Eastern times., 1853-10-20

4
andorf, is the only one who is permitted occa-
sionally to speak his native language
Balthasar, who had long managed theatres
in Alsace and Lorraine, spoke German like a
Frankfort brewer.
Meanwhile, Baron Pippinstir's uneasiness
was extreme. Whilst his wife conversed in
low voice with the young and fashionable
aide-de-camp, the pitiless prime minister held
his arm tight, and explained at great length
his views with respect to the famous CONNER
cial treaty. Caught in his own snare, the un-
lucky diplomatist was in agony he fdgeted
to get away, his countenance expressed griev-
Gus uneasiness, his lean legs were convulsive-
ly agitated. But in vain did he endeavor to
abridge his torments the remorseless Balthas-
ar relinquished not his prey.
Sigismund, promoted to be steward of the
household, announced dinner The ambassa-
dor and his lady had been invited to dine, as
well as all the courtiers. The aide-de-camp
was placed next to the Baroness, the Baron at
the other end of the table. The torture was
prolonged. Florival continued to whisper soft
nonsense to the fair and well-pleased Pippins-
tir. The diplomatst could not eat.
There was another person present whom
Florival's Irritation annoyed, and that person
was Della, Countess of Rosenthal. After din
ner, Balthasar, whom nothing escaped, took
her aside.
You know very we'll, said the minister,
that he is only acting part in the comedy.
Should you feel hurt if he declared his love
upon the stage, to one of your comrades g
Here it is the same thing all this is but
play when the curtain falls, he will return
to you
A courier announced that the Prince of
Karlstadt The Grand Duke, attended by
Count Reinsberg and some officers, went to
meet them. 1t was dark when the illustrous
guests reached the palace they passed through
the great saloon, where the whole court were
assembled to receive them, and retired at once
to their apartments.
The game is fairly begun, said the Grand
Duke to his prime minister; and now may
Heaven help usn
Fear nothing replied Balthasar. 'Thc
glimpse caught of Prince Maximilian's phys
iOgnomy satisfied me that everything will pass
off perfectly we'll, and without exciting the
least suspicion. AS to Baron Pippinstir, he
is already blind with jealousy, and Florival
will give him so much to do, that he will have
no time to attend to his masters business
Things look WELL
Next morning, the Prince and Princess of
Hanau were welcomed, on awakening, by a
serenade from the regimental band. The
posed an excursion out of town; he was glad
of an opportunity to show his guests the best
features Of his duchy-a delightful country,
many picturesque points of view, much priced
and sketched by German landscape painters.
The proposal agreed to, the party set out, in
carriages and on horseback, for the old Castle
of Rauberzell-magnifcen ruins, dating from
the middle ages, and famous far and wide.-
At short distance from the castle, which
lifted its gray turrets upon the summit of a
wooded hill, the Princess Wilhelmina ex-
pressed wish to walk the remainder Of the
way Everybody followed her example,
The Grand Duke offered her his arm the
Prince gave his to the Countess Della Won
Rosenthal; and at sign from Balthasar, Bar
onaec x-o, ,1oeeoee; =,
of Baron Pippinstir whilst the smiling Bar
oness accepted Florival's escort. The young
people walked at brisk pace. The unfortu-
nate Baron would gladly have availed himself
of his long legs to keep up with his coquettsh
wife but the duenna, portly and ponderous
hung upon his arm, checked his ardor, and de-
tained him in the rear. Respect for the mis-
tress of the robes forbade rebellion or COM
plant.
Amidst the ruins of the venerable castle, the
distinguished party found table spread with
an elegant collation.. 1t was an agreeable sur
prise, and the Grand Duke had all the credit
of an idea suggested to him by his prime min
lister.
The whole day was passed in rambling
through the beautiful forest of Rauberzell.-
The Princess was charming nothing could
exceed the high breeding Of the courtiers, OF
the fascination and elegance of the ladies
and Prince Maximilian warmly congratulated
the Grand Duke on having court composed
of such agreeable and accomplished persons.
Baroness Pippinstir declared, in moment Of
enthusiasm, that the court of Saxe-Tolpenhau-
sen was not to compare with that of Niesens-
tien She could hardly have said anything
more completely at variance with the object of
her husbands mission. The Baron was near
fainting.
Like not few of her countrymen-women
the Princess Wilhelmina had strong predi-
lection for Partisan fashions She admired
everything that came from France !; she spoke
French perfectly, and greatly approved the
Grand Dukes decree, forbidding any other
language to be spoken at his court. Moreover,
there was nothing extraordinary in such reg
ulation; French is the language of all the
northern courts. But she was greatly tickled
at the notion of fine being inflicted for sim
gle German word. She amused herself by
trying to catch some of the Grand Dukes
courtiers transgressing in this respect. Her
labour was completely lost.