II。”Hush！”saidavoice，whichIrecognizedtobethatoftheMarquisd’O’Mahony。”Heavenbepraised，reasonhasreturnedtoyou。ForsixweeksthosearetheonlysanewordsIhaveheardfromyou。””Faix，and’tisthrueforyou，Coloneldear，”criedanothervoice，withwhichIwasevenmorefamiliar；’twasthatofmyhonestandgallantLantyClancy，whowasblubberingatmybedsideoverjoyedathismaster’srecovery。”Omusha，MastherPhilagrah！butthiswillbethegreatdayintirely，whenIsendoffthenews，whichIwould，barrin’Ican’twrite，totheladyyourmotherandyoursistersatCastleFogarty；
and’tishisRiv’renceFatherLukewilljumpforjoythin，whenhereadstheletther！Sixweeksravin’androarin’asbouldasalion，andasmadasMickMalony’spig，thatmistuckMick’swigforacabbage，anddiedofatin’it！””AndhaveIthenlostmysenses？”Iexclaimedfeebly。”Sure，didn’tyecallmeyourbeautifulDonnaAnnaonlyyesterday，andcatchhouldofmewhiskersasiftheyweretheSignora’sjet-
blackringlets？”Lantycried。
Atthismoment，andblushingdeeply，themostbeautifulyoungcreatureIeversetmyeyesupon，rosefromachairatthefootofthebed，andsailedoutoftheroom。”Confusion，youblunderingrogue，”Icried；”whoisthatlovelyladywhomyoufrightenedawaybyyourimpertinence？DonnaAnna？
WhereamI？””Youareingoodhands，Philip，”saidtheColonel；”youareatmyhouseinthePlaceVendome，atParis，ofwhichIamthemilitaryGovernor。YouandLantywereknockeddownbythewindofthecannon-ballatBurgos。Donotbeashamed:’twastheEmperorpointedthegun；”andtheColoneltookoffhishatashementionedthenamedarlingtoFrance。”Whenourtroopsreturnedfromthesallyinwhichyourgallantstormingpartywasdrivenback，youwerefoundontheglacis，andIhadyoubroughtintotheCity。
Yourreasonhadleftyou，however，whenyoureturnedtolife；but，unwillingtodesertthesonofmyoldfriend，PhilipFogarty，whosavedmylifein’98，IbroughtyouinmycarriagetoParis。””Andmany’sthetimeyoutriedtojumpoutofthewindy，MastherPhil，”saidClancy。”BroughtyoutoParis，”resumedtheColonel，smiling；”where，bythesoinsofmyfriendsBroussais，Esquirol，andBaronLarrey，youhavebeenrestoredtohealth，thankheaven！””Andthatlovelyangelwhoquittedtheapartment？”Icried。”ThatlovelyangelistheLadyBlancheSarsfield，myward，adescendantofthegallantLucan，andwhomaybe，whenshechooses，MadamelaMarechaledeCambaceres，DuchessofIllyria。””Whydidyoudelivertheruffianwhenhewasinmygrasp？”Icried。”WhydidLantydeliveryouwheninmine？”theColonelreplied。”C’estlafortunedelaguerre，mongarcon；butcalmyourself，andtakethispotionwhichBlanchehaspreparedforyou。”
IdrankthetisaneeagerlywhenIheardwhosefairhandshadcompoundedit，anditseffectswerespeedilybeneficialtome，forIsankintoacoolandrefreshingslumber。
FromthatdayIbegantomendrapidly，withalltheelasticityofyouth’shappytime。Blanche——theenchantingBlanche——ministeredhenceforthtome，forIwouldtakenomedicinebutfromherlilyhand。Andwhatweretheeffects？’Faith，ereamonthwaspast，thepatientwasoverheadandearsinlovewiththedoctor；andasforBaronLarrey，andBroussais，andEsquirol，theyweresenttotheright-about。InashorttimeIwasinasituationtodojusticetothegigotauxnavets，theboeufauxcornichons，andtheotherdeliciousentremetsoftheMarquis’sboard，withanappetitethatastonishedsomeoftheFrenchmenwhofrequentedit。”Waittillhe’squitewell，Miss，”saidLanty，whowaitedalwaysbehindme。”’Faith！whenhe’sinhealth，I’dbackhimtoateacow，barrin’thehornsandteel。”Isentadecanterattherogue’shead，bywayofanswertohisimpertinence。
AlthoughthedisgustingCambaceresdidhisbesttohavemyparolewithdrawnfromme，andtocausemetobesenttotheEnglishdepotofprisonersatVerdun，theMarquis’sinterestwiththeEmperorprevailed，andIwasallowedtoremainatParis，thehappiestofprisoners，attheColonel’shotelatthePlaceVendome。Iherehadtheopportunityanopportunitynotlost，Iflattermyself，onayoungfellowwiththeaccomplishmentsofPhilipFogarty，Esq。ofmixingwiththeeliteofFrenchsociety，andmeetingwithmanyofthegreat，thebeautiful，andthebrave。TalleyrandwasafrequentguestoftheMarquis’s。Hisbon-motsusedtokeepthetableinaroar。Neyfrequentlytookhischopwithus；Murat，whenintown，constantlydroptinforacupofteaandfriendlyroundgame。
Alas！whowouldhavethoughtthosetwogallantheadswouldbesosoonlaidlow？Mywifehasapairofearringswhichthelatter，whoalwaysworethem，presentedtoher——butweareadvancingmatters。Anybodycouldsee，”avecundemioeil，”asthePrinceofBeneventoremarked，howaffairswentbetweenmeandBlanche；butthoughsheloathedhimforhiscrueltiesandtheodiousnessofhisperson，thebrutalCambaceresstillpursuedhisdesignsuponher。
IrecollectitwasonSt。Patrick’sDay。Mylovelyfriendhadprocured，fromthegardensoftheEmpressJosephine，atMalmaisonwhomwelovedathousandtimesmorethanherAustriansuccessor，asandy-hairedwoman，betweenourselves，withanodioussquint，aquantityofshamrockwherewithtogarnishthehotel，andalltheIrishinPariswereinvitedtothenationalfestival。
IandPrinceTalleyranddancedadoublehornpipewithPaulineBonaparteandMadamedeStael；MarshalSoultwentdownacoupleofsetswithMadameRecamier；andRobespierre’swidow——anexcellent，gentlecreature，quiteunlikeherhusband——stoodupwiththeAustrianambassador。Besides，thefamousartistsBaronGros，DavidandNicholasPoussin，andCanova，whowasintownmakingastatueoftheEmperorforLeoX。，and，inaword，allthecelebritiesofParis——asmygiftedcountrywoman，thewildIrishgirl，callsthem——
wereassembledintheMarquis’selegantreceiving-rooms。
AtlastagreatoutcrywasraisedforLaGigueIrlandaise！LaGigueIrlandaise！adancewhichhadmadeafureuramongsttheParisianseversincethelovelyBlancheSarsfieldhaddancedit。
Shesteppedforwardandtookmeforapartner，andamidstthebravoesofthecrowd，inwhichstoodNey，Murat，Lannes，thePrinceofWagram，andtheAustrianambassador，weshowedtothebeaumondeoftheFrenchcapital，Iflattermyself，anotunfavorablespecimenofthedanceofourcountry。
AsIwascuttingthedouble-shuffle，andtoe-and-heelingitinthe”rail”style，Blanchedanceduptome，smiling，andsaid，”Beonyourguard；IseeCambacerestalkingtoFouche，theDukeofOtranto，aboutus；andwhenOtrantoturnshiseyesuponaman，theybodehimnogood。””Cambaceresisjealous，”saidI。”Ihaveit，”saysshe；”I’llmakehimdanceaturnwithme。”So，presently，asthemusicwasgoinglikemadallthistime，Ipretendedfatiguefrommylatewounds，andsatdown。ThelovelyBlanchewentupsmiling，andbroughtoutCambaceresasasecondpartner。
TheMarshalisalustyman，whomakesdesperateeffortstogivehimselfawaist，andtheeffectoftheexerciseuponhimwasspeedilyvisible。Hepuffedandsnortedlikeawalrus，dropstrickleddownhispurpleface，whilemylovelymischiefofaBlanchewentondancingattreblequick，tillshefairlydancedhimdown。”Who’lltaketheflurewithme？”saidthecharminggirl，animatedbythesport。”Faix，den，’tisI，LantyClancy！”criedmyrascal，whohadbeenmadwithexcitementatthescene；and，steppinginwithawhoopandahurroo，hebegantodancewithsuchrapidityasmadeallpresentstare。
