The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1880-12-18
THE GYPSY COUNTESS.
By s. A. SMITH

Paris was wild with enthusiasm, and
shouts of Long live the Emperor" came
from every street and lane of the great
city. Applause, congratulations, and
expressions OF confidence came to the
great oonqueror from all quarters At
the palace the scene WAS brilliant one
Tho magnificent dresses of the ladies,
their costly velvets, and flashing jewels,
the rich uniforms and court costumes
blazing with gems of the courtiers and
bravo Generals Of France, then the thou
sand cleaning lights, the gorgeous furni-
ture aud ornaments, the parade and
pomp of royal etiquette made up
bright, glowing picture, equal to fairy
land
Seated under silken canopy was the
Emperor Napoleon, and OF his side
Josephine the Empress, whose quiet yet
regal demeanor would have marked her
anywhere ms u distinguished parsonage.
Napoleon, with his pale, intellectual
eountenance, his dark, piercing eyes,
and naughty air, looked every inch the
great General and conqueror. The En-
press, noted for her love and splendor,
was attired In rich, white silk, thickly
covered with gold embroidery and costly
lace; on her dark shining hair rested
eoronet of diamonds and n necklace of
the same gems flashed like river of
light on the white throat Her mantle
was of imperial purple, relieved by
small, white flowers formed of pearls.
She was surrounded by bevy of beau
ties whose fresh, young charms far out
shone those of the creole Empress.
After the affairs of court and camp had
been discussed and the royal pair had
received the congratulations and comph-
ments of those by whom they were SO
greatly admired and revered, Napoleon
aud Josephine retired to the privacy of
their own apartments, and then each one
gave themselves up to the gayety and
eujoyments Of the hour
What say you to visit to the gypsy
camp?' said the young Count ST. Aubyn,
one Of the handsonlest gallants at the
court. 81 hear that among the tribe is
beautiful girl, sort Of Queen, to
whom all pay homage, and this Tara, for
such is her name, has wonderful gift of
seeing into the future can lift the mystic
veil and read a page from each life for
those whose curiosity prompts them to
take peep into the dim beyond"
with all my heart, say L." exclaimed
bejewelled And perfumed exquisite.
who stood near the Count; 81 am all
impatient to catch a glimpse of the
gypsy Queen, and to see what the future
has in store.
All the ladies were ready and eager to
accompany the gentlemen on their visit
to the camp, and soon carriage after car
mage, with their gay and lovely occupants
rolled away over the shaded avenues out
into Tho l.Aonfif,,l
rowing band of gypsies were encamped.
1t was scene for all artist. On all sides
an autumn-hued forest, which the rays
OF the declining sun were bathing in a
sea of liquid, golden light. Through
the leafy interstices picturesque en-
campment of gypsies could be seen at a
little distance. Standing apart from the
other tents was small one made of
alternate stripes of crimson and white.
twas near q silvery stream, the music
OF whose running waters made sweet.
low melody. As the party Of high bred
court beauties and gay cavaliers APP
preached the tents, men, women and
children came out and gazed curiously at
the elegantly dressed group. a
approaching man who seemed to be
the chief, ST. Aubyn said, in imperious
tones: y -
1--WE want our fortunes told Bring
the woman hither, for we are not used to
waitingi' E7H f.Ill|
"Indeed," replied the man, laughing
scornfully, as he very deliberately sat
down on the messy ground and took
child in his arms, ''me- thinks, my
naughty gentleman, you forget you are
away from court, where cringing and
fawning is the fashion of the hour. Here
you are in the forests, out in free air,
not more free than we, whom you address
60 loftily. We are not used to such
manner. Nay, I care not for your frowns;
am king here and brook no commands.
When you ask in a more fitting way to
see my daughter I may comply with
your request" and, rising, the man was
about to retire. when Blanche Deveigne,
the belle and beauty, the rarest flower
amid all the court exotics, came forward,
and with smile upon her lovely
countennnce and sparkle of mischief in
her violet eyes, said, in her well-bred,
silvery tones:
Monsieur, pardon; but you would
not disappoint so many, especially the
ladies? We are all so impatient to have
our fortunes told by The pretty queen
who is said tc have the rare gift of
second sight. Surely your majesty will
deign to notice my request, made in tho
,nost humble manner possible" and the
maiden made low, sweeping courtesy
to the dark proved man before her. who
for a moment, hardly knew whether to
be pleased or vexed with tho merry girl: