The American patriot., 1855-02-07
i ,.s H. From the Court journal.
The Life Of a COquette.

The beautiful Baronne B was coquette
and widow, and was too proud of the precious
freedom of widowhood to wish to mark it second
time in the silken bonds Of wedlock. So, strength
ening her weak woman's heart with the shield of
universal coquetry, she bade defiance to the sghs
and VOWS with which she was attacked. She
laughed at the crcdulity of her victims, and de-
spised them that they could sue so long and so
vainly; but in their triumphs she lost the better
attributes of the womans gfts-her beauty, her
youth and her wit--she trampled them under
foot as worthy offerings to her own pride and soul.
The only recollection widow kept of matri-
mony was, that it had furnished her with tyrant
and fortune. Her husband had been cold, stern
and inexbe, but the faes decreed 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 eye gave laws to her crowd of follow
ers. She rewarded with smile; she could punish
with single word, exterminate with an epigram,
exile with look. She felt herpower and used It.
Men feared her w.t. 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 cold-hoarted coquette. There
was however, one among the train of adorers who
had vowed to himself to win this lady, and he
threw himself heart and soul, at the coquettc's
feet that the reality of his feelings must con
was all heart and feeling. "Loves greatest mir
nce is to say coquetry' said her unfortunate lover
when he left the salons where his mistress reigned
supreme But to Madame B. secret voice
murmured in the tones of rejoicng-"What hap
pness to love one, and to ones self beloved
by ALT"
But what mystery to the lover to see his wor-
shipped smiling upon all the same beamng smile!
Hide the jealousy from the scornful eyes of this
coquette sighed the beating heart. OF all ills
which love brings, jealousy is the one for which
women have the least sympathy. 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 a fame. He, therefore,
as it was but natural that he should, as quickly
returned, and laid his affections oncc more at her
feet. Count Stephano was not now to be denied;
she had listened too long-she had had gone too
far to recede-she should hear him. He continued
his persevering address till one morning she sent
him this. letter.
"Your love annoys me, dear friend-for so, in
spite of all, ! must call you--and your jealousy
fightens me. l have, therefore taken refuge in
flight and by the time you receive this, shall be
far on my way to land whittier you dare not fol.
low me- My uucle commands an Austrians garrl.
son in Italy, and mean to join him at Milan.
hope, one of these days, to meet you again II
France, when you shall have learned to sink the
lover in the friend and when hope to fine
you reasonable and modest gentleman, insteat
of a wilful, passionate, Italian lover who cares
not to understand the caprice of wcmans
heart"
"Shc shall not escape me thus" he said; ''tht
coquette shall learn what it is to deal with men'
hearts. shall follow her.
He was prescribed, his estates coniscated, ant
price set upon his head. He, therefore, haz
arded much in entering Italy again. The Coun
Stephano had taken an active part in some revolu
tionary proceedings in his native land, and having
| rendered himself obnoxious to the Austrian Gov
ernment, escaped with his life and moderat
! fortune to France.
The Baronnc had been some short time in Milan
when one day General VS. schasseur announces
French traveller, who desired to see Madam
b at once.
"His names" said the lady.
, ale will not give it."
/, = "Then we will not admit him." said the Gene
. ral
"Oh, let us see him. said the Baronnc "Pel
i haps it is some friend Of mine who is in distress.
$ "As you WILL" said The General.
l And Count Stephano entered the chamber
S If Madame B. had uttered the name whic
g trembled on her lips, the Counts fate would hav
l. been soon decided; but for once the coquette
l. ready wit served her in good cause
u "Ah my dear cousin" cried she show glad
u u am to see you. No doubt you have taken me I
= my word, and you are come to escort me hon
v again I shall be ready in few days Allo
r, me to introduce to you my uncle Dear unc
r this is one Of my husbands family, whom yo
have never met before"
The old Austrian General held out his hand
; the Count and bade him courteous welcom