Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-02-17

deprive you and those ladies the pleasure of hear
ing Count St. Geran"
She arose. took her seat at the instrument hesitat-
ed at first, but gathering all her courage, she
accompanied the Count with so much grace and such
perfect knowledge of the art that she surprised and
delighted all who heard her Eliza, herself, could
not refuse her slight tribute of praise, and Arthur
who observed her skill in covering some slight mis-
take he had committed in sing ing, doubted not that
the modest Nanine was skillfuI musician, who in
her studies had the good to prefer science to
brilliancy.
In the different reunions which followed, Nanine
tore away the palm by her knowledge and expression.
In vain they endeavored to eclipse her by brilliant
and diffult execution; whenever she sang. she melt
ed all hearts.
Sometime after she proved that music was not the
only art, with which she familiar. She had
often heard Arthur relate the circumstances of Gen.
St. Geran's death, and remarked that he wore
pended from chain wrought of white hair, the NINA
ture of his adopted father She conceived the idea
of painting the memorable moment when this ceIe-
brated warrior expiring upon the field of battle,
and presenting the picture 10 madam de S. she con-
fded her design TO her friend and requested her to
induce Arthur TO loan her the miniature for short
time, under the pretext of getting copy of it. She
succeeded and Nanine sci to work Immediately, and
few days after she presented to madam de S. the
representation Of the last moments of Gen ST.
Geran. He represented wounded by bomb
shell, expiring in the of Arthur, his eyes fixed
upon him and saying. those touching words traced
below the painting-"I die content. leave son
worthy of my name"
The too portraits were such striking lkenesses the
scene exactly like that Arthur had often described,
everything so true to nature, and the whole ex
acted with much taste, expression. and fidelity,
that could not but be moved by this ingenious
production.
Madam de S. having put it in beautiful frame,
wished to see the effect it would produce upon Ar
I u .l,-- L.
room busily preparing for her Departure Madam
de s. met him, and said she desired to consult him
upon painting she had just received, the subject
of which interested her greatly. She then placed
the picture before him, without naming the artist
The Count agitated, surprised, changed color, and
exclaimed
"Oh, it is he, my father, my benefactor, almost
hear his voice. were this mine, all the gold in the
world could not purchase it,"
In the meantime,' said Madam de S. the artist
will be satisfied with your simple thanks"
What, do you know him, let me behold him."
You see her, said she, pointing to Nanine Just
entering the room.
So many talents, hidden under much modes
ty," cried Arthur in astonshment " it is master
piece"
"Thank you, sir" replied Nanine, g but do not
think it is worthy of so much commentator, | only
desired to leave some token of gratitude to Madam
de S. for her kindness, and this is the result"
I" 1t is very dear to me, but good Nanine, let me
beg your permission offer it to the Count as the
most precious gift which friendship can bestow.'
Never shall this precious token leave me- it shall
be my guide my consolation, my dearest treasure,
and every time look upon it can say, it belongs
only to all the virtues united, thus to express
faithfully the benefits conferred and gratitude, on
receiving them"
| Nanne's only reply was blush and taking the
picture from the hand of Madam de Surville, she
placed it trembIingly in those of Arthur, who re-
ceived it with the greatest emotion.
"Sufer me, Miss, to enreat you to add to this gift
| that which will be its greatest ornament
What is it, SIR"
1t is customary for artist to embelish with his
name, each of his works; oh, how dear would yours
be to n,e traced by your hand below this piece"
sArthur,'' cried Madam de Surville, you astonish
me, you are neither relation of Nanine. nor
| friend of her family, and would you wound her
delicacy."
| 1T is not Nanine ST. Ange," with meaning look
and agitated tone So that | dare mplore her to
write'
what name then Colonel ?" said the young lady,
smiling"
"Nanine St. Geran," cried Arthur, casting him
self before her.
s'At length have found the idea which heaven
has formed for my happiness Be not alarmed at
the outpouring of a heart which you have captvated
forever. Yes, simple and modest Nanine, I have
| chosen you for the companion OF my life One word
from you, and you mine forever"
Rise, beg you, Colonel
No, it is from Madam de Surville, who here re-
presents your mother that demand your hand,
and VOW to make the happiness of your life my stu
dy."
Excuse my confusion, but this language is so
new to me, feel myself SO honored, know not
what to say"
''Adorable Nanine'
"Adorabe, did you say, see you not that am
homely!"
Never, with that sweet expression"
''l am so SMALL
But your soul is large
"Without charms"
"And you charm every one"
Poor"
Yet so rich in virtues
Zone of numerous family
$50 much the better
The eldest of seven children, FIVE of whom are
boys
81 shall do for them, what Count ST. Geran did
for me-"
My mother is an invalid"
1.-The greater reason to assist her. oh how Hong
to surround her with our cares and tender affection"
uhalno with Ibno.