The New York herald., 1861-12-28
LrTERATURE.


them, and in whom a burst of passion Is the more
to be feared since it has been smoudering and
checked so long. But those lines were now buried
under the frank and shining smile OF youth, and the
pleasurable antcipations OF an alliance in which
the advantages OF beauty, rank and fortune seemed
to realize the ideal which the marquis had
reared in his imagination. The son OF one of the
bravest marshals Of the empire, the marquis was
survived, grave wounds in the head had early de-
prved him OF his intellectual faculties. The Prince
OF Monza having at lesgth become insane, was in
terdicted from the management of his own affairs,
and inhabited one Of his castles, under the superin
tendence of an old family servant where he was
me recipient OF frequent and solctcus visits from
his son.
As might be conjectured, the important ques-
ton OF the yellow shawl was settled to the satis-
faction of Beatrix. After having tenderly kissed
the rosy tips of the pretty fingers that she extend
ed to him, the marquis took his leave and returned
TO the business occupations in which he had been
interrupted
He was not long awaiting new message.
Thrice afterwards during the day, and from mo-
tives as serious rs that relating to the color Of
cashmere, was he forced to return. On the first
two occasions he arrived apparently joyous and
satisfied. The freaks Of . charming girl possess
numberless attractions. As long as courship lasts
those mincing manners seem exquisite! In the
train OF marriage, however, serious duties follow;
to prove agreeable it must produce between hus-
band and wife an ample harvest of mutual regards.
OF reciprocal good deeds. II the young orchard
bears nothing but barren flowers Of brilliant colors
and sweet perfume, what remains after the fruit is
plueked! A few dry and leafes branches.
Did this reflection present itself to the mind Of
the Marquis de Monza when, for the last time, he
found himself recalled by pressing note to the
hotel of the vscountess? In such event, he
did not broach the sentiment to Beatrix. His
features merely appeared discomposed. He an
swered with graceful poteness the questions
addressed him, but in an absent. preccupied
manner. He asked several times if no message
had come for hm--if no one had sought him, and
finally requested not to be sent for again, since he
would not be likely to return home He left the
hotel without pressing the hand which Beatrix,
engrosscd in admiring some trimmings, forgot at
last to tender him.
To Beatrix the impatience Of her intended, in the
distractions and exctements Of the few days pre-
yious to the consummation Of the marriage con-
tract, appeared quite natural, and she reasoned
from the questions Of the marquis that he was con
templating another surprise--that she would be
the recipient Of another present.
Her surmises did not prove i'll founded. Shortly
before dinner a clerk from Fossin brought
gigantic casket, bearing an order for its delivery
to Mademoiselle de Chamarante. She hastened to
open it, and after Questioning the porter concern
manned stupefed before piece OF jeweIry Of ex-
Quisite workmanship.
What! this too!'' exclaimed her guardian.
Monsieur de Mona goes on extravagantly."
"Extrayagantly, sir! to have procured q march
tied to it?'
"Cousin Beatrix, You will BE- like the Princess of
England at the corOnation--the crown Of your own
house on your head, added her cousin, the yonng
count Robert de Chamarante, who had just en-
tered.
The Count Robert, who had been an orphan from
his infancy, had been brought up by Madame de
Chamarante as her own child, and the fraternal
that had always existed between Beatrx
and himself was increased by their confidence and
his slight services on the occasion of the approach
ing nnptials.
"You must try it on, Beatrix," said the Wis
countess, marveling more and more at the splendor
of the stones.
"Oh! no, no, mother! will not touch It'll no one
must disturb it! Amedic alone must crown me
with this diadem. Why is he not here? Let
him be sent for Cousin Robert, run and bring him.
"What! Aganr' said the President Grossly,
OBTAINING the young count, who was about to exc
cute gaily his cousins orders. Monsieur de Mon
"a cannot return before evening, and told you so
when he left. You have already disturbed him the
fourth time to-day. Allow him to transact his
business Business before everything
Robert again dofed hispcap, and Beatrix, utter
ing heavy sigh, remained silent The firm deter
nnation OF her guardian always checked her.
Like all weak and frivolous ntcccts, she desired
easy sway; but the least resistance when it did
not rritate to frenzy, subdued her Immediately. A
straw fire is as quickly quenched as ignited.
there exist past on the eve of wedding?
Those smiling faces, rejecting their smiles in
the features of the joyous Beatrix, that lovely
child of sixteen summf rs, almost inebriated in
her hopeful anticipation Of that union in which
everything foretod uninterrupted, unaoycd
happiness, formed a singular contrast with the
pale and severe cOuntenance of the President Saint
Sevrc. That venerable relic of the Parliament of
Paris was distinguished by infexible teatures-de-
most universal type Of the ancient magistrature.
In spite of deep grefs and scarcely siderable
trials seventy three years had left his countenancc
unclouded, his form erect, and his bearing as reso-
lutte as formerly in the seat Of justice.
When the company had repaired to the drawing
room, the president surveyed with sorrowful air
the trinkets strewed around him, and particularly
the unexpected crown. His ward inquired, in q
wheedng tone
''Will the marquis arrive soon, my good guar
diam"
II have informed you already, Beatrix,f re-
piled he, "that Monsieur de Monza is obliged to
transact with his notary some business for Madame
Chamarante. But our friends are already hockiDg
hither and commencing to fill the rooms. All Pars
will be here tonight, at this rate
Our friends are anxious to examine my hand
some presents, sir, al which am highly gratfed.
Amede is a long tme,'' added she, in a low voice.
I" The crown has been here four hours and am
not yet aware if it fits me we'll"
The spacious reception rooms were becoming
filed with brilliant toilets, and several groups had
formed around the prodigies Of taste and magnif-
CcECC Jiiut WCic ilhuuy uispElycu ONeT Vie luJu-
ture of the apartments. While the viscountcss
was Offering to the admiration of all present the
marchionesss coronet, which she drew from the
casket and disposed on velvet cushion, Beatrix,
surrounded by her youthful friends, ardent to see
it fitted, resisting their persuasiveness, though
she was herself more impatient than they to enjoy
the effect OF the ornament. She had made herself
the childish promise to receive her coronet of
Marchioncss from the hands of him who bestowed
the title. She was listening to the entreaties of
her companions with an absent air, her face turned
towards the main entrance, beating her cushion
with her dainty foot, and tearing with her small
glstening teeth the rose leaves from her bouquet.
All Of sudden the door opened noisy
" 'Tis he!" exclaimed Beatrix. II hear him!
Quick mother! The crown the CROWN"
And she ran to meet her intended.
The Marquis de Monza entered with marked pre-
cipitaton and embarrassment, of which his tardi-
ness was received as sufficient explanation.
81 am fate," said he
''No excuses. That crown! How beautiful
how costly! But had determined that my FORE
head should receive it first from your hands. Be
handy, therefore. Come sir, quick, quick. Crown
mc!n
Hind inclining herself gracefully forward, she
presented her pretty head to the Marquis.
Those few words, pronounced with the excite
ment of mpetuous youth, and the accompanying
movement, were rapid as lightning.
The Marquis Immediately accepted the dia lem