Eastern times., 1853-10-13

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| light cart drawn by strong horse. Unfortu-
nately the cart held but two persons.
8 ! will set out alone,' said Balthasar. On
reaching Karlstadt, will go to the Grand
Duke, explain our position, and I have no
doubt he will Immediately send carriages to
convey you to his capital
These consolatory words were received with
loud cheers by the actor. The driver, pleas
ant lad, cracked his whip, and the stout Meek
lenburg horse set out at small trot. Upon
the way, Balthasar questioned his guide as to
the extent, resources, and prosperity of the
Grand Duchy, but could obtain no satisfactory
reply the young peasant was profoundly ig-
norant upon all the subjects. The four leagues
were got over in something less than three
hours, which is rather rapid travelling for Ger
many. 1t was nearly dark when Balthasar
entered Kalstadt The shops were shut, and
there were few persons in the streets, people
are early in their habits in the happy lands on
the RAine's bank. Presently the cart stopped
before a good-sized house.
You told me to take you to our princes
palace said the driver, and here it is. -
Balthasar alighted and entered the dwelling,
unchallenged and unimpeded by the sentry
who passed lazily up and down in its 'front.'
In the entrance hall the manager met porter,
who bowed gravely to him as he passed he
walked on and passed through an empty ante
room. In the first apartment, appropriated to
gentlemen-in-waiting aides-de camp, equer
ries, and other dignitaries of various degree,
he found nobody; in a second saloon, lighted
by dim and smoky lamp, was an old gentle
man, dressed in black, with powdered hair,
who rose slowly at his entrance, looked at
him with surprise, and enquired his pleasure.
/ wish to see his Serene. Highness, the
Grand Duke Leopold, replied Balthasar.
The prince does not grant audience at this
hour the old gentleman drily answered.
His Highness expects me- was the conf
dent reply of Balthasar.
That is another thing. | will enquire if
it be his Highness's pleasure to receive you.
Whom shall | announced
The manager Of the Court theatre
The gentleman bowed, and left Balthasar
alone. The pertinaciOus manager already be-
gan to doubt the success of his audacity, when
he heard the Grand Dukes voice, saying,
Show him in
He entered. The sovereign Of Neisenstein
was alone, seated in large armchair, at
table covered with green cloth, upon which
were confused medley Of letters and newspa-
lights, a sugar-basin, sword, plate, gloves,
bottle, books, and goblet of Bohemian
glass, artstically engraved. His Highness
was engrossed in thoroughly national occu-
pipes which Germans rarely lay aside except
to eat or to sleep.
The manager of the Court theatre bowed
thrice, as if he had been advancing to the
foot-lights to address the public; then he stood
still and silent, awaiting the princes pleasure.
But, although he said nothing, his countenance
was so expressive that the Grand Duke an
swered him.
Yes he said, here you are. I recollect
you perfectly, and / have not forgotten our
agreement. But you come at an unfortunate
moment, my dear sir
i crave your Highnesss pardon if have
chosen an improper hour to seek an audience,
replied Balthasar with another bow
1t is not the hour that | am thinking of, ,
answered the prince quickly. would that
were all See, here is your letter | was
just now reading it, and regretting that, in
stead of writing to me only three days ago,
when you were halfway here, you had not
done so two or three weeks before starting
did wrong
More so than you think, for, had you SOON
er warned me, would have spared you a use
less journey
Useless journey! exclaimed Balthasar
aghast Has your Highness changed your
mind!'
Not at all; am still fond Of the drama,
and should be delighted to have French the
atre here. AS far as that goes, my ideas and
tastes are in no way altered since last summer !;
but, unfortunately | am unable to satisfy them.
Look here,' continued the prince. rising from
his armchair. He took Balthasar's arm and
led him to a window; / told you last year,
that | was building magnificent theatre in
my capital
your Highness did tell me So
Well, look yonder, on the other side Of
the square! there the theatre is
Your Highness, see nothing but an open
space; building commenced, and as yet
scarcely risen above the foundation
Precisely SO that is the theatre
Your Highness told me it would be COM
pleted before the end of the winter
Il did not then foresee that should have to
stop the works for want of cash to pay the
workmen. Such is my present position. If
| have no theatre ready to receive you, and if
l cannot take you and your company into my
paw, it is because have not the means. The
Golfers Of the State and my privy purse are
alike empty. You are astounded !-Adversity
respects nobody-not even Grand Dukes,
But support its assaults with philosophy
try to follow my example and, by way Of
beginning, take chair and pipe, fill your
self rlaSS of xUna aod DRINK fo the refurn Of