Litchfield enquirer., 1867-09-26
THE LADY OF LAROSE.

q tic affair. Emile Lamont, young lady with a splendid fortune, and highly accom- plished in mind and manners, announced to the world that she would bestow her hand and fortune upon any gentlemen who pleased he", but that he must be willing in consideration of her wealth and other at fractions, to put up with face of unparal- leled ugliness. A certain time each day was appointed to receive tho visits of tfe suitors at Larose, Mademoisclle Lamont's s beautiful residence ill the vicinity of Paris.
 Among the first who responded to the singular announcement was Sir Charles Dashington, young Englishman of noble family, who had squandered princely for tune in the gambling houses of the dissipa- ted capital of France. He eagerly seized upon the opportunity to mend his broken fortunes, and to establish himself again in the world of pleasure. Dashington was possessed of that beauty of form and face which attracts the gaze ofartists and wins the love of women. His sclf-conceit led him to suppose that no woman could resist him; and he thought it was only necessary to present himself before the Lady of La- rose in order to win her hand, and what he valued more, her fortune. With this object in view he aSStired himself in mag nifcent suit of clothes, hired o carriage, and proceeded in flashing style in search of wealth and wife,
 It was delicious day in Juno, and tho gardens and grounds of Larose presented scene of ravishing beauty to tho eyes of Sir Charles Dashington, who looked upon himself as soon to be monarch of all he surveyed" After dive of Q qualter 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 conducted him through an elegant marble gallery into the spacious reception room.
 The matchless splendor of this apart ment dazzled the eyes of Sir Charles Dash ington. The floor was composed of exqui- site mosaiss wrought into quaint and cu- rious pattelns; the walls were beautifully frescoed after the manner of Raphael; be- fore the crimson tinted windows hung pur- pie silk curtains, which trembled in the vi bration of low, melancholy music, whose origin could not be discovered; tables of pearl and agate were placed in different parts of the room; some of them loaded with richly bound books; and others hay ing on them gorgeous vases of flowers whose odor pervaded tho whole ap pertinent. In one corner stood massive cabinet, con- taining curiosities, and surmounted with busts of celebrated authors, among whom the Englishman was pleased to sec Shakes pere crowned with inanoateNes.
 While he was admiring the splendid sa loon door glided softly back, and Emilio Lament was announced. Dashington o1u fo entered. He was prepared to see face ugly, indeed, but when his eyes fell upon the frightful features of tho lady, he shrrnk back with an exclamation of horror. Her lips were withered and bloodless; her eyes were sunk deep in their sockets; her large and mishapen nose was Q Ievolting object; and her skin was dry and yellow as an Egyp- tian mummy.
 Without appearing to notice Dashing tons embarrassment, Emile welcomed him to Larose in Q few sweetly spoken words; and, to his surprise, she spoke in English with slight but charming accent; for among the many accomplishments of this singular creature was perfect knoT]- edge of the modern languages. Sir Charles was somewhat reassured by her kind vel come and winning voice; and he succeeded in overcoming, or at least in concealing tho disgust which tho horrible ughness of her face had at first occasioned. After long preliminary conversation he venuured to approach the subject which had brought him to Larose.
 "Mademoiselle," he said With bow, Eff I did not know that the Garden of Eden was in Asia, should think I had found it to-day in your delicious retreat"
 ''Sir Charles Dashington is pleased to fatter my poor Larose"
 s'Mademoiselle, it is not fattery; the beauty and splendor of your grounds far surpass all my expectations o! how dreamlike my life would be passed ill this lovely spot! With congenial compan- ion?' Emile asked.
 "One who possesses an approaching love of nature; one who finds greater delight in books than in balls one who prefers meditation and study to the frivolities of modern society,""
 ''You say nothing of beauty-is not that 0 requisite?" demanded Emile, who saw the serpent lurking beneath his howe1y language.
 ''Give me the lasting beauties of the mind, and I care not for the fading beau ties of pretty face, cried Dashington.
 Soon after this the interview terminated, and Sir Charles rose to depart. Emilio told him that he should hear from her in week.
 'Ishall expect your communication with impatience" said Dashington, lowing him. self from the room.
 As he crossed the long gallery to reach his carriage, he muttered, in a sufficiently loud tone to be overheard by servant who had kept close behind him.
 "What monster! But for the gold that gilds her hideous face, never could have gone through that interview But her manners are easy and elegant and her voice-how can such sweet sounds escape from such repulsive ips?'
 These remarks were duly reported to Emile Lamont, and they were not likely to advance Sir Charles Dashington's suit. Inquiries were instituted about his habit } and prospects, and nothing very favorable to that gentleman was elicited. The con-. sequence was, that one evening as Dash lngton was preparing to go to one of his accustomed haunts of vice the following note was placed in his hand:-
 Mademoiselle Emile Lamont begs leave to say to Sir Charles Dashington that he need not take the trouhle to repeat his visit to Larose'
 The unexpected termination of his suit