Asthecouplewerefootingit，therewasanoiseasofarapidcavalcadetraversingthePlaceVendome，andstoppingattheMarquis’sdoor。Acrowdappearedtomountthestair；thegreatdoorsofthereception-roomwereflungopen，andtwopagesannouncedtheirMajestiestheEmperorandtheEmpress。SoengagedwereLantyandBlanche，thattheyneverheardthetumultoccasionedbytheaugustapproach。
ItwasindeedtheEmperor，who，returningfromtheTheatreFrancais，andseeingtheMarquis’swindowslightedup，proposedtotheEmpresstodropinontheparty。Hemadesignstothemusicianstocontinue:andtheconquerorofMarengoandFriedlandwatchedwithinterestthesimpleevolutionsoftwohappyIrishpeople。EventheEmpresssmiledand，seeingthis，allthecourtiers，includingNaplesandTalleyrand，weredelighted。”IsnotthisagreatdayforIreland？”saidtheMarquis，withateartricklingdownhisnobleface。”OIreland！Omycountry！
Butnomoreofthat。Goup，Phil，youdivvle，andofferherMajestythechoiceofpunchornegus。”
AmongtheyoungfellowswithwhomIwasmostintimateinPariswasEugeneBeauharnais，thesonoftheill-usedandunhappyJosephinebyherformermarriagewithaFrenchgentlemanofgoodfamily。
Havingasmackoftheoldbloodinhim，Eugene’smannersweremuchmorerefinedthanthoseofthenew-fangleddignitariesoftheEmperor’sCourt，whereformyknifeandforkwereregularlylaidattheTuileriesIhaveseenmypoorfriendMuratrepeatedlymistakeaforkforatoothpick，andthegallantMassenadevourpeasebymeansofhisknife，inawaymoreinnocentthangraceful。
Talleyrand，Eugene，andIusedoftentolaughattheseeccentricitiesofourbravefriends；whocertainlydidnotshineinthedrawing-room，howeverbrillianttheywereinthefieldofbattle。
TheEmperoralwaysaskedmetotakewinewithhim，andwasfullofkindnessandattention。”IlikeEugene，”hewouldsay，pinchingmyearconfidentially，ashiswaywas——”IlikeEugenetokeepcompanywithsuchyoungfellowsasyou；youhavemanners；youhaveprinciples；myroguesfromthecamphavenone。AndIlikeyou，Philipmyboy，”headded，”forbeingsoattentivetomypoorwife——theEmpressJosephine，Imean。”
AllthesehonorsmademyfriendsattheMarquis’sveryproud，andmyenemiesatCourtcreverwithenvy。Amongthese，theatrociousCambacereswasnottheleastactiveandenvenomed。
Thecauseofthemanyattentionswhichwerepaidtome，andwhich，likeavaincoxcomb，Ihadchosentoattributetomyownpersonalamiability，soonwasapparent。Havingformedagoodopinionofmygallantryfrommyconductinvariousactionsandforlornhopesduringthewar，theEmperorwasmostanxioustoattachmetohisservice。TheGrandCrossofSt。Louis，thetitleofCount，thecommandofacrackcavalryregiment，thel4meChevauxMarins，werethebribesthatwereactuallyofferedtome；andmustIsayit？
Blanche，thelovely，theperfidiousBlanche，wasoneoftheagentsemployedtotemptmetocommitthisactoftreason。”Objecttoenteraforeignservice！”shesaid，inreplytomyrefusal。”Itisyou，Philip，whoareinaforeignservice。TheIrishnationisinexile，andintheterritoriesofitsFrenchallies。Irishtraitorsarenothere；theymarchaloneundertheaccursedflagoftheSaxon，whomthegreatNapoleonwouldhavesweptfromthefaceoftheearth，butforthefatalvalorofIrishmercenaries！Acceptthisoffer，andmyheart，myhand，myallareyours。Refuseit，Philip，andwepart。””TowedtheabominableCambaceres！”Icried，stungwithrage。”Towearaduchess’scoronet，Blanche！Ha，ha！Mushrooms，insteadofstrawberry-leaves，shoulddecoratethebrowsoftheupstartFrenchnobility。Ishallwithdrawmyparole。Idemandtobesenttoprison——tobeexchanged——todie——anythingratherthanbeatraitor，andthetoolofatraitress！”Takingupmyhat，Ilefttheroominafury；andflingingopenthedoortumbledoverCambaceres，whowaslisteningatthekey-hole，andmusthaveoverheardeverywordofourconversation。
Wetumbledovereachother，asBlanchewasshriekingwithlaughteratourmutualdiscomfiture。Herscornonlymadememoremad；and，havingspurson，IbegandiggingthemintoCambaceres’fatsidesaswerolledonthecarpet，untiltheMarshalhowledwithrageandanger。”Thisinsultmustbeavengedwithblood！”roaredtheDukeofIllyria。”Ihavealreadydrawnit，”saysI，”withmyspurs。””Malheuretmalediction！”roaredtheMarshal。”Hadn’tyoubettersettleyourwig？”saysI，offeringittohimonthetipofmycane，”andwe’llarrangetimeandplacewhenyouhaveputyourjaseyinorder。”Ishallneverforgetthelookofrevengewhichhecastatme，asIwasthusturninghimintoridiculebeforehismistress。”LadyBlanche，”Icontinuedbitterly，”asyoulooktosharetheDuke’scoronet，hadn’tyoubetterseetohiswig？”andsosaying，I
cockedmyhat，andwalkedoutoftheMarquis’splace，whistling”Garryowen。”
Iknewmymanwouldnotbelonginfollowingme，andwaitedforhiminthePlaceVendome，whereIluckilymetEugenetoo，whowaslookingatthepicture-shopinthecorner。Iexplainedtohimmyaffairinatwinkling。Heatonceagreedtogowithmetotheground，andcommendedme，ratherthanotherwise，forrefusingtheofferwhichhadbeenmadetome。”Iknewitwouldbeso，”hesaid，kindly；”Itoldmyfatheryouwouldn’t。AmanwiththebloodoftheFogarties，Philmyboy，doesn’twheelaboutlikethosefellowsofyesterday。”So，whenCambacerescameout，whichhedidpresently，withamorefuriousairthanbefore，IhandedhimatonceovertoEugene，whobeggedhimtonameafriend，andanearlyhourforthemeetingtotakeplace。”Canyoumakeitbeforeeleven，Phil？”saidBeauharnais。”TheEmperorreviewsthetroopsintheBoisdeBoulogneatthathour，andwemightfighttherehandybeforethereview。””Done！”saidI。”Iwantofallthingstoseethenewly-arrivedSaxoncavalrymanoeuvre:”onwhichCambaceres，givingmealook，asmuchastosay，”Seesights！Watchcavalrymanoeuvres！Makeyoursoul，andtakemeasureforacoffin，myboy！”walkedaway，namingourmutualacquaintance，MarshalNey，toEugene，ashissecondinthebusiness。
IhadpurchasedfromMurataveryfineIrishhorse，Bugaboo，outofSmithereens，byFadladeen，whichranintotheFrenchranksatSalamanca，withpoorJackClonakilty，ofthe13th，dead，onthetopofhim。BugaboowastoomuchandtoouglyananimalfortheKingofNaples，who，thoughashowyhorseman，wasabadrideracrosscountry；andIgotthehorseforasong。Awickederanduglierbruteneverworepig-skin；andIneverputmylegoversuchatimber-jumperinmylife。IrodethehorsedowntotheBoisdeBoulogneonthemorningthattheaffairwithCambacereswastocomeoff，andLantyheldhimasIwentin，”suretowin，”astheysayinthering。
CambacereswasknowntobethebestshotintheFrencharmy；butI，whoamaprettygoodhandatasnipe，thoughtamanwasbigger，andthatIcouldwinghimifIhadamind。AssoonasNeygavetheword，webothfired:Ifeltawhizpastmyleftear，andputtingupmyhandthere，foundalargepieceofmywhiskersgone；whereasatthesamemoment，andshriekingahorriblemalediction，myadversaryreeledandfell。”MonDieu，ilestmort！”criedNey。”Pasdetout，”saidBeauharnais。”Ecoute；iljuretoujours。”
