Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1853-07-02

in Inynes House, Rue Saint Dominique, now Rus
des Champs Elysees, in the house now occupied
| By the Turkish Embassy, and then by Nine de
I9iwof Roulette and Frente ct Quarante, with
their utensils their taillenrs, and their croupiers
were Installed in these noble drawing rooms; the
bank was made up of some six or eight thousand
louis d'os, and around the taps vert thronged the
aristocratic crowd. The great dignitares VINO
were averse to exhibiting themselves in the puollc
/" hells took revenge there of the exlgencles OF
Idecorum Among the punters were the best peo-
pie of Europe: Prince de Talleyrand, the Ballli
de Ferette, NJ. de Montrond, Ambassadors Minis
tiers, Generals, (who played like bold fighters, but
whom fortune did not always treat as kindly as
victory) Ladies, too kept large place IN this
busy gallery, and some of them adventured ana
lost great deal more, indeed, than their avowed
means would allow.
| There was no playing in Demidoff House, but
amends were made by dancing great DEAL Sew
eral balls had been given during the season, and
towards the end of Lent fete was announced
which was to exceed all the others. The elegant
ladies srove to oushine each other, and every one
of them displayed there all the wealth of their
caskets. With admirable good taste the mistress
of the house alone, of all persons present appear
ed very simply attired, so as not to eclipse her
guests; for no lady, not even the Imperial Prn-
cesses could have entered the list against her, as
the Countess de Demidoff's casket was furnished
! in proportion to the immense fortune OF her hus-
| band. Among other recent exhibitions of her
magAfcence, she had appeared at the last ball in
the Tuilleries with dadem of emeralds and dia-
monds worth hundred thousand dollars. This
diadem had made great sensation in society.
The Countess did not it at her ball she con-
tented herself with modest set of pearls worth at
most some two or three thousand louis or. The
fete was magnificent, with luxury and elegant
eclat The elite of society, the illustrious men, the
grand dignitaries OF the empire, all the celebrated
people of fashion were present. The first quadrle
was danced by Mime Visconti, Nine Hamelin, the
Countess Delnidoff, and the Baroness Won Schwick-
ell, their partners were NM. lie Narbonne, de Sante
| Foy, de Lavaupaere, and de Boisgelin: these
are the names of the best dancers of that day.
The ball was momentary interrupted that mu-
steal performance might be heard, which consist
ed simply of two airs sung by Jarat, whose I'M
mitable talents were then still full of charm and
freshness. After supper splendicly served,
dancing recommended and the fete continued till
daybrcak.
The Countess Demidoff returned to her cham
ber and taking off her set ofpears, gave it to her
dressing maid to lock up in her casket. This
want suddenly screamed with fright, and fell faint
ing on the carpet. Her mistress ran to her, took
her up, and asked what was the matter. Her on
ly reply to point in the casket to a vacant
com partment-the place of the hundred thousand
There Immediately great hustle in every
part ofthe house. Questions, searches, brought
about no result. The police were called in and
arrested several of the servants then without los
ing time offended justice began to search some
clue which should dissipate the mystery and ex-
pose the guilty party.
The news of this event rapidly spread over Pa
ris. All Of the guests at the ball fastened to go
to the Countess and present their condolences for
har A hor bo
Won Schwickel was one of the first sympathizers;
she showed lively interest in the sad affair, and
seemed SO much affected by it, the Countess said
smillingly to her: Really, my dear, shall have
to console you, fear ~
The Countess, in truth, supported the loss other
diadem with great deal of philosophy. If the
police failed, the Ural mountains would be sure
to return them to her.
81 shall never be consoled," said the Baroness,
"until your diamonds are returned, and the guilty
person (using the FemiPi"e French FORM Ia cOupa-
La coupable' said the Countess "Do you
think it was woman?"
Yes, certainly. None but your chamber maids
entered your chamber during the ball !; and conse-
quently none but them could have committed
the robbery"
1t may be So" said in half whisper Prince
Galitzin, who happened to be there.
What, do you suspect any one!" whispered
Count Demidoff to him, leading him into the bay
of a window.
The Prince Galitzin reported, truly or false
ly, to have made love to the B.roness aud to have
been repulsed by her.
"My position" said he to the Count, " with any
one but yourself would be embarrassing, but you
know my character too we'll to suppose me capa-
BILE of being guided by feeling of vengeance to-
wards the Baroness a revenge which indeed would
he orrOundless for / have never made love tn her
You know that am close observer, and besides
that pride myselfupon being very rarely de-
ceived. Now, have attentively observed the Bar
oness Won Schwickel, and from her air, accent,
words, l have the profound and firm conviction
that she is the cuIprit."
At this accusation the Count hooted with all
his power against such absurdity. Such sus-
picion seemed to him the most monstrous and alb
surd thing possible. What the Baroness, high
born, agreeable, spatuelle woman, the ornament of
the best society, the intimate friend of the Countess
guilty of robbery! 1t was impossible; it was obi
Gus, and the Prince should blush to have had such
a thought for moment.
"Take very good care" continued the Count,
''that you do not breathe word of this to the
Countess. She would never forgive you"
At this moment NJ de Thelusson, one of the
great dandes or as they were then called neerUeU-
eur, of the day, came in. After addressing the
Countess, he turned to the Baroness and said:
=" hope Madame, your last nights indisposition
has not returned"
tGNo Mons;aur ranl;aI tho Roronass hr;aAy