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


the hand of Madam de Survlle, assist me in find
ing this object ideal perhaps but which surely should
exist IN your sex ?-and you will not be the least
contributor to my happiness"
Madam de S., impelIed by The desire of rendering
two beings happy at the same time, sought in her
circle those young ladies who appeared to unite, if
ALL at least part of the qualities so ardently de
sired by Arthur. She at first brought before him
some who imagined they had already capivated the
Count whose title and rank tckled their vanity but
they showed so plain their ardent desire to shne
their ambition TO become titled and to appear at
court, that he dismissed them from his mind at once
Afterwards she kept constantly with her three Young
ladies, who appeared to fix Arthur's attention.
Aden, the first, the only daughter of the wild
ow of celebrated physician and united TO the most
Interesting cOuntenance q pleasing modesty, and q
voice whose expressive tones indicated all the good
ness OF her heart. But another remarked that
the goodness which at first charmed her so much
verged upon Indifference and inspdity and announ-
ced Adren as rather d negative character The Sc
cOnd called Euphenia, orphan and niece of one of
the first advocates in Paris Joined to all the spendOr
Of beauty, the most touching and expressive natural
grace In looking upon her you could easily discern
loving, frank, and sensitive soul, but as
she spoke, the dispelled the enchantment from
the eyes. coarse voice and rude expression sud-
denly sspaed the favorable impression, and form
ed discord with which it impossible to become
accustomed At length, the third, Eliza, the daugh-
seemed to bear away the palm BY the union of all those
qualities capable of fatering interesting seducng
Her features, without being perfect, had charming
expression. Her tall and upright form was ma estc
and imposing, and the sound of her voice, without
captivating, sometimes found its way to the heart
But an uncontrolled petulance, and positive man.
ner of speaking, spoiled all ELIAS good qualities
Her heart excellent, her intentions pure, but
sometimes one would have taken her for needless
trfer, whose intercourse would be dangerous, an
enthusiast, capable of no durable sentiments. 1t
was especially when Eliza wished TO please and to
dazzle that she was least interesting and lost all
claim to the character she wished TO maintain Her
features assumed dsagreeable expressions the grace
and ma esty suddenly changed to awkward and un.
calmly attitudes, her voice in her eagerness, became
so sharp and shr that it fatgued all those who at
first felt pleasure in listening to her.
All these defects had not, doubtless, escaped Ar
| thurs penetration but whether he thought they
could easily be eradicated, whether they were
atoned for by a thousand other amiable qualities
every one remarked his devotion to her. Madam de
! Survile, from whom he had not concealed his pre-
ference, though still kept from Eliza believed
it her duty to consult Eza's parents the subject
They testified the greatest desire to their daugh-
ter united to so distinguished gentleman, and with.
out saving positively the Count would demand their
! daughter in marriage. Madam de Survie gave them
to understand that he paid her great attention. which
might eventually end in asking her hand.
impression, not by his rank fortune but his high
reputation for yalor and honor, which ever finds q
svmpathetc chord in a woman's heart, emboIdeneC
by the taCt consent of her parents, whose old age
she ardent!y desired to render peaceful and happy
put forth every effort to fix the affections of the Col
onel and lead MIN to a formal declaration.
She delivered herself up therefore to all the VI
vacty of her Imagination well as the natural in
clinations of her heart,-repeaed often to him wha
love and respect his country should have for him
who had exposed his life in her defence. She eulo
gised the heroes of France. and described, with a.
much eloquence fdelity-the great actions which
had placed their names in the temple of fame--th'
lsupreme happiness of those who loved them, in as
socatng with them in their DANGERS their successes
and following them in thought, TO the field of fame
and invoking heaven for their Notwithstanding
the whole nation, even the sovereign himself, pro
claim their victories and their names worthy of being
transmitted tn the remotest posterity.
J; All this she did with so much address and enthu
sasm that Arthur, whilst listening could not concea
his transport and delight. Borne away by the ViviC
descriptions and lofty flight OF the young enthusiast
he imagined nothing could ever De 1Ounu coHlpaTapl'
to the brilliant Eliza.
"Whon he exclaimed, 'Ecan resist that fertile I'M
apnaton and not be drawn towards that ardent soul
which eIectrifes, astonshes and enchants !" Ho"
we'll she merits to be the wife OF warrior! But al
soon as cool reflection succeeded to these bursts
TRANSPORT he could not prevent himself from remark
ipr that those convusive movements and flashing
ewes spoiled her grace and wounded her modesy-
And her piercing and eager voice almost breathles
with haste had nothing of that charming sweetness
that irresistible power, which captvates by lis mod
esty and tmdity. If the cold and indifferent AaneI
could not penetrate his heart, he felt that Eliza hac
placed herself there with too much noise and contu
sion to remain for any length Of time. Love whlcf
arises from fancy suddenly lights brilliant flame
and in a little time no veSge of it remains Bu
true love- inspired by delicacy and guarded by pru
dence penetrates the heart only by degrees and tht
fame which it enkindles is extinguished only BY
death.
Arthur's feelings and judg ment were in contlnu
al conflict and i'll order to have liberty for reflection
without being dazzed by the bewitching Eliza hi
left Paris for few days, to visit an estate belonging
to Madam de Surville, in the neg hborhOod OF Ecou
en- This lady accompanied him to receive from tn
school young lady, Nanine ST. Ange, who havin9
finished her education, was about TO return to ne
, mother, near Anglers. Madam de Survllle, an Oh
D and esteemed FRIEND had been requested by MADAM
ST. Ange to take charge of her daughter until sh
could be sent for ~