Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-07-03
MISC CElLANEOUS,
Pauline; Orthe Grateful Monarch,
pY PERCY D. ST. yonS.

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Pauline was an orphan, adopted by some
worthy citizen Of the Rue St. Honore. Pa
ris, who having brought her up to the age
ofsixteen, had placed her in his shop-a
perfume warehouse-to dispesse his goods
at the counter Women in France are al
most universally the practical heads of COM
mercial establishments The master ofthe
house, when he does not lounge away in a
cafe, plays billiards, or cards half the day,
or walks about like one living On his means
is contented to occupy digni6ed and re-
tired position, attending, not to sales, but
to Wholesale purchases. But such was
not the case with M. Boulard, the adopted
father of Pauline. Both he and his wife
shared the labors Of his shop together--he
keeping the books, while Pauline and
Madame Boulard attended to the details
The young girl was very pretty and very
modest, and her presence contributed not
little to the success Of the business. The
good couple having no children Of their
own, had manifested their intention of ma.
king Pauline their hciress, and this added
to the charm which hung over the perfum-
er's store.
Pauline had many lovers, a great many
as ladies who are pretty, modest and
virtuous, are apt to have, especially when
rich; for although the world is not half go
selfish and wicked as certain persons fancy,
yet grain Of interested love will always
peep out among the truest suitors. Two
lovers were chiefly assiduous in their atten-
tions; the one a rich shop keeper of the
same street, the other a poor .tiotteur.-
Both were young, tolerably good-looking,
and very devoted in their attachment; and
it would have been hard to say which was
the most deserving. But Monsieur Alexis
Laparapt was rich, and Jean Provost was
poor. 1t will be readily understood that
the parents; of Pauline would not have
hesitated in their choice, but they knew on
ly Of the affection of Alexis; that of Jean
was concealed even from himself Alexis
came often to the house under one pretence
or another, and was always favorably re-
ceived. The good Boulards were highly
hattered at his presence. Pauline liked his
frank, open manner, and always greeted
him with a smile. The fottcur--one who
wakes and shines, by means of rubbing.
the wooden floors and rooms-came to the
house in the exercise Of his trade. He al
ways bowed low to Pauline, asked how
she was, and even on her ,fe4e day had
brought single rose, which was gracious
ly received. Jean was also commissioner
and ran on errands, and often came to this
house to buy perfumes, soaps, ETC., for his
employer, who approaching his honesty
and desire for work, freely trusted him with
the purchases. How happy Jean was if
Pauline only served him; and how gentle
and respectful were his tones, and how lit
tie he concealed his happiness If she gave
him good naturcd word. Pauline could
scarcely be blind to the open love of Alex
Is, Or the concealed attention Of the poor
trotteur; but however this may be, she said
nothing, and appeared TO notice neither
But young Laparaut had spoken to M.
Boulard, and he to his wife, and his wife
to the young girl; but she kissed her adopt
ed mother so affectionatcly, and said so
gently that she wished not to leave home,
that the worthy woman was silent, and put
Of little while any serious discussions Of
the matter.
Jean, MEANWHILE, grew sombre and
thoughtful; he dared not.even think Of ma
king an offer; he, poor workman, with
uncertain means of livelihood, and so far
beneath the position Of her he lovedl Had
she been an unfriendly orphan, without
horne, he would have joyfully offered his
heart, and the only fortune he had-his
honest labor While thus depressed, an
event occurred that drove Pauline out Of
his thoughts.
One day he was sent for to wax the floors
of a house near the Pals Royal, the apart
mcnts Of which were generally devoted to
the pleasure parties Of the cour,iers. Jean
who was SO well known and trusted, was
told to wax the floor of every room then
unoccupicd. He obcycd, and soon found
himself in chamber of luxurious appear
ance surrounded BY pictures which told Of
rural love and happiness. Jean had seen
them ofien before, but they had never af-
fected him SO much; and, forgetting time,
place, and his duties, he leaned on the
stick which held the wax ,and fell into deep
meditation. Suddenly he was startled by
voices in the next room; horrible sentence
caught his ear, and justified bis listening.
Pale and terrified. he hearkened to every
word, and moved not icr fear Of being dis
covered. He had discovered an awful
and frightful secret ant lie was dead
man if found in that room, the ill.jointed
wainscott Of which allowed every thing in
the next room to be distinctly heard.
What shall / dor thought he to himself
tomorrow is the fete Of ST. Louis. / have
no time to losc'
Jean left the room on tiP-toe; and with
the utmost caution; then descending the
stairs, feigned to leave for dinner: Nc
sooner was he clear Of the house than he
made for the prefecture Of police; and en-
tering the hotel, asked to See the lieutenant
The servant replied that he could net be
seen. It was one o'clock, and the fashiona'
BILE dinner hour oftbat day-now slx houIs
l,,sr. Not 1 valst dare dnturb NJ. de