Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-02-24
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Gseit< 8t9erefsre.
The Thespian Manuscripts.
THE MYSTERIOUS COMPACT ];
Oh
LEDIABLE A PARIS.
CHAPTER W.


The ball at the Banker Duplumct's up->
on the same evening that Count Henri
Beausoicil entertained his strange visitor,
was indeed brilliant affair. The beauty
and elite of Paris were there, thronging
his gorgeous saloons. The ball room was
Of vast extent, and at its extreme end open
ed into three smaller saloons by means of
beautifully decorated arch-ways. The
centre saloon, accessible by means of a
larger arch than the others, was devoted to-
the promenaders-the saloons on either
side were fitted mp with tables for the use
of those who preferred to while away their
time by games Of chance. Each of these
arches was fretted with gold, and marble
statuettes guarded the entrance. The walls
needed no decorations of flowers, or drape-
ry; they were 50 beautifully painted and
gilded that additions would have rendered
their beauty lustreless. The chandelier
which hung from the centre of the main
saloon was of gold and cut glass, and its
myriad burners gave sufficient light for the
whole apartment.
1t was nearly midnight, after tedious
sought rest upon the handsome sofas and
chairs with which the apartment was fur
nished, that Count Vanille stumbled upon
Count Gasconade who was issuing from
one of the card saloons. The latter ap-
peared much excited, and as he entered,
exclaimed 10 himself:
Not here! IT'S very strange; and yet
am certain [ saw her enter this room
All! Vanille have you seen a lady pass
this way ?
Hundreds, my dear fellow replied
Count Vanille, Of every pattern brown,
hlepds Thin and EasS s;oqt gs,, se,,,, g, ,.,,,,e.
Have you seen herr
No! didn't she send Bcausoleii word
she would not be here? !?
yet I AIN sure saw her leaving the
concert-room. All! look--look--there
she is again in the pink dress and white
wreath Good-bye-good-bye! :.
Count Gasconade hurried off in the dl
rection of the lady he had pointed out t@
Count Vanille, who stood for few mo
ments in astonishment.
tWell.' he found breath to calculate, al
ter a few moments meditation, that's tn
coolest arrangement | ever recollect IN tn
whole course of my fashionable life! LII
ladv sends her intended word she Is to
indisposed to meet him at the ball, an
when she knows he is safe at the cluI
comes here on the sly to meet his rival :
Oh! woman! woman with sucn avn
examples as these before our eyes, car
he a wonder that matrimony is at dl
count and I have remained so long 9
hand. So! SO! Gasconade has caugl
the pretty wild duck, and is bringing h
here. pll be friend and retire.
VanilIe fastened back into the caro-
roo,n lust as Mam'selle de Nantclle, Il
betrothcd of Count Henri de Beausoi
estered in the opposite direction, follow
bv Count Gasconade. Mam'selle de Ma
tele was indeed peerless creature bea
t;ful hut as heartless as she was lovely.
Her rod was gold, her votaries the purs
proud. senseless butterflies who ever u
around her for her hand and fortune.
This is happiness, madam, little
pccted,' said Count Gasconade, after tf
had retired to secluded spot.
Il have been seeking you through
,he rooms-' exclaimed the beauty
hasty, excited tones.
You may spare yourself the trout
madam cody interrupted Count Gasc
ado. Il knew all. You have forgot
your vows, and have bestowed your h'
upon another ra .Ea
MY hand, Frederick, not my hear
4. that is wholly and irrevocsbIy yours
the brilliant position which | shall at
by marrying the wealthy Beauso
the. ...-.
Enough, madam again interrupted
Count. 7 can understand and appre'
al vou would urge. Your interest proI
Won to forsake the poorer for the n
Ioyer-and you would persuade me
have made sacrifice. No, madam,
have reused me from my dream;
heart is too cold, too base to love /!
we'll
anger. You wrong me. My triends
forced me to this hated marriage.
cd 70 see you to explain have pr