesterday" Interrupt
ted the duke, "bnt to-day it has become
the property Of"
"Of whom?" impatiently inquired
the queen.
"Of the Marchioness de Milleroy,''
answered Lauzun, with a low bow.
Where pleasure is the idol, and fri
volity the pursuit. it takes but trilng
occurrence to create sensation. Thi.
was the case on the present occasion
The queen, despising this equivoca-
ton, turned quickly from the now tri-
umphsnt courtier, and quitting the a
partment abruptly, broke up the party
Enough, however, had been done tc
make the fortune Of Sebastian Erard
Next morning, he was sent for 10 Yer.
settles, and presented TO her majesty
who not only ordered from him new
pano-forte, but obtained from the king
6reret, or patent, for hsingeniousim.
provements. Once honorcd with court
patronage, the youn5 artisans early
dreams of ambition were sNeedily re
allied.
Meantime a circumstance occurred
which exercised an unlavorable iuhu.
ence over the career of the Duke lie
Lauzun. Extravaganza had so impair
ed his fortune, that his union with the
Marchioness de MiIleroy-herseli by
no means rich for her station-was de-
ferred till an appointment which he
expected to received Il the death OF q
relation should become vacant. The
command of the French Guards had
for long period been vested in the
chief of the dukes family. and his I'M
clio, the Marshall de Biron, hitherto
held the appointment. The Marshal
died, and Lauzun believed that, as a
matter of course, besides succeeding to
the title This uncle left no foriune,) he