The New York herald., 1879-11-30

convenience. and that many of the ladies subscrib
ing were OF te monde M faut pas Alpbonso
put an end to the difficulty she had raised by the
moment he had had time to dress after his
Journey. fastening the Villa Bellegarde to
pay visit. He represented himself a. being in
too great haste to the object his affections not
to. in this instance disregard her will In making
her this assurance he bent low her hand and
kissed. it. This handsome behavior dissipated all
reserve and pique It was dusk. The King pro-
posed q turn in the garden. The Archduchess con-
sented. and her stepmother and all the and
Spanish courtiers. as had been doubt agreed be-
forehand among them. remained in the draw
ing room. The delights Of loves young dream
the King enjoyed again. amid artificial bloom and
aromatic strawberries He and his inamorata were
seen walking hand in hand. tender speech. doubt
less. was made. and corresponding answerreturned
When the happy pair reentered the villa Christina
who had an engaged ring her finger. led the mon
arch to her stepmother whom she thus addressed in
French :-'.I have the honor. madame to present to
you my future husband" Alfonso saantly kissed the
hand OF the Archduchess Charles. who. he hoped.
would accept from him the duty OF q son. Since
that first interview Alfonso XII. was unceasing in
his attentions. He early riser. and with
some member of his suite he generally rambed into
the forest until breakfast time. when he went to the
Villa Bellegarde. After breakfast Oh some occasions
the royal party drove to the splendid grounds OF
the Pereire estate, where the King and his fancte
strolled about under the pines in the hne copses
of timber that are met with in this part Of the
country. Often they went sailing the calm bay.
Often they clambered the Telegraph Hill together
and enjoyed the fine prospect it commanded. They
never appeared in the streets without attracting
notice from the thousands pleasure-seekers from
Bordeaux. The latter, however. proved very
spectful, and took not to annoy the King
on the day he went to church. With his suite he
attended mass in the Church Of Our Lady of
Arcachon every Sunday. He visited. with ap-
parent interest. little chapel in the right
aisle. which the primitive church much re-
vered by the maritime population. Their simple
faith is written upon its walls in many tokens
of gratitude for fervent prayer raised to their
Virgin when they were in imminent danger of death
the deep and treacherous waters Of Biscay. The
Archduchess Maria Christina was wont to come to
mass every day. She always simply dressed.
and looked very pretty, modest and graceful she
knelt near the altar. She hardly seemed to notice
that she the centre of attention. and the church
was crowded with the elite OF Bordeaux plutocracy
in brilliant toilets. Not few Spaniards were pres
ent. and they showed more curiosity to gaze
their future Queen. TheYhad come from Biarritz.
San Juan de Luz, Hendaye. and even from the
frontier to see Donna Christina de Hapsbura. as
they already called her.
'.LUI EFT Ellie"
In short the young King Of Spain seemed to enjoy
his holiday and lovemaking the shores Of the
Bassin dArcachon. The of State and the re-
Cent cloud Of sorrow had been scattered by the
spell of feeling, and his subjects had seldom
seen Alfonso XII. look cheerful and animated.
Spaniards said he appeared younger than his
twenty-five summers, and the gentler sex, both
French and Castans took keen interest in the young
Sovereign he moved about with his in q
sling and entirely absorbed by the object Of his visit
observers noticed that his face, when he silent.
wore q serious and almost hard expression. he has
the Bourbon profile. though the lower part of his
face is heavier than usual in his family. When he
speaks or smiles the expression changes. and his
hearers generally carry away the impression that he
possesses great quickness in repartee and natural
wit. Curiosity and much anxiety for information
are among the characteristics of the young King of
span and. though he has great command over
his feelings. he has very often startled
his courtiers by very frank confession
| Of his admiration for the institutions and
customs Of Great Britain and Italy. 1t was this
inclination Of King Alfonso for the constitutional
monarchies OF Europe that made him fret under tho
influence Of Seiior Canovas del Castillo when that
great statesman sought his models in the French
imperial system ana proctlces OF government that
savored more of the Rouher and Guizot school
than of the ideals which Alfonso XII admires in
British and Italian contemporary history The Arch
duchess Christine Is not an imposing beauty. She,
however, that charm and gracefulness which have
won all hearts. She has tall and slender figure
and lovable face, with blue eyes, dimpled cheeks
and somewhat fair hair. making attractive en-
semble Her small hands. almost like q chd's. and
silvery voi;e complete graceful picture. The
Archduchess has been educated under the watchful
care of her mother to whom she deeply attached.
She is as well acquainted with four foreign languages
as with her own. She draws and paints. mostly
flowers. and is an excellent pianist. In Gmunden.
where the family OF the Archduchess regularly
passed the summer, the Archduchess occupied her.
self with wood carving under the tuition Of
a clever artist Every year she forwarded
o number OF warm garments made by her.
self, to the poor children of Gmunden.
The Archduchess is much attached to her former
teachers and govcrnesses and is full Of Kind aten
ton and regard for her attendants. Immediately
the arrival Of former instructor. VISIT the
Archduchess would herself draw footstools and
cushiona for her visitors comfort. and numerous
are the occasions when the Archduchess has been
seen ploddng her way down the steep wooden
steps In Gmunden to visit OF her for
mcr governesses. She yields without any con-
tradiction to any wish expressed by her teachers.
be it ever difficult. and rejoces like child
when praised She is perfectly free in her political
views, not in the least moved by outside influences
and never conceals her most decided antipathies.
The young Archduchess devotedly attached to
her uncle. the Archduke Francis Charles (the En-
peror's father). and whenever he announced his
coming from lschl to Gmunden to dine with the
Archduchess and her mother the day to
be kept as . festival. The kind-heartcd Archduke
never neglected any occasion of giving his dear
"Christa" pleasure When. two years ago (the last
summer Of his life). the young Archduchess
hard at work collecting stamps for poor young
lady in Munich. who wished to win . splendid
Borsendorfer piano by collecting million of
stamps. in return for which an English gentleman
offered give this piano. her uncle Francis Charles
forwarded stamps TO further his darling's wish.