Andsuch，indeed，wasthefact:thesupposeddeadmanlayonthegroundcursingmostfrightfully。Wewentuptohim:hewasblindwiththelossofblood，andmyballhadcarriedoffthebridgeofhisnose。Herecovered；buthewasalwayscalledthePrinceofPonterottointheFrencharmy，afterwards。Thesurgeoninattendancehavingtakenchargeofthisunfortunatewarrior，werodeofftothereviewwhereNeyandEugenewereondutyattheheadoftheirrespectivedivisions；andwhere，bytheway，Cambaceres，astheFrenchsay，”sefaisaitdesirer。”
ItwasarrangedthatCambaceres’divisionofsixbattalionsandnine-and-twentysquadronsshouldexecutearicochetmovement，supportedbyartilleryintheintervals，andconvergingbydifferentepaulementsonthelightinfantry，thatformed，asusual，thecentreoftheline。ItwasbythisfamousmanoeuvrethatatArcola，atMontenotte，atFriedland，andsubsequentlyatMazagran，Suwaroff，PrinceCharles，andGeneralCastanosweredefeatedwithsuchvictoriousslaughter:butitisamovementwhich，Ineednottelleverymilitaryman，requiresthegreatestdelicacyofexecution，andwhich，ifitfails，plungesanarmyintoconfusion。”WhereistheDukeofIllyria？”Napoleonasked。”Attheheadofhisdivision，nodoubt，”saidMurat:atwhichEugene，givingmeanarchlook，puthishandtohisnose，andcausedmealmosttofalloffmyhorsewithlaughter。Napoleonlookedsternlyatme；butatthismomentthetroopsgettinginmotion，thecelebratedmanoeuvrebegan，andhisMajesty’sattentionwastakenofffrommyimpudence。
Milhaud’sDragoons，theirbandsplaying”ViveHenriQuatre，”theircuirassesgleaminginthesunshine，movedupontheirowncentrefromtheleftflankinthemostbrilliantorder，whiletheCarbineersofFoy，andtheGrenadiersoftheGuardunderDrouetd’Erlon，executedacaramboladeontheright，withtheprecisionwhichbecamethoseveterantroops；buttheChasseursoftheyoungguard，marchingbytwosinsteadofthrees，boreconsequentlyupontheBavarianUhlansanill-disciplinedandill-affectedbody，andthen，fallingbackindisorder，becameentangledwiththeartilleryandtheleftcentreoftheline，andinoneinstantthirtythousandmenwereininextricableconfusion。”Clubbed，byJabers！”roaredoutLantyClancy。”Iwishwecouldshow’emtheFightingOnety-oneth，Captaindarling。””Silence，fellow！”Iexclaimed。IneversawthefaceofmanexpresspassionsovividlyasnowdidthelividcountenanceofNapoleon。HetoreoffGeneralMilhaud’sepaulettes，whichheflungintoFoy’sface。Heglaredabouthimwildly，likeademon，andshoutedhoarselyfortheDukeofIllyria。”Heiswounded，Sire，”
saidGeneralFoy，wipingatearfromhiseye，whichwasblackenedbytheforceoftheblow；”hewaswoundedanhoursinceinaduel，Sire，byayoungEnglishprisoner，MonsieurdeFogarty。””Wounded！amarshalofFrancewounded！WhereistheEnglishman？
Bringhimout，andletafileofgrenadiers——””Sire！”interposedEugene。”Lethimbeshot！”shriekedtheEmperor，shakinghisspyglassatmewiththefuryofafiend。
Thiswastoomuch。”Heregoes！”saidI，androdeslapathim。
TherewasashriekofterrorfromthewholeoftheFrencharmy，andIshouldthinkatleastfortythousandgunswerelevelledatmeinaninstant。Butasthemusketswerenotloaded，andthecannonhadonlywaddinginthem，thesefacts，Ipresume，savedthelifeofPhilFogartyfromthisdischarge。
Knowingmyhorse，IputhimattheEmperor’shead，andBugaboowentatitlikeashot。HewasridinghisfamouswhiteArab，andturnedquitepaleasIcameupandwentoverthehorseandtheEmperor，scarcelybrushingthecockadewhichhewore。”Bravo！”saidMurat，burstingintoenthusiasmattheleap。”Cuthimdown！”saidSieyes，onceanAbbe，butnowagiganticCuirassier；andhemadeapassatmewithhissword。ButhelittleknewanIrishmanonanIrishhorse。BugabooclearedSieyes，andfetchedthemonsteraslapwithhisnearhindhoofwhichsenthimreelingfromhissaddle，——andawayIwent，withanarmyofahundredandseventy-threethousandeighthundredmenatmyheels。****
BARBAZURE。
BYG。P。R。JEAMES，ESQ。，ETC。
I。
ItwasupononeofthosebalmyeveningsofNovember，whichareonlyknowninthevalleysofLanguedocandamongthemountainsofAlsace，thattwocavaliersmighthavebeenperceivedbythenakedeyethreadingoneoftherockyandromanticgorgesthatskirtthemountain-landbetweentheMarneandtheGaronne。Therosytintsofthedecliningluminaryweregildingthepeaksandcragswhichlinedthepath，throughwhichthehorsemenwoundslowly；andastheseeternalbattlementswithwhichNaturehadhemmedintheravinewhichourtravellerstrod，blushedwiththelasttintsofthefadingsunlight，thevalleybelowwasgrayanddarkling，andthehardanddeviouscoursewassombreintwilight。Afewgoats，hardlyvisibleamongthepeaks，werecroppingthescantyherbagehereandthere。Thepipesofshepherds，callingintheirflocksastheytroopedhomewardstotheirmountainvillages，sentupplaintiveechoeswhichmoanedthroughthoserockyandlonelysteeps；thestarsbegantoglimmerinthepurpleheavensspreadserenelyoverheadandthefaintcrescentofthemoon，whichhadpeeredforsometimescarcevisibleintheazure，gleamedoutmorebrilliantlyateverymoment，untilitblazedasifintriumphatthesun’sretreat。’TisafairlandthatofFrance，agentle，agreen，andabeautiful；thehomeofartsandarms，ofchivalryandromance，andhoweversadlystainedbytheexcessesofmoderntimes’twastheunboughtgraceofnationsonce，andtheseatofancientrenownanddisciplinedvalor。
AndofallthatfairlandofFrance，whosebeautyissobrightandbraveryissofamous，thereisnospotgreenerorfairerthanthatoneoverwhichourtravellerswended，andwhichstretchesbetweenthegoodtownsofVendemiaireandNivose。’Tiscommonnowtoahundredthousandvoyagers:theEnglishtourist，withhischariotandhisHarvey’sSauce，andhisimperials；thebustlingcommis-
voyageurontheroofoftherumblingdiligence；therapidmalle-
postethunderingoverthechausseeattwelvemilesanhour——passthegroundhourlyanddailynow:’twaslonelyandunfrequentedattheendofthatseventeenthcenturywithwhichourstorycommences。
Alongthedarkeningmountain-pathsthetwogentlemenforsuchtheiroutwardbearingproclaimedthemcaracoledtogether。Theone，seeminglytheyoungerofthetwain，woreaflauntingfeatherinhisbarret-cap，andmanagedaprancingAndalusianpalfreythatboundedandcurvetedgayly。Asurcoatofpeach-coloredsamiteandapurfleddoubletofvairbespokehimnoble，asdidhisbrillianteye，hisexquisitelychisellednose，andhiscurlingchestnutringlets。
Youthwasonhisbrow；hiseyesweredarkanddewy，likespring-
violets；andspring-rosesbloomeduponhischeek——roses，alas！thatbloomanddiewithlife’sspring！Nowboundingoverarock，nowplayfullywhiskingoffwithhisridingrodafloweretinhispath，PhilibertdeCoquelicotrodebyhisdarkercompanion。
HiscomradewasmounteduponadestriereofthetrueNormanbreed，thathadfirstchampedgrassonthegreenpasturesofAquitaine。
ThencethroughBerry，Picardy，andtheLimousin，haltingatmanyacityandcommune，holdingjoustandtourneyinmanyacastleandmanorofNavarre，Poitou，andSt。Germainl’Auxerrois，thewarriorandhischargerreachedthelonelyspotwherenowwefindthem。
