Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1852-06-30


Both accepted joyfully and
suaded that M. Jerome wou
| tete-a -tete, he accepted my
tolerable grace. We strollet
on the quay for half an holf
slightly, and | had a cough
| good an opinion of human nature
my new acquaintance kept me out by c.!l
ting conversation in order to make me catch
desperate cold, that would send me wheeling to
| bed.
The tea was served, as suppose it is served
| In Russia, very weak with plentiful admixture
| OF milk and accompaniment of biscuits gloces.
Madame de Mourairef did the honors in an mex
pressbly graceful manner and observed that
| there was delightful intimacy between her and
her maid Penelope, that quite upset my ideas of
northern serfdom. | think they even once ex-
changed wink but of this am not sure. There
is nothing like experience to expand ones ideas,
| and made up my mind to re-examine the whole
of my notions of Muscoyite vassaage M Je-
rome seemed less struck by these circumstances
than myself-being probably too much absorbed
IN contemplation of our hostess-but even he
could not avoid exclaiming that if that were the
way in which serfs were treated, he should like
to be serf-of such mistress =
you Frenchmen are so gallant = was the re-
ply.
A little while afterwards, somebody proposed
game of whist. There was an objection to
'dead-man,' and Penelope with semi oriental
salaam, offered to take hand.' Madame Mou-
rairef was graciously pleased to order her to do
80. We shuff1ed, cut, and played and when
midnight came, and it was necessary to retire, I
felt almost afraid to examine into my own heart,
lest might find that the soubrette appeared to
me at least as high bred as the mistress.
We spent some delightful evenings in this man.
ner, and perhaps still more delightful days, for
by degrees we became inseparable, and all our
walks and drives were made in common. The
garcon often looked maliciousy at me, even of
fered once or twice to develop his Art of Love
but did not choose to be interrupted in my phy-
siognomical studies, and gave him no opportunity
A picnic was proposed, and agreed upon. We
intended at first to go to Chambord and VAL
ley on the road to Vendome was pitched upon
A caleche took US to the place, and set us down
In delightful meadow, enameled with flowers,
as all meadows are in poetry. A few great trees,
forming almost grove, shaded slope near the
banks of a sluggish stream that crept along be-
tween an avenue of poplars. Here the cloth was
laid at once for breakfast and whilst NJ. Jerome
and the princess strolled away to talk of bghted
hopes, Russia, serfdom, wedlock, and the confla-
grafton of the kremlin, Penelope made the ne
cessary preparation and /, in my character of a
fdgety old gentleman, first advised and then as
sisted her. am afraid the young damsel had de-
signs upon my heart, for she put several questions
to me on the state of vassalage in England; and
when developed succnctly the principles and adj
vantages of our free constitution, and said some
eloquent things that formed French edition of
sBritons never shall be slaves she became quite
enthusiastic; her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright.
ened; and with sort of Thervigne-d de Mericourt
gesture, she cried: give la Republique!' This
was scarcely the natural product of what l had
said; but so lively little creature in her dainty
lacecap and flying pink ribbons, neat silk caraco,
plaid patterned gown, with pagoda sleeves, as she
called them, and milk-white manchettes--her bot
tines from the Rue Vvienne, and her face from
Paradise-coud reconcile many harder heart
than mine to greater incongruties. Our arrange
ments being made, therefore, I sat down on a.
camp-stool, whilst Penelope reclined on the grass;
and endeavored to explain to her the great adj
yantages of a moderate constitutional government,
with checks, balances, and so forth. Although she
yawned, am sure it was not from ennui, bu. in
order to shew me her pretty pearly teeth.
NJ. jerome and the princess came streaming
back over the meadow-even affected to scold me
for having remained behind. They were evidently
on the best possible terms, and took great salts
faction in contemplating their happiness. Either
my perSpicacity at fault, however, or both had
some secret cause of uneasiness that pressed upon
their minds as the day advanced. Had they been
only betrayed into declaration and plighting of
their troth in hurry? Did they already repent
Did Madame de Mourairef regret the barbarous
splendour of her native land? Did M. Jerome
begin to mourn over the delights of bachelors q
These were the questions put to myself without
being able to invent any satisfactory answer The
day passed, however, pleasantly enough; and the
caleche came in due time to take back to Blois.
Next morning, NJ. Jerome entered my room with
a graceful bow, to announce his departure for
Paris, whittier it was necessary for him to go to
obtain the necessary papers for his marriage, and
de Mourairef, he added, accompanied
him. I uttered the necessary congratulations,
and gave my address in Paris, that he might call
upon me as soon as he was settled in the hotel ne
proposed to take.
Il take two persons with me- he said, smiling;
shut one of them leaves hex heart Denlnd, am
afraid
This alluded to Penelope: but was determine
not to understana. Invent to say adieu to Madas0
do Monra;res who seemed rather excited and jix-
ions Pehelope almost succeeded in wringip. ioith
a tesf but did not think it was decree. that at
NY age she ud really make love to -'siah serb
however charming. So off they Wen 10 tne rat
way station, leaving me in very d-i' s'upiu' me-
ancholy mood.
sWhat fortunate man M. Jeome is 7 sad the
yarcon, as he came into my DOM lew A'iiu'es
afterwards.
sYes,' replied sMadahe de Mourairef seems
in every way worthy of am. - .1+ ;s no+ aroru
Il should think so .'quoth he. ~ Is mol every
waiter, however fascinating, that falls in with
Russian princess
sWaiter! M. 7eromel'
COZ course replied my informant. you seem
surprised out NJ. Jerome is really waiter at the
Cafe =, on the Boulevard des ltaliens; came
down FOR his health. We were comrades once,
and promised to keep the secret, for he thought
it extremely probable that he might meet wealthy
En- glish lady here who might fall in love with hun
your countrywomen are eccentric. He has
found Russian princess, which is better. l sup
pose we must now call him Monseigneur
Although, like the est of my species, disposed
to laugh at the msfortunes of my felow-creaturess
confess that pited Madame de Mourairef for
felt persuaded that NJ. Jerome had passed himself
off as a very distinguished parsonage. However,
there was no remedy, and had no right to inter
fere in the matter. The lady, indeed, had been in
an objectionable hurry to be won, and must taSe
the consequences.
In the afternoon, there was great hustle in the