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

" The simplest in the world. Here's the case.
rived from the country, and who Is very curious in
regard TO the pleasures of Paris. Iwould like him
to have an ivitation to this ball. Can you obtain
| it?'
20 "Assu,sdIy y re- my credit is very good. 50 far But
"Fie is just from College"
"And you wish to place him Immediately in this
great school 20
II = fear nothing on bis account; he is oi an un- IN,
upon the invitation 20
"You shall have il TO- morrow The name of the
little cousin, il you please"
"That which 1 bear myself He is cousin on
| the side of my husband. You will be good enough
to have the letter sent to my house."
q shall have the honor and the pleasure to bring
1t to you myself"
The preceding dialogue took place on Sunday
nate Or Disguise under the title Of baroness, and
dandy Of forty years Of age, who, like all those
Of his age, is pleased at hearing himself called by
his given nape, Lucien. The given name reju-
venates faster than any cosmetic.
On the next day, with an exactitude which forms
the poteness of dandies 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, we'll there is no little cousin"
"No; am the little cousin"
"And the invitation 7"
at is for myself that wanted it.''
"What! win you go to the ball Of Mademoi-
eyes, my dear Mr.. Lucen 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
| uounced."
The most Of fashionable women, without having the
audacity of the baroness will understand the eager
curiosity which drove her to ball given by actress
la mode. II Nforms interesting subject Of study !;
such hne things to be learned from it, by the
most reserved woman. There is any science, how
ever perilous it may be, of which we cannot make
wise and salutary employment. Every thing is
in the morality Of the application. Here profitable
instructions and piquant revelations to
| abound. Here were peculiar customs, pictur-
esque language, intrigues' s'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 sec what
these gentlemen are, who are free from all con-
straint and set loose from all discipline? 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 would
WISH 70 lmltate tnelr manGuvre8; Dut II Is Always
good to be acquainted with the tactics of the enc
my, in order to understand his advantages, and to
be able TO baffic 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 a suit
able face, her sort Of beauty was eminently adapt
cd to the travestment. When she entered the ball
room, her embarrassment, her modest look. COM
pleted the illusion. Timid at first, she soon took
all the assurance that her situation claimed. The
little young man threw himself forward; he was
seen rambling round, peering, listening with both
his ears, and looking round with the eyes Of col
legc youth. Then, picking up courage. the school
boy began to dance, and TO converse with 20 much
intelligence, that be soon acquainted with the
gossip OF the country and with all the adventures
which the fapis His intelligence, his
grace, his features could not fail TO obtain
The little young man did not long remain unper
ceived; be noticcd-he admired. Some
fashionable men were struck with his resemblance
TO the baroness.
al dare say answered NJ. Lucien, there is a
resemblance between more distant relatives he is
her cousin germain."
The ladies devoted particular attention TO him.
''Is he your son i'' they asked M. Lucien.
''lndeedi" exclaimed the dandy Of forty
years; " have the countenance Of a noble father,
and do you suppose of such an age We
not related he is simply young man whom
bring here, whom push forward"
"ls be well borni"
sis he notS'
"a young man CONNIE a. Jam7''
Certainly a baron"
erich %
"An income Of thirty thousand francs"
"Emancipated; master Of his fortune
"Ah, ah %
And the little baron was assailed with oglings,
smiles, alurements Of all kinds. He created many
jealousies and caused several ruptures without
wishing TO do 80, 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 bal
but, thanks TO her protector the baroness, escaping
from this peril, able 10 regain her hofei without
molestation, 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
mosclle -. M. Lucien. the only of the so
ciety who knew him, has been overwhelmed with
compliments and invitations. Never was the dandy
Of icrty y-hve years 30 reehereh. But what a sur
prise and disappointment for thcse ladies when
they shall learn that the delightful little baron is
baronessl
An adventure, which commenced almost the
same, bot which went further, took place at an
Guided by the sentiment Of curiosity which had
attracted the baroness, Of the most fashionable
young ladies, Madam de N. had the fancy TO ira
yesty herself like man 70 20 10 the masked ball.
tHutt dt itfHlnlnc mask Hnc nlEnt nave Dcfn re-
duced 10 intriguing with cavaliers, and she would
have learned nothing new. What she wished was
30 be intrigued with by some Of those adventurous
women who seek for the unknown at carnival fates.
We live in time of singularitics and bodnesscs.
The travcstiment became Madame de N. Just as
Il did the baroness; and she also formed escep-
ton 10 the general rule that the beauty Of woman
is narrcd under the masculine costume.
Scarcely had she entered the ball room when she
found what she had sought thcrc-a capcring mask,
who took her by the arm. The conversation was
spirited, and much diverted the two interlocu-
tors, that Madame de NJ, wishing 10 continue her
part said 10 the mask in the most manly tone she
could assume:
care you willing 10 60 and take a supper''
The mask received this proposition with burst
OF laughter, and answered
Willingly"
They went 10 the English Caft, and, all the pi
vate rooms being taken, they supped in one ofthe
saloons.
The conversation was kept up amid n crowd Of
anecdotes and mischievous observations.
This is n woman Of the world" |" said Madame de
NJ "she is very well versed in the mysteries Of
Parisian society"
"This little young knows a good deal, p said
the mask in low tone, as he bit his knger nails
while lifting the bottom Of his visor with great pre-
caution.
uTbe adventure Ia only moro nle,sant for "a >,