Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-04-02
THE DAILY"TIMES
THE NIGHT IN THE CLOUDS.

/
Mannheim were filled with groups of Cheerful
merry people, returning from the different plea
sure gardens, which had replaced the old fortifi
cations: these, in their turn, became deserted an
| silent-all bit one, where the murmur of merr
voices and musical accomplishments still resound
ed. This was the Cabane Garden, Justly cele
brated in Mannheim for it's balls, champetres, fire
works, and balloon ascents. The novelty ofthes
last had lately attracted great crowds. The ad
mirabe discovery made by the Montgolfiers ha
only recently been turned to account as al
| amusement but the speculation had proved s.
successful, that there was not public garden il
Germany without its balloons; and an aerial voy
age had become almost as easy and little feared
| as promenade on the banks of the Rhine.
is true, these trips were short, and allowed few
chances of danger. Strongly attached to til,
ground by ropes that could be heightened o.
shortened at pleasure, the balloon rose at tn,
will of the Bronauts, and in its boldest ascent
seldom went beyond the tops of the trees.
The crowd had abandoned the retired walks
and collected in the large eSplanade, devoted to
the exhibition of fireworks The strawberries had
been some time deserted, when man, of some
forty years of age, accompanied by young girl,
appeared at the end of one of the most shady
walks. They also. directed their steps towards
the air of persons buried in thought
After walking some way in silence, the man
exclaimed energetically: No, sister, no! AS long
as live, can never forgive this Christian Loft
mann, for disputing my right of succession to the
property of this cousin! For, God knows, it was
not bequeathed to me as gift but in payment
of what the deceased owed me-.
He ought to have said so in his will, Micha-
ell observed the girl.
And am l to be deprived of my right because
he did not do so, Florence? Because dying
man neglected to say all he should. is Michael
Ritter to be accused of fraud by this Loffmann?
Alas! he does not tknow us, brother, said the
young girl gently. Others have excited his sus-
picions; and he believes them true, because it is
his interest to do So
And so, replied Michael bitterly, Il am to be
deprived of the land have cultivated these
twenty years, and made my own through the
work of these hands, by a stranger, who has no
right but that of the chance of birth'-
But you know, brother interrupted Flor
ence, judgment has not yet been pronounced
Her brother shook his head. 'Ah! have very
little hope. This Loffmann is young, active, and
very likely has influential friends. Perhaps
the decree which is to dispossess me has already
passed.
Florence sighed, and Ritter observed it.
Come, he said with an effort, 'here am, at
the same subject again. after bringing you here
to refresh your thoughts, and help you to forget
it. l wish there were some exciting spectacle
some new sensation, which could distract my
mind from this one absorbing idea.
AS he said these words, a sudden turn in the
path brought them out on grassy square, which
they had not before perceived: it was the part de-
voted to the ascent of balloons.
captive balloon foated gracefully over
their heads; and suspended to it was an elegant
car, in the form ola boat, which seemed to glide
gently over the greensward.
Florence involuntarily uttered cry of surprise
and admiration. Living at distance from the
city, this was the first time she had beheld
balloon so near, and she drew her brother
closer.
Room for two more!' cried the proprietor of
the balloon and manager Of the ropes.
Michael glanced at the car, in which young
man In travelling dress was seating himself,
having in his hand one of these Alpine sticks
shod with iron used in the ascent of noun
tains.
Room for two!' he exclaimed; then turning to
Florence, he said with smile: Would you like
to take ride over the trees?'
Are you sure there is no danger?
None, can assure you, young lady, said the
manager; I have already directed the voyages
of some ten thousand Christians
And we can come down when we like?'
Certainly. You have merely to pull the
string of the bell you will fnd in the car
Florence hesitated; she was still rather afraid.
yet the originality of such ride tempted her.
Accustomed in all things to act upon the advice
of her brother, after moments indecision, she
said she would do as he liked.
'Then vote for voyage in the air, said Mi.
chael and jumping into the car, he assisted Flor
ence in.
AS soon as they were seated, the manager slow
ly loosened the ropes, and the balloon began
gently to ascend.
On feeling the motion of the car, the young
girl uttered an involuntary cry, and turned pale.
The stranger who was seated opposite her, placed
his hands on the bell-pull. Shall we return te
earth? said he with smile.
Many thanks, sir, returned Florence, who
had reganed her colour; I shall soon become
accustomed to the motion'--
'Look-look! interrupted Michael, I'VE are al
ready higher than the trees
Florence looked over the car. and the novelty
of the sight dissipated her remaining fears. The
whole of the Cabane Garden lay spread below
them, and looked Ike one of those models exhi-
bited i'll the military museums. Immediately
below the balloon lay the esplanade, crowded
with people; the murmur of whose voices just
reached the travellers. The air becoming lighter
every minute, and laden with perfume, was excl
ting, and of a delicious freshness. Florence
turned towards her brother, her face beaming
with smiles.
'How grand and beautiful everything around
US ISL she exclaimed. Tell me, Michael, do
you not feel pleasant kind of intoxication; and
are you not happier here than you were just
now!'
'Yes, said Ritter: 'the physical sensations in
fuence the mind; and it seems to me that rise
above the injuries Of man as do above his dwell
lngs. But what is the matter? What does
that crowd on the esplanade mean2'
They are waiting for the fire works. said the
stranger.
yes, and there go the first rockets! exclaim-
ed Florence.
20 look the woodwork which supported the
principal works is falling to pieces
The spectacle has failed!'
Yes; and listen-do you hear those cries!'