Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1856-12-05

i have reason to believe that the mar.
chioness, since her widowhood, leads a
strictly secluded life.'
'Only seeing neighbor now and then
perhaps 2
4 mean to say, she never goes into
society and l am by no means of opin-
ion that she would enjoy anything like
the fete we are looking forward to at St.
Cloud
BE not alarmed, my friend she shall
be humored most Acknowledgement del
icately; the sweet widow shall have her
very whims respected. Be at rest, and
confide in me, my dear Du Foinvert :
confde in me, your paternal guardian.
Du Foinvert did not look by any
means pleased, notwithstanding the gra-
cious interest the duke manifested in his
affairs. In sooth, he knew his grace far
too well to be unable to appreciate cor
rectly the aternal attachment accorded
him and he by no means relished the
idea of his versatile patron coming be-
tween him and the widow Beauvoisin.-
When man begins to entertain ten
der passion, he does not feel inclined to
allow the interference Of an accomplished
and powerful roue, however fair-sound-
ing the offered countenance and encour-
agement of the latter. He does not
want to be assisted in his love-affair by
another, especially when that other con-
sidcrs all the choicest of the sex as fair
game, and was never known to be trcub-
led or restricted by anything like scru-
pie. Du Foinvert, therefore, anathe-
matiscd with his whole heart the chance
that had brought the marchioness and his
own acquaintance with her under the
observation of the duke I; for by this
time he had many times cast over in his
mind the numerous graces and charms OF
the young widow, and the solid and sub
stantial assistance her ample fortune
might afford in the way of retrieving his
affairs, which, to say truth, were in
state of desperate embarrassment and
confusion and in helping him to be-
gin life again with clear course before
him.
The duke was as good as his word.-
The marchioness received a polite and
invitation to honor the fete
at st. Cloud with her presence, and the
dukes very experienced friend,the Ouch
oss de Blanverie, herself conveyed it to
her, with the assurances that it would
afford her pleasant evening, and that
she, the duchess, would take care that she
should not want the countenance and
assistance of a good chaperonc. What
wonder that our young, vivacious and
beautiful widow was dazzled, and that
she at once took it for granted that she
could make an excellent figure, even
amidst the glittering court of tie ex-re-
gent
The appointed evening arrived the
gardens and terrace-walks of St. Cloud
were splendidly Illuminated, and the fine
old chateau itself looked like the palace
Of fairy tale-the radiance of myriad
lights blazing from the windows. The
carriage of the marchioness made one
amidst the long train of equipages that
were drawn up al the gates. The spirit
of festivity was upon the place ; the air
was full of music, of the sound of gay
and hilarious voiccs-of jest and laugh
ter-of the dainty rustling of silks and
the sparkling glitter of jew.
els and precious stones.
As soon as the marchioness entered the
sale d. entres, the Duchess de Blanverie
was by her side, all smiles and comp'i-
The young widow looked ex-
trcmely handsome A; her dress was un-
exceptionable, her diamonds unques-
tionable. The presence of new beau
ty III that sphere was always theme for
observation, gossip and specuiation.-
The marchioncss found herself an object
of attention, and in some quarters OF
admiration, and straightway, woman as
she was, began to felicitate herself upon
her auspicious entrance into the highest
society, and to feel interest and enjoy
ment in all that was going on around
her.
She had been couple of hours in the
house. and was wondering whether she
should see the Count du Foinvert there,
as she had expected, he being one of the
intimate associates of the duke; and
whether indeed she should see the duke
for as yet he had not made his
appearance in any of the groups through
which she had passed. As she was still
specializing on this probability, voice
at her shoulder pronounced her name in
a low tone, and turning, she beheld the
Duke of Orleans himself
sYou are thrice welcome, dear mad
anne, to this house, and l am sorry to
remember that we have never had the
honor of your presence BEFORE he said,
with a courtly smile and bow.
'Monseigneur is very good exclaimed
the marchioness.
Il am sorry to hear, my dear lady, of
the sad repute into which you neigh
borhood has fallen. I hope and trust
you may never share the fate to which so
many who pass your road have been ex.
posed
'Monseigneur, you alarm me ! ex-
claimed the marchioness, in establishment
TO what do you allude! What perils
await those who pass along our road !?
l am very rarely in Paris-and thus do
not hear the news