The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-30

Tho simplest in the world. Here's the case.
rived from the country, and who Is very curious in
regard to the pleasures of Paris. would like him
to have an ivitaton to this ball. Can you obtain
it?
'.Assuredly my credit is very good, SO far But
you say he is quite young man.
''He is just from College,"
Sand you wish to place him Immediately in this
great school?'' . W
81 fear nothing on bis account; he is of an I'M
upon the invitationl" tA5 J
"You shall have il TO- morrow. The name of the
little cousin, If you please"
ssThat which bear myself. He is cousin on
the side Of my husband. You will be good enough
to have the letter sent to my house" M
81 shall have the honor and the pleasure to bring
it to you myself"
The preceding dialogue took place ON Sunday
last between young lady, whom shall desig
nate or disguise under the title of baroness, and
dandy of forty five years of age who. like all those
Of his age, is pleased at hearing himself called by
his given name, Lucien. The given name reju-
venates faster than any cosmetic.
On the next day, with an exactitude which forms
the politeness of handles of forty five years Of age
M. Lucien presented himself at the house of the
baroness, and brought her the desired invita-
ton.
THANK you," said she; .'and now make an ap-
peal to your discretion; promise me secrecy ON
what am about to tell you"
81 give you my word Of honor on it,"
"Ah, well there is no little cousin"
"Whatn
"No; am the little cousin"
"And the invitation ?"
cit is for myself that wanted it,"
"What. will you go to the ball of Mademoi-
selle -"
eyes, my dear Mr.. Lucien am dying with
the desire to be acquainted with these people. To
know them well, I must see them and am bent
on it. shall have courage equal to my curiosity.
You will accompany me, and protect my meta
morphose; and be assured, shall perfectly repre-
sent the little young man whom you have an
nounced."
The most of fashionable women, without havingthe
audacity of the baroness will understand the eager
curiosity which drove her to ball given by actress
Ia mode. II forms an interesting subject OF study
such fine things to be learned from it, even by the
most reserved woman. There is not any science how
ever perilous it may be, of which we cannot make
a wise and salutary employment. Every thing is
in the morality OF the application Here profitable
instructions and piquant revelations were to
abound. Here were peculiar customs, pictur-
esque language, intrigues' unveiled-secrets else
where carefully guarded, which here betray them
selves in open sincerity; men gathered from every
region of the world, who here show themselves
under new aspect. Is it not Of use to what
these gentlemen are, who free from all con-
sraint and set loose from all disciplined And these
ladies of the theatres it not also of to follow
them of the stage, in order to learn by what arti-
fees, by what graces, and by what entertainments
they establish their empire? Not that we would
wish to initiate their manDuvres but 1t is always
good to be acquainted with the tactics of the enc
my in order to understand his advantages, and TO
be able TO battle him on occasion.
Clad in an elegant masculine costume, her hair
dressed with extreme care, the baroness perfectly
represented a handsome little young man, between
seventeen and eighteen years of age, commencing
the world. Tall and slender, endowed with suit
able face, her sort of beauty was emnently adapt
ed TO the travestment. When she entered the ball
room, her embarrassment her modest look. COM
pleted the illusion. Timid Mt first, she took
all he hat herr ait eli
little young man threw himself forward; he was
seen rambling round. peering, listening with both
bis ears, and looking round with the eyes OF col
lege youth. Then, picking up courage. the school
boy began to dance, and 20 converse with 30 much
intelligence, that he was soon acquainted with the
gossip Of the country and with all the adventures
which were on the taps. His intelligence, his
grace his features could not fail TO obtain success
The little young man did not long remain upper
ceived; be noticed-he was admired. Some
fashionable men were struck with his resemblance
10 the baroness.
al dare say >" answered NJ Lucien, there is a
resemblance between more distant relatives; he Is
her cousin german"
The ladies devoted particular attention TO him.
els he your son % they asked NJ Lucicn.
"Indeedp exclaimed the dandy OF forty
years " have the countenancc Of noble father,
and do you suppose me of such an agef We are
not related he is simply a young man whom
bring here. whom push forward"
"ls be well bornS"
els he not?"
"a young man CONNIE faaf'
Certainly baron"
"Rich 70
"An income Of thirty thousand francs"
"Emancipated; master OF his fortune"
"Ah, ah %
And the little baron was assaulted with oglings,
smiles, allurements Of all kinds. He created many
jealousies and caused several ruptures without
wishing 10 do 30, except In one case, where the
baroness provoked designedly and for secret pur-
pose.
Only for M. Lucien, the little young man would
have been carried Off at the breaking up Of the ball;
but, thanks TO her protector the baroness escaping
from this peril, able 10 regain her hotel without
molestaiion, and knowing all that she wanted to
know.
They yet speak in theatrical circles Of the charm
ing little young man who was at the ball Of Made
moselle -. NJ. Lucien the only one of the so
ciety who knew him, has been overwhelmed with
compliments and invitations. Never was the dandy
OF forty-iye years recherche. But what sur
prise and disappointment for these ladies' when
they shall learn that the delightful little baron Is q
baronessl
An adventure, which commenced almost the
same but which went further, took place at an
opera ball last winter.
Guided by the sentiment Of curiosity which bad
attracted the baroness, Of the most fashionable
young ladies, Madam dc NJ, had the fancy 10 ira
yesty herself like man 70 60 TO the masked ball.
Under the feminine mask she might have been re-
duced 10 intriguing with cavaliers, and she would
have learned nothing new. What sbe wished was
30 be intrigued with by some Of those adventurous
women who seek for the unknown at carnival fstes.
We live in time of singulsrties and boldncsscs.
The travestiment became Madame de N. just as
il did the baroness; and she also formed an excep-
ton 10 the general rule that the beauty Of woman
is narrcd under the masculine costume.
Scarcely had she entered the ballroom when she
found what she bad sought therc-a capering mask,
who took her by the arm. The conversation was
spirited, and 40 much diverted the two iuterlocu-
tors, that Madame de N, wishing TO continue her
part, said 10 the mask in the most manly tone she
could assume:
"Are you willing TO go and take supper"
The mask received this proposition with burst
Of laughter, and answered.
Willingly"
They went TO the English Cqft, and, all the pr-
vaie rooms being taken, they supped in one OF the
saloons.
The conversation was kept up amid crowd Of
anecdotes and mischievous observations.
This ~ n woman Of the world" said Madame de
~; "sbc h very well versed in the mysteries Of
Partisan society"
This little young man knows good deal, said
the mack in low tone, he bit his finger nails
while lifting the bottom Of his visor with great pre-
caution.
The adventure is only more. pleasant for it,"