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 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 
 
 :;::
 
 ELLA; 
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 
 
 THE HON. MRS. LAMBERT. 
 
 IN THREE VOLUMES. 
 VOL. I. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 HENRY COLBURN, PUBLISHER, 
 GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 
 
 1838.
 
 LONDON': 
 SCHt'LZE AND CO., 13, POLAND STRKKT.
 
 TO THE VERY NOBLE 
 
 MARQUESS OF CLANRICARDE, 
 
 23.3 
 
 LI 7c?jl &c - &c - &c 
 
 v. I 
 
 LORD LIEUTENANT OF THE COUNTY GALWAY, 
 
 CL'STOS ROTULORUM, 
 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 Dear Lord Clanricarde; %• 
 
 As " Ella" must henceforward be linked 
 with a vivid recollection of the kind interest 
 your Lordship has taken in its publication, I 
 cannot allow the Dedication to remain simply 
 a tribute of respectful friendship without adding 
 to it, the cordial expression of my gratitude. 
 
 Confer another favour by permitting me thus 
 to convey my warmest acknowledgments, and 
 the assurance of esteem and regard with which 
 I have the pleasure to remain, 
 
 Dear Lord Clanricarde, 
 
 Your's sincerely, 
 
 THE AUTHOR.
 
 ELLA; 
 
 OR 
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Last night when o'er the thickly studded sky 
 The fleecy clouds would ever and anon 
 Eclipse the gems of Heaven, I marked one star 
 That twinkled in its sphere so joyously, 
 The pitying vapours, as in tenderness 
 Forebore that part of Heaven, — and passed along 
 On either side, leaving an open path 
 Where that star lay : and as I looked on it 
 And thought upon my own unclouded life g 
 I called that star myself ; when on the instant 
 A heavy streak, that had in ambush lain 
 Crept over it, and made a blot of darkness 
 Where it had been. I saw my star no more. 
 
 The Provost of Bruges. 
 
 Ci Believe me, dear Ella, whatever is, is best, 
 
 VOL. I. B
 
 2 ELLA; OR 
 
 every trial, every struggle, every undeserved 
 pang, and unexpected stroke of adversity, is 
 an occult means of bringing forth our better 
 natures; let us receive them as such, and 
 claiming nothing, fearing nothing in this world, 
 we may hope all things in the next. But 
 night is fast approaching ; we must bend our 
 steps towards the castle ; supper is served ere 
 this." 
 
 Such were the words uttered by an elegant 
 young cavalier, as he folded, with evident so- 
 licitude, the undulating drapery of a rich 
 witzchouras round the delicate and somewhat 
 shrinking form of a lovely girl who hung 
 pensively on his arm. They proceeded silently 
 for a few moments, when the lady paused as 
 she looked upward, and without turning to her 
 companion, said : " Stay, Albert, let me watch 
 that silvery star, — one moment ; — methinks it 
 brightened as you spoke; observe the small 
 pale orb which trembles near it, may be, they 
 are the ruling planets of our destiny . v
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 3 
 
 " Fond visionary !" exclaimed the lover, " I 
 must repress this morbid sensibility." 
 
 " Ah ! a cloud obscures the bright star to 
 which I was affixing our future existence," 
 cried Ella ; " we shall not be fortunate/' con- 
 tinued she, ruminating ; " something whispers, 
 that we are doomed to disappointment." 
 
 " Ella, you are too superstitious ; I do not 
 recognize your clear understanding in these 
 wild forebodings/' replied Albert with gravity ; 
 u our parents have consented to our union, — 
 there is no foundation for such gloomy fears ; 
 why, therefore, embitter the delightful present, 
 by sad conjectures. We shall certainly deserve 
 a lecture for remaining exposed to the falling 
 dew, your mother will be displeased at our 
 delay ; to-morrow we can resume our walk and 
 the thread of our conversation, now let us 
 hasten onwards. Hark ! the castle clock strikes 
 the hour, — eight I" 
 
 As he spoke, the brazen tones rang through 
 the neighbouring hills and narrow denies, 
 
 B 2
 
 4 ELLA; OR 
 
 dying slowly in the mellowed distance. The 
 youthful pair, linked arm in arm, glided along 
 the stately avenue of trees, which led in a 
 straight line to the entrance of a fine old castle, 
 that stood on the very margin of the lake. 
 They arrived just as a substantial supper was 
 laid in the noble hall, which occupied a con- 
 siderable portion of the lower story of the 
 building. 
 
 The high, arched, and curiously carved roof 
 had assumed that dark rich colour which time 
 alone can impart. The beauty of the exquisite 
 workmanship elaborately bestowed on its various 
 compartments, was but faintly perceptible by 
 the light of an antique silver lamp, cunningly 
 wrought in rare devices, which was suspended 
 from the centre by a massive chain of the same 
 material. The concentrated lustre of its rays 
 fell perpendicularly on the hospitable board, 
 daintily spread beneath, displaying to advan- 
 tage a savoury variety of excellent viands, such 
 as usually furnish forth a German supper ; the
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 5 
 
 whole being served in richly chased dishes, or 
 salvers, of the same costly metal of which the 
 lamp was formed. 
 
 The Baron von Lindenberg, who patriarchally 
 presided at the head of his table, welcomed the 
 lovers with a smile, tempered by affectionate 
 gravity ; whilst the mild but reproving glance 
 of his still graceful wife, gently intimated that 
 the evening's promenade had been prolonged 
 beyond the limits of prudence. 
 