Thewarriorwhobestrodethenoblebeastwasinsoothworthyofthesteedwhichborehim。Bothwerecaparisonedinthefullesttrappingsoffeudalwar。Thearblast，themangonel，thedemiculverin，andthecuissartoftheperiod，glitteredupontheneckandchestofthewar-steed；whiletherider，withchamfronandcatapult，withbanandarriere-ban，morionandtumbrel，battle-axeandrifflard，andtheotherappurtenancesofancientchivalry，rodestatelyonhissteel-cladcharger，himselfatowerofsteel。ThismightyhorsemanwascarriedbyhissteedaslightlyastheyoungspringaldbyhisAndalusianhackney。”’Twaswelldoneofthee，Philibert，”saidheoftheproof-armor，”torideforthsofartowelcomethycousinandcompanioninarms。””Companioninbattledoreandshuttlecock，RomanedeClos-Vougeot！”
repliedtheyoungerCavalier。”WhenIwasyetapage，thouwertabeltedknight；andthouwertawaytotheCrusadesereevermybeardgrew。””IstoodbyRichardofEnglandatthegatesofAscalon，anddrewthespearfromsaintedKingLouisinthetentsofDamietta，”theindividualaddressedasRomanereplied。”Well-a-day！sincethybeardgrew，boy，andmarry’tisyetathinone，IhavebrokenalancewithSolymanatRhodes，andsmokedachibouquewithSaladinatAcre。Butenoughofthis。Tellmeofhome——ofournativevalley——ofmyhearth，andmylady-mother，andmygoodchaplain——
tellmeofHER，Philibert，”saidtheknight，executingademivolt，inordertohidehisemotion。
Philibertseemeduneasy，andtostriveasthoughhewouldparrythequestion。”Thecastlestandsontherock，”hesaid，”andtheswallowsstillbuildinthebattlements。Thegoodchaplainstillchantshisvespersatmorn，andsnuffleshismatinsateven-song。
Thelady-motherstilldistributethtracts，andknittethBerlinlinsey-woolsey。Thetenantspaynobetter，andthelawyersdunassorely，kinsmanmine，”headdedwithanarchlook。”ButFatima，Fatima，howfaresshe？”Romanecontinued。”SinceLammaswasatwelvemonth，Ihearnoughtofher；mylettersareunanswered。Thepostmanhathtraversedourcampeveryday，andneverbroughtmeabillet。HowisFatima，PhilibertdeCoquelicot？””Sheis——well，”Philibertreplied；”hersisterAnneisthefairestofthetwain，though。””HersisterAnnewasababywhenIembarkedforEgypt。AplagueonsisterAnne！SpeakofFatima，Philibert——myblue-eyedFatima！””Isaysheis——well，”answeredhiscomradegloomily。”Isshedead？Issheill？Hathshethemeasles？Nay，hathshehadthesmall-pox，andlostherbeauty？Speak；speak，boy！”criedtheknight，wroughttoagony。”Hercheekisasredashermother’s，thoughtheoldCountesspaintsherseveryday。Herfootisaslightasasparrow’s，andhervoiceassweetasaminstrel’sdulcimer；butgivemenathlesstheLadyAnne，”criedPhilibert；”givemethepeerlessLadyAnne！
AssoonaseverIhavewonspurs，IwillrideallChristendomthrough，andproclaimhertheQueenofBeauty。Ho，LadyAnne！
LadyAnne！”andsosaying——butevidentlywishingtodisguisesomeemotion，orconcealsometalehisfriendcouldillbrooktohear——
therecklessdamoiseaugallopedwildlyforward。
Butswiftaswashiscourser’space，thatofhiscompanion’senormouschargerwasswifter。”Boy，”saidtheelder，”thouhastilltidings。Iknowitbythyglance。Speak:shallhewhohathbeardedgrimDeathinathousandfieldsshametofacetruthfromafriend？Speak，inthenameofheavenandgoodSaintBotibol。
RomanedeClos-Vougeotwillbearyourtidingslikeaman！””Fatimaiswell，”answeredPhilibertonceagain；”shehathhadnomeasles:shelivesandisstillfair。””Fair，ay，peerlessfair；butwhatmore，Philibert？Notfalse？BySaintBotibol，saynotfalse，”groanedtheelderwarrior。”Amonthsyne，”Philibertreplied，”shemarriedtheBarondeBarbazure。”
Withthatscreamwhichissoterribleinastrongmaninagony，thebraveknightRomanedeClos-Vougeotsankbackatthewords，andfellfromhischargertotheground，alifelessmassofsteel。
II。
Likemanyanotherfabricoffeudalwarandsplendor，theoncevastandmagnificentCastleofBarbazureisnowamoss-grownruin。Thetravellerofthepresentday，whowandersbythebanksofthesilveryLoire，andclimbsthesteeponwhichthemagnificentedificestood，canscarcelytrace，amongtheshatteredmassesofivy-coveredmasonrywhichlieamongthelonelycrags，eventheskeletonoftheproudandmajesticpalacestrongholdoftheBaronsofBarbazure。
Inthedaysofourtaleitsturretsandpinnaclesroseasstately，andseemedtotheprideofsinfulman！asstrongastheeternalrocksonwhichtheystood。Thethreemulletsonaguleswavyreversed，surmountedbythesinoplecouchantOr；thewell-knowncognizanceofthehouse，blazedingorgeousheraldryonahundredbanners，surmountingasmanytowers。ThelonglinesofbattlementedwallsspreaddownthemountaintotheLoire，andweredefendedbythousandsofsteel-cladserving-men。FourhundredknightsandsixtimesasmanyarchersfoughtroundthebannerofBarbazureatBouvines，Malplaquet，andAzincour。ForhisservicesatFontenoyagainsttheEnglish，theheroicCharlesMartelappointedthefourteenthBaronHereditaryGrandBootjackofthekingdomofFrance；andforwealth，andforsplendor，andforskillandfameinwar，Raoul，thetwenty-eighthBaron，wasinno-wiseinferiortohisnobleancestors。
ThattheBaronRaoulleviedtollupontheriverandmailupontheshore；thathenowandthenransomedaburgher，plunderedaneighbor，ordrewthefangsofaJew；thatheburnedanenemy’scastlewiththewifeandchildrenwithin；——thesewerepointsforwhichthecountryknewandrespectedthestoutBaron。Whenhereturnedfromvictory，hewassuretoendowtheChurchwithapartofhisspoil，sothatwhenhewentforthtobattlehewasalwaysaccompaniedbyherblessing。ThuslivedtheBaronRaoul，theprideofthecountryinwhichhedwelt，anornamenttotheCourt，theChurch，andhisneighbors。
ButinthemidstofallhispowerandsplendortherewasadomesticgriefwhichdeeplyafflictedtheprincelyBarbazure。Hislovelyladiesdiedoneaftertheother。Nosoonerwashemarriedthanhewasawidower；inthecourseofeighteenyearsnolessthanninebereavementshadbefallenthechieftain。Sotrueitis，thatiffortuneisaparasite，griefisarepublican，andvisitsthehallofthegreatandwealthyasitdoesthehumblertenementsofthepoor……”Leaveoffdeploringthyfaithless，gad-aboutlover，”saidtheLadyofChacabacquetoherdaughter，thelovelyFatima，”andthinkhowthenobleBarbazurelovesthee！Ofallthedamselsattheballlastnight，hehadeyesfortheeandthycousinonly。””Iamsuremycousinhathnogoodlookstobeproudof！”theadmirableFatimaexclaimed，bridlingup。”NotthatIcareformyLordofBarbazure’slooks。MYheart，dearestmother，iswithhimwhoisfaraway！””Hedancedwiththeefourgalliards，ninequadrilles，andtwenty-
threecorantoes，Ithink，child，”themothersaid，eludingherdaughter’sremark。”Twenty-five，”saidlovelyFatima，castingherbeautifuleyestotheground。”Heigh-ho！butRomanedancedthemverywell！””Hehadnotthecourtair，”themothersuggested。”Idon’twishtodenythebeautyoftheLordofBurbazure’sdancing，mamma，”Fatimareplied。”Forashort，lustyman，’tiswondroushowactiveheis；andindignitytheKing’sGracehimselfcouldnotsurpasshim。””Youwerethenoblestcoupleintheroom，love，”theladycried。”Thatpea-greendoublet，slashedwithorange-tawny，thoseostrichplumes，blue，red，andyellow，thoseparty-coloredhoseandpinkshoon，becamethenoblebaronwondrouswell，”Fatimaacknowledged。”Itmustbeconfessedthat，thoughmiddle-aged，hehathalltheagilityofyouth。Butalas，madam！Thenoblebaronhathhadninewivesalready。””Andyourcousinwouldgivehereyestobecomethetenth，”themotherreplied。”Mycousingivehereyes！”Fatimaexclaimed。”It’snotmuch，I’msure，forshesquintsabominably。”Andthustheladiesprattled，astheyrodehomeatnightafterthegreatballatthehouseoftheBaronofBarbazure。
