The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1894-03-17


at the same age as other infants, and
his mother declared that in his in
fancy he gave her as little trouble as
any OF her six children.
lie had five brothers, some short
and some tall, and one sister, Anas-
tasia. She was very, very tiny; so
short, indeed that she could stand
erect under the little Counts arm.
She was perfect model of symmetry
and beauty, with lively, cheerful
temper, and kind, benevolent heart.
When Joseph was scarcely eight
years old, his father died, leaving the
widow and six children very poorly
provided for. The little Count, who
was often called "Joujou" (toy) in
the early days, went to live with u
rich lady, n friend of his mothers.
He remained with this kind benefact-
ress for four years, and although he
measured only twenty-one inches at
this time, his progress in his various
studies was not in proportion to his
stature. He was remarkably intelli-
gent, and so amiable and vivacious
that he became "A general fayorite with
! everybody. On "A certain Countess
Humieska he made SO strong an inn
preston that she was extremely de-
sirous To have Joujou attached to her
household. His first benefactress
was not willing To give him up, but
after a good deal of talking and plead
ing, Joujou went to reside with the
Countess. Six months after, when
this lady started on tour through
France and Germany, she resolved to
make Joseph the companion OF her
travels. At Vienna, the little Count
who was now just fifteen years old
and twenty-five inches tall, was pre-
sented to Maria Theresa, Empress
Queen Of Austria.
At this time Austria and Prussia
were at war, and one day, when some
courtiers complimented the Empress
on n recent Austrian victory, she
turned to Joseph, who happened to
be i'm the room, and asked him what
he thought Of the Prussian monarch
Madam, replied he, ~ have not
the honor To know him; but were
in his place, instead Of waging use
less war against you would come to
Vienna and pay my respects To you,
deeming IT thousand times more
glorious to gain your esteem and
friendship than to obtain the most
complete victories over your troops"
This long speech from such small
person pleased the Empress SO highly
that she caught the manikin up be-
side her, and covered him with
| caresses.
While he was still at the Austrian
court, the Empress desired him to
perform Polish dance. This he ex-
ecutcd with such grace that Maria
Theresa, rs usual was delighted.
Boruwlaskis little hand being acct
IDENTIFY I'm that Of the Empress, she
noticed that he was apparently look
ing ut very beautiful diamond ring
which she wore.
"Do you think the ring pretty9"
she inquired.
IL beg your Majesty's pardon"
replied Boruwlaski, ut is not the
ring l am looking at but the hand,
which | beseech your permission to
kiss" and he raised IL to his lips.
This speech pleased her Majesty
40 much that II the ring had not been
entirely too large IL would have been
the immediate reward OF the courtly
reply. At this moment very charm
ing little girl, about five years old,
entered the apartment. The En-
press called the child TO her side,
and, taking from her baby-hand an
exquisitely jeweled ring, placed 1t on
the tiny finger Of the Count, where it
fitted to perfection. Boruwlaski was
delighted, but the little girl was per-
haps not so well pleased
Poor child she was then the Prin-
cess Marie Antoincttc, daughter OF
Marin Theresa but afterward she
became the beautiful and unfortu-
nate Queen OF France, and perished
upon the scafYod many years before
the death Of Boruwlaski The little
Count preserved the jewel IA long as
he lived = st. Nicholas.