Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1855-10-11
From the cour. Journal.
TIE LIFE OF A CoeuErrE.- The

and a widow, and was too proud Of the
precious freedom of widowhood to wish
to mark it a second time in the silken
bonds Of wedlock. So, strengthening
her weak woman's heart with the shield
of universal coquetry, she bade defiance
to the sighs and vows with which she
was attacked. She laughed at the
credulity of her victims, and despised
them that they could sue so long and so
vainly; but in their triumphs she lost
the better attributes of the woman's
gifts-her beauty, her youth, and her
wit-she trampled them under foot as
worthy offerings to her own pride of
soul. The only recollection our widow
kept in matrimony was, that it had
furnished her with tyrant and for
tune. Her husband had been cold,
stern, and inhexible, but the fates de-
creed that she should soon be released
from him, and she was blooming and
beautiful the cynosure of every gaze
among the men, be it understood
Perhaps it was not so wholly her own
fault that she was such despot. Her
bright eyes gave laws to her crowd of
followers. She rewarded with a smile;
she could punish with word, ex-
terminated with an epigram, exile with
a look. She felt her power and used
it. Men feared her wit, while they were
led captive by her beauty. Women
hated her, but could not detect flaw
in the snow of her character worse than
that she was a cold hearted coquette.-
There was one, however, among her
train of adOrers who had vowed to him
self to win this lady; and he threw him
self, heart and soul, at the coquette's
feet, sure that the reality of his own
feelings must conquer the frivolous ca
price of her character He was all heart
and feeling "Love's greatest miracle is
TO slay coquetry," said her unfortunate
lover when he left the salons where
his mistress reigned supreme. But to
madame B secret voice murmer-
ed, in the tones of rejoicing-"What
happiness to love no one and see ones
self beloved by ALL"
But what misery to the lover TO see
his worshipped smiling upon all the
same beaming smile! Hide the jealousy
from the scornful eyes of his coquettei
sighed the beating heart. Of all ills
which love brings, jealousy is the one
for which woman has the least sympa-
thy. And so the Count Stephano hid
his misery in fight. Absence is the
tomb of slight passions; but it fans the
sparks of real affection into flame.
He therefore, as it was but natural that
he should, as quickly returned. and laid
his affections once more at her feet
Count Stephano was not now to be de-
MED; she had listened too long-she
had gone too far to recede--she should
hear him. He continued his persever-
ing address, till one morning she sent
him this letter:
"Your love annoys me, dear friend
for so, in spite of all, l must call you
and your jealousy frightens me. l
have, therefore, taken refuge in flight,
and by the time you receive this, shall
be far on nv way to land whittier you
dare not follow me. Ny uncle com;
mands an Austrian garrison in Italy,
and mean to join him at Milan. l
hope one of those days to meet you
again iii France, when you shall have
learned to sink the lover in the friend;--
and when hope to find you a reasona-
bic and modest gentleman, instead of
willful, passionate Italian lover, who
cares not to understand the caprice Of
woman's heart
/ She shall not escape me thus" he
said; "the coquette shall learn what it
is to deal with mems hearts. shall
follow her,"
He was prescribed, his estate con-
| fscated, and a price set upon his
head. He, therefore, hazzarded much
in entering Italy again. The count
Stephona had taken an active part in
some revolutionary proceedings in his
native land, and, having rendered him.
self obnoxious to the Austrian Govern
ment, escaped with his life and moder-
ate fortune to France.
The Barronne had been some short
time in Milan, when one day General
VS. chasseur announced French
traveller, who desired to see Madame
B at once.
"His name." said the lady.
"He will not give that"
"Then we will not admit him." said
the General.
"Oh, let us see him." said the
Baronne. "Perhaps it is some friend of
mine who is in Distress"
Gas you will, )" said the General.
And Count Stephano entered the
chamber.
If Madame B. had uttered the
name which trembled on her lips, the
Counts fate would soon have been de-
cided; but for once the coquette's ready
wit served her in a good cause.
"Ah, my dear cousin" said she,
show glad l am to see you. No doubt
you have taken me at my word, and
have come to escort me home again. /
shall be ready in few days. Allow
me to introduce you to my uncle. Dear
uncle, this is one of my husbands fami-
ly whom you have never met before"
The old Austrian General held out his
hand to the Count. and bade him a corte-