Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-03-21

ter of Louis Philippe, King OF the
French; and she is the only sister Of
Leopold II, the present King OF Bel
GUM. Her sad history is soon told.
On July q, 1857, she was married to
the Archduke Macmillan OF Austria.
This unfortunate man was elected En-
peror of Mexico on July 10, 1868.
When, in consequence Of the opposition
of the United States Government, he
lost French support, the empire col
lapsed, and July 10, 1867, Macmillan
was shot by the Mexican authorities
The awful shock Of her husbands exc
cution robbed Charlotte Of her reasoas
and for between eighteen and nineteen
years she has been hopelessly insane.
During the early period of her mad
ness o semblance OF court life was kept
up around her. She was then living at
Teryueren, where receptions were regu-
larly held, such as in former days
Frightened life at the old palace Of ltur-
bide, in Mexico. The Empress herself
went through the ceremonies with the
same grace as Of old, and after certain
number of people had gathered around
her, she would thank them for coming
to see "the great Empress of Mexico"
and then rising from her simulated
throne, move towards the adjoining
rooms, saying: "You wish, no doubt,
to lay your tribute at the feet Of his
Majesty, the Emperor. will 60 and
find him." Returning after few mo-
ments, she would say, 81 cannot find
the Emperor, but he will see you as
soon as he returns" With this she
recommended an animated conversation
on the present situation and the brilliant
future prospects Of the Emperor, aud
taking up his portrait she exhorted
HIM to rise higher and higher
still, and not to strive for one,
but for ten, twenty-nay, for all
the crowns of the world. The cour-
tiers, moved to tears by the pathetic
scene, would bow low and take their
departure, unperceived by the excited
Empress, who, after a while, would
msjestically sweep through the rooms,
haughtily commanding imaginary pages
to carry her train. But the proud,
hard look melted into sweetness and
tenderness when, on her daily walk
through the grounds, her eyes followed
the fight of birds or clouds.
After the conhagration Of Teryueren
the little court moved to Bouchout, and
the Empress has, in the course Of time,
become less excited. Receptions were
no longer held, and the court circle con-
sists only of the ladies Of honor belong
ing to the Belgian aristocracy, eight OF
whom in turn reside for week at Bou-
chout. Several hours were spent every
day at the piano, and as Empress Char
lotte is herself distinguished artistic,
these musical entertainments were high.
ly appreciated by all. Fancy work was
also one Of the favorite occupations Of
the Empress, and her embroideries are
said to equal those Of the best Paris
workers. While listening to the music
or busy with her needle, the Empress
never uttered single word, but seemed
lost in thought, and it was very rarely
that during her daily walks she broke
the silence. On Sundays, during d.
vine service, which she regularly at
tended, when the voice of the organ
was heard through the chapel, her
soul seemed TRANSPORTED, and a strange
smile lighted up the features Of one o
the most unfortunate women Of thi:
country.