Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-01-20
MISCELL AN Y
For the Staanton Spectator.
, sympathetic Apartment.

ALTERED FROM TIE FRENCH By KATE BERNARD.
4. During the recent extensive Improvements in
Paris, when whole lines of houses were leYelled
to the ground to make room for handsomer and
more modern edifces, the difficulty in obtaining
lodgings and the consequent high prices offered
for furnished rooms induced many persons to
rent their apartments for the summer season,
while they travelled or visited the different wa
tering places, the income derived from the rent
covering the expenses of pleasant trip. From
these transient rentings unexpected advantages
sometimes resulted as the following apropos sto-
ry will illustrate:-
Adolphe De. c. bad been for several years
q voluntary exile from his native France, en-
deavorng in other lands to retrieve his shattered
fortune. An estate bequeathed him required his
presence in Paris and business would detain him
in that CITY several months. lie had not yet de
cided to establish himself there permanently
Perhaps he would travel again, as man OF leis-
ure now, a rich tourist. Perhaps lie would set
tie in some province, become the proprietor of
some magnificent domain which he might adorn
with the Joys of domestic life and rural happi-
ness. Still undecided, Adolphe sought furnished
lodgings for the time he should lciIain in Paris.
He soon found what suited himl--a small, but
pretty dwelling, pleasantly situated, the price of
which did not exceed its value. The Concierge
informed him that the person who Inhabited it
was absent, and had given orders for it to be
rented until the 10Th October. Adolphe in
ouired who this person was, but the Concierge
knew nothing about it. He had entered upon
his duties there only few days before and
merely fulfilled the instructions OF his predeces-
sor. At this time it mattered but little that A
dolphe should know more. The lodgings pleased
bim-that was all sufficient-he engaged them
and Installed himself forthwith. A more minute
and attentive examination revealed to him still
more the charms OF his new residence. Each Of
the four rooms was furnished with perfect taste.
Nothing could be more charming than the little
salon eGnaIneYAteir with well chosen paintings, a
piano loaded with music and portfolios, a DooK-
case of inaid work filed with fine selection of
books. But the bed-chamber was above all, de-
lightful. The arrangement of this room, the
furniture which embellished it, the sweet per-
fume which it exhaled, the poetry of the whole
and the grace of the details-reyealed its occu-
pant-a woman Adolphe was bachelor OF
about thirty. In his early youth he had been
''rather Wild" but the experience OF ill-fortune
had mstured his reason, while travel had formed
his mind and developed the inclinations of a
character naturally ob.ervant, impressonable,
sentimental "It is woman who dwells here, "
thought he, sbut what woman 2" To solve this
enigma aroused all the curiosity of the observer
who Immediately began minute examination,
bringing into use all the resources OF his pene-
tration and genius for analysis. "It is evident"
said he, ''that she is refined woman-every-
thing indicates 1t. In fact vulgar woman
could not have had such perfect taste, AN adven-
turess would have disdained this simplicity so
full of exquisite refinement. Certain indices at
test an existence peaceful, meditative and hon
orable." "Now," continued the explorer, this
womsn-is she Young or old Is she married or
single9 Old2-it was impossibe-The evidences
Of youth were everywhere displayed. The sweet
perfume of the chamber could belong only to the
spring-time oflife. The songs lying open upon
the piano required the clear melodious voice OF
youth. As to q misunderstanding indicated his
existence; there was no piece of furniture--no
masculine accessory in the apartments. Evi
dently it was occupied by woman-alone.-
How could he explain this solitude of woman
young, pretty, refined and rich The rent and
style of the apartments would suppose an income
of at least fifteen or twenty thousand francs
year. Widow or maiden, why had she not been
sought in marriages. She must be ugly or de-
formed. This idea vexed Adolphe exceedingly.
He did not wish to believe it, yet what proof had
he to confute it2 Having decided upon the re-
fnement youth and wealth of the unknown, he
sought with eagerness some proof of her beauty.
There was in the chamber q closet. By an ex-
aggeration of his rights as lodger, which gave to
him the full enjoyment Of the apartments in the
minutest details, he had for an instant the idea
of forcing the lock of the door. Perhaps he
would have committed this act of violence if, in
searching through bureau he had not found a
key which opened the closet. In this receptacle
lie discovered various articles of the toilet, very
valuable in enlightening his doubts. There was
night cap-a peignor and pair of slippers
could such an observer as Adolphe need any
thing more2 Could he not from these articles
form an idea of the wearer's appearance9 The
ribbon which served as girde for the peignoir
creased where the bow was tied, encircled slim
and delicate waist. The distance from the waist
to the top of the robe, gave the proportions of
the bust, slender, straight and full. The cap,
which still retained the impression of the head,
encased full suit of hair. From the lace bor-
der of the cap, he drew forth single hair, fine,
silky and of golden hue. The slipper, small and
narrow, was like that which caused the prince
of the fairy tale to fall madly in love with Gin
derilla. Was not this already mpch gained
this little foot, this charming form, this bright,
golden hair How could ugliness be allied to
surh attractions Certainlv If q woman so we'll