The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-12-03
THE GYPSY COUNTESS.
Romantic Incident in the Life Of Napoleon Boneparts
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 conqueror from all quarters. AT
the palace the scene was brilliant one.
The magnificent dresses of the ladies,
their costly velvets, and flashing jewels,
the rich uniforms and court costumes
blazing with gems of the courtiers and
brave Generals of France, then the thou
sand cleaning lights, the gorgeous furni-
ture and ornaments, the parade and
pomp of royal etiquette made up a
bright, glowing picture, equal to fairy
land.
Seated under silken canopy was the
Emperor Napoleon, and at his side
Josephine the Empress, whose quiet yet
regal demeanor would have marked her
anywhere as distinguished parsonage
Napoleon, with his pale, intellectual
countenance, 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 n
coronet of diamonds and necklace of
the same gems flashed like a 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 compli-
ments of those by whom they were so
greatly admired and revered, Napoleon
and Josephine retired to the privacy of
their own apartments, and then each one
gave themselves up to the gayety and
enjoyments of the hour.
'What say you to visit to the gypsy
camp" said the young Count st. Aubyn,
one of the handsomest gallants at the
court. 81 hear that among the tribe is
a beautiful girl, a 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 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 II am all
impatient to catch q 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
riage, with their gay and lovely occupants.
rolled away over the shaded avenues out
into the beautiful country where the
rowing band of gypsies were encamped
1t was scene for an 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 a picturesque en-
campment OF gypsies could be seen at a
little distance. Standing apart from the
other tents was a small one made of
alternate stripes of crimson and white.
1t was near silvery stream, the music
of whose running waters made a 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
Che elegantly-dressed group.
Approaching man who seemed to be
the chief, st. Aubyn said, in imperious
tones:
1--WE want our fortunes told. Bring
the woman hither, for we are not used to
waitingr"
Indeed" replied the man, laughing
scornfully, rs he very deliberately sat
down on the messy ground and took n
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
so loftily. We are not used to such
manner. Nay, / care not for your frowns;
L am king here and brook no commands
When you ask i'll more fitting way to
see my daughter [ 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,
countenance 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 to have the rare gift of
second sight. Surely your majesty will
deign to notice my request made in the
II.
maiden made low, sweeping courtesy
TO the dark browed man before her. who,
for q moment, hardly knew whether to
be pleased or vexed with the merry girl:
but at length, vanquished by the lovely,
smiling face. and more by the shining
gold piece she slipped into his hand, he
answered:
You think, perhaps, that my child is
rude. ignorant and coarse; that she is
nothing but a vulgar, wandering vagrant