Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-11-26

Gu Oh ou tllucT put iHSSisioiy We NV |
upon common ground affectation was discar-
ded and, as we streamed irregularly along
the swardy avenues, or stopped at the entrance
of long vista-she gently walking her docile
genet, l with my hand upon its mane-we made
more advances towards familiarity and friend
ship in an hour than would have been possible
under any other circumstances in season.
Let me describe my impressions as receiv-
ed them otherwise, how will the narrative IL
lustrate the theory7 1 am endeavoring to
show, by example, what an immense structure
of happiness may be built upon very fimsy
ground; that the material sequences of this
life's events need have no correspondence with
the sequence of our sentiments; that-but
must not anticipate.
The lady, dressed in silk riding habit, was |
remarkably handsome, as this miniature will |
show.
And Armand drew small case from his
breast.
s.It is made from memory but will an
swer for its exactitude.''
ssWe all know the face well enough, my
friend,'' quoth Provost .sit reappears in near
ly all your pictures, like Raphael's Fornarina.
Last year you made it do duty for Medea; this
year, modified to suit the occasion, it will ap-
pear in the salon as Charlotte Corday. Why
have you so carefully avoided that type in your
Juliet and your Heloise? One would imagine
that instead of being associated with pleasant
recollectons, it suggested nothing but strife,
violence and despair
eWere that the case, you know" quoth Ar
v-if fair irht thanry
| falls to the ground and in telling you my sto-
ry, am only impertinently taking advantage
! of your good nature to make concession, and
thus ease somewhat troubled mind. Listen
| to the end 1t is not far off. !"
We reached grotto on the border of a lit
tie lake, where, to my surprise, an elegant
breakfast was laid out. There were two seats
| placed ready; and Fifine, the maid, was there
to serve. We partook of the meal together
tnIrIxIIIg nornTng vIsc. Unce or Twice a re-
fection on the oddity of this reception fitted
across my mind but thought had fallen in
with some eccentric mistress of the castle
such as one reads of in the middle-age roman
ces-Syho was proud to give hospitality to a
wan8ring artist. The lady called me Hector,
and / called her Andromache and, under the
| luuuGuCe VI SOlIc GENEROUS Ninc ildb CdLhc III
| the dessert, went so FAR as to declare that my
love for her was unbounded, and that she must
be my bride. / was thrown into ecstacies of
delight by the frank reply, that it only depen-
ded upon me to fix the day What follies 1
committed l scarcely recollect but know
| that Fifine scolded me, and said that, for a
well-educated man L was dreadfully forward.
What delightful halt hour was that which
succeeded! The entrance of the grotto was
wreathed with vines. The ripplcs of the lake
broke upon a little beach of sand that seemed
of gold dust the path by which we had come
alorg ran at the foot of precipice for about
thirty yards, and then climbed a steep bank
the expanse of water-possbly it was merely
a large pool. but these things magnify in mem
ory-ncstled at the feet of some lofty wooded
slopes. We sat side by side, hand in hand ;
but Fiine, whose notions of propriety were
extremely rigid, expostulated vehemently. /
whispered that she ought to be sent away and
Andromache was, perhaps, of my opinion, but
she did not venture to agree with me aloud
Thus the hour passed in silent happiness-for
our hearts soon became too full for words; and
/ solemnly declare that, to spend such a.
mother day, would discount ten years of my
existence.
As evening drew nerr, and l began to dream
Of the delights of a twilight stroll along the
margin of the lake, Filine pitilessly suggested
an adjournment to the chateau. The word
grated harshly on my ear, had almost pictur-
ed to myself the lady as dryad, or a nymph
living ever amidst the trees and grottos. But
, prosy Fifine carried her point and in half an
hour we were in the saloon of most comfor-
table modern dwelling, furnished with Partisan
elegance. Several very common .place-look-
ing servants stared at me as 1 entered. My ro
mantle ideas at once received shock. Five
minutas afterwards post-chaise rolled up tc
the door, and stout old gentleman, accompa
MED by tail, handsome young man, issued
therefrom.
Why should give you the ludicrous details
of the explanation Andromache was betroth
ed to Monsieur Hector Chose; but she had ne
yer seen him. Her father, wealthy natural
ist, had gone that day to meet the bridegroom
/. at a neighboring town. The young lady, who
was of a romantic disposition, had deserted
me in the park, and fancied this was pre-ar
ranged surprise. She had got up the break
fast in the grotto; and had made my acquain
tance as l have related. | answered to the
name of Hector she naturally retorted An
dromache This was the whole explanation O.
the mistake. I was overwhelmed with shame
i when the father and the real Hector, with vo
) ciferous laughter undeceived me; and the
i voune lady herself went away in tears of vex