As our house was scarcely a mile distance, and the weather remarkably fine, I walked thither; and will frankly own, that as I did so, my thoughts were fully occupied in reflecting on what would be most proper and becoming for the occasion; my father had been liberal, and girl-like, I determined that my dress should be very handsome. While I was engaged in this important consideration, a poor man with a wooden leg, and dressed in a soldier's jacket, crossed the path; he did not speak, but he held out his hand, I put mine in my pocket and gave him a trifle; he blushed while he received it." God bless you, Mademoiselle," cried he, "I am not used to beg, nor would I, if it was for myself." "You have then a family," said 1, much interested by the simple pathos of his manner." No, Mademoiselle," replied he; "I have no relations living, I was going to say I have no friends, but I should be wrong there; I have one noble friend, he saved my life yes, Mademoiselle, at the risk of his own too, and God must reward him for it, for I never can." "You have a good and grateful heart," said I," and I could wish to be of service to you." "Ah! Mademoiselle," said he, "if you knew what an angel upon earth it is for whom I have solicited your charity; poor gentleman, he has looked death in the face many times in the field of battle without shrinking, and it would be hard indeed for him to perish for want in his own country!" "And has he no friends ?" cried I. Oh, no! no one earth but me! God knows, I little thought that ever such a poor fellow as I am would be honoured by being called the friend of a noble Chevalier like him; and when he told me this morning, that he thought Providence had been very good to send him such a friend as I was, I cannot tell you, Mademoiselle, how I felt; I tried to thank him, but I could not; for I thought that I should have been choaked.” more moncy except the purse which was destined to buy my dress: what a relief would that sum be to the poor fellow; but had I a right to part with it without my father's approbation? I drew it slowly from my pocket, aud casting a glance at the soldier, I saw his countenance glow with delight." He expects that I will give him something more," thought I," and it would be barbarous to disappoint him." I had a dress which I had never worn, it was preity, but not expensive; “that shali do," thought I, and opening the purse, I poured the contents of it into the soldier's hand. Never did I witness such transport as the possession of the money gave to the poor fellow; I took his direction, which was at a cottage at a little distance from the town of and I returned home. My father appeared displeased when I told him the use which I had made of the money. "It is a thousand to one," said he, "that you have been imposed upon; I should not at all wonder if the man bad fabricated this tale merely to get money from you; and I expect to find on inquiry at the cottage, that he has absconded." As my father's tone was unusually severe, I did not venture to reply, but in my heart I acquitted the poor soldier; and when my father prepared to visit him the next day, I asked permission, which he granted, to accompany him. We soon reached the cottage, and on tapping at the door, a faint voice bade us come in; a male figure who was wrapped in a military great coat, reclined upon a bed, he turned his face to us as we entered; but, my dear friends, it is not in the power of language to express to you my sensations, when I beheld my brother-pale, and emaciated almost to a skeletou ! I shall not attempt to describe the scene that followed: my father embraced Augusto, whom he vowed he would never again part with; aud I threw myself from the arms of my brother into those of the faithful Ambrose,. who now entered; this worthy fellow, whose application to my bounty the day before had produced this happy and unexpected I put my haud in my pocket, but I had no meeting, shared largely in our felicity, and it was some time before we were tranquil enough || Ambrose accompanied him. “I little thought to express ourselves with any degree of co- yesterday, Mademoiselle," said the poor felherence. low to me, "that you would so soon experience the truth of the old saying, that a good action is its own reward." I had indeed experienced the justice of the observation, and I blessed the impulse which had been productive of so much happiness. When we were a little calm, we eagerly inquired to what cause my brother's long silence and present distress was owing, and we learned that he had been taken prisoner, together with Ambrose, by the Indians; I shall not detail to you the perils which le encountered in making his escape, which he was a Jong time before he could effect; when he did, he wrote to Paris to me, and finding his letter remained unopened, he applied to a friend for information of his family; unfortunately the person to whom he applied, bad quarrelled with my father, and the answer which my poor Augusto received was, that his father had lost the greatest part of his property, and was gone no