 The Baroness had not arrived at that mys- 
 terious period when it is expedient for ladies to 
 conceal their age; she was not yet forty, and pre- 
 served much of the freshness with some of the 
 brilliancy of youth. Her fine auburn hair was 
 partly hid by a matronly cap, which perhaps 
 enhanced the beauty of the wearer by its 
 unaffected simplicity; but the glossy braids 
 that encircled her forehead proved that time 
 had hitherto respected its golden luxuriance. 
 Her placid countenance possessed a feminine 
 softness and sweetness of expression, which
 
 6 ELLA; OR 
 
 was peculiarly characteristic of those gentle 
 retiring virtues which constitute the chief or- 
 nament of German women. 
 
 Ella and her companion, seated side by side, 
 were soon engaged in cheerful conversation, in 
 which the amiable parents occasionally joined, 
 thereby giving a useful direction to discussions 
 that otherwise might tend to enthusiasm. The 
 father never neglected to impart a lesson, the 
 mother to draw a moral inference, and the 
 dialogue was kept up with animation by the 
 party until the usual hour of rest. 
 
 As the family were about to disperse for the 
 night the Baron intimated, that the ensuing 
 week was appointed for their departure, as he 
 was necessitated to resume his ministerial 
 functions without further delay. Ella sighed 
 deeply at the speedy prospect of exchanging 
 the peaceful retirement of Ereinfels Castle, for 
 the glare and gaieties of Vienna ; but as Albert 
 softly whispered in her ear, " We shall be 
 together, dearest,' 5 she stifled the rising murmur
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. / 
 
 of regret, and recovering her customary serenity, 
 meekly solicited the nightly benediction which 
 was fervently bestowed by her affectionate 
 parents, whilst her lover fondly pressed the 
 promised hand she blushingly surrendered, 
 half willing half reluctant, to his entreaties. 
 
 In a few days, the whole family proceeded to 
 Vienna, where they arrived free from accident 
 or adventure.
 
 ELLA; OR 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 II suffit, ce nom vaut une histoire. 
 
 Lamartine. 
 
 L'ambition est la vertu des grandes ames ct le vice des 
 
 petite. 
 
 Jacob. 
 
 The Baron von Lindenberg was the last 
 representative of an illustrious lineage, and 
 could produce a pedigree which bore the un- 
 equivocal stamp of antiquity; though no specific 
 time could be assigned for its origin, which was 
 only traced through the dim and lengthened 
 tradition of past centuries. In short, the 
 family of Lindenberg had always been noble. 
 Their armorial bearings might be seen richly
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. \f 
 
 emblazoned with many ducal and even royal 
 quarterings, whilst the crusader's cross and the 
 pilgrim's scallop proclaimed a piety coeval with 
 those chivalrous days, when the name of Lin- 
 denberg was linked with the bright appendages 
 of feudal greatness. 
 
 Hitherto, the pure stream of the baronial 
 blood had circulated in unpolluted aristocracy. 
 Margraves, Landgraves, Burgraves, Palsgraves, 
 Electors, and Princes Palatine, had either be- 
 stowed their fair daughters in marriage, on the 
 successive representatives of the house of 
 Lindenberg, or had selected their own noble 
 helpmates from amongst the few favoured 
 females of that ancient race, who were espe- 
 cially permitted to emancipate themselves, 
 by an advantageous alliance, from the impending 
 celibacy of an hereditary chapter, where nume- 
 rous generations of Lindenbergs had been 
 elevated to the dignity of Lady Abbess. 
 
 But Frederick Baron von Lindenberg, of 
 
 B 3
 
 JO ELLA; OR 
 
 whom it is now our business to write, was 
 a felicitous exception to the monotonous 
 grandeur of his imposing ancestry. He had 
 inherited their heraldic distinctions at an early 
 age, being the sole remaining scion of a family 
 which, but for himself, would have been extinct. 
 The glory of centuries thus" devolving upon 
 him, he was far from feeling satisfied with the 
 splendour of his position, on finding the estates 
 so completely involved by the princely expen- 
 diture of his forefathers as to leave him almost 
 destitute of means to support his ancient title : 
 a distinction he prized too dearly ever to allow 
 him to submit tamely to the degrading idea of 
 linking it with mere commercial greatness. 
 
 The ill-judged liberality of the last three 
 generations had made alarming inroads, on 
 what was once a magnificent property ; and by 
 examining minutely the actual state of his 
 affairs, the Baron perceived that a large portion 
 of his possessions were past redemption, and
 
 the emperor's son. 11 
 
 that the Castle of Ereinfels, and the extensive 
 domain attached to it, was all that remained, or 
 could be fairly considered his own. 
 
 By a painful effort of manly pride, struggling 
 to break through the firmly rooted fibres of 
 local attachment, (an effort which can scarcely 
 be appreciated in countries where mere wealth 
 commands a distinction of its own,) he relin- 
 quished the bulk of his estates, the lands were 
 sold, the demands of all creditors were satisfied, 
 and the old castle, in reality, the least valuable 
 part of his shattered inheritance, was reserved 
 ^for the residence of the independent and ho- 
 ^r norable-minded owner. 
 
