Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-11-24
THE Ex.EMPREss EUGENE.
rus BEAUTIFUL HOME WHERE sue Is MOURN
ISG nER LIFE AWAY.

IS0 HER LIFE AWAY.
A correspondent writing from Lake
Constance tn the Chicago Tribune says:
The ex Empress Engenie has been
passing Il few weeks in the castle OF
Arenenburg, not far from the city OF
Constance. This city is upon the
Swiss shore OF the lake, near the little
village of Mannenbach. 1t was built
by Eugene BcauharnIa, aud was
iavOrite resort with him and his sister,
Queen Hortense. 1t was here that
this unhappy lady retired after the
fall of the Empire, TO remain until
her death. Her memory is regarded
with warm affection by the humble
people of the country side, and the
chapel ut Arenenburg, where it was
her wont to 20 for prayer, is to them
very sacred place. La this chapel is
an exquisiIely sculptured marble fig.
ure of the Queen, erected TO the mem
ory of her son, Napoleon, III. She is
kueeling in prayer. Her attitude is
regularly expressive Of humanity and
resignation to Divine will, aud it seems
to tell the story of misjudged life, re
lying in Its latest hours upon the
mercy of Heaven. Upon the pedestal
is inscribed the name "lIorlense," " aud
below this, Napoleon Fills" Arenen.
burg was much beloved by Eugene
before the death of her son. The
young Prince Imperial was extremely
fond nf this quiet castle, aud tn his
mother thoughts of him are associated
with each vineyard aud grove aud
shore.
The castle stands upon hill over.
looking the Inter Sea. au expan.e Of
water lying between Lake Constance
aud the current of the Rhine. From
the lake the view of Arenenberg is
very peaceful. No more fitting scene
OF repose than the ex Empress could
he imagined than these quite shore.
From the western windows of her cas-
tie she may see the auIumnal sunset
painting the Swiss skies with vivid
culors, reflrCling IN the calm waters of
the lake Peasants go singing along
the ruad beneath the hill with baskets
Oi grapes upln their heads.
To them Eugene is a veriiable La
dy BOuntliul. aud they bless her with
greatiul vulubility. To the right of
Arenenbefg is the Beauharnais Castle
ul SaIseustein. situated on high hill.
aud presenting noble front to vuya.
gers upon this lake. Not far away
are Eugensburg and Wol-berg. once
French pleasures villas, but now con.
verted into hotels for the summer idlers
who visit Lake Constance. Manneu.
bach, the nearest post village, il tiny
hamlet, connected with Arenenberg
by carriage road leading past Salen.
stein. aud a more direct fOut-path
through the vineyard up the hill
meadow covered with crOcus blooms
aud into the castle gardens.
1t may give a better idea of this
retreat To- describe il as villa rather
than castle; for though it is large
aud pleasant building there are no
towers upon il, and the vine.covered
piazzas IN front open directly upon
the flower gardens. in which the pOor
Empress finds the chief solace of her
grief. These gardens lie To the north
OF the house, aud are gay with gera.
NUNS and roses, Eugeuie's favOrite
flowers. To the east of the gardens
are the servants places. the Kitchens
aud stables. Here are kept the car.
riages in which Napoleon III. made
his journey to his attendants at that
time. The Empress has brought but
two horses to Areuenberg--a pair OF
perfectly matched carriage horses
named Flora aud Hector by the young
Prince Imperial. They are French
horses, finely built aud of perfect
spirit, but they have little exercise, ne
the Empress now cares but little for
driving. When she goes out she uses
pretty little barouche, cushioned Ia
dark blue cloth. She is said to have
expressed dislike TO Areuenberg dur.
ing her present visit, and q determiua
tion never to come again to the shores
of Lake Constance. Her memories of
happier days here cause her pain too
keen for resignation. Her habits Of
life are very simple. and the days at
the castle are weariIy alike. She rises
at . O'Clock, lakes coffee, and spends
the morning after her devotions in
reading or in conversation with the
only one If her ladies 10 waiting who
remains In faithful attendance upon
her After breakIasling AT noon in
the French fashion The Empress goes