Thegentlereader，whohasoverheardtheirtalk，willunderstandthedoubtswhichpervadedthemindofthelovelyFatima，andthewell-nurturedEnglishmaidenwillparticipateinthedividedfeelingswhichrentherbosom。’Tistrue，thatonhisdeparturefortheholywars，RomaneandFatimawereplightedtoeachother；
butthefollyoflongengagementsisproverbial；andthoughformanymonthsthefaithfulandaffectionategirlhadlookedinvainfornewsfromhim，heradmirableparentshadlongspokenwithrepugnanceofamatchwhichmustbringinevitablepovertytobothparties。Theyhadsuffered，’tistrue，theengagementtosubside，hostileastheyeverweretoit；butwhenonthedeathoftheninthladyofBarbazure，thenoblebaronremarkedFatimaatthefuneral，androdehomewithheraftertheceremony，herprudentparentssawhowmuchwiser，better，happierfortheirchilditwouldbetohaveforlifeapartnerlikethebaron，thantowaitthedoubtfulreturnofthepennilesswanderertowhomshewasplighted。
Ah！howbeautifulandpureabeing！howregardlessofself！howtruetoduty！howobedienttoparentalcommand，isthatearthlyangel，awell-bredwomanofgenteelfamily！Insteadofindulginginspleneticrefusalsorvainregretsforherabsentlover，theexemplaryFatimaatoncesignifiedtoherexcellentparentsherwillingnesstoobeytheirorders；thoughshehadsorrowsandshedeclaredthemtobetremendous，theadmirablebeingdisguisedthemsowell，thatnoneknewtheyoppressedher。Shesaidshewouldtrytoforgetformerties，andsostronginhermindwasDUTYaboveeveryotherfeeling！——sostrongmayitbeineveryBritishmaiden！
thelovelygirlkeptherpromise。”Myformerengagements，”shesaid，packingupRomane’slettersandpresents，which，asthegoodknightwasmortalpoor，wereinsoothofnogreatprice——”myformerengagementsIlookuponaschildishfollies；——myaffectionsarefixedwheremydearparentsgraftthem——onthenoble，theprincely，thepoliteBarbazure。’Tistrueheisnotcomelyinfeature，butthechasteandwell-bredfemaleknowshowtodespisethefleetingcharmsofform。’Tistrueheisold；butcanwomanbebetteremployedthanintendingheragedandsicklycompanion？
Thathehasbeenmarriedislikewisecertain——butah，mymother！
whoknowsnotthathemustbeagoodandtenderhusband，who，ninetimeswedded，ownsthat，hecannotbehappywithoutanotherpartner？”
ItwaswiththeseadmirablesentimentsthelovelyFatimaproposedobediencetoherparents’will，andconsentedtoreceivethemagnificentmarriage-giftpresentedtoherbyhergallantbridegroom。
III。
TheoldCountessofChacabacquehadmadeascoreofvainattemptstoseeherhaplessdaughter。Ever，whenshecame，theportersgrinnedathersavagelythroughthegratingoftheportcullisofthevastembattledgateoftheCastleofBarbazure，andrudelybadeherbegone。”TheLadyofBarbazureseesnobodybutherconfessor，andkeepsherchamber，”wastheinvariablereplyofthedoggedfunctionariestotheentreatiesoftheagonizedmother。Andatlength，sofuriouswasheatherperpetualcallsathisgate，thattheangryLordofBarbazurehimself，whochancedtobeatthepostern，armedacross-bow，andletflyanarblastatthecrupperofthelady’spalfrey，whereonshefledfinally，screaming，andinterror。”Iwillaimattheridernexttime！”howledtheferociousbaron，”andnotatthehorse！”Andthosewhoknewhissavagenatureandhisunrivalledskillasabowman，knewthathewouldneitherbreakhisknightlypromisenormisshisaim。
SincethefataldaywhentheGrandDukeofBurgundygavehisfamouspassageofarmsatNantes，andallthenoblesofFrancewerepresentatthejoustings，itwasremarkedthattheBarbazure’sheartwaschangedtowardshisgentleandvirtuouslady。
Forthethreefirstdaysofthatfamousfestival，theredoubtedBaronofBarbazurehadkeptthefieldagainstalltheknightswhoentered。Hislanceboreeverythingdownbeforeit。ThemostfamouschampionsofEurope，assembledatthesejoustings，haddropped，onebyone，beforethistremendouswarrior。Theprizeofthetourneywasdestinedtobehis，andhewastobeproclaimedbravestofthebrave，ashisladywasthefairestofthefair。
Onthethirdday，however，asthesunwasdecliningovertheVosges，andtheshadowswerelengtheningovertheplainwherethewarriorhadobtainedsuchtriumphs；——afterhavingovercometwohundredandthirteenknightsofdifferentnations，includingthefieryDunois，theintrepidWalterManny，thespotlessBayard，andtheundauntedDugueselin，astheconquerorsatstillerectonhischarger，andthemultitudesdoubtedwhethereveranotherchampioncouldbefoundtofacehim，threeblastsofatrumpetwereheard，faintatfirst，butateverymomentringingmoreclearly，untilaknightinpinkarmorrodeintothelistswithhisvisordown，andridingatremendousduncharger，whichhemanagedtotheadmirationofallpresent。
Theheraldsaskedhimhisnameandquality。”Callme，”saidhe，inahollowvoice，”theJiltedKnight。”WhatwasitmadetheLadyofBarbazuretrembleathisaccents。
Theknightrefusedtotellhisnameandqualities；butthecompanionwhorodewithhim，theyoungandnoblePhilibertdeCoquelicot，whowasknownandrespecteduniversallythroughtheneighborhood，gaveawarrantyforthebirthandnobledegreeoftheJiltedKnight——andRaouldeBarbazure，yellinghoarselyforatwo-
hundred-and-fourteenthlance，shookthehugeweaponintheairasthoughitwereareed，andpreparedtoencountertheintruder。
Accordingtothewontofchivalry，andtokeepthepointofthespearfromharm，thetopoftheunknownknight’slancewasshieldedwithabung，whichthewarriorremoved；andgallopinguptoBarbazure’spavilion，overwhichhisshieldhung，touchedthatnoblecognizancewiththesharpenedsteel。Athrillofexcitementranthroughtheassemblyatthisdaringchallengetoacombatal’outrance。”Hastthouconfessed，SirKnight？”roaredtheBarbazure；”takethyground，andlooktothyself；forbyheaventhylasthouriscome！””Pooryouth，pooryouth！”sighedthespectators；”hehascalleddownhisownfate。”Thenextminutethesignalwasgiven，andasthesimoomacrossthedesert，thecataractdowntherock，theshellfromthehowitzer，eachwarriorrushedfromhisgoal……”Thouwiltnotslaysogoodachampion？”saidtheGrandDuke，asattheendofthatterrificcombattheknightinrosearmorstoodoverhisprostratefoe，whosehelmethadrolledoffwhenhewasatlengthunhorsed，andwhosebloodshoteyesglaredunutterablehateandferocityonhisconqueror。”Takethylife，”saidhewhohadstyledhimselftheJiltedKnight；”thouhasttakenallthatwasdeartome。”Andthesunsetting，andnootherwarriorappearingtodobattleagainsthim，hewasproclaimedtheconqueror，androdeuptotheduchess’sbalconytoreceivethegoldchainwhichwastherewardofthevictor。Heraisedhisvisorasthesmilingprincessguerdonedhim——raisedit，andgaveONEsadlooktowardstheLadyFatimaatherside！”RomanedeClos-Vougeot！”shriekedshe，andfainted。TheBaronofBarbazureheardthenameashewrithedonthegroundwithhiswound，andbyhisslightedhonor，byhisbrokenribs，byhisrousedfury，hesworerevenge；andtheLadyFatima，whohadcometothetourneyasaqueen，returnedtohercastleasaprisoner。