 It was of vast antiquity, and exhibited a 
 dilapidated appearance, which the Baron had 
 not the means of repairing. Yet it was not 
 deficient in a single element of picturesque 
 beauty. The adjacent scenery, wild even to 
 sublimity, presented a softer aspect in the im- 
 mediate vicinity of the building, which was 
 sheltered from the north by a high range of
 
 12 ell\; OR 
 
 mountains, partly clothed with luxuriant forests 
 of pine trees. The south opened to a fine 
 expanse of water, embosomed in rich sloping 
 meadow land, where increased cultivation 
 seemed to impart an appearance of smiling 
 prosperity, which contrasted strikingly with 
 the grey walls of the time worn edifice. 
 
 The ample courts were overgrown with moss, 
 the lofty towers clad with ivy, the massive 
 gates creaked a reluctant admission on their 
 hinges, and the gilded ceilings through the 
 spacious halls were blackened and defaced. A 
 grim collection of family portraits hung in 
 gloomy majesty from the mouldering wains- 
 cotting, whilst faded tapestry decked the state 
 apartments, which once had been enlivened by 
 painted casements, now broken and dismantled. 
 
 Von Lindenberg was, what some might term 
 a ruined man ; but he himself only felt that he 
 was a poor one. Equally distinguished by his 
 lofty spirit, as by his untainted lineage, he 
 resolved on either raising the fallen fortunes of
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 13 
 
 his house, or at least shedding a lustre on its 
 decline ; or, failing in these, to sink calmly into 
 that serene obscurity which fate seemed to be 
 preparing for him. He felt that his future lot 
 depended solely on his own personal exertions, 
 and that he must either be content to languish 
 in hopeless insignificance, or become the arti- 
 ficer of his own fortunes. 
 
 The sword had ever been a sort of hereditary 
 appendage to the family; but the present 
 Baron's studious and somewhat philosophical 
 cast of disposition turned coldly from the 
 glitter and glory of a camp. The cloister was 
 also open to him ; the dark portals of every 
 monastery in Austria were ready to unclose 
 their iron fastenings for the reception of a 
 Lindenberg, but even the prospect of a mitre 
 would not have lured him into the path of 
 spiritual ambition, and the dull inactivity of an 
 ecclesiastical life was still less in accordance 
 with his taste than the fierce tumult of war- 
 fare. 
 
 The seeds of genius were germinating within
 
 14 ELLA; OR 
 
 him ; his soul was rising on the pinions of 
 hope ; and as he felt the increasing strength of 
 his own mind, he became the more anxious 
 to direct its powers for the benefit of his 
 country. Nature he felt, had formed him for 
 a statesman, he believed also for a philanthro- 
 pist, for one in short, destined to advance the 
 happiness and well-being of his whole species. 
 But innumerable obstacles encompassed him, 
 and threatened annihilation to his endeavours ; 
 for the teeming energy of thought was per- 
 petually fettered and cramped, by pecuniary 
 embarrassment. This alone would have been 
 sufficient to check and humble an ordinary 
 spirit; but as difficulties augmented, so Fre- 
 derick was stimulated by a more fervent desire 
 to overcome them. That very immaturity of 
 youth which forbad the expectation of speedy 
 success in the thorny path of politics, at the 
 same time rendered him more sanguine in its 
 pursuit. Experience would have hesitated in 
 a selection where enthusiasm persevered. 
 Confident in the extent of his own powers,
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 15 
 
 he thus stemmed the adverse current of cir- 
 cumstances ; for gifted with talents of a superior 
 order, he possessed also in an eminent degree 
 that guiding principle of action which enabled 
 him to apply his talent skilfully towards the 
 advancement of his worldly fortunes. 
 
 His education, which had been most judi- 
 cious, combined the practical knowledge of 
 the present era with the most recondite re- 
 finements of classic lore ; so that a short period 
 devoted to the careful study of political and 
 historical research, soon prepared him for the 
 diplomatic functions to which he aspired in the 
 first instance. 
 
 He was named attache to the em- 
 bassy, and being shortly afterwards entrusted 
 with a negociation of some intricacy, in which 
 he displayed unusual discretion, he was nomi- 
 nated forthwith secretary of legation, and was 
 removed to a more extended sphere of action. 
 Thus, gradually the soaring intellect, and un- 
 flinching integrity of Baron Lindenberg were
 
 16 ELLA; OR 
 
 brought into notice ; step by step he rose to 
 the higher honours of the state ; ascending 
 the scale of ministerial dignity, with a steady 
 and fearless tread. 
 
 In the course of a few years, Lindenberg 
 was nominated ambassador to the court 
 
 of , and was charged with a mission of 
 
 vital importance from the Austrian cabinet. 
 With his credentials, he also received the more 
 solid advantages of extensive patronage, in- 
 creased emolument, and all the flattering pre- 
 rogatives of office. 
 
 It is not our intention to dwell on this early 
 period of the Baron's life, or to follow him 
 through all the phases of his brilliant career, 
 which was marked throughout by a firmness of 
 purpose and an incorruptibility of principle, 
 which are not always the concomitants of 
 genius or the causes of success. Suffice it to 
 say, that fortune smiled on him ; he possessed 
 the confidence of his country, the admiration 
 of his rivals, and the personal friendship of
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 17 
 
 his sovereign ; his ambition was attained, he 
 was at the zenith of power, and public 
 favour. 
 
 Of all the ordeals to which the human heart 
 is subjected, those trials and temptations 
 which assail it, in the midst of prosperity, are 
 most formidable, yet that ordeal von Linden- 
 berg was enabled to pass through unscathed. 
 
