The Oxford intelligencer., 1860-07-04
Thc Ambassndor,s Fsnll.

Thc Ambassadors RsDll.
Among the persons of distinction who
composed the highest society of Paris il
1910, none were more conspicuous than tn,
Austrian Ambassador, Prince Carl vor
Schwarzcnberc, and his family. The prince
himself, handsome, stately man, dignifed
yet popular in his bearing, distinguished
both in the council-chamber and in the field
was a really imposing representative Of hi,
imperial majesty. Not less remarkable wa.
his charming princess; rare intelligence
combined TO fit her for her brilliant position
The prince and princess held at their magniii-
cent Hotel dc Legation, Rue de Mont Blanca
court-in all but its name aud tedious ccre-
monials. Here French and Gcrmons met on
common ground, unfettered by the uneasi-
ness, restraint and Amothered suspicion which
darkcncd The atmosphere of ST Cloud
Here, on the contrary, there seemed to be
goodwill and fricndliness for ala moral
10 bask. To those who were admitted TO
any degree of intimacy with the family, the
source of the pcvading light and warmth
remained no secret. Beneath the splcndors
of the Hotel de Legation there nourishel ali
the simple virtues of household Affections
Husband and wife loved each other tendcFly,
as it was not the fashion for French husbands
and wives to love in those days; charming
family was growing up about them; they
had circle of valued household friends
Prince Joseph Won Schwartzcnbcrr, the am
bassabor's elder brother, had also taken up
hns residence in Paris. The brothers were
deeply attached to each other; their chill
dren had the same masters, and lived like
brothers and sisters together; each family
shared and heightened the others pleasures.
No wonder that, amidst the false glitter of
Empire this home-happincss-quict, pure
and .true-shoull have exercised a subtle
charm on those who came within its infu-
ence.
OF all the festivities which had taken place
in honor of the nuptials of Maria Louise, that
of the Hotel de Legation was TO be the crown
Il was not considered simply as bah given
by the ambassador; it was the fetc of Aus
tria herself in honor of daughter Of the
House of Hapsburg Every Austrian in
Paris felt himself personally compromised in
the success of this entertainment, which was
to be on a scale of far greater magnifcence
than any that had preceded it. If Austria
had been forced to lay down her arms on the
field of Wagram here at least France should
confess herself vanquishcd The fete was to
take place on the lst of July, and for weeks
beforehand, an army of workmen were en-
ployed in the necessary preparations. As
the time drew near, they worked in relays
night and day. Indeed, those whose turn fell
in the night, were more fortunate than their
brethren, for the heat by day was intense
the paint blistered the woodwork, The stone
blocks glowed under that burning sum-
Scarcely drop of rain had fallen for weeks;
the foliage withered in every direction, as If
under the breath of simeon; the turf and |
boughs required for decoration had TO be
kept fresh by artificial means. The hotel it
sell, it was thought, would not bclargc enough /
for the occasion, as the mansion next door to 1
IT was hired, and the two buildings thrown in
to one. But the grand ballroom, palace .
in itself for size and magnifcence, was erect I
ed of solid woodwork in the garden. Its
roof and walls, covered on the outside with
waxed-cloth, were decorated in the interior
with tapestry, and all the resources Of uPhol
stery and taste expended in the arrangement 1
Of mirrors, candelabra, colored lamps, and
every kind of dazzling ornament.
The roof which was dome-shapcd, was
supported by wooden pillars covered with
white satin damask, striped in gold and sil-
rer, and festooncd with muslin, game and
other light fabrics, bound by vreaths Of aTti-
fetal flowers. Massive glass lustres swung
on gold and silver chains from the roof and
were combined in ono graceful ard LarmOni-
Gus whole with the other decorations, BY
means Of floating draperies, flowers and nib
bons. At one end Of this pavilion rose a
dais, carpeted with cloth Of gold, on which
two throne chairs were placed for the EmPe-
ror and his bride; At the opposite end was a
gallery for the orchestra. There we're three
entrances to the ball room besides tiot Tor