The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1862-05-14
quarres and grottoes which skred the park these she

had sufficient skill arrange and classify for the cabinet
already richly stored by erndustry and zeal Melane
which intention to manifest desire Of renewing bonds OF
amity with Bertha for the first time pretended much
interest in mneraogy Every specimen was successlyey
examined, admired classified Conversation turned on
scientific Subjects in the Of which st. Aubin
Landed the Bourbons for their municent protection OF
science and its devotees 1t characteristic OF the
old man, that be the subject of discourse what might
he sure, after while to associate it with the Bour
bons heircau twas equally remarkable, though
more unaccountabe, that such occasions, Bertha |
seemed to feel it matter of duty applaud the present
French government where applause was inconsistent
to apologize That her remarks were offensive, she
could not but be aware, could she wish to Offend as
in every other respect her conduct marked by eN
treme genteness and reverental regard. II st. Aubln
had possessed subtey he would have felt less
account of his daughters opposition he would have
seen that it void of anmosity to the late court,
where indeed, Bertha had been avorte, and was re-
striced to apoogetic tone in favor OF tie powers
then existing But why was Bertha their advocate?
Though the father could nQt the distinction and
Meanie did not would not vet the fact oughto have
been more apparent that the daughter aimed only at
removing the preudices of her parent. To this end
indeed strove Bertha and with earnestness whchto
dis;ntercSed observer inferred plainly that to con
demn the French government or its proceedings was to
put the maiden her trial But whence the necessity
of Observation-Disclosures she, the loyal OF the loyal St
Aubn, linked with regicdes?
'But are YOU not aware father replied she in an
swer to ST. Aubn's Iaudaton; indeed am glad, that
science is not forgot even now? Money is yearly voted
for the pursuit of researches in the east and In South
America-and the count de MontmOrenc-"
Is that the gentleman Who voted the abolition OF
all tes?' asked MeIanie, cooly forgetting her late
pledge.
/ HAh the regcide- -traitol-disgrace to an honored
familyn exclaimed ST. Aubin letting fau erystazaon
which he had been adnliring 'name him not, Bertha.
regret your falling into such bad society in Paris.
Even here, not safe from these tratorous re-
pubicansn
Bertha started-betrayed slight confuson-but per-
ceiving her embarrassment did pass unnCced, ex
claimed gailv--
''What new arrivals in Geneva: I have vet heard
the news father Has the bad society YOU speak of been
driven to take refuge in Switzerland and the cnigrant
army reentercd Paris?'
St. Aubin replied that the good news was vet
The party he alluded to the diSatccted OF Swltzer
land secretly encouraged by propagandiss from France
The Ileyetc States, forming tederatWe union, were
governed by alistocratc body who feared republican
principles much the French royalists; sympathy
with Gaic revolutionary progress had created strong
movement party in Switzerland causing extreme anxiety
to those who like St. Aubin abhorred innovation. Twas
with view to repress this spirit that he had gone to
Geneva, having been dtputcd by the gentry and mtuen
tal classes Of the distrctall paraklng arisocratlc
tendencesto represent to the authorities the secret
danger which lurIed in the neighborhood. There was
every to believe that mighty meetings were held
by the Swss democrats, doubtless assisted by French
abettors, and that outbreak might be expected to
result Even on the night among the rocky dels which
opened on the akebOats passing and repassing long
after hours Of business pIeaslFe-torch beacons
neighboring on several occasions fisherman
repairing the shore after nghta to set lines or in
Spect the state of pscatoy lures had been disturbed
they described it, by tall figures wrapped up in military
cloaks The inhabitants afraid to venture out at
night more especially on near the lake. although
previously it had been much the fashion to glide
the quiet surface of the waters during the moonllt
hours enjoying the duce notes of the guitar sweeter
voices of woman, Now these pasmes were hushed, fled
But we II soon have music parties again. ladies,
said the gallant st. Agbn whilst recounng the success
of his mission; Geneva sends strong mounted force
to patrol night and day, throughout the district The
lake shall be free heretofore"
THAT will bring no change to Bertha, cried Melanie,
looking Significantly at her cousin-but remembering
her promise, she stopped short.
''You are jealous of BeTtlas courage, Melanie OBJ
served the old man That remark was injuaicous.
81 Jealous, uncle2n exclaimed the lady reddening in
anger .do YOU call it courage or madness remain
by the lake I'LL after dark Bertha did We
poor Gcnevcsc maden own ourselves afraid of revou-
onary brigands whether French Swiss, but smart,
, Paris bred lady has no such fear" =
"I}ut Slight cause vas there for fear said Bertha
mildly, 'for never lost sight Of protection always
kept in view the windows Of the saloon"
''There now!' cried Euphrasa; las though monsieur
Andcot or his cousin would have been i'll time for res
cue, if boats crew had landed and carried yon Off,
w ere they mere last lgtt MelallttS asked St AuD,
looking archy at lis niece
so it seems uncle replied the elder niece smiling,
as she picked up the fallen embroidery, and carried it
into the saloon. Though Bernas weIltimed allusion
to protection diSarmed her fair foe and she escaped
further remark, yet her conduct was Justly chargeabe
in the particular referred to- with eccentricity
travasance. 1t was observed she was fond OF solitary
walks even to the verge Of propriety ard not
afraid, least showed signs Of fear, IN strOlng
alone by moonlight, or even when that lnminary was
hidden by the margin OF the lake. It was attributed
by the heuschQld and ncghh0@s to desire of paratDg
superior courage in contrast 70 her timd cousins;
nor did the hcireSS take any steps to remove the dsad-
vantagcons impression St Aubn, that evening, read
his daughter in presenceo OF the ncces, lecture,
ior strayug far from the chateau. Not only, as he
remarked was their higherto peaceable territory
Threatened with political Volcano but the rival repub
iican and royast armies, reinforced by Austrias were
now lnannuvering the French borders, and should
battle take place, their district would be infested with
tugtvcs and desercrs
Affairs remained on the same footing or with slight
alterations few days longer chateau st. Aubn. The
parong force secured the district the isaItected made
attempt rising, and the gightly appearances and
tokens Of scditious meetings nearly disappeared As
Bertha grew obedent to her fathers wish, seldom
sraying from chateau she 1acanie more reserved and
melancholy, tillat length symptoms Of i-health up
pearcd She no longer sought to parry, retort the
raierv of Meaine but suffered every attack with calm
Indifference; st. Aubin in ALARM regretted his harsh
and weil-mean restIicion society, be Judged, would
dissipae her mclancholv hc resolved to By
throwing open lis doors to all the admissible gentry Of
the neighbOrhood. The evening of entertainment ar
rived.
1t was whispered during the morn among the domes
tics that a letter. brought by unknown messenger,
came addressed to madeloisele Bertha; the whisper
travelled to the cousins and they could not fail noticing
the alteration wrought in the behavior OF the helress
Her most trivial actions betrayed irresouton and alb
sence of mind, The dresses to be worn on the occasion