 To enjoy the gifts of fortune, with gratitude 
 and meekness, to share the luxuries of afflu- 
 ence without ostentation, to bear the dazzling 
 distinctions of celebrity with humility; to 
 sympathize with the sufferings of his fellow 
 men from the bright centre of surrounding 
 magnificence, these are the triumphs of the 
 mind, the triumphs" of spirit over matter, 
 triumphs which we owe to the divinity within 
 us alone ; and such were the triumphs of von 
 Lindenberg, who withstood the allurements 
 of riches, and the corruption of a court, pre- 
 serving in the midst of his ministerial eleva- 
 tion, the single heartedness of virtue. 
 
 The bloom of youth had passed away before
 
 ]8 ELLA; OR 
 
 the Baron contemplated matrimony. Its ex- 
 pediency, and the manifold advantages to be 
 derived from it, in a worldly point of view, had 
 not for a moment occupied his thoughts. Merged 
 in the business of the state, and the all ab- 
 sorbing cares of government, he had never 
 hitherto indulged those softer emotions of 
 which he was eminently susceptible. Love 
 was still a stranger to him ; his energies were 
 solely directed towards the stupendous machine 
 of legislative power, and had never expanded 
 under the warm influence of passion ; for al- 
 though he was cited in every circle as a model 
 of polished ease and refined politeness, his 
 heart remained untouched amid the trifling 
 agitation of casual and passing preferences. 
 However, the Baron might occasionally have 
 yielded to the lighter impressions of the senses, 
 and to a quick perception of the beautiful, he 
 had never experienced a fixed, or absorbing 
 predilection of the affections which centre but 
 on one object, and losing that, lose all. 
 
 The potent spell of personal loveliness was
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 19 
 
 not in itself sufficient to captivate such a man 
 as von Lindenberg; even genius failed to 
 dazzle, accomplishments could not charm, nor 
 superiority of intellectual acquirements subju- 
 gate his calmer judgment. He had withstood 
 all their fascinations, under every combination, 
 and blended too with birth, station and afflu- 
 ence ; but he yielded not to their magic sway, 
 their radiance fell upon his heart like a moon- 
 beam, bright, but cold. 
 
 With the generality of the world, love ele- 
 vates the soul, and raises the moral tempera- 
 ture to a degree of burning intensity ; it is the 
 insurrection of the passions ; every latent feel- 
 ing, every slumbering energy is roused to ac- 
 tivity, and those dormant faculties, which, but 
 for its Promethean touch, might have remained 
 hidden and unsuspected in the torpid bosom, 
 are awakened to a consciousness of their own 
 existence : — the statue of Pygmalion starts into 
 life. 
 
 With the Baron, love was a spiritual essence
 
 20 ELLA; OR 
 
 of a different kind ; with him, it resembled 
 the subsiding of a storm, when every jarring 
 element is lulled to rest ; or it was like the 
 mellowed twilight of evening, which succeeds 
 the scorching brilliancy of day ; it was the 
 calming influence reserved to shed its gentler 
 sympathies on the fullness and maturity of 
 life, divesting passion of its turbulence, and 
 casting a chastening and softening veil over 
 the glittering prospects of an imaginative am- 
 bition. 
 
 It may appear singular that he who had 
 passed unscathed amid the blaze of courtly 
 beauty, was subjugated by the artless simpli- 
 city of a being whom few would have selected 
 as the future partner of the gifted and aristo- 
 cratic von Lindenberg. Yet Caroline Elehen- 
 stein was in reality suited to him. A fair and 
 delicate creature, a sort of vapoury emanation 
 from all that is sweet and celestial ; she looked 
 a virgin of Raphael, and possessed a soul of 
 corresponding character. The sparkling crys-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 21 
 
 tallizations of the female nature did not distin- 
 guish hers ; yet the very absence of these 
 bright asperities rendered her more attractive. 
 Her excellence never dazzled, but it was 
 everywhere apparent. She did not shine 
 forth in the conscious splendour of her loveli- 
 ness, or kindle the enthusiasm of her admirers 
 by daring flights of imagination ; her feelings 
 (those hallowed penates of a woman's breast), 
 were treasured in maidenly concealment, im- 
 penetrable to the bold scrutiny of the world ; 
 but in the soft recesses of her well stored 
 mind there existed abundant food for admira- 
 tion and affection. Such was the being whom 
 von Lindenberg loved, and ultimately mar- 
 ried. 
 
 Mademoiselle Elehenstein was not of illus- 
 trious origin, and merely came within the 
 pale of German nobility. She possessed a 
 very small fortune, which had hitherto sup- 
 ported herself and her widowed mother, not 
 perhaps according to their rank in life, but in
 
 22 ELLA ; OR 
 
 a manner to satisfy their moderate a d limited 
 desires. Thus, for an ambitious man, above 
 all for a diplomatist, Lindenberg had made 
 what the world would call an injudicious 
 choice. He acquired by his marriage nothing, 
 and sacrificed much ; he neither increased his 
 means, extended his connections, or strength- 
 ened his interests ; but he added greatly to 
 his private happiness, in acquiring that 
 most inestimable of all treasures, domestic 
 peace. 
 
 His young and amiable bride was of course 
 presented to the imperial circle, and although 
 from the retiring modesty of her disposition she 
 could not be supposed to produce either an 
 immediate, or a very vivid impression, yet she 
 succeeded in establishing the more lasting 
 dominion of universal esteem. 
 
