The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-03-19
A GREEK NECKLACE.
A Reminiscence of the
Empire.

like form, wrought IN golQ. AS all tne {
work in early times was made by hand,
though there was some resemblance be-
tween the pendants. no two of them
were really alike. Mechanical monotony
was eluded. Nothing could have sur
passed the grace Of these forms. Such
sembiances ofsacred VASES as areengraved
on antiquegems or repeated on coins re-
call only the outlines. The metal was
warm and ruddy, giving life-like glow
to the shapes. But it was the manner
In which these pendants hung from the
golden ribbon which was SO wonderful.
livery vace, with free play, was attached
to flower. These tiny roses, carefully
cut and chiseled, had an elaborateness Of
detail which required sharp eye to
catch their singular perfection. The
general effect Of these fairy-like flowers
was singularly enhanced when Nine. De
Pont-Valle used a magnifying glass.
Then it became quite apparent that
many months must have been spent in
working up a single rose. Some Of ma
lures diatomacee, when seen under the
microscope, could only surpass these
miracles Of human skill. On each of
these the enameler had added something.
They gave an effect Of dew on the flow
ers. Take the necklace in your hand,
and you could crumple it as though it
were cambric handkerchief. 1t was no
longer metal, for mans cunning had tri-
|umphed over material difficulties. With
all this though, it was older than time,
lit was as fresh in color, as absolutely
perfect, as if it had been passed only an
hour before over a jewelers. counter.
Nine. De Pout-Valle, in moment Of
enthusiasm, embraced her nephew.
"You have saved us" she cried. "Now
ring the bell; while the servant is COM
ing will write Just two words to the
Empress. Be good enough to open my
secretary. Thank you."
Thh dame d'atour' had just finished
mote when a valet entered.
GO at once to the Imperial Chamber
lain, and say it is absolutely necessary
! that accompanied by M. De Nerac, we
should see Her Imperial Highness. Pre-
sent this note, which must be sent at
once to the Empress. Await a reply,
and above all. lose no time"
In ten minutes the valet was back.
announcing that the Empress was visible.
| Bearing the precious casket, Nine. De-
| Pont-Valle and her nephew, after having
mounted and descended many intermin-
able staircases, and passed through nc
end of long corridors. finally reached the
Tmnario1 onartmpntS
The Empress was not deficient in
taste, for she at once appreciated the
beauty of the necklace, and, without
asking the price, M. De Nerac was or
dered to purchase it.
' 'T must thank M. De Nerac and you
Madame, for the trouble have put yor
to. 1t isa delightful surprise. The mos
exquisite idea in gold ever saw"
"Yes, your Majesty, though my knowl
edge is but Indifferent" said M. d.
Nerac.
The Empress smiled pleasantly as sh'
"Will Madame kindly take charge o
thisp' she asked. "If let the Empero
see it-for he likes such things-he i
quite capable of locking it up, to SHOW
it in year from now to some OF nj
antiquarian friends. l know he viii
be delighted with it."
And, taking up the necklace one.
more, she took it out into the light whicl
: streamed from the bronze candelabra
and seemed to study each soft shimme
of gold; then shep ut 1t carefully in tn
velvet case, and handed it to the dam
! d'atour.'
( "Her Majesty will undoubtedly wea
/ it on the occasion of the private receE
ton, which as your Highness is awar
takes place at the close of the month"
"Does it? 1t had quite escaped mi
Who is to be there?" asked the Empress
with apparent indifference.
"Your Maiestys particular friend
among them the Princess Metternich."
-"Ab, indeed? Well perhaps ha
|. / better wear it them" and SO the audient
was concluded.
"Just is if Her Imperial Highness ha
Z forgotten it. See here, Castor, EMPIRE
or 'bourgeoise,' women never forget sue
things"
4 So said Madame, as an obsequiol
I, usher closed the doors of the Empires
waiting-room on them.
I Exactly, and | am sure that HI
\ Majesty is pleased" replied De Nerac.
4And we crush Austria"
\ mAutriche enfoncre.'"
"a woman who parades the Benvenu
/ Cellini, and tries to play the part Of 8
4 'ingenu." CASTOR, you deserve got
|, dinner. I shall not keep you long,
1 Che excitement of to-day has wearied m
n No one can understand how difficult
! the task imposed upon me, and what
I tax it is upon my poor nerves. To ha
all the eyes of Europe on mel 1 wi
\ dismiss you an hour after dinner. B
don't talk horse to me-only send I
the bill for the animal when t
transaction is finished. Don't make t
horse count in with the coupe. Abo'
all. be as secret as you can about IL
necklace, and go again and bid the pc
Die who sold it to be discreet. They G.
4 Il