The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-04-24
When not engaged in either

attainment. As he is rich and handsome, this
eccentric conduct of being happy and comfort
able creates remark, and various people have
various reasons for the cause. Some assert that
he was once crossed in love; others, that he is
waiting for the death of rich uncle; The ma
ority believe that he is secretly in the diplomatic
service, and tell strange stories of his intimacy
with crowned heads. l have the real cause for
this extraordinary conduct, but, as purpose
one day writing the biography of a " Capable
Man who did Nothing" the secret shall be pre-
served until then.
In Johnston's wanderings over Europe, du-
ring which wanderings he had made the &C
quaintance of every one worth knowing, acct
dent brought him to TrouvilIe He knew
Dungleson and Drayton, and felt interested, as
much as such a man could feel an interest, in
their respective families. One evening, without
being announced, he walked into the private
parlor of Monsieur Carnot. The quartette was
deep in the most fascinating of games, when
the entrance was made. Monsieur Carnot,
springing to his feet, embraced Sidney Johnston,
claiming him as an old acquaintance. Madame
Carnotslightly colored, and seemed embarrassed.
Having shaken hands with our two friends, the
saturnine intruder was helped to chair, and
very awkward feeling fell upon the company.
In vain Monsieur Carnot ratified away, speaking
of the past, when he had the happiness of meet
ing his dear friend Johnston, and asking
hundred questions of the present whereabouts
of numerous members of the nobility. To all
of which Johnston responded in monosylables,
looking the while at Madame Carnot, who, at
last, somewhat recovered her ordinary presence
of mind.
She at last interrupted conversation, that,
TO closer observers than our two friends, would
have appeared the heavy fire from a reserve, to
cover a surprise party. She addressed Johnston
in Italian, who responded, and in few seconds
she became exceedingly animated, her cheeks
flushing, and her large lustrous eyes fairly gilt
tering with excitement. AS it was not very
polite, this conversation in language unknown
to two of the company, Monsieur Carrot turned
to the young gentlemen his exclusive attention.
The matters being discussed by Johnston and
his wife might have been of interest to him, or
it might not; but, so quiet, calm, and selfpos
sessed was he, that one might as well have
looked on a stone wall as into the Frenchman's
face.
The evening were away, and the gentlemen
eparated-Dungleson retiring with a sense of
impending evil, difficult to describe or account
for.
Life at Trouville did not continue with our
friends as before. Drayton conversing contin
ually with Monsieur Carnot, made it natural
that Dungleson should be much with Madame :;
but the presence of Johnston, which seemed to
our hero to be an eternal presence, not only In
terfered with the pleasant occupation, but did
something more. Dungleson observed in john
ston's conduct towards Madame Carnot, not
precisely an impoliteness, but nameless some
thing in his manner, which indicated a want Of
respect. Nothing pains a lover more than this ;
and, in addition to this, he saw a familiarity
and, worse than all, a control over the object of
l off, hot ffn H.
would propose various pleasure parties, and
have each proposition rejected by mere sug
gestion from Johnston. They could scarcely sit
down to game of cards, that the cold, quiet
Johnston, by the merest remark, would not draw
Madame Carnot from the table, That this was
not effected by the willing consent of the lady,
Percival had the best evidence. This, added to
the mystery of the affair, prevented an immedi
ate explosion.
The explosion, however, came at last. Dun
gleson had made an engagement to walk with
Madame Carnot, one evening, upon the beach.
He arrived at the apartment moment behind
the appointed time, and found her gone. The
very walk he was to take part in, he discovered,
was being enjoyed by this cold-blooded, inter
fering iend. What could it all mean2 Dray-
ton and Monsieur Carnot were away together.
Angered into a state of thoughtless excitement,
Percival paced to and fro before the hotel, until
the return of Madame Carnot and her escort.
They came, at length. Concealed behind a pill
lar of the hotel, he saw them pass, and heard
their voices in low, earnest conversation. Hes
itating few moments, he followed them. When
he entered the room, Johnston was seated in an
armchair, smoking, aud Madame Carnot with
her bonnet thrown off, was lighting for herself
a cigarette at the lamp. This last was an &C.
complishment unknown before to Percival.
haer ord G., @Ic%
came too late to keep my engagement this
evening"
"You did not come too late, quietly respond
ed the Madame, after slowly rolling out vol
ume of delicate, white smoke, from her beauti-
full mouth"
"How?" exclaimed Percival. Gam | to
understand that you Intentionally broke the
engagement"
Precisely; and if you wish the strong in
ducements given me, ask Monsieur" she an
swered, looking Significantly toward Johnston
That gentleman slightly started, then resu-
ming his cigar, said nothing. There was a
silence OF some minutes, when she continued:
Monsieur does not answer-does not say
that he begged me to break the engagement on
your account"
"On my account"
Precisely. Which he has explained. He
loves you, my friend-he is your guardian your
tather-and for your good he insists that our
innocent intercourse shall cease No more
drives, no more walks, nor songs, nor pleasant
little tete a-tetes; that you shall be returned to
yourself, and given over to er nui-and Mon
sieur Carnot."
This was said in French, slowly and distinct.
ly, with sarcasm difficult to describe. Dun
gieson was mute with astonishment; and, as
Johnston still remained silent, she continued:
IF do not, am to be punished, cruelty
punished, by exposure. l am to be shown to
the world as heartless, base, vile creature, I'M
worthy your regard, or any ones respect"
nat is the meaning of this insolent inter-
ference IN my affairs ?" exclaimed Percival, in
English, to Johnston, trembling and white with
rage.
"Speak In French Dungleson," responded
Johnston, IN that language. MADAME is play
ing part, and will be put out confoundedly if
she cannot keep the cue."
He looked at Madame. A single fash fell
from her eyes, but passed like heat-ligbtninp.
followed by no storm. She looked carelessly
upon the table, where her delicate fingers we're
playing with the leaves of a book
"This trifing shall not serve you, sir. 7
again demand what Is the meaning of this in.
solent interference"
"Ah! / see | must interpret for you" And
Johnston rendered the speech into French, and
being ruined. Very well, you wish to be ruined
i l seek to make you the last of many. / cannot
use such harsh language to a lady as the truth
calls for, and she has saved me the trouble"
One unacquainted with the circumstances OF
the scene, and looking upon Madame Carno,
I'll hauo 10