 After a series of diplomatic services at vari- 
 ous foreign courts, von Lindenberg was ap- 
 pointed to an official situation at Vienna. 
 This occurred a short time previous to his
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 23 
 
 marriage, and might justly be considered as a 
 token of confidence from that government to 
 which he had hitherto proved such a faithful 
 minister. Wearied with change, the Baron 
 had travelled just enough to value the advan- 
 tages of home, without depreciating those of 
 other countries ; and he rejoiced at an arrange- 
 ment which afforded every opportunity of re- 
 storing his hereditary possessions to their 
 pristine grandeur ; and although, in the inter- 
 vals of his more serious avocations, he turned 
 his attention to the numerous repairs necessary 
 in his ancestral castle, these were dictated by 
 the pure taste, and innate attachment to for- 
 mer associations which precludes innovation. 
 The grey walls of Ereinfels still frowned on the 
 margin of the lake ; the ivy still flourished 
 round the battlements. In short, the cherished 
 abode of a long line of ancestry was restored 
 to its pristine condition, unaltered. 
 
 The old portraits were refreshed, the tapes- 
 try was renewed, and the oak panels again
 
 21 ELLA; OR 
 
 shed their bright gleams of broken light upon 
 the many coloured marble floor. 
 
 The first wish of the Baron's heart was at 
 length gratified by the birth of a son. This 
 important event took place at the castle, and 
 was hailed with enthusiastic joy, by a cheer- 
 ful and devoted tenantry. A long interval 
 elapsed before our heroine, the blue eyed 
 Ella, blessed the anxious hopes of a mother's 
 love. Leopold was four years senior to his 
 sister, and as they grew up in innocence and 
 beauty, his young breast glowed with all the 
 manly tenderness of fraternal attachment to- 
 wards the playful child, who looked up to 
 him as a superior being, and shared with him 
 in a happy rivalry, the affections of his 
 parents. 
 
 The scanty leisure which von Lindenberg 
 was enabled to snatch from the cares of the 
 state, was now devoted to the education of 
 his children, whose infantine characters seemed 
 to develope and expand under his skilful di-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 25 
 
 rection. Leopold, although an intelligent 
 ready-witted boy, was essentially different 
 from his father. The same energy of mind 
 had taken another direction, his impetuous 
 nature was totally averse to speculative phi- 
 losophy, or patient investigation. 
 
 The calculating career which counsels us to 
 crouch, in order to spring forward, did not 
 accord with the reckless boldness of his dis- 
 position. His taste was decidedly military ; 
 he pined for conquest, and panted for glory ; 
 dreams of battle, of danger, and of victory, 
 haunted his slumbers, and his waking hours 
 were devoted to the study of the classical 
 records of Greek and Roman glory. In a 
 word, he resolved to be a hero ; and although 
 his parents for a time opposed a selection, 
 which must estrange him from the peaceful 
 delights of home, yet the heir of Lindenberg 
 ultimately became a soldier. 
 
 It was not without a struggle that the Baron 
 consented to a choice which so completely 
 
 VOL. I. C
 
 26 ELLA ; OR 
 
 isolated his son from his personal guidance ; 
 and as a reluctant sanction was wrung from 
 him, the current of his abounding love, im- 
 perceptibly turned, with greater force, towards 
 his daughter. 
 
 Too pensive to be sprightly, too candid for 
 reserve, Ella, though deeply imbued with her 
 mother's gentleness, possessed also a large por- 
 tion of her father's soul. She not only valued 
 and revered his transcendant qualities, but she 
 understood him. 
 
 There is no social or domestic bond so 
 strong, as the sympathies which unite beings 
 whose intellectual faculties bear a certain simi- 
 litude to each other. Although the respective 
 proportions of mental excellence may be far 
 from equal, the conviction that those feelings, 
 thoughts, motives and desires, which have 
 neither been prized nor even perceived by the 
 multitude, are esteemed and comprehended by 
 the object of our regard, is one of the most 
 delightful emotions of which the human heart
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 27 
 
 is susceptible. We cherish with double fond- 
 ness the mind that has penetrated our 
 own. 
 
 Ella, without incurring the suspicion of 
 being masculine in a single attribute, possessed 
 that high toned generosity of temper, which 
 rendered her keenly sensible of all that was 
 intrinsically noble. She seemed endowed 
 with a species of moral affinity, that fitted her 
 more especially for the companionship of her 
 father, and her young mind became a sort of 
 reflecting medium, where he beheld a minia- 
 ture and chastened image of his own. 
 
 It was during the period of their annual 
 visit to Ereinfels, that von Lindenberg chiefly 
 applied to the culture of his daughter's talents, 
 and gladly emancipated himself from the tur- 
 moil of public affairs, when he thus found an 
 object of increasing interest within the narrow 
 circle of his own family. The romantic seclu- 
 sion of the hereditary domain became still 
 dearer to them, as it afforded more ample 
 
 c2
 
 28 ELLA ; OR 
 
 scope for the indulgence of domestic pleasures, 
 and the Baroness more especially, from her 
 peculiar habits and opinions, preferred its 
 majestic solitude to the festivities of the im- 
 perial court, and felt that the ties of consan- 
 guinity are drawn closer when the busy em- 
 ployments of active life are appended. Never 
 did her husband appear so amiable in her eyes, 
 as when superintending the education of his 
 daughter, and never did she experience so 
 much happiness as when engaged in the modest 
 cares of her establishment, far from the gay 
 resort of opulence and fashion ; for retirement 
 is the strong hold of the affections. 
 
