Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-12-22
R0uperOn, the Bell0Ws-Mender:
OR, THE
MARRIAGE CRUCIBLE

Those OF our readers who have ever seen acted,
| or have read, the beautiful modern drama of Sir
Edward Lytton Bulwer, "The Lady Of Lyons, will
find in the following thrilling SKETCH the foundation
Of that popular play:
Twas born in one of those little hamlets situated
in the neighborhood of Montelmart, in the South
of France. My father had made many fruitless
effort to raise himselfabove indgence. His last re-
source in his old age arose from the exercise Of a
talent which he had acquired in his youth, that Of
bellows mending. This, too, was the humble pro-
fession which desired to follow. Being endowed
by nature with quick and with lively faculties Of both
mind and body, soon grew skillful in my trade,
and having ambitious spirit set off for Lyons to
prosecute my calling there. I was so far success
fl that became great favorite with chambermaids
who were my chief employers, and whom my good
looks and youth interested in my favor
One evening, however, as was returning home
after my days round, was accosted by four we'll
dressed young men, who threw out few plesante-
ries on my profession, which answered in style
Of good hurnored raillery that seemed to surprise
and please them. l saw them look significantly at
one another, and heard them say this is our man.
The words alarmed me, but my fears were speedily
dissipated.
''Rouperon," said one, "you shall sup with u.s.
w Z ldSC "CucuiC may OU tOu SUUu Ii SUu
do not agree to it We shall not harm you, but ask
you to keep our secret. Do not be afraid, but
come with u.s."
Seeing allof themto be gentlemen in appearance,
did not hesitate to accept the offer; they conduct
ed me through number of cross streets, and at
last entered handsome house, in an apartment of
which we found six other young men, who appeared
to have been waiting impatiently for my conductors
A few explanatory words passed respecting me, and
soon afterwards we sat down to supper. Being
young thoughtless and light-hearted, gave way to
the enjoyment Of the hours, and vented success
sion Of plesantries, which seemed highly to please
my chance companions But they all grew thought
full and silent ere long, and finally one of them
addressed me thus:
"The ten persons whom you see before you,"
said he, 'are all citizens Of Lyons. We are all in
good circumstances, and make very handsome
living by our occupation. We are all attached to
one another, and formed happy society, till love
stepped in to disturb In the street of St. Dominic
there lives picture merchant, man of respecta-
bic station, but otherwise an ordinary parsonage
He has, however, a daughter, a creature possessed
of every accomplishment, and endowed with every
grace, but whose amiable qualities are shaded by
one defect-pride, insupportable pride. AS an
example of the way in which this feeling has led
her to treat others, Twill own that myself padmy
addresses to her, and was approved by her father,
as one by birth and circumstances much her supe-
rior. But what was the answer which the insolent
girl gave to my suit Do you think, sir, that a
young woman like me was born for nothing better
than to be the wife of an engraver?
Her great pride and charms have been equal
ly felt by all" cotinued the speaker, eve hold
that she has cast sur both on US and on our pro-
fession. We, therefore, have resolved to show this
dsdainful girl that she has not indeed been born to
the honor ofbeing the wife Of an engraver. Now, will
you, addressing me- venture to become the hus-
band of charming woman, who, to attain perfec-
ton, wants only her pride mortified, and her vanity
punished?
"Yes," answered, spurred ON by the excitement
Of the moment; 81 comprehend what you would
have me do, and will fulfill it in such manner
that you will have no reason to blush for your pu-
pl."
The three months which followed this strange
scene, were wholly occupied with preparation for
the part was to perform. Preserving the strictest
possible secrecy the confederates did their best to
| transform me from plain bellows.mender into a
fine gentleman. Bathing, hairdressers &C., brought
my person to fitting degree of refinement, while
every day one or the other of the engravers devo-
ted himself to the task of teaching me music,
drawing and other accomplishments and nature had
furnished me with disposition to study, and a
memory SO retentive that my friends were aston
ished at the progress of their dicipline
Thoughtless Of all else, felt the deepest delight
in acquiring these new rudiments of education.
But the time came when was to be made sensible
for the first time of the true nature of the task
had entered upon. The confederates at length
thought perfect and in the character of the rich
Marquis Of Rouperon, proprietor Of the large es-
tates in Dauphny was installed in the first hotel in
Lyons. 1t was under this title presented myself
to the picture dealerin st. Dominic street. made
q few purchases from him, and seemed anxious to
purchase more. After little intercourse of this
kind, he sent me word one morning that he had just
received a superb collection of engravings from
Rome, and begged me to call and see them. did
50, and was received not by him, but by Aurora.
This was the first sight had got Of that lovely girl
and for the first time in my life my young and palpi
tating heart felt the power Of beauty.
A new world unfolded itself before my eyes;
soon forgot my borrowed part; one sentiment absor
bed my soul, one idea enchainedmy faculties. The
fair Aurrra perceived her triumph, and seemd to
listen with complacency to the incoherent express
sions Of passion which escaped my lips. That in
terview fixed my destiny forever. The intoxcation
OF enjoying her presence hurried me on, blind to
every thing else For several months / saw heP
every day, and enjoved state Of happiness only
dampened by the selfaccusing torments of solitary
hours, and Of the necessity was under Of regular
ly meeting my employers, who furnished me with
money, jewels, and every thing could require At
length Aurora's father gave little fste in the
country, Of which was evidently the hero. A
moment occurred in which, thoughtless Of all but
my love, threw myself suitor at her feet. She
heard me with modest dignity, while tear of joy,
which dimmed for moment her fine eyes, convin-
ced me that pride was not the only emotion which
agitased her heart-yes, discovered that was be-
loved
was an imposter, but Heaven is my Witness
deceived hernot without remorse. In her presence
remembered nothing but herself; but in the still
ness Of solitude, sophisty and passion disappeared,
leaving dreadful perspective before me. When
associated the idea Of Aurors with the miserable
iafe which was to faa upon her, when figured to
myself =, her delicate hands employed in preparing
the coarsest noxishment, shrank back with horror,
or started up covered with cold perspiration. But
selflove would come to my aid, and l thought if
she truly loved me, she might yet be happy. I