Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-07-02
AN AGREEABLE SURPRISE.

AN AGREEABLE SURPRISE.
The ties of relationship are held most sacred
in the imperial family Of Austria-Maria Lou
lisa has been taught to reverence them from her
infancy. She was tenderly attached to every
member of her family, and when the preimina-
ries of her marriage with Napoleon were arrang-
ed, and she knew that she was about to leave all
who were so dear to her, and with whom she
had passed many days, her heart sank within her,
her tears flowed necessarily. The day came: she
was to leave forever the home other childhood.
She took most affecting leave Of all her family
and then shut herself up in her own apartment,
where according to etiquette, she was to re-
main till the French ambassador who was to
conduct her to Paris went to hand her to the
carriage. When Berthier, Prince Dc Neufcha-
tel, went into her cabinet for this purpose, he
found her weeping bitterly. For some time she
was unable to speak, at length words of pass
ionate grief found ther way.
81 cannot help crying" she said; every
thing look at, and that am going to leave,
is so dear to me: there are my sisters drawings,
my mother herself worked this tapestry, these
pictures were painted by my uncle Charles"
Thus she went on apostrophizing every article
the room contained, even the very carpets, and
all of her pets of whom she was so fond, so
cherished, and caressed; her singing birds, that
she loved to sit and listen to--these were all to
be left behind--and the parrot that she herself
had taught to speak but, above all, the little
faithful dog, the favorite companion, even he
was not to accompany her--for it had been said
that the emperor did not like pet dogs. As
she caressed the little creature her tears fell
faster Berthier was sensibly touched by the
marks of affection bestowed by the young
princess on all the objects associated with
home. He told her that all would not be in
readiness for their departure FOR couple of
hours. So the poor princess was allowed the
indulgence of her grief for little while longer.
But the moment came, and she had to tear her.
self away from the scenes and the friends that
occupied all her affection. An enthusiastic greet
ing awaited her from the crowds assembled to
welcome her. Splendor surrounded her on ev-
cry side; but home and the dear friends were
far away AS Napoleon led her from the balco-
ny of the Tuileries, where she had been gazed
at and hailed with accamations of Joy by the
populace, he said
"Come, Louisa, ought to give you some lit
tie reward for the happiness which you have con-
ferred on me-the great happiness which have
just enjoyed. Nay, nay, don't be afraid to fol-
lOW iuc COutlilucu ue 40 ue leu HeI dIOuS OHt
of the narrow corridors of the palace lit by a
single lamp nay, nay, don't be afraid to fol-
low me-"
Suddenly they stopped at the door of room
wherein dog was making efforts to get out.
The emperor opened the door-the lavorite dog
was there. He testified his Joy at again seeing
his mistress by thousand wild pranks; bound
ing and jumping about her. The profuson of
lamps by which the room was lit up discov-
cred to Maria Louisa that it was furnished with
the very chairs and the carpets of her apart
ment at Vienna. There wereh her sisters draw
ings and the tapestry wrought by her mothers
hands; there were the pictures painted by her
uncle Charles; there was her parrot, and there
her singing birds; and, above all, the pet dog.
Louisa was greatly affected and delighted by
finding herself surrounded by,these dear, famil-
lar objects. So well had Berthier planned and
executed this agreeable surprise for the discon-
ISOLATE princess whom he had found weeping
over all that had been endeared to her by the
fondest associations, that she never suspected
his design in delaying their departure from vi.
emma.
"Come in, Berthier," said the emperor open
ing side door, and let the empress thank
YOU There, Louisa, thank him-embrace him
who planned this pleasure for YOU"
How frequently genius effects great ends by
the simplest means! 1t is most interesting to
see the greatest difficulties give way before its
magic influence.