 Early initiated by her father in the higher 
 branches of literature, our heroine at fifteen 
 was not exactly a finished young lady, accord- 
 ing to the general or boarding school accepta- 
 tion of the phrase, for a great inequality was 
 perceptible in her various attainments. Free 
 from the educational routine which so com- 
 pletely disguises the delicate outline of individu-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 29 
 
 ality, and sends forth every woman like a book 
 under the same binding, Ella was a delightful 
 sample of what a female might be, under judi- 
 cious instruction. Her mother sometimes 
 diversified her daughter's studies, with pursuits 
 of a less serious kind, and probably tempered 
 the philosophical tendency of her general read- 
 ing, to which the Baron would have limited 
 her attention. 
 
 Ella, too, while she respected her father's 
 sentiments, and listened with eagerness to his 
 lucid exposition of history, his well digested 
 theory of political economy, and universal phi- 
 lanthropy; though she carefully treasured 
 the varied information, that was to be 
 gleaned in his society ; her soul was yet of too 
 tender and poetical a cast, to be entirely rivetted 
 by the severer beauties of science. She lux- 
 uriated in the ideal, and turned with delight 
 from the contemplation of the material world, 
 to the bright creations of fancy. 
 
 She fondly dwelt on the picturesque litera-
 
 SO ELLA; OR 
 
 ture of her own country, and preferred the 
 wild legends of the Hartz, the love breathing, 
 yet metaphysical pages of Goethe, the patriotic 
 lays of Korner, the mysterious fictions of 
 Hoffman, and the charming tales of Museus, 
 to the more classical lucubrations which her 
 father chiefly loved. Above all, Schiller was 
 her favourite poet ; his spirit-stirring scenes 
 united the faithful, and bold outline of histori- 
 cal fact with the most exalted language of en- 
 thusiasm ; his characters bore the stamp of 
 originality, his skill had imparted to all his 
 pictures the brightness of his own genius. 
 
 Fiesco, Wallenstein and the Marquis of 
 Posa (that brilliant conception of mingled chi- 
 valry, patriotism and philosophy) became the 
 idols of her imagination, and the sublime yet 
 exaggerated standards by which she moulded 
 her opinions, and endeavoured to estimate 
 mankind. 
 
 It is not surprising that her judgment oc- 
 casionally proved fallacious, since for such
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 31 
 
 fascinating volumes as the above, she neglected 
 more useful but less intoxicating occupations, 
 and was sometimes found deficient in those 
 minute and over-valued points of feminine 
 perfectibility, which but too often usurp the 
 place of higher qualities. 
 
 We must now direct the reader's attention 
 to the favoured individual whom we have 
 already mentioned as the accepted and affianced 
 lover of the Baroness Ella von Lindenberg.
 
 32 ELLA ; OR 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 [grace 
 Buckingham. — For being not propt by ancestry (whose 
 Chalked successors their way) nor called upon 
 For high feats done to the crown ; neither ally'd 
 To eminent assistants ; but spider like 
 Out of his self-drawing web, he gave us note 
 The force of his own merit makes his way : 
 A gift that Heaven gives for him, which buys 
 A place next to the king. 
 Abergavenny. I cannot tell 
 
 What Heaven hath given him ; let some graver eye 
 Pierce into that, but I can see his pride 
 Peep through each part of him. 
 
 Shakspeare, Henry VIII. 
 
 The family of Rosendahl could not lay claim 
 to much hereditary illustration. However the 
 present possessor of the name, (and father to
 
 THE EMPERORS SON. 33 
 
 Albert) might seek to persuade himself to the 
 contrary, his pedigree was decidedly of modern 
 date, although its holders had contrived with 
 considerable ingenuity, to twine and engraft 
 amongst many ancient stocks of the Austrian 
 aristocracy. 
 
 The founder of the race had been the in- 
 dustrious architect of his own fortune. Ori- 
 ginally engaged in commercial speculations, he 
 had realized property to a considerable amount, 
 in consequence of which he contracted with 
 various governments for the supply of loans, 
 and in the course of a very short time managed 
 to double the capital with which he had first 
 embarked. Singularly successful in his mer- 
 cantile and financial operations, he was induced 
 to the purchase of large tracts of land, which 
 he managed to improve and enclose; thus 
 acquiring vast possessions at a small cost, and 
 a title into the bargain ; and the simple cogno- 
 men by which his credit had been sustained in 
 the numerous money markets of Europe, was 
 
 c 3
 
 34 ELLA^ OR 
 
 now merged in the more euphonous appella- 
 tion of Rosendahl. 
 
 Gold is all but omnipotent, but it cannot 
 yield antiquity of descent. To compensate for 
 this genealogical defect, posterity was called 
 upon by Rosendhal to shed the patrician lustre 
 which ancestry denied, and the goodly progeny 
 of the newly ennobled Count were richly 
 portioned off and united in marriage to the 
 poorer branches of the oldest families in Ger- 
 many, and in the course of a very few genera- 
 tions the modern, but wealthy race of Rosendahl, 
 could claim kindred, and quarter heraldic devices 
 with some of the most unexceptionable es- 
 cutcheons in the empire. 
 