Asitisimpossibletogivethewholeofthisremarkablenovel，letitsufficetosaybrieflyhere，thatinaboutavolumeandahalf，inwhichthedescriptionsofscenery，theaccountoftheagoniesofthebaroness，keptonbreadandwaterinherdungeon，andthegeneraltoneofmorality，areallexcellentlyworkedout，theBarondeBarbazureresolvesuponputtinghiswifetodeathbythehandsofthepublicexecutioner。……
Twominutesbeforetheclockstrucknoon，thesavagebaronwasontheplatformtoinspectthepreparationforthefrightfulceremonyofmid-day。
Theblockwaslaidforth——thehideousministerofvengeance，maskedandinblack，withtheflamingglaiveinhishand，wasready。Thebarontriedtheedgeofthebladewithhisfinger，andaskedthedreadfulswordsmanifhishandwassure？Anodwasthereplyofthemanofblood。Theweepinggarrisonanddomesticsshudderedandshrankfromhim。Therewasnotonetherebutlovedandpitiedthegentlelady。
Pale，paleasastone，shewasbroughtfromherdungeon。Toallherlord’ssavageinterrogatories，herreplyhadbeen，”Iaminnocent。”Tohisthreatsofdeath，heranswerwas，”Youaremylord；mylifeisinyourhands，totakeortogive。”Howfewarethewives，inourday，whoshowsuchangelicmeekness！Ittouchedallheartsaroundher，savethatoftheimplacableBarbazure！EventheLadyBlanche，Fatima’scousin，whomhehadpromisedtomarryuponhisfaithlesswife’sdemise，besoughtforherkinswoman’slife，andadivorce；butBarbazurehadvowedherdeath。”Istherenopity，sir？”askedthechaplainwhohadattendedher。”Nopity？”echoedtheweepingserving-maid。”DidInotayesayIwoulddieformylord？”saidthegentlelady，andplacedherselfattheblock。
SirRaouldeBarbazureseizedupthelongringletsofherravenhair。”Now！”shoutedhetotheexecutioner，withastampofhisfoot——”Nowstrike！”
Themanwhoknewhistradeadvancedatonce，andpoisedhimselftodeliverhisblow:andmakinghisflashingswordsingintheair，withoneirresistible，rapidstroke，itshearedcleanofftheheadofthefurious，thebloodthirsty，theimplacableBarondeBarbazure！
Thushefellavictimtohisownjealousy:andtheagitationoftheLadyFatimamaybeimagined，whentheexecutioner，flingingoffhismask，kneltgracefullyatherfeet，andrevealedtoherthewell-
knownfeaturesofRomanedeClos-Vougeot。
LORDSANDLIVERIES。
BYTHEAUTHORESSOF”DUKESANDDEJEUNERS，””HEARTSANDDIAMONDS，””MARCHIONESSESANDMILLINERS，”ETC。ETC。
I。”CORBLEU！WhatalovelycreaturethatwasintheFitzbattleaxeboxto-night，”saidoneofagroupofyoungdandieswhowereleaningoverthevelvet-cushionedbalconiesofthe”CoventryClub，”smokingtheirfull-flavoredCubasfromHudson’saftertheopera。
EverybodystaredatsuchanexclamationofenthusiasmfromthelipsoftheyoungEarlofBagnigge，whowasneverheardtoadmireanythingexceptacoulisdedindonneaualaSt。Menehould，orasupremedecochonentorticolisalaPiffarde；suchasChampollion，thechefofthe”Traveller’s，”onlyknowshowtodress；orthebouquetofaflaskofMedoc，ofCarbonell’sbestquality；oragoutteofMarasquin，fromthecellarsofBriggsandHobson。
AlureddePentonville，eighteenthEarlofBagnigge，ViscountPaonofIslington，BaronPancras，Kingscross，andaBaronet，was，liketoomanyofouryoungmenofton，utterlyblase，althoughonlyinhistwenty-fourthyear。Blest，luckily，withamotherofexcellentprincipleswhohadimbuedhisyoungmindwiththatMoralitywhichissosuperiortoallthevainpompsoftheworld！ithadnotbeenalwaystheyoungearl’slottowearthecoronetforwhichhenowinsoothcaredsolittle。Hisfather，acaptainofBritain’snavy，struckdownbythesideofthegallantCollingwoodintheBayofFundy，leftlittlebuthisswordandspotlessnametohisyoung，lovely，andinconsolablewidow，whopassedthefirstyearsofhermourningineducatingherchildinanelegantthoughsmallcottageinoneoftheromanticmarinevillagesofbeautifulDevonshire。
Herchild！Whatagushofconsolationfilledthewidow’sheartasshepressedhimtoit！Howfaithfullydidsheinstilintohisyoungbosomthoseprincipleswhichhadbeenthepole-staroftheexistenceofhisgallantfather！
Inthissecludedretreat，rankandwealthalmostboundlessfoundthewidowandherboy。TheseventeenthEarl——gallantandardent，andintheprimeofyouth——wentforthonedayfromtheEternalCitytoasteeple-chaseintheCampagna。AmutilatedcorpsewasbroughtbacktohishotelinthePiazzadiSpagna。Death，alas！isnorespecteroftheNobility。Thatshatteredformwasallthatremainedofthefiery，thehaughty，thewild，butthegenerousAltamontdePentonville！Such，suchisfate！
TheadmirableEmilydePentonvilletrembledwithallamother’ssolicitudeatthedistinctionsandhonorswhichthussuddenlydescendedonherboy。SheengagedanexcellentclergymanoftheChurchofEnglandtosuperintendhisstudies；toaccompanyhimonforeigntravelwhentheproperseasonarrived；towardfromhimthosedangerswhichdissipationalwaysthrowsinthewayofthenoble，theidle，andthewealthy。ButtheReverendCyrilDelavaldiedofthemeaslesatNaples，andhenceforththeyoungEarlofBagniggewaswithoutaguardian。
Whatwastheconsequence？That，atthree-and-twenty，hewasacynicandanepicure。Hehaddrainedthecupofpleasuretillithadpalledinhisunnervedhand。HehadlookedatthePyramidswithoutawe，attheAlpswithoutreverence。HewasunmovedbythesandysolitudesoftheDesertasbytheplaciddepthsofMediterranean’sseaofblue。Bitter，bittertearsdidEmilydePentonvilleweep，when，onAlured’sreturnfromtheContinent，shebeheldtheawfulchangethatdissipationhadwroughtinherbeautiful，herblue-eyed，herperverted，herstillbelovedboy！”CorpodiBacco，”hesaid，pitchingtheendofhiscigarontotherednoseoftheCountessofDelawaddymore’scoachman——who，havingdepositedherfatladyshipatNo。236Piccadilly，wasdrivingthecarriagetothestables，beforecommencinghiseveningatthe”FortuneofWar”public-house——”whatalovelycreaturethatwas！
Whateyes！whathair！Whoknowsher？Doyou，moncherprince？””Ebellissima，certamente，”saidtheDucadeMontepulciano，andstrokeddownhisjettymoustache。”EingarschonesMadchen，”saidtheHereditaryGrandDukeofEulenschreckenstein，andturneduphiscarrotyone。”Ellen’estpasmal，mafoi！”saidthePrincedeBorodino，withascowlonhisdarklingbrows。”MonDieu，quecescigarressontmauvais！”headdedashetoocastawayhisCuba。”TryoneofmyPickwicks，”saidFranklinFox，withasneer，offeringhisgoldetuitotheyoungFrenchman；”theyaresomeofPontet’sbest，Prince。What，doyoubearmalice？Come，letusbefriends，”saidthegayandcarelessyoungpatrician；butascowlonthepartoftheFrenchmanwastheonlyreply。”Wanttoknowwhosheis？Borodinoknowswhosheis，Bagnigge，”
thewagwenton。
EverybodycrowdedaroundMonsieurdeBorodinothusapostrophized。
TheMarquisofAlicompayne，youngDeBootsoftheLifeguards，TomProtocoloftheForeignOffice；thegayyoungPeers，Farintosh，Poldoody，andtherest；andBagnigge，forawonder，notlesseagerthananyonepresent。”No，hewilltellyounothingabouther。Don’tyouseehehasgoneoffinafury！”FranklinFoxcontinued。”Hehashisreasons，cecherprince:hewilltellyounothing；butIwill。YouknowthatI
