The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-06-29
THE LADY OF IAROSE.


Not many years ago the gay world of
Paris was excited by a strange and ro-
mantle affair. Emile Lamont, young
lady with splendid fortune, and highly
accomplished in mind and manners, an
nounced to the world that she would be.
stow her hand and fortune upon any
gentleman who pleased her, but that he
must be willing, in consideration of her
wealth and other attractions, to put up
with face of unparalleled ugliness. A
certain time each day was appointed to
receive the suitors at Larose, Mademoi-
selle's beautiful residence in the vicinity
of Paris.
Among the first who responded to the
singular announcement was Sir Charles
Dashington, young Epglishman of
noble family, who had squaudered a
princely fortune in the gaming houses
of the dissipated capital of France. He
eagerly seized upon the opportunity to
mend his broken fortunes, and to estab-
Hsh himself again in the world of pleas
ure. Washington was possessed of that
beauty of form and face which attracts
the gaze Of artists and wins the love of
women. His self-conceit led him to sup-
pose that no woman could resist 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 fortune. With this
object in view he attired himself in a
magnificent suit of clothes, hired car
riage, and proceeded in dashing style in
search of wealth and a wife.
1t was delicious day in June. and the
gardens and grounds of Larose presented
a scene of ravishing beauty to the eyes
OF Sir Charles Dashington, who looked
upon himself as soon to be "monarch of
all he surveyed" After a drive of g.
quarter OF an hour through winding
roads, boriered 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
Tnent dazzled the eyes of Sir Charles
Dhshington. The floor was composed of
% exquisite mosaics, wrought into quaint
and curious patterns; the walls were
beautifully frescoed after the manner of
Raphael; before the crimson tinted win
dows hung purple silk curtains, which
Srembled IN the vibration of low, melan-
choly music, whose origin could not be
discovered tables of pearl and agate
a;ere placed in different parts of the
rom, some of them loaded with richly
bound books, and others having on them
gorgeous vases of flowers, whose odor
Vs,ervaded the whole apartment. In one
corner stood massive cabinet containing
clIriosities, and surmounted with busts
of celebrated authors, among whom the
Englishman was pleased to see ..Shak-
speare crowned with immortelles.
While he was admiring the splendid
saloon, door glided softly back, and
Emile was announced. Washington rose
and advanced to meet the person who
entered. He was prepared to see face
ngay. indeed, but when his eyes fell upon
sthe frightful features of the lady he
.shrank back with an exclamation Of hor-
ror. Her lips were withered and blood
less; her eyes were sunk deep in their
sockets; her large and misshapen nose
was revolving object; and her skin
was as dry and yellow as an Egyptian
mummy.
Without appearing to notice Dashing-
toms embarrassment, Emile welcomed
him to Larose in few sweetly-spoken
words; and, to his surprise, she spoke in
English, with slight but charming ac-
cent; for among many accomplishments
of this singular creature was perfect
knowledge of the modern languages.
Sir Charles was somewhat treasured by
her kind welcome and winning voice;
and he succeeded in overcoming, or at
least concealing, the disgust which the
horrible ugliness of her face first occa-
stoned. After long preliminary con-
versation he ventured to approach the
subject which had brought him to
Barose.
Mademoiselle, he said, with bow.
If did not know that the Garden of
Eden was in Asia, should think that /
had found it to-day in your delicious re-
treat.
Sir Charles Washington is pleased to
fiatter my poor Larose.
Mademoiselle, it is no fiattery: the
beauty and splendor of your grounds far
surpass all my expectations. Oh. how
dream-like my life would be, passed in
this lovely spot With congenial COM
panion to share its sweets, this place
would be paradise on earth"
"What do You mean by conQenial
companion ?" Emile asked.