The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1855-05-19

he was still in his own house." His room was
decorated with pictures of several beauties
of former times, whom he processes to have
been on favorable terms; among them was a
favorite opera dancer, who had been the an.
miration of Paris at the breaking out of the
revolution. She had been protogce Of my
friend, and one of the few of his youthful
favoritcs who had survived tn lapse of time
and its various vicissitudcs. They had re-
newed their acquaintance, and she now and
then visited him: but the beautiful Psyche.
once the fashion of the day and the idol of
the parterre, was now n shrivelled. little old
woman, warped in the back, and with hook
cd nose.
The old gentleman was devoted atten-
dant upon levecs. He was almost jealous in
his loyalty, and could not speak Of the royal
family without burst of enthusiasm, for he
still felt toward them as his companions in
exile. AS to his poverty, he made light of it;
and, indeed, had a good humored way of con-
soling himself for every cross and privation.
If he had lost his chateau in the country, he
had half-a-dnzcn royal palaces, as it were. at
his command. lie had Versailles and St.
Cloud for his country resorts. and the shady
alley of the Tulleries and the Luxembourg
for his town recreation. Thus all his pro-
yet cost nothing. "Whcn | walk through
these fine gardens" said he II have only to
fancy myself the owner of them, and they
are mine. All these gay crowds are my visi-
tiers, and defy the Grand Seignior himself
to display greater variety of beauty. Nay
what Is better. | have not the trouble Of
maintaining them. My estate is perfect
Sans Souci. where every one dyes as he
plcascs, and no one troubles the owner. All
Paris is my theatre, and presents me with
continual spectacle. | have a table spread for
me in every street, and thousands of walters
ready to fly at my bidding. When my servants
have waited upon me, pay them, discharge
them, and there is an end; have no fears of
their wronging or pilfcring me when my back
is turned. Upon the whole" said the old gen
tlcman with smile Of infinite good humor,
"when think upon the various risks have
run, and the manner in which have escaped
them: when I rccollect all that have suffer-
cd and consider all that ! at present enjoy,
| cannot but look upon myself as a man Of
singular good fortune"
Such was the brief history Of this practical
philosopher, and it is a picture Of many a
Frcnchman ruined by the revolution. The
French appear to have greater facility than
most men in accommodating themselves to
the revcrscS Of life. and of extracting honey
out of the bitter things of this world. The
first shock Of calamity is apt to overwhclm
them; but when it is once past their natural
buoyancy of feeling soon brings them to the
surface. This may he called the result of
lcvity Of character, but answers the end of
rcconcllng us to misfortune, and if it be not
true philosophy. it is something almost as
cfiicacious. Ever since have heard the story
of my little Frcnchman. have treasured it
up in my heart: and thank my stars have
at length found, what had long considered
as not to bc found on carth-a contented
man.
P. S.-Thcrc is no calculating on human
happiness. Since writing the foregoing, the
law of indemnity has been passed, and my
friend restored to great part of his fortune.
| was not at Paris at the time, but on my re-
turn FASTENED to congratulate him. ! found
him magniliccntly lodged on the first floor of
his hotel. was ushcred, by servant in
livery, through splendid saloons, to cabinet
richly furnished, where | found my little
Frenchman reclining on couch. lie re-
ccived me with his usual cordiaty; but !
saw the gayety and bcnevolence of his coun-
tenance had fed he had an eye full Of care
and anxiety.
congratulated him on his good fortune
Good fortune z" echoed he; "bah I! have
been plundercd of a prnccly fortune, and
they have given me pittance as an indem-
nifty"
"Alas found my late poor and contented
friend one of the richest and most miserable
men i'll Paris. Instead of rejoicing in the
ample competency restored to him, he is
daily repining at the superHuty withheld
He no longer wandcrs in happy idlencss
about Paris, but is reclining attendant in the
ante-chambers of ministers. His loyalty has
evaporated with his gayety; he screws his
mouth when the Bourbons are mentioned
and even shrugs his shoulder when he hears
the praises of the king.