Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-02-05
CHAPTER ]

A singular and comical figure was slow
ly pacing an ante-chamber in the lordly
mansion of Count Henri Beausoleil, then
one of the most noble and distinguished
bloods' of the gay metropolis Of France.
The figure alluded to, dressed in hand
some black Wallets jacket with the shoul-
der knots then in fashion, white waist
coat, with black pantaloons reaching to
the knees. His feet were encascd in gray
silk stockings and dancing-master's pumps.
His face was pale, and his eyebrows were
knit with excitement, while a close observ-
er might really have detected the long
haxen hairs rising in amazement. The
object of all this wonder was contained in
small book over which he was studious-
ly poring. In his right hand he held a
lighted candle, and upon his arm was an
empty champagne basket. So engaged
was he that his attention was not drawn
off by the vigorous pulling Of bell which
had been resonant with melodious sounds
for some period. All the world was b.
yond his notice as he slowly waiKcd vnwafd
devouring the contents of his book.
Now, said the fend, your hour is come J
read Creqnet, regardless Of a servant who
had entered the ante-chamber and was en-
deavoring to break the spell which bound
him to his book.
'Crequet Crequet! don't YOU hear thu
bell 2 bawled the servant into the ear o
the valet, and again the wire seemed ready
to break. ..--....
Don't bother! don't bother = was tn,
calm reply.
'Tarry awhile, said Vonheyslinger, al
the conditions are not yet accomplished
Hold the candle while [ turn over yor
promised that / should live until -
At this juncture another servant entered
and exclaimed in the ear of the spell.
bound valet ...- -....
Masters getting furious. Why dom
you make haste with the champagne? you
were sent for it an hour ago.
'Eh 7 said Crequet, 'oh l-ah Yes
there, there-take it in and giving tn
basket on his arm to the astonished SER
want crossed to the opposite side still en-
gagged in his reading.
Take it in why the baskets empty
What the deuce have you been about a
this time
Don't you see he's swallowing dos
of German devilry, out of the book h
stole from the college at Heidelberg, re
piled the other servant, when master wa
student there. Poor wretch, it has turl
ed his brain-it's no use trusting him
but you fill the basket while take in tt
cakes. ! never saw such q sappy, ha ! b
ha he fancies himself Doctor Faust
The valet did not regard the humoro
sarcasm of the servants, nor did he noti
their departure on their respective erranc
But continuing his reading he paced
and down the ante-chamber. At lengt
closing his book, he solioquised:
Wonderful enough to make ones b;
stand on end, let it be ever so long a
] believe every word to be true-compaC
can be made with old-ahem-wha d.
call 'em, az hundreds of respectable gent
men who are new cutting a splash, a
hara. IN extraordinary good innings
all tie good things of life, can prove.
knos dozen myself-there's black Fra
my masters fellow student at Heidlbe
who, six months ago, hadn't sou to b
himself cup of milk, is now driving
carriage, and living in splendor-he':
post obit, sure as fate Then there's IN
ter, they say he became rich in very s
den and mysterious manner. All
afraid he is another--it must be very pie
ant, while it lasts, but the windup car
be agreeable-eh that's the onlv tn
that prevents me from having try at
there's no paying the interest, and rem