The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-05-08

| es-anu, 10 tell you the truth, naSo oue
opinion about the matter, Dungleson has an
other. But he is so struck with that woman,
his judgment won't amount to much, and it's
not agreeable talking to him."
$50 you transfer the matter to me-"
! "Exactly so. Now, Dungleson is good fell
low, and when to himself sharp as a needle !;
but, Just now, he is all knocked to pieces, and
quite wild. Why, Johnston, he thinks the
French woman an angel"
$50 she is-a fallen one"
al see you know what's what. We under
stand each other; and we will take care of
Pussy"
81 fear, Drayton, that the man who inter-
feres in that quarter will have to care for him.
self, and be pretty busily engaged at that"
"But you have gone in"
"And very sorry for it"-and Johnston ner
vously laid his hand on package of papers near
him, very much as a man handles his arms in
q moment of danger. "The first time / ever
interfered in anothers affair, and l swear the
last. A devil of woman to force me into a
betrayal of her confidence. l see it see it
all. She thought this impetuous boy would
brain me on the spot, or l him-a good rid
dance. either way. And it is to end so yeti
see-I see."
This last was said more to himself than his
visiter; then, as if suddenly remembering his
company, he added
"Well, well, we shouldn't complain; she and
her husband have served to make this place
rather agreeable to you and Percy-that Is
something"
"Why, yes we must own up, they have
rather entertained us-hurried on time little
more rapidly"
"They play both very good games of ecarte
and billiards, now, ] venture to say, and there
is no accomplishment beyond these for amuse-
ment."
"Devilish expensive, though, can tell you. A
fellow who handles cue, or holds card, as
Monsieur Carnot does, is a luxury few people
can afford"
"Indeed He has won some little, then ?"
Little! wish | could say as much. Why,
Dungleson seems to like the fun of losing. l
saw a poney pbaeton and pair go one day, in
the twinkling of telegraph; and not night
passes that a lively amount does not go from
our sub-treasury to the pockets of Monsieur. l
believe he is after the bottom dollar"
Johnston's face grew grave, and he began
walking across the room-stopping once or
twice, as if to speak, and then continuing in
silence. Whilst thus engaged, the bell rung,
and the servant entered with note. Johnston
received it, glanced at the address, and dismiss
ed the servant with "no answer" and then
stood thoughtfully patting his hand with the
unopened letter. At last he said
"Drayton, you will be at Madame CARROTS
tonight"
~ suppose So
"Weli, put that note in your pocket, and
produce it when l ask you"
) eyes, certainly; anything to oblige. But now
Johnston, while think of it, who is this Madame
|; Carnot2 You have known her before; what
does she amount TOT"
"Need / answer such question: man OF
the world, as yourself, Drayton? You under
stand her."
81 knew it, by Jove; knew it from the first.
I tell you Dungleson is not in good sense.
Well, no man is, when in love. We must all
live and learn"
| With this rather serious reflection, Drayton
| took his departure. Johnston, left to himself,
smiled as the door closed, but the smile gave
, way to serious, indeed an anxious, express
sion of countenance. With hands folded be-
, hind him, he continued pacing the floor. Our
friend, with his talent at silence and indiffer-
ence to all things, seems awakening up to a
, sense of interest in some matters. All! Mr..
Sydney Johnston, it is not only in great events,
/. changing the face of empires and the destinies
of nations, that the first order of diplomatic
, ability is always exhibited. Many an unknown
! woman has fought out her career, making
| friends, defeating enemies, and conquering
, obstacles, which would have dismayed Talley-
, rand or Metternich. You may well be troubled
Your keen penetration is set at fault, and your
known courage seems now deserving you. The
tables were so completely turned in that last
interview! With everything, apparently, in
/ your hands, you were yet quietly defied, and
that, too, apparently without motive. You
| puzzle your mind in vain to know the future,
t as you find it impossible TO understand the
past. Nothing left but to continue blindly on
! With package of papers neatly done up
and hid in his breast-pocket, Mr.. Sydney John
, ston repaired to Monsieur Carnot's rooms. He
found there Dungleson and Drayton, engaged
at little game with Madame and Monsieur
Carnot. The presence of the last-named gen
f tleman was dissgreeable surprise to Johnston
He was received, however, very politely by the
, lady.
''This is the FRIEND" she said, "who feels
such an interest in the welfare of us all. Pray
q be seated"
s Monsieur Carnot rubbed his hands pleasantly
, but said be did not clearly comprehend.
/ "Will Monsieur Johnston explain this little
' affair to my husband, it is so embarrassing to
have him ignorant"
5 Monsieur Carnot hardly needs much of ar
explanation in game so frequently repeated
as this" responded Johnston, with a sneer."
t "If Mr.. Johnston will not explain this little
game Just alluded to, will he be good enough t.
: explain his last reudTh aSheu tne rrcncA
/ man coldly.
ooh don't think of taking exception to these
preliminaries," answered Johnston, "when Sc
3 much remains to be cared for. will furnish
D enough for you, which requires no repetition OF
E explanation before we are DONE"
| "Well, proceed" said Monsieur Carnot.
at is not the first time have had the pleas
, ure of knowing this little family. At Ham
t burg, now some five years since, the Madame
4 appeared as beautiful and fascinating as now
y At least, SO my friend Edward - though
I her. The season was short, but my frienC
found it long enough to lose his heart to Mad
: anne, and his fortune to Monsieur. The one
played with his affections, while the other played
0 for his means, and eminently successful IN both
5 it was but proper conclusion, that Monsieur
{ should call my poor friend to an account for al
! offence which he had before assiduously cult
waited. Monsieur Carnot is as accurate with
. the pistol as he is dexterous at cards, and thu
e unhappy youth fell, shot through the heart
t Johnston paused.
e "a pretty romance this" said Madame Car
: not, with smile.
e IAN extraordinary construction to place
J. upon the fact of my having been insulted b.
improper advances to my wife, and the conse
g quent punishment" added Monsieur Carnot.
q ave have discussed this subject before,
/. continued Johnston, "a and / have no wish t.
!, renew it here, if can help myself. may b.
! saved the trouble, and am willing, in charity
:. to admit all that Madame has ever ASSERTED
Il was her part in the horrible transaction. Sh'
v addressed me note this morning. have no
2 yet read it. Will Madame read it to us?
1 The lady started, and colored slightly, as sh,