Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-09-07
Select Gagg.
"A COR SICAN FAMILY
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF
ALEXANDER DUMAS,
CHAPTER IL.

young man of from twenty to twentv-one
years of age, with black hair and eyes, his
complexion darkened by the sun, rather small
than large, but admirably well made.
In his eagerness to present his compliments
TO me, he had mounted as he was, that means.
In MS riding costume, consisting in riding
coat OF green cloth, to which belt which
encircled his waist, gave a certain military
appearance, pair of pantaloons of gray cloth,
lined inwardly with Russian leather, and boots
with spurs; cap somew hat resembling those
worn by our ''chasseurs d. Afrique'' compile
ted his costume.-On one side of his belt
hung his whip, on the other gourd Besides.
IN his hand he held an English carbine. In
spite of the youth of my host, whose upper
lip was scarcely shaded by light mustachio,
there was In his whole person an air of indie
pendence and resolution, that struck me.
saw in him, the man brought up to strug-
gle against material difficulties, to live in the
midst OF danger without fearing it, but also
without despising it; serious because he is
solitary, calm because he is strong.
| At single glance he had seen every thing,
my travelling equipage, my arms, the costume
L had just laid aside, and the one was wear
ing. His look was rapid and sure, like the
one of man whose life depends sometimes
on a glance.
" on will excuse me if | incommode YOU.
SAID he to me, but have done so with the
good intention to enquire after your wants.
1t is never without certain uneasiness that
see stranger of the continent arrive, for
we Corslcans are yet SO savage, that it is al
most tremblingly only, we tender, to French
men particularly, that ancient hospitality,
which, however, soon will be the only tradi-
ton left of our fathers.
And you are wrong to fear, sir, answered
L, for 1t is impossible to anticipate with more
grace, all the wants of a traveller, than Mad.
de Franchl has done; moreover, continued /,
looking round the apartment, could certain
ly not complain here of the pretended savage
ness which you are pleased to signalize; and
If did not through the windows see that adj
mlrable landscape, could fancy myself in
room of the Chaussee d. Antin.
Yes, replied the young man, this was a
mania of my poor brother Louis; he likes
to live in French style, but / doubt very
much whether, after his return from Paris.
this poor parody the civilization which he
will have to leave, will suffice him as it did
before his departure.
And has your brother left Corsica long
time since, asked /.
"A year ago, sir.
You expect his return home soon1
%! not before three or four years.
This is long absence for two brothers,
who probably never have been parted before
Yes, and particularly who loved each
other as we did.
He undoubtedly will pay you visit be-
fore the end of his studies
Probably, at least so he promised u.s.
AT all events, nothing would prevent you,
on your part, to make him a VISIT
No, shall never leave Corsica.
There was In the tone, with which this an
swer was made, so much of that love of coun-
try which envelopes in like disdain the ball
ance of the universe.
/ smiled.
1t seems strange to you, resumed he
smiling also, that one does not desire 10 quit
such miserable country as ours. But YOU
see | am sort of production of the Island,
as much so as the green oak and the rose lau-
rel; | require my atmosphere impregnated
with the perfumes of the sea, and the emana-
tons OF the mountains. | must have my tor
rents to cross, my rocks to climb, my forests
to explore; | must have space, | must have
liberty; if you transplant me in city, it
seems to me that | must die.
But how is it, that there exists such a
great moral difference between you and your
brother1
With such great physical resemblance,
you would add if you knew him.
DO you resemble each other much,
So much, that when we were children,
our parents were obliged to make marks on
our clothes to distinguish Us from each other
And in growing up, asked IL
In growing, our habits have produced
slight difference of color, that's all. NV
brother, always confined, always bent over
his books and drawings, has grown paler,
whilst |, on the contrary, being always in the
fresh air, always roaming over mountains and
plains, have become dark.
i hope, said |, that you will give me a
chance to Judge of this difference, by entrust-
ing to me your commissions for Mr.. Louis de
Franchi.
Yes, certainly, with the greatest pleas
ure, if you will be kind enough to take that
trouble. ButPardon, perceive your toilette
is already finished, and the table will be serv-
ed IN quarter of an hour.
is it for me you would take the trouble
to change your costume1