Eastern times., 1853-10-20

held levee, which was attended by all the
officers of his new court And as soon as he
was dressed he received the ladies', with inf
mite grace and affability.
Ladies and officers were attired in their most
elegant theatrical costumes the Grand Duke
appeared greatly satisfied with their bearing
and manners. The first compliments over,
there came general distribution of titles and
offices.
The lover, Florival, was appointed aide-de-
camp to the Grand Duke, colonel of hussars,
and Count Rensberg.
Rigolet, the low comedian, was named
grand chamberlain, and Baron Fidibus
Similor, who performed the Wallets, was mas
ter of the horse and Baron Kockemburg.
Anselmo, walking gentleman, was promo
ted to be genteman-in-waiting and Chelvalier
Grillenfanger.
The leader of the band, Lebel, was appoin-
ted superintendent of the music and amuse-
ments of the court, with the title of Chevalier
Arpeggio.
The prima donna, Miss Della, was created
Countess of Rosenthal, an interesting orphan,
whose dowry was to be the hereditary Office
of first lady of honor to the future Grand
Duchess
Miss Foligny, the singing chamber-maid,
was appointed widow of general and Baron
Alenzau.
Miss Alice, walking lady, became Miss FL
dibus, daughter Of the chamberlain, and rich
heiress
Finally, the duenna, Madame Pastorale,
was called to the responsible station of mistress
of the robes and governess of the maids of hon
or, under the imposing title of Baroness
Schicklick
The new dignitaries received decorations
in proportion to their rank. Count Balthasar
Won Lipandorf, prime minister, had two stars
and three grand crosses. The aide-de-camp,
Florival Won Reinsberg, fastened FIVE crosses
upon the breast of his hussar jacket
The parts duly distributed and learned,
there was a rehearsal, which went off excel
lently well. The Grand Duke deigned to su-
perintend the getting up of the piece, and to
give the actors few useful hints.
Prince Maximilan of Hanau and his august
sister were expected that evening. Time was
precious. Pending their arrival, and by way
of practising his court, the Grand Duke
gave audience to the ambassador from Sake
Tolpelhausen.
Baron Pippinstir ushered into the Hall
of the Throne. He had asked permission to
present his wife at the same time as his Gre
dentials, and that favor had been granted him.
At sight Of the diplomatist, the new court
iers, as vet unaccustomed TO rigid decorum,
had difficulty in keeping their countenances.
The Baron was man of fifty, prodigiously
tall. singularly thin, abundantly powdered,
with legs like hop-poles, clad in knee breeches
and white silk stockings. A long slender pig
tail danced upon his flexible back. He had a
face like bird of prey-little round eyes, a
receding chin, and an enormous hooked nose
1t was scarcely possible to look at him with
out laughing, especially when one saw him
for the first time. His apple-green coat gilt
tered with a profusiOn of embroidery. His
chest being too narrow to admit of horizon
tai development Of his decorations, he wore
them in two columns, extending from his col
lar to his waist When he approached the
Grand Duke, with a selfsatisfed simper and
a jaunty air, his sword by his side, his cooked
hat under his arm, nothing was wanting tc
complete the caricature.
The Baroness Pippinstir was total con-
trast to her husband. She was pretty little
woman of fye-and-twenty, as plump as a part
ridge, with a lively eye, nice figure, and an
engaging smile There was mischief in her
glance, seduction in her dimples and the roses
tint upon her cheeks. Her dress was the only
ridiculous thing about her. To come to court
the little Baroness had put on all the fnery
she could muster she sailed into the hall un-
der cloud of ribbons, sparkling with jewels
and futtering with plumes-the loftiest Of
which, however, scarcely reached to the
shoulder of her lanky spouse.
Completely identifying himself with his
part of prime minister, Balthasar, as soon as
this oddly-assorted pair appeared, decided up
on his plan Of campaign. His natural pene-
tration told him the diplomatist's weak point
! He felt that the Baron, who was old and ugly
must be jealous of his wife, who was young
and pretty He was not mistaken. Pippins-
! tir was as jealous as tiger-cat. Recently
married, the meagre diplomatist had not dared
to leave his wife at Saxe-Tolpelhausen, fol
fear of accidents he would not lose sight Of
her, and had brought her to Karlstadt in the
arrogant belief that danger vanished in his
presence.
After exchanging a few diplomatic phrases
with the ambassador, Balthasar took Colonel
Florival aside and gave him secret instruc-
tions The dashing officer passed his hand
through his richly-curling locks, adjusted his
splendid pelisse, and approached Baroness
| Pippinstir. The ambassadress received him
graciously; the handsome colonel had already
attracted her attention, and she was DELIGHTED
with his wit and gallant speeches. Floriva]
did not lack imagination, and his memory was
stored with well-tuned phrases and sentimen.
tai TRADES, borrowed from stage-plays He
spoke half from inspiration, half from memory
and he was listened to with favor.
L