Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-07-18
q geIetted Stury.

= SFlettea Stnfg.
THE LADY OF I.AROSE.
Not many years ago, the gay world of Paris was
excited by q strange and romantic affair. Emile
Lamont, young lady with a splendid fortune, and
highly accomplished in mind and manners, an
nounced to the world that she would bestow her
hand and fortune upon any gentleman VINO pleased
her, but that he must be willing, in consideration
of her wealth and other attractions, to put up with
face of unparalleled ugliRess. A certain time
each day was appointed to receive the suitors at
Larose, Mademoisele Lamont's beautiful residence
in the vicinity Of Paris.
Among the first who responded to the singular
announcement was Sir Charles Dashington, a
young Englishman of noble family, who had squan-
dered princely fortune in the gambling houses OF
the dissipated capital of France he eagerly seiz-
ed upon the opportunity to mend his broken for
tunes, and to establish himself again in the world
of pleasure Dashington was possessed OF that
beauty of form and face which attracts the gaze OF
artists and wins the love of woman His self con-
. ceit led him to suppose that no woman could re-
sst him; and he thought it only necessary to pre-
sent himself before the Lady of Larose in order to
win her hand, and what he valued more, her for.
tune. With this object in view he attired himself
in magnificent suit of clothes, hired a carriage
and proceeded in dashing style in search of wealth
and wife. ..-.s
It was delicious day in June, and the gardens
and grounds of Larose presented scene Of raw
ishing beauty to the eyes of Sir Charles Dashing-
ton, who looked upon himself as soon to be mon
arch of all he surveyed After drive Of quar-
ter of an hour, through winding roads bordered
with sweet and brilliant flowers, and through shady
and cool groves, the superb villa of Larose burst
upon his enraptured sight. As he drove up he
was met by servant in handsome livery, who con-
Quoted him through an elegant marble gallery into
the spacious reception room.
The matchless splendor of this apartment daz-
zled the eyes of Sir Charles Dashington. The floor
was composed of exquisite mosaics, wrought into
quaint and curious patterns; the walls were beau
tifully frescoed after the manner of Raphael; be-
fore the crimson tinted windows hung purple silk
curtains, which trembled in the vibration of low,
melancholy music whose origin could not be dis
covered; tables of pearl and agate were placed in
different parts of the room; some Of them loaded
with richly bound books, and others having on
them gorgeous vases of flowers, whose odor per-
vaded the whole apartment. In one corner stood
massive cabinet containing curiosities, and sur
mounted with busts of celebrated authors, among
whom the Engiishman was pleased to see Shak-
speare crowned with insmorte0es -
While he was admiring the splendid saloon a
L. JoJ al l,ol, oaI
Dashington rose and advanced to meet the person
who entered He was prepared to see face ugly,
indeed, but when his eyes fell upon the frightful
features of the lady, he shrunk back with an ex-
clamation of horror. Her lips were withered and
bloodless her eyes were sunk deep in their sockets
her large and misshapen nose was revolving OBJ
ject and her skin was dry and yellow as an Egyp.
tan mummy.
Without appearing to notice Dashington's en-
barrassment, Emile welcomed him to Larose in q
wv sweetly spoken words and, to his surprise,
she spoke in English with slight but charming ae-
cent; for among the many accomplishments Of this
singular creature was perfect knowledge of the
modern languages. Sir Charles was somewhat re-
assured by her kind, welcome and winning voice
and he succeeded in overcoming, or at least in con-
cealng the disgust which the horrible ugliness Of
her face at first occasioned. After long prelimi
nary conversation he ventured to approach the
subject which had brought him to Larose
''Mademoisene," he said with bow, "f I die
not know that the Garden of Eden was in Asia,
should think that had found it to-day in your de
icious retreat.
'Sir Charles Dashington is pleased to Aatter m!
poor Larose." .,-... s-....
''Mademoiselle, it is no hattey; the beauty ant
splendor of your grounds far surpass all my expec
tations. o. how dream-Gke my life would bt
passed in this lovely spot! With congenial com
panion to share its sweets, this place would be
paradise on earth
"What do you meanbya congeniai companion? ?
Emile asked.
''One who possesses an appreciating love of ma
ture, one who finds greater delight in books thai
in balls one who prefers meditation and study II
the frivoites of modern society,"
'sYou say nothing of beauty-is not that a re
qusite?" demanded Emile, who saw the serpen
Mking beneath his fowery language.
'sGive me the lasting beauties of the mind ant
Icare not for the fading beauties of pretty face,
cried Dashington.
Soon after this interview terminated, and 81
Charles rose to depart Emile told him he shoul'
hear from her in a week.
II shall expect your communication with impa
tience," said Dashington, bowling himself from tn
room.
As he crossed the long gallery to reach his cal
rage, he muttered, in sufficiently loud tone to
overheard by servant who had kept close benin
him: 49,, -,
eWhat monster But for the gold that gid
her hideous face, I never could have gone throug
that interview. But her manners are easy an
elegant, and her voice-how can such sweet SOUND
proceed from such repulsive lips"
These remarks were duly reported to Emile II Y:
mont, and they were not likely to advance y 8
Charles Dashington's suit. Inquiries were lnst
tuted about his habits and prospects, and nothln