 The father of Albert, (grandson to the original 
 purchaser of the estates from whence he derived 
 dignity) was a strange admixture of the two- 
 fold elements to which he owed his position in 
 society. The pride of rank, had been grafted 
 upon the pride of purse, and moral debasement 
 was the result : for nothing can be more closely
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 35 
 
 allied than pride and meanness, though they 
 may at first appear so completely at variance 
 with each other. An inordinate love of titles 
 is the acme of pride, and there is no meanness 
 to which pride will not descend for the fur- 
 therance of its own views ; there is no slave so 
 servile as a courtier, no degradation equal to 
 that which is submitted to by the great. Real 
 nobility is in the soul and often accompanies 
 elevated birth, from a consciousness of what is 
 due to the memory of departed excellence. 
 There exists a simplicity, an isolatedness, in 
 real nobility which scorns those petty acces- 
 sories of outward show, to which littleness is 
 ever clinging, and the parvenu is always more 
 tenacious of his rank and position than the 
 long established possessor of a station, which 
 is accorded without question and therefore 
 occupied without effort. 
 
 Of this fact Maximilian, Count Rosendahl, 
 was a convincing proof. A vainer and yet a 
 prouder man never breathed; he worshipped
 
 36 ELLA; OR 
 
 worldly greatness, heraldic distinctions were 
 the only ones he acknowledged ; in his estima- 
 tion, a title compensated for the absence of every 
 other advantage. It followed that the recent 
 date of his pedigree was to him an absolute 
 and a serious misfortune, a fertile and a perpe- 
 tual source of annoyance ; moreover, it was an 
 insurmountable barrier to his ambition, as it 
 precluded his admission into the enviable 
 sanctuary of the Imperial Chamber. Almost 
 every other sphere of action and enjoyment 
 was open to him ; but that was inaccessible 
 except to the most incontrovertible antiquity 
 of descent, and the purest of patrician blood. 
 Amongst the latter favoured class and even 
 their junior offspring and portionless collaterals, 
 he observed the office of chamberlain lavished 
 with a profusion which rendered him more 
 keenly alive to the privation. 
 
 Early in life, Count Rosendhal had married 
 a French lady, to whom he was much attached. 
 She was the only child, and consequently the
 
 37 
 
 heiress, of a celebrated general in Bonaparte's 
 army, and was moreover a woman of transcend- 
 ant beauty. She also possessed, what Ro- 
 sendhal did not need, a large dower. After 
 giving birth to three children, of which Albert 
 was the eldest, she died, leaving her husband 
 at liberty to contract a second union. 
 
 For some time natural grief asserted its 
 prerogative; but in the course of years the 
 Count began to contemplate the advantages 
 which might accrue from a high matrimonial 
 connexion ; and at length he decided on the 
 important step, unbiassed by a single senti- 
 ment of preference for the object of his se- 
 lection. 
 
 The guardianship of the second son, named 
 Alfred, and an infant daughter, was relinquished 
 somewhat reluctantly on the part of Rosendhal, 
 to their maternal relatives the Duke and 
 Duchess de Montpelier; for an accession of 
 honours had been heaped upon the veteran 
 general, who retired on his laurels at the hard
 
 38 ELLA ; OR 
 
 earned peace of 1815, with a rich harvest of 
 glory and affluence, and devoted himself to the 
 quiet enjoyment of his wealth, and of that 
 newly acquired noblesse which was afterwards 
 acknowledged and confirmed by the restored 
 dynasty of the Bourbons. 
 
 The Duchess, although a grand-mother, still 
 possessed many of the graces and fascinations 
 which render French females pre-eminently 
 charming. She had been an acknowledged 
 belle in former days; a circumstance that never 
 can be forgotten, by the individual so fortunate- 
 ly, or it may be, wwfortunately distinguished. 
 But although the personal pretensions of the 
 Duchess were in some degree impaired by time, 
 she still shone conspicuous in the meridian of 
 fashion, and maintained there, much of her 
 former supremacy. 
 
 Nevertheless, she was tenderly attached to 
 her grandchildren, who were too young to 
 understand the loss they had sustained in 
 their mother, and who naturally clung to the
 
 39 
 
 bosom that opened to receive and shelter 
 them. 
 
 Indeed, the Duchess shewed more fondness 
 for them than it is usual to observe amongst 
 people of a certain class in the gay world, even 
 for their own children; — for the interests, the 
 claims, and turmoil of fashionable society 
 place innumerable barriers between parents 
 and their offspring: for it cannot be denied 
 that the dissipation of the higher circles, is 
 not often combined with the gentler pleasures 
 and affections of domestic life. 
 
 The indulgent regard shewn by Madame de 
 Montpelier, towards the little Constance, in 
 particular, was however, in some measure, the 
 result of very excusable self-love; for the child 
 gave great promise of future beauty, and bore 
 a striking resemblance to her new protectress 
 as well as to her deceased parent. 
 
 To educate, and subsequently to establish 
 this lovely girl in a manner suitable to her ex- 
 pectations, was an object of primary import-
 
 40 ELLA; OR 
 
 ance, and formed the endless theme of Ma- 
 dame de Montpelier's thoughts, her nightly- 
 dreams and daily cogitations; and in fur- 
 therance of these views, neither care nor 
 expense was spared to render Constance as 
 accomplished and as elegant, as she was na- 
 turally charming. 
 
