Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1854-05-25

~ "PPo"i"hec, aiohS tnc anple Iactue OF which
ran long ranges of deep balconies, composed of
iron work faneifully designed and richly gilt,
and overshadowed by fcstooned awnings of strip
ed linen.
The tall windows of the first floor wore open,
and from the opposite side of the street glimpse
might be obtained of the interior of drawing
room, the inmates of which now approached the
balcony, seemingly disposed to crafty their Gu
riosity by view of the car, at the same time
that, to avoid the gaze of the. throng, they kept
themselves in some measure concealed behind
the costly exotics that partially filled the bal
cony.
A minute or two elapsed without any change
taking place in the appearance of the car. The
crowd remained in mute expectation. Suddenly,
however, by some invisible hand or machinery,
the green covering was rolled aside, and sort
OF mimic stage appeared, on which was repre-
sented river and its bank. The water, skill
fully initiated by painted paper or linen, seemed
to flow TRANQUILITY along, while the bank itself
was covered with artificial turf and flowers, and
backed by low hedge of shrubs and brush
wood. This hedge, which was composed of paste
board, arose suddenly out of the cart, in the
manner that such things are frequently manag-
aged upon theatre, and at the same time there
appeared small stone chapel, containing an
image of the virgin Mary, and surmounted by a
cross. The effect of the whole representation
was highly natural and to judge from cxclama-
tions audible amongst the surrounding crowd,
apparently recalled to their recollection some
familiar scene. 1t was in fact miniature but
exact copy of secluded and remarkable lovely
spot on the banks of the Garonne, and at the
distance Of short hall-league from Toulouse.
This part of the riverside had once been resort
of the towns-people, but fatal and particular
ly savage duel that had been fought there some
years previously, and in memory Of which the
cross and chapel had been placed there, had at
tached unpleasant associations to it, since that
time, to be rather avoided than otherwise.
Scarcely had this scene been disclosed, when,
from the small tent at one end of the cart, two
actors appeared upon it. They were both mask
ed, and one of them wore blue military cloak
and cap, while the other, a woman, was closely
muffled in dark silk cardinal, which neverthe-
less allowed the outline of young and grace
full figure to be dstinguishable. AT the slowest
possible pace they walked along the bank of the
simulated stream, apparently in earnest con-
versation, the female hanging familiarly on the
arm of hei companion, on whose face her eyes
were riveted. Before they had proceeded half
the length of the truly Thespian stage on which
they were exhibiting, they were followed out of
the tent by third figure, who approached them
with stcalthy step. This was man whose hair
was silvered and form slightly bowed by age,
and on beholding whom a movement Of surprise
took place in the crowd, while the name "Count
de Laroles!" passed from mouth to mouth. AT
the same time half-stiAed shrek was heard
proceeding from the balcony of the magnificent
hotel, opposite to which the pageant was enact
ing.
The old man upon the cart arrived close to
the figures of the officer and the lady, without
their observing him. He seemed to listen for a
moment; then fierccly grasped the arm of EACH
In the dumb show that ensued, it was evident
that violent discussion was going on between
these three persons The old man seemed much
agtated, and was the most violent in his gestic-
ulations. Once he grasped the officer by the
collar, but the latter disengaged himself, and he
then seemed to turn in anger upon the lady.
Then, as if moved to sudden anger by something
the old man said, the officer seized him in turn.
There was struggle, but the antagonists were
too unequally matched for it to be long one,
and in moment the gray-haired old man was
hurled backwards into the river. The fictitious
waters opened to receive him.
Once only he arose, and seemed about to gain
the bank, but the officer advanced closer to the
waters edge, and, as the swimmer approached,
drew his sword from under his cloak, and dealt
him heavy blow upon the head. The next in
stant the old man disappeared, and the river
flowed on, tranquil as before. The murderer
and the lady gazed for an instant at the water,
then at each other, and hurried off the stage.
The postillions lashed their horses, and the Car
drove away at a smart pace. This time, how
ever, none of the spectators followed it. The
attention Of all was riveted on the house before
which this scene had passed and which was no
other than the hotel Laro.es.
On the balcony of that mansion a young and
lovely woman now showed herself, uttering those
thrilling and quick-repeatcd shrieks that, even
in woman, are only elected by the most extreme
agony of mind or body. She was attired in
mourning garments, but of the most tasteful
and coquettish materials Her beautiful fea-
lures were convulsed and deadly pale, and she
clutched the railing with both hands, while she
struggled violently to extricate herself from the
graspof very handsome man in rich uniform
who strove by mingled force and entreaty to gel
her back in the house. The lady was the Countess
de Larolles, and the officer Major Ruoli.
The broken sentences uttered, or rather scream
cd, by the Countess, who was apparently in o
paroxysm of insanity, were distinctly audible to
the persons in the street. She accused herself
as the murdereress of her husband, and Ruol
as her accomplice. The latter at last succeeded
in drawing her into the room, of which the win
dows were Immediately closed. II was then on
ly that some of the crowd thought of following
the moveable theatre upon which had been acted
the drama that had been followed by such al
extraordinary scene Of real life. Car and hor
ses were found short distance of, standing il