one knew whither; he returned, however, to France, in the hope of being able to discover our retreat; but he had scarcely landed at the town of, when he was seized with the illness, which but for his faithful Ambrose he would probably have sunk under. The poor fellow was his nurse, and when the few valuables that my brother had were gone, the affectionate creature determined (unknown to his master) to beg for him, sooner than see him want. You may suppose that my brother was immediately removed to our house, and that My brother soon perfectly recovered; his military ardour had abated, and a friend of my father's procured him a situation at court, he complied with our desire to give up the army : Ambrose is still in his service, and most probably will remain so for life; and he, as well as my father and myself, will ever retain a grateful recollection of the happiness which we owe to the disbanded soldier. Mademoiselle Previgny ceased, and after she had received the thanks of the company for her little narrative, they began to converse on their approaching separation. "Remember, my dear friends," said the Baroness," that I promise myself the happiness (should Heaven spare us) of seeing you all assembled at my house next year, the dissipation of the capital will make us return with added relish to the pleasures of the country, and perhaps by that time, some incident may have occurred to each of us, which will afford us a renewal of our Stories of Seven Days. ANECDOTES OF BONAPARTE AND THE EMPRESS MARIA LOUISA, BY GENERAL SARRAZIN. had carried the gallantry of Bonaparte so far as to send off many animals, amongst which was a canary, which sung delightfully, and to which Maria Louisa was very partial. THE Empress Maria Louisa, on her arrival at Compiegne, was very much astonished to find in her apartments the very same furniture as in those she occupied at Vienna. Berthier had got all packed up and sent by post-carriages. He was present when Maria Louisa was so agreeably surprised, and received her thanks for that attention. He imme diately replied, that he had only executed the Emperor's orders. "I supposed so, Sir," said her Majesty to him, "but I ought to thank you for your zeal, in so well fulfilling the smallest intentions of my husband." Berthiering himself worthy of her love. Maria Louia When Bonaparte was alone for the first time with his young wife, we may well imagine he made her the strongest protestations, as is the custom of all newly married men. He said amongst many other fashionable sentiments, that he should esteem himself the happiest of men, if, by his attentions to prevent her smallest wishes, he should succeed in render answered, that that would not be very difficult, since she kad loved him before she knew him. Bonaparte, notwithstanding the suavity with which that assurance must have filled his heart, appeared incredulous and told her, "I thank you for the flattering compliment you have the goodness to make me, and I beg you to believe, I shall neglect nothing to deserve it."-" I tell you only what I really think," replied Maria Louisa, "I am of a family, in which the love of glory is hereditary, and you have acquired so much of it, that my avowal ought not to be suspected." We are assured, that at these words, Bonaparte could no longer conceal his feelings, that he threw himself at the knees of the Empress, who hastily raised him up; they tenderly embraced, and swore to one another an eternal attachment. As Bonaparte's happiness would have been imperfect, if this had not been known, he took the first opportunity of relieving his mind, by imparting the adventure to Berthier, Duroc, and other confidents, who each on their part caused this communication to be rapidly circulated that the public might be informed of it. Upon Maria Louisa's arrival at Paris, she was visited by the most distinguished personages of the ancient court. The high nobility of the Fauxbourg St. Germain, till then invincible, and who had pertinaciously refused all Bonaparte's invitations, could not resist the satisfaction of imparting to an Austrian Archduchess, the deep regret which they had felt for these fifteen years, at the dreadful catastrophe of her august aunt. "It is vain," answered that princess, that we seek to oppose the decrees of Providence. Too much goodness brought my unfortunate relations to the scaffold. It is possible that my husband and myself may experience the same fate, but it is certain it will be from another motive." The dignified tone of the Empress, a profound sigh which escaped her, and some tears which so sorrowful a recollection drew from her, gave the whole assembly a very high idea of the nobleness of her character, of the justness of her understanding, and the sensibility of her soul. The following anecdote serves to prove that Bonaparte does not frighten all the world. Whilst he was visiting the quays at Boulogne, the Empress was taking an airing in a boat in the interior of the port; she even went as far as the Estran. On her return, she perceived Bonaparte, who was waiting