Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-01-18
LITERARY MISCELLANY.
For the National Era.
BELL SMITH, ABROAD.
No. XI.

THE ARCHBISH0P'S COOK CONCLUDED
We were called upon about this time, we
idlers who had eyes for beggars in the court, to
notice blind mendicant of immense age, who
was led into the court, where he played exc
crably upon guitar, and yet sang with fnll
rich voice, that youth Of twenty might have
been proud to own. We noticed that the love
crossed damsel about this time became very
benevolent, and was exceedingly fond of call
ing this old man to the foot Of the grand esca-
lier, and giving him some sous. One afternoon
she begged the aged guardian Of an aunt to
permit the old beggar to enter their salon and
play for them. The Archbishop being ont
riding at that time, the watchfnl relative reluc-
family consented, protesting she never heard
such vile music what could her niece want
with such2 And when tho old man, trembling
in every limb tottered into the room, leaning
upon his staff, and began his lament more dis,
cordant than ever, the poor lady, who had q
reasonable ear for music, and dotted on the
opera, left the room, saying her niece was GER
tainly crazy. The companion Of the beggar,
who was the raggedest individual, with close
out hair round bullet head very erect, and ap-
parently wide awake. modestly remained out
side Of the door. When the aunt, no longer
hearing the music abruptly returned, she was
thunderstorm at seeing bfy niece sobbing in
the arms Of the mendica4 !,
There was quite disturbance in the grand
apartments mt this moment The niece tainted
the aunt screamed; the tall footman ran in.
the concierge came to the rescue; Jean and
his assistants were near; but all, in attempt
ing to throw out the aged blind beggar caught
tartar. That individual seemed suddenly to
regain his youth and strength for he knocked
the servants right and left and as suddenly
was miraculously restored to sight; for while
his assistant covered his retreat he made his
way out with great nimbleness and case 1t
was very natural that he should leave his gray
hairs behind, under the circumstances; and 80
he did, in the shape Of very fine specimen Of
Parisian wig. Jean remarked solcmnly, as
he bathed the tall footman's head and nose,
that for French beggars, the rascals had u re-
markable knowledge Of English boxing
When one remembers tho care with which
young ladies are guarded in France and adds
TO such custom the fact that in this instance,
the young girl had evinced disposition TO
cross her guardians wishes, the wonder will
cease OF events which seem to recall the DAYS
of romance. Jean seemed delighted with the
adventure, and passed much time in relating
it, with numerous whimsical additions and COM
mentsI to Nannette. But the strange adventure
ceased in time to be so strange The Young
beauty was watched with increased care She
was now scarcely ever from under the eye OF
her aunt--the sharp and thin duenna
His Reverence, returning to something like
health, received much company, and the en-
tertainments were so numerous that Jean was
at last fairly employed. He now had scarcely
word to throw at beggar and, at length,
was forced to bring in an assistant. He had
one beiore--a dull, placid youth, who seemed
everlastingly to be walking in his sleep, and
deeply Eliminating upon pie crust; and to such
force Jean added his nephew. Quite con-
trast, this one, to the former He was eminent
ly handsome, gay, and active, with restless
expression Of fun in his large, sparkling eyes
which told at once hs near kin to Jean But
what this youth made up in beauty, he lost in
usefulness. So vexatious an assistant never
before entered kitchen He spoiled every
thing he touched, and broke everything he car
ried More especially was the thin aunt wor-
ried. She had favorite soup upon which, in
deed she lived, being entirely Invested of ma
tive INVESTIGATORS, by which to use more solid
food and it seemed as If this pottage was
never again to bless her lips Sometimes it
was burned, at others uncooked, generally I'M
palatable; and, on one occasion, she was near.
ly poisoned by an Improvement patented by
the youth himself Jean scolded, and threaten
cd very violently, and the nephew looked very
demure, until his uncle's back was turned, and
then he would smile.
Patience came to its limits at last At a
grand dinner party the good Archbishop had
spoken OF and promised his guests great dish
which he had brought the receipt Of from
South America. IL was, indeed, n wonderful
preparation, but unfortunately, rs the vile
nephew carried it he awkwardly turned the
contents Of the salt and pepper box into the
tureen. Jean had not noticed the accident, and
49, g.. k,~~ -
ton il and the result was extremely ludicrous
The Archbishop, on account of i'll health, could
not partake and the aunt never tasted such
compounds so politeness was left to bear il,
as best il might Certainly it never was push.
ed 10 further extreme. Urged to partake,
they swallowed with various expressions forced
into their faces. One ieshy brother, who had
promised himself rare feast, had tears course
down his round cheeks, while a celebrated
diner ont was hehl i 10 remark that he thought
the degeneration cf The Spaniards in South
America might be traced 10 their yitiated
tastes. This settled the nephew's fate: he was
ordered, even by Jean, harshly, 10 leave the
kitchen.
The delinquent assistant found q warm adj
vocate in the niece, and, ut her urgent solicita
ton, Jean was inclined 10 retain the scamp n
few days longer on trial IL is noticeable. that
when youthful love Is not only broken in it,
current, but fairly damned, chokcd up, that il
will find nm outlet in some unexpected dircc-
ton. Ia this manner have high born maidens
been induced, in moments Of reckless despcra-
tion, 70 wed their coachmen, having been foiled
in the wild attempt Of espousing pages. Now,
close observer could see that my little hero
inc was desperate and could further see that
she had quite regard for this hopeful Of
cook In.which last, maintain, she exhibited
method in her madness; for hold that. in
these circumstance the cook i to be preferred
10 the coachman. What is coachman with.
out the coach, the horses, the footman, the
livery--in fact, an establishment too expensive
for cottage.born love 10 keep upl But your
cook is q treasure in himself He can convert
the family Jewels into substantials--into pleas
ant, souI-sustaning delicacies, at all hours.
Therefore, say TO all herones celebrating