amaumieuxwiththedearoldduchess。””TheysayFrankandsheareengagedaftertheduke’sdeath，”criedPoldoody。”IalwaysthoughtFwankwastheduke’sillicitgweatgwandson，”
drawledoutDeBoots。”IheardthathedoctoredherBlenheim，andusedtobringherwigsfromParis，”criedthatmaliciousTomProtocol，whosemotsareknownineverydiplomaticsalonfromPetersburgtoPalermo。”Burnherwigsandhangherpoodle！”saidBagnigge。”Tellmeaboutthisgirl，FranklinFox。””Inthefirstplace，shehasfivehundredthousandacres，inaringfenceinNorfolk；acountyinScotland，acastleinWales，avillaatRichmond，acornerhouseinBelgraveSquare，andeightythousandayearinthethree-per-cents。””Apres？”saidBagnigge，stillyawning。”Secondly，Borodinoluifaitlacour。Theyarecousins，hermotherwasanArmagnacoftheemigration；theoldMarshal，hisfather，marriedanothersister。Ibelievehewasfootmaninthefamily，beforeNapoleonprincifiedhim。””No，no，hewassecondcoachman，”TomProtocolgood-naturedlyinterposed——”acavalryofficer，Frank，notaninfantryman。””’Faithyoushouldhaveseenhisfurytheyoungone’s，Imean
whenhefoundmeintheduchess’sroomthisevening，tete-a-tetewiththeheiress，whodeignedtoreceiveabouquetfromthishand。””Itcostmethreeguineas，”poorFranksaid，withashrugandasigh，”andthatCoventGardenscoundrelgivesnocredit:butshetooktheflowers；——eh，Bagnigge？””AndflungthemtoAlboni，”thePeerreplied，withahaughtysneer。
AndpoorlittleFranklinFoxwascompelledtoownthatshehad。
Themaitred’hotelhereannouncedthatsupperwasserved。ItwasremarkedthateventhecoulisdedindonneaumadenoimpressiononBagniggethatnight。
II。
ThesensationproducedbythedebutofAmethystPimlicoatthecourtofthesovereign，andinthesalonsofthebeau-monde，wassuchashasseldombeencreatedbytheappearanceofanyotherbeauty。Themenwereravingwithlove，andthewomenwithjealousy。Hereyes，herbeauty，herwit，hergrace，herton，causedaperfectfureurofadmirationorenvy。
IntroducedbytheDuchessofFitzbattleaxe，alongwithherGrace’sdaughters，theLadiesGwendolineandGwineverPortcullis，theheiress’sregalbeautyquiteflunghercousins’simplecharmsintotheshade，andblazedwithasplendorwhichcausedall”minorlights”totwinklefaintly。Beforeadaythebeau-monde，beforeaweekeventhevulgariansoftherestofthetown，rangwiththefameofhercharms；andwhilethedandiesandthebeautieswereravingabouther，ortearinghertopiecesinMayFair，evenMrs。
Dobbswhohadbeentothepitofthe”Hoperer”inagreenturbanandacrumpledyellowsatintalkedaboutthegreatHAIRESStoherD。inBloomsburySquare。
CrowdswenttoSquabandLynch’s，inLongAcre，toexaminethecarriagesbuildingforher，sofaultless，sosplendid，soquiet，soodiouslyunostentatiousandprovokinglysimple！Besidestheancestralservicesofargenterieandvaisselleplate，containedinahundredandseventy-sixplate-chestsatMessrs。Childs’，RumbleandBriggspreparedagoldservice，andGarraway，oftheHaymarket，aserviceoftheBenvenutoCellinipattern，whichweretheadmirationofallLondon。Beforeamonthitisafactthatthewretchedhaberdashersinthecityexhibitedthebluestocks，called”Heiress-killers，verychaste，two-and-six:”longbeforethat，themondehadrushedtoMadameCrinoline’s，orsentcourierstoMadameMarabou，atParis，soastohavecopiesofherdresses；but，astheMantuanbardobserves，”Noncuiviscontigit，”——everyfootcannotaccommodateitselftothechaussureofCinderella。
Withallthissplendor，thisworship，thisbeauty；withthesecheersfollowingher，andthesecrowdsatherfeet，wasAmethysthappy？Ah，no！ItisnotunderthenecklacethemostbrilliantthatBriggsandRumblecansupply，itisnotinLynch’sbestcushionedchariotthattheheartismostatease。”Quejemeruinerai，”saysFronsacinalettertoBossuet，”sijesavaisouacheterlebonheur！”
Withallherriches，withallhersplendor，Amethystwaswretched——
wretched，becauselonely；wretched，becauseherlovinghearthadnothingtoclingto。Hersplendidmansionwasaconvent；nomalepersonevenenteredit，exceptFranklinFox，whocountedfornothing，andtheduchess’sfamily，herkinsmanoldLordHumpington，hisfriendoldSirJohnFogey，andhercousin，theodious，odiousBorodino。
ThePrincedeBorodinodeclaredopenlythatAmethystwasengagedtohim。Criblededettes，itisnowonderthatheshouldchoosesuchanopportunitytorefairesafortune。Hegaveoutthathewouldkillanymanwhoshouldcastaneyeontheheiress，andthemonsterkepthisword。MajorGrigg，oftheLifeguards，hadalreadyfallenbyhishandatOstend。TheO’Toole，whohadmetherontheRhine，hadreceivedaballinhisshoulderatCoblentz，anddidnotcaretoresumesodangerousacourtship。Borodinocouldsnuffabougieatahundredandfiftyyards。HecouldbeatBertrandorAlexanderDumashimselfwiththesmall-sword:hewasthedragonthatwatchedthispommed’or，andveryfewpersonswerenowinclinedtofaceachampionsiredoutable。
Overasalmid’escargotatthe”Coventry，”thedandieswhomweintroducedinourlastvolumewereassembled，theretalkingoftheheiress；andherstorywastoldbyFranklinFoxtoLordBagnigge，who，forawonder，wasinterestedinthetale。Borodino’spretensionswerediscussed，andthewayinwhichthefairAmethystwasconfined。FitzbattleaxeHouse，inBelgraveSquare，is——aseverybodyknows——thenextmansiontothatoccupiedbyAmethyst。A
communicationwasmadebetweenthetwohouses。Sheneverwentoutexceptaccompaniedbytheduchess’sguard，whichitwasimpossibletoovercome。”Impossible！Nothing’simpossible，”saidLordBagnigge。”Ibetyouwhatyoulikeyoudon’tgetin，”saidtheyoungMarquisofMartingale。”IbetyouathousandponiesIstopaweekintheheiress’shousebeforetheseason’sover，”LordBagniggerepliedwithayawn；andthebetwasregisteredwithshoutsofapplause。
ButitseemedasiftheFateshaddeterminedagainstLordBagnigge，fortheverynextday，ridinginthePark，hishorsefellwithhim；
hewascarriedhometohishousewithafracturedlimbandadislocatedshoulder；andthedoctor’sbulletinspronouncedhimtobeinthemostdangerousstate。
Martingalewasamarriedman，andtherewasnodangerofHISridingbytheFitzbattleaxecarriage。Afortnightaftertheaboveevents，hislordshipwasprancingbyherGrace’sgreatfamilycoach，andchatteringwithLadyGwineveraboutthestrangewager。”Doyouknowwhataponyis，LadyGwinever？”heasked。Herladyshipsaidyes:shehadacream-coloredoneatCastleBarbican；
andstaredwhenLordMartingaleannouncedthatheshouldsoonhaveathousandponies，worthfive-and-twentypoundseach，whichwereallnowkeptatCoutts’s。ThenheexplainedthecircumstancesofthebetwithBagnigge。Parliamentwastoadjournintendays；theseasonwouldbeover！Bagniggewaslyingillchezlui；andthefive-and-twentythousandwereirrecoverablyhis。AndhevowedhewouldbuyLordBinnacle’syacht——crew，captain，gunsandall。