for her. On quit ting the vessel, her foot slipped, and she would have fallen down, if General Vandamme, who held her hand, had not supported her, by putting his arm round her waist. Bonaparte, who was at about ten paces distant with the engineer, perceived the accident; he ran up, and said rather angrily, "What! do you not yet know, Madam, how to use your feet properly?" Maria Louisa, without being disconcerted at this apostrophe, looked at him steadily, and said jocularly, "To hear you speak thus, Sir, would not one think that you never made a false step in your life?" This reproach was made in that tone, mixed with sweetness and dignity, which can only be acquired by an union of the favours of nature and the benefits of superior education. Bonaparte felt how much he was in the wrong, and although little accustomed to such remonstrances, he replied very submissively, "I beg, Madam, you will excuse my abruptness, and only attribute it to the fear occasioned by the idea of the barm a fall might do you."-"Since that is the case," said the Empress, still smiling, "I forgive you; give me your arm." So much good nature forced the Corsican bear to smoothen his countenance, so far as to show his yellow teeth, a thing which very seldom happened to him at Boulogne since his nomination as Emperor. A painter might have made a very interesting picture in catching at that moment the features of those two personages. Bonaparte is very ugly; but to form a just idea of him, one must have seen him by the side of Maria Louisa, of whom we cannot give a truer description, than by observing that she is in beauty and graces what Bonaparte is in bru tality of tone and coarse manners. The anec. dote I have just cited happened at Boulogne, on the 25th of May 1810. Although without guards, Bonaparte and the Empress passed through an immense crowd, who cried out with enthusiasm, Long live the Empress, but they rarely heard the cry of Long live the Emperor. If he had been alone, he would have taken care not to have gone out without being preceded and followed by a crowd of generals and offi 80 cers. alone to be attributed to a few villainous and He sufficiently knows the gallant character of the French, to be well convinced that Maria Louisa is a better safeguard to him than all bis Cuirassiers and Polish lancers; which serves to prove that the assassination of Lewis || their love for their sovereigns. the Sixteenth and Maria Antoinette ought THE CHATEAU OF ROUSSILLON. (Concluded from Page 34.) be forced to appear selfish and ungrateful; he would be disappointing the generous hope of his benefactor; be would be abandoring that world which contained Julie and happi Ness. "I wait your time then, my son," returned Signor Bertolini; "we will dismiss every serious theme till another day. My daughter does not return to us; doubtless the sight of one so dear to her has overcome her spirits, and she is gone to repose; but let us inquire for this letter of yours." MEANWHILE Lorenzo left alone with demoing himself to a monastic life, and pleadSignor Bertolini, felt all the embarrassmenting a sacred call to holy seclusion, he would and uneasiness of a man who was conscious of extreme anxiety about one incident, which it was wrong for him to display. The name of St. Hypolite had conjured up the lovely vision of Julie; and now apprehensive that some evil had befallen her, that perhaps she was in Venice, perhaps she was married, he knew not how to restrain his desire of flying after Aldonga in search of the lost billet. Bertolini marked his varying countenance with a steady , eye, then kindly laying his trembling hand upon the Marquis's shoulder said:" There is something heavy at that heart of yours, Solerno, for now must I call you by a name ever dear to me; have 1 not ever had a fa ther's right, I will not say a father's interest, in your happiness? and may I not hope, therefore, that even before your union with Aldonga makes you my son indeed, I shall be entrusted with the secret of that melancholy which has Jately breathed through all your letters, and which I see painted in legible characters on your brow?" Solerno himself led the way into a waiting room adjoining; and questioning the servants, found that they had been, and still were making diligent search for the letter but in vain ; their lady, they said, had retired indisposed After some more fruitless to her chamber. attempts the search was given up; and having learned the situation of Iris friend's Casino, Solerno retired to rest, with the determination of going there carly the ensuing day. Casino. Morning rose bright and reviving upon his sleepless eyes; impatient to discover what had Solerno was moved, agitated, and confounded; he repeatedly pressed the hand of brought his friend to Venice, and to hear news of Madame St. Hypolite and her interesting Bertolini with his lips, and attempted to speak, but as often the words died in utter-daughter, the Marquis mounted a fleet horse, ance; at length, in a low suppressed voice, he || and without a single attendant rode to the replied:"But a little while, dearest Sir, and Duronce had assured his master that he had my whole heart, at least all of it that I can— seen Solerno, and given the billet into his that I ought.