The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1855-05-16
The Last Rose of Irene.


which lady as noble as poetic entrusted as
gift of affection to Charles l. while on his way
to execution, nor is it of the one which the re-
publican general Marceau received from the
hands of a young lady who owed to him her
life, if we are to believe Dumas, man we'll
versed in history. -r.e @z
No, tits none of these, it is new species of
rose, the result of the labors of celebrated
French gardener, who counts his inventions and
discoveries in the art of gardening by thou
sands. .-........ ....-. ....
Itgrows upon small delicate bush, the cult
walton of which needs the greatest care. The
flower is small, and the body of the petals of a
bright scarlet color, encirced with light
purple border, which gives it an original ap-
pearance, and constitutes its great rarity and
beauty.
It was towards the latter end of June and at
the time of which we speak, there remained
but sing rose of this species in the village of
Irene It was to be found in a magnificent
garden situated On the banks of the Seine, the
property of colonel of the French army, who
had retired from service, although he had not
yet reached the age Of fifty ~~
This rose, the only one TO be seen in the
garden, raised its fresh and blooming head in
manner so modest and lovely thatthe very bees
turned aside in their airy flight, not daring to
profane so pure and rare flower. .:. =.
There was young man, however, who was
not so scrupulous respecting the rose, he had
observed it in passing, and was even now stand
ing at the gate meditating upon the best
method of obtaining it. ..---.
He had not been there manv moments when
tho colonial arvalo,od =, y dorod
morning gown, and smoking cigar, appeared
at one of the open windows which looked out
upon the garden. Without further shesitation
Raymond entered the garden and accosted him
saying:
'.Sir, 1 have visited this merning the princi-
pal gardens of the city and environs, and in
none of them have I been able to procure
single rose like the one you have in your gar
den. They have had them it is true, but now
there are no more.''
The colonel, carelessly blowing away a
mouthful of smoke, replied: ''Well, my dear
sir, must tell you that think it will be diff
cult matter to obtain one'
Il had indeed despaired of doing so, till
fortunately noticed one of these roses in your
garden, and hope you will be kind enough to
give it to me-
Il cannot do so,'' said the colonel, with a
scarcely perceptible smile of triumph, "for
that rose is already destined as a present to the
beautiful Miss Adele Maurenci.'
''Sry' retored Raymond, on whose hand
some countcnance cloud of anxiety seemed to
settle, and in tone of voice which clearly be-
tokened rising anger, "Sir! if she receives that
rose it must be from my hands, not yours"
s.No+ ca ro,,lo1 tbo oolo,ol r,,iat)v tfro,,
have been regaling Miss Adele for the last
much, and now it is but right that for once, at
least should have the pleasure of doing the
same, and shall do So" added he in some
what sterner tone than he had yet spoken.
awe will cross swords first, SIR exclaimed
Raymond, disdaining to initiate the colonel in
affecting an indifference which he did not feel.
GAS you please" said the latter, II will be
with you in an instant, in the meantime be
pleased to walk i'm
The colonel finished his cigar without mani
Testing the least precipitation, dressed himself
and with pair of swords under his arm en-
tered the parlor where Raymond was impa
tiently awaiting him.
care you satisfied with these weapons?"
"Certainly, certainly"
"Wel, then," said the colonel Il will take
with me my servant Andrew, you can take
yours, they can be the spectators of the combat
and"
"The rose shall belong to him who con-
quers," interrupted Raymond
"Agreed.''
They then walked on to an open space, where
they selected place to terminate the affair.
This being determined upon, the colonel pro-
ceeded to remove his coat as calmly as if in his
own room, whereas the restless and impetuous
manner Of Raymond showed that he was much
excited. Less tall and stout than the colonel
he possessed more delicacy and beauty of per-
son, and was considered by all handsome
man.
The two adversaries took their positions, but
the colonel lowered his sword, and making a
sign to the attendants to withdraw little, thus
addressed Raymond,
"Sir, should be very sorry 10 kill you with
out first informing you that it is in vain you
seek the hand of Adele Maurenci, for in a few
weeks she is to be welded to me-
''To you?'
''To me. Yesterday evening everything was
arranged between herself, her father and -
ooh, no! it cannot be-" exclaimed tie as
tonished Raymond, ''it cannot be, she does not
love you, She
81 am aware" interrupted the colonel, "that
she has little liking for you, for with the
frankness and rectitude which characterlzes
her, she has already told me of it, but she also
added that when we were married she would
endeavor to love me, ask no more, and l am
perfectly confident she will do So"
&"And, sir, how did you succeed in e1tortlng
such promise from her?''
'sAh! 1t was not I. Her father has compro-
missed his whole fortune in crazy speculatlons,
and needs forty thousand dollars to save him
from ruin. This sum I have generously offered
him as loan, asking no other interest than the.
hand of his daughter. How could he refuse
me?'' A vague smile of satisfaction might
have been noticed upon the lips of the colonel
as he uttered these words. a
Raymond was stupifed at this revelation, the
truth of which he could not for moment doubt
as he knew the colonel would not utter false
hood. .
"You see then" continued the latter, tt'that
it is useless for us to continue, and that alone
have now the right of presenting flowers to
Adele
The words aroused RAYMOND he naSsed his