Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1865-12-27

VI tliiN II OilA NtbAl DiiC Vi ilOl wv
temples a tress of pale auburn hal
descended low on her cheek, then pas
ing behind the small ear of ivory, wa
fastened under a sort of blue checke
handkerchief which she wore upon he
head, tied, as is vulgarly called, a
Mdymotte. A string of coral bead
encircled her beautiful throat, of mos
dazzling whiteness; her dress, of blu
stuff, was much too large, and scarce
y concealed her round and elasti
form; a miserable little orange shaw
with blue fringe, crossed on her bosom
completed her attire. The charmin,
voice of La Goualeuse had attracted
| the attention other unknown defender
in effect, this voice, so sweet and har
monious, had such an irresistible at
traction, that the crowd of miserable
wretches, in the midst of whom she
lived, often begged her to sing, and il
listening to her touching notes, had
surnamed her La Goadleuse( singer).
She had also received another name
due, no doubt to the innocent express
sion of her face they called her Fleu,
de Marie, which in Argot Slang )means
virgin.
We wish we could convey to the
reader the singular impression made
upon us when, in the midst of this vo-
cabulary, redolent with words Of blood,
and murder, and theft we came to this
one so poetical, so metaphorical, so re-
ligious. Fleur de Marie-is it not
like a lily rearing its snow-white head
on a field of carnage? Singular CON
trast, strange chance the inventors of
this frightful language have dared to
look up to a holy poesy-they have
added another charm to the words they
wish to express.
These reflections, do they not lead
US to believe, in thinking also of other
contrasts, which break the horrible
monotony of the most criminal exist
ences, that certain principles of piety
and morality, innate, as it were, cast
here and there their sparkling light on
some dark, gloomy mind? Malefactors
all Of one description are phenomena
sufficiently rare.
The unknown defender of La Goua-
leuse(we shall call him Rodolphe was
about thirty years of age, and mid
ding size; his slight and perfectly
proportioned figure gave no indication
of the great strength which he had
shown in his contest with the Chou
rineur. 1t had been difficult to assign
any certain character to the physiogno-
my of Rodolphe-it united the strang-
est contrasts his features were regu-
larly handsome. too handsome for a
man; his delicately-pale complexion,
his large brown eyes, almost always
half closed, his lounging gait, his ironi-
cal smile, seemed to announce a dis
sipated man, whose constitution was,
as yet, only weakened by the ariSto-
cratic eXcesses of oppulent life. Yet,
Notwithstanding his white and delicate
hands, Rodolp phe had just knocked
down one of the most robust and re-
nowned bandits of this resort of rob
bers.
We say aristocratic excess, because
the intoxication proceeding from, or
caused by, generous wine, is very diff
ferent from that caused by a misera-
BILE adultcrated drink; because, in a
word, to the eyes of an observer, an
excess differs as much in symptoms as
in kind and species
Certain furrows on the brow of
revealed profound thought,
contemplative man; yet
-he frmness of the contour of his mouth |
ais carriage of the head, somewhat |
bold and imperious, betrayed the man
)f action, whose physical force and
courage would always exercise on the
an irresistible ascendency.
Often his look seemed charged with a
sadness, and all that com
has the most hopeful, all
hat pity has the most touching, was
on his countenance; at other
lines, on the contrary, the expression
If Rodolphe become hard and wicked
lis features expressed so much dis
lain and cruelty, that one could scarce
Y believe they could ever be suscepti-
Die of any gentle emotion. The con-
inuation of this story will show what
vas capable of calling forth passions
md feelings so opposite in their ma
.ure.
In this conflict with the Chourineur,
}odolphc had shown neither anger
lor hatred against an adversary so un-
worthy. Coniding in his strength,
n his address, in his agility, he had
no emotion but that of
contempt for the sort of brute he threw
IN the ground. To finish the portrait
If Rodolphe, we will say that his hair
vas of clear chestnut, as were his no
,ly-arched eyebrows; he wore fine
ilken mustache, and his chin, a little
prominent, was most carefully shaved
otherwise, the manners and language
le used, or rather affected to use, with
ease, gave him a complete
'esemblanceto the guests of the Ogres-
e. His symmetrical neck, modelled
ike an Indian Bacchus, was encom-
,assed by a black cravat, negligently
led, with the ends falling on the
BOSOM of his blouse, whose faded col
,ur announced its antiquity; his shoes
we're nailed with a double row of
lails, and save his hands of dazzling
nothing in his dress dis
inguished him from the other inmates
While his air OF resolution, and, if we
nay so express it, his audacious sereni-
V, placed between him and them an
distance.
On entering the tapis-franc, the
r L.. 4.