-Alas! I know not what I say. I am indeed perplexed, and ill at ease; allow hands; and delighted with this good luck, little dreaming of the reality, Francois was me a day of thought and retirement, and after that I will enter upon the subject which weighs || enjoying himself over a plentiful breakfast, down my very soul.”—A tear of anguish with an appetite heightened by former abstinence and present satisfaction. So substantial tumbled through the half-closed eye-lashes of a regale as that which cold game and chocothe young Marquis, he was at the same moment late afforded, was not indeed strictly in chahurt with the conviction that even while con racter with a despairing lover, but he had no wish to assume that mask to his friend, and springing up with as much vigour as joy, be gave Lorenzo such an embrace as would have hurt a more delicate frame. "My dear Solerno! my friend of friends! this moment is elixir vite to me! I—." "Your mother—your sister, St. Hypolite!" interrupted Solerno, with a look of melancholy earnestness; only assure me that they are well, that I am not forgotten; bat oh! of what avail is it, when I must either unite myself to another, or devote my life to the monastic VOW." "Nothing tragical, my good friend! I heseech of you," exclaimed Francois; "leave me to be the architect of your fortune; see if I do not raise the most glorious superstructure of felicity. But you are dying all this time to hear of the Chateau; your eyes, ears, thoughts, all are in Roussillon just now." "For Heaven's sake, Francois, relieve my anxiety; but they must be well while you are thus gay.” "They are both well, Solerno. My mother esteems you, regrets you; my sister-no, not one word will I tell you yet of what my sister thinks of her deliverer. So, you make no inquiries after my concerns; you care not whether I am in love or out of love, or going to be made love to; you are as indifferent to the whole business as I could wish, and I might have spared myself the trouble of writing to bid you ask no questions. Remember, however, that I am married." "Married!" repeated Solerno with some surprise; "then it really is so, and the Marchioness Irivulzio was better informed than your friend. And how long have you been married? and who is the lady?" "Incomparably well acted!" Francois, bursting into laughter. exclaimed "Never was any thing better done; but you see, my friend, it is absolutely requisite, as I told you in my letter." Solerno interrupted him by lamenting the loss of that letter, and consequently pleading ignorance of its contents. At this disagreeable intelligence the features of St. Hypolite suddenly changed; he questioned Solerno, he learned the particulars, he found that Aldonga No. XXIX. Vol. V.-N. S. had discovered his deceit; and he guessed from her abrupt disappearance for the night, that she had stumbled upon this imprudent letter." Guns! pistols! drowning! poisoning! all, all will be too blissful for me!" he exclaimed running round the room in a frenzy. "Such a plan and so carried on! and so promising! and such an end in view! open the window, Solerno, and let me leap out into that lake!" Solerno, rather more inclined to call for help and a strait waistcoat, caught his friend by the arms, and forcibly holding him cried out:-"For the love of Heaven, St. Hypolite, be composed, be rational; if you are in your senses speak calmly to me. What is the cause of this transport ?" "The devil is the cause you are the causea woman is the cause!" returned Francois, still in a paroxysm of disappointment. "I am not mad, Solerno; have patience with me, allow me just to break every thing in this room save your bones, and then I think my heart will be eased." And as he spoke, with his usual gaiety whimsically added to his chagrin, he swept off the whole furniture of the breakfast table; and as it came with a loud crash to the floor, he scated himself and added,-" Now you shall know what is the matter." During Francois's narration, gratitude, regret, and displeasure took by turns possession of Solerno; his strict integrity saw nothing but what was faulty in a scheme solely founded upon deception, and while he sighed over what might have been its result, happiness for him with Julie St. Hypolite, he chid himself for thinking he could ever enjoy felicity pur chased by falsehood. Short was the rebuke of the young Marquis, but long and serious his discussion of the subject: he wished to instruct his friend, not to reproach him; and while he tenderly lamented that by zeal for his service, St. Hypolite would be involved in Mortifications, he felt it his duty to shew that they were deserved, and to point out the bright path of honour and truth. Francois listened with a humbled and sorrowing heart; the more he admired the principles of Solerno, the more he regretted the circumstances which were likely to consign him to a monastery L |