 It was not without a severe struggle that 
 the Count had been induced to surrender his 
 younger children to the jurisdiction of others, 
 especially as the Duke de Montpelier resided 
 permanently in Paris, — which prevented the 
 indulgence of much intercourse between the 
 parties. But various worldly considerations 
 counterbalanced his better feelings. He be- 
 lieved the arrangement would be ultimately 
 advantageous to his children, and he consi- 
 dered the sacrifice of his private wishes amply 
 compensated by the brilliancy of a Parisian 
 education thus ensured to his daughter, and 
 the excellent prospects awaiting his younger 
 son Alfred, — to whom the reversionary ho-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 41 
 
 nours of the dukedom enjoyed by his grandsire, 
 might perhaps be continued. Indeed by stre- 
 nuous exertions, a royal promise to that effect 
 had been obtained; Alfred was legally adopted 
 as heir to the Montpelier family, and the 
 Count was reconciled to a separation which 
 held forth such a tempting perspective of accu- 
 mulated dignities. 
 
 Meanwhile his paternal love gradually con- 
 centrated upon his first born, the accepted 
 lover of our heroine, the handsome and chi- 
 valrous Albert, who resided with his father in 
 Germany. Whatever might be the number 
 and extent of Count Rosendahl's weaknesses 
 and failings, it must be acknowledged that he 
 cherished his son with a fervent and devoted 
 fondness of which the youth proved himself 
 worthy in every respect. Nevertheless, Albert 
 was deeply attached to the memory of his 
 mother, whom he was just able to remember, 
 and had imbibed strong sentiments of partiality 
 towards France. It was, therefore, with keen
 
 42 ELLA; OR 
 
 feelings of delight that he sometimes visited 
 his brother and sister in Paris; and these 
 meetings were not calculated to diminish his 
 predilection in favour of that country, its ins- 
 titutions, and its political opinions, which were 
 every day assuming a more liberal bias. 
 
 With the enthusiastic cast of character which 
 distinguished the young Rosendhal, it may be 
 readily believed that he eagerly adopted the 
 new and seductive theories of national emanci- 
 pation, which were so prevalent amongst the 
 French, at the period of which we write. 
 These, added to a strong vein of romance, 
 rendered him a warm and rather imprudent 
 champion of the " rights of man f so that it 
 required all the vigilance of fatherly foresight 
 to keep this restless spirit within safe bounds. 
 
 At the age of twenty, Albert possessed all 
 the striking advantages of form and figure 
 that are most calculated to win female attention 
 and approbation; to these captivating exter- 
 nals he united a high sense of honour, and
 
 43 
 
 considerable intellectual pretensions. He had 
 been eminently successful at college ; had dis- 
 played an elegant taste for the polite arts; and 
 was, in short, exactly a being of whom parents 
 may be pardonably proud, and with whom 
 young ladies may easily fall in love. 
 
 Heir to a large fortune, Albert entered the 
 army rather as an occupation than a profession ; 
 and obtained speedy promotion under the illus- 
 trious commander-in-chief, with whom his excel- 
 lent qualities rendered him an especial favourite. 
 
 We now turn, not without reluctance, to 
 the less pleasing task of describing Albert's 
 step-mother, the Countess Rosendahl, — with- 
 out which description, the family group would 
 remain incomplete. 
 
 Ermengarde, born Baroness Holdenbeke, was 
 in external appearance a plain and forbidding 
 personage. Already advanced in life when she 
 condescended to accept Maximilian as her 
 husband, his selection, as we hinted before, 
 was solely regulated by ambitious motives;
 
 44 ELLA ; OR 
 
 and the noble lady, who had already sufficiently 
 tasted the blessings of celibacy, unhesitatingly 
 bestowed her ancient self, her ancient dia- 
 monds, her ancient pedigree, and her one 
 hundred and twenty-eight quarterings with the 
 most unimpeachable names enumerated in the 
 Saxe Gotha Almanack, on a man possessing 
 great wealth, tolerably good looks, and her 
 junior, at least, by ten years. 
 
 However ill assorted this union might ap- 
 pear, the Count uniformly treated his wife with 
 respect, if not with any great demonstrations 
 of tenderness; and she, on her part, easily 
 obtained an ascendancy over a mind so deeply 
 impressed with veneration for the aristocracy. 
 Like an able general, she saw and seized the 
 weak point, and contrived to manage her hus- 
 band accordingly ; for men are more liable to 
 be ruled by women they do not really love, 
 than they are by those for whom they feel the 
 truest affection. 
 
 Albert, reared in habits of obedience and
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 45 
 
 docility, was replete with dutiful attentions 
 towards one whom he nevertheless felt to be 
 an unworthy representative of that beloved 
 parent whose image was indelibly engraven on 
 his recollection. But swayed by the affection 
 which he owed and felt for his father, he 
 redoubled his efforts to subdue the workings of 
 his breast; and he succeeded in exhibiting 
 every token of outward deference which the 
 most exacting temper could demand. But this 
 kindness and forbearance was indifferently re- 
 quited. Cold, and formal in her deportment, 
 the Countess's heart never expanded with the 
 warmth of feminine emotion. Reserved even 
 to her husband, she withered him with her 
 over-weening pride, and thus made his ruling 
 passion subservient to his punishment; ren- 
 dering the very gratification of his wishes the 
 means of his mortification and torture. Closely 
 allied to that privileged order, of which Ro- 
 sendahl desired so ardently to become a mem- 
 ber, the relatives of Ermengarde considered
 
 46 ELLA ; OR 
 
 that she had lost caste by her marriage, and 
 consequently relaxed in their attentions towards 
 her; while she, irritated by this neglect, 
 visited her discontent upon her plebeian hus- 
 band, as she chose to designate him ; — reveng- 
 ing herself on the Count for those very disad- 
 vantages which he had sought to remedy by 
 espousing her. Consenting neither to descend 
 to her husband's level, nor to raise him to the 
 elevation of her own