OnreturninghomethatnightfromLadyPolkimore’s，Martingalefoundamongthemanybilletsuponthegoldplateauinhisantichambre，thefollowingbriefone，whichmadehimstart——”DEARMARTINGALE——Don’tbetoosureofBinnacle’syacht。Therearestilltendaysbeforetheseasonisover；andmyponiesmaylieatCoutts’sforsometimetocome。”Yours，”BAGNIGGE。”P。S——Iwritewithmylefthand；formyrightisstillsplinteredupfromthatconfoundedfall。”
III。
Thetallfootman，numberfour，whohadcomeintheplaceofJohn，cashiered，forwantofpropermollets，andbecausehishairdidnottakepowderwell，hadgivengreatsatisfactiontotheunder-
butler，whoreportedwellofhimtohischief，whohadmentionedhisnamewithpraisetothehouse-steward。Hewassogood-lookingandwell-spokenayoungman，thattheladiesinthehousekeeper’sroomdeignedtonoticehimmorethanonce；norwashispopularitydiminishedonaccountofaquarrelinwhichheengagedwithMonsieurAnatole，theenormousWalloonchasseur，whowasonedayfoundembracingMissFlouncy，whowaitedonAmethyst’sownmaid。
TheveryinstantMissFlouncysawMr。JeamesenteringtheServants’
Hall，whereMonsieurAnatolewasengagedin”aggravating”her，MissFlouncyscreamed:atthenextmomenttheBelgiangiantlaysprawlinguponthecarpet；andJeames，standingoverhim，assumedsoterriblealook，thatthechasseurdeclinedanyfurthercombat。
Thevictorywasmadeknowntothehouse-stewardhimself，who，beingalittlepartialtoMissFlouncyherself，complimentedJeamesonhisvalor，andpouredoutaglassofMadeirainhisownroom。
WhowasJeames？HehadcomerecommendedbytheBagniggepeople。
Hehadlived，hesaid，inthatfamilytwoyears。”Butwheretherewasnoladies，”hesaid，”agentleman’shandwasspiledforservice；”andJeames’swasaverydelicatehand；MissFlouncyadmireditverymuch，andofcoursehedidnotdefileitbymenialservice:hehadinayoungmanwhocalledhimsir，anddidallthecoarsework；andJeamesreadthemorningpapertotheladies；notspellinglyandwithhesitation，asmanygentlemendo，buteasilyandelegantly，speakingoffthelongestwordswithoutamoment’sdifficulty。HecouldspeakFrench，too，MissFlouncyfound，whowasstudyingitunderMademoiselleGrandefille-de-chambredeconfiance；forwhenshesaidtohim，”PollyvooFransy，MunseerJeames？”herepliedreadily，”We，Mademaselle，j’aypassaybocodetongaParry。Commongvoopottyvoo？”HowMissFlouncyadmiredhimashestoodbeforeher，thedayafterhehadsavedMissAmethystwhenthehorseshadrunawaywithherinthePark！
PoorFlouncy，poorFlouncy！JeameshadbeenbutaweekinAmethyst’sservice，andalreadythegentleheartofthewashing-
girlwasirrecoverablygone！PoorFlouncy！PoorFlouncy！hethoughtnotofthee。
Ithappenedthus。MissAmethystbeingengagedtodrivewithhercousintheprinceinhisphaeton，herowncarriagewassentintotheParksimplywithhercompanion，whohadchargeofherlittleFido，thedearestlittlespanielintheworld。JeamesandFrederickwerebehindthecarriagewiththeirlongsticksandneatdarkliveries；thehorseswereworthathousandguineaseach，thecoachmanalatelieutenant-colonelofcavalry:thewholeringcouldnotboastamoreelegantturn-out。
Theprincedrovehiscurricle，andhadchargeofhisbellecousine。
ItmayhavebeentheredfezzesinthecarriageoftheTurkishambassadorwhichfrightenedtheprince’sgrays，orMrs。Champignon’snewyellowliveries，whichwereflauntinginthePark，orhideousLadyGorgon’spreternaturalugliness，whopassedinalowpony-carriageatthetime，ortheprince’sownwantofskill，finally；butcertainitisthatthehorsestookfright，dashedwildlyalongthemile，scatteredequipages，pietons，dandies’cabs，andsnobs’pheaytons。Amethystwasscreaming；andtheprince，deadlypale，hadlostallpresenceofmind，asthecurriclecamerushingbythespotwhereMissAmethyst’scarriagestood。”I’mblest，”Frederickexclaimedtohiscompanion，”ifitain’ttheprincea-drivinourmissis！They’llbeintheSerpingtine，ordashedtopieces，iftheydon’tmind。”Andtherunawaysteedsatthisinstantcameuponthemasawhirlwind。
Butifthosesteedsranatawhirlwindpace，Jeameswasswifter。
Tojumpfrombehind，toboundaftertherocking，reelingcurricle，tojumpintoit，aidedbythelongstickwhichhecarriedandusedasaleaping-pole，andtoseizethereinsoutofthehandsofthemiserableBorodino，whoshriekedpiteouslyasthedauntlessvaletleaptonhistoesandintohisseat，wastheworkofaninstant。
Inafewminutesthemad，swayingrushofthehorseswasreducedtoaswiftbutsteadygallop；presentlyintoacanter，thenatrot；
untilfinallytheypulledupsmokingandtrembling，butquitequiet，bythesideofAmethyst’scarriage，whichcameupatarapidpace。”Givemethereins，malappris！tum’ecraseslecorps，manant！”
yelledthefranticnobleman，writhingunderneaththeintrepidcharioteer。”Tantpispourtoi，nigaud，”wasthereply。ThelovelyAmethystofcoursehadfainted；butsherecoveredasshewasplacedinhercarriage，andrewardedherpreserverwithacelestialsmile。
Therage，thefury，themaledictionsofBorodino，ashesawthelatter——aliveriedmenial——stoopgracefullyforwardandkissAmethyst’shand，maybeimaginedratherthandescribed。ButJeamesheedednothiscurses。Havingplacedhisadoredmistressinthecarriage，hecalmlyresumedhisstationbehind。Passionordangerseemedtohavenoimpressionuponthatpalemarbleface。
Borodinowenthomefurious；norwashisragediminished，when，oncomingtodinnerthatday，arecherchebanquetservedintheFrangipanebeststyle，andrequestingasupplyofapureealabisqueauxecrevisses，theclumsyattendantwhoservedhimletfalltheassietteofvermeillecisele，withitsscaldingcontents，overtheprince’schin，hisMechlinjabot，andthegrandcordonoftheLegionofhonorwhichhewore。”Infame，”howledBorodino，”tul’asfaitexpres！””Oui，jel’aifaitexpres，”saidtheman，withthemostperfectParisianaccent。ItwasJeames。
Suchinsolenceofcoursecouldnotbepassedunnoticedevenafterthemorning’sservice，andhewaschassedonthespot。Hehadbeenbutaweekinthehouse。
Thenextmonththenewspaperscontainedaparagraphwhichmaypossiblyelucidatetheabovemystery，andtothefollowingeffect:——”SingularWager——Onenight，attheendoflastseason，theyoungandeccentricEarlofB-gn-ggelaidawageroftwenty-fivethousandpoundswithabrokensportingpatrician，thedashingMarquisofM-rt-ng-le，thathewouldpassaweekundertheroofofacelebratedandlovelyyoungheiress，wholivesnotahundredmilesfromB-lgr-veSqu-re。Thebethavingbeenmade，theearlpretendedanillness，andhavingtakenlessonsfromoneofhislordship’sownfootmenMr。JamesPlush，whosenamehealsoborrowedin’theMYSTERIESofthePROFESSION，’actuallysucceededinmakinganentryintoMissP-ml-co’smansion，wherehestoppedoneweekexactly；
havingtimetowinhisbet，andtosavethelifeofthelady，whomwehearheisabouttoleadtothealtar。HedisarmedthePrinceofBorodinoinaduelfoughtonCalaissands——and，itissaid，appearedattheC——clubwearinghisPLUSHCOSTUMEunderacloak，anddisplayingitasaproofthathehadwonhiswager。”
Such，indeed，werethecircumstances。Theyoungcouplehavenotmorethanninehundredthousandayear，buttheylivecheerfully，andmanagetodogood；andEmilydePentonville，whoadoresherdaughter-in-lawandherlittlegrandchildren，isblestinseeingherdarlingsonenfinunhommerange。
CRINOLINE。
BYJE-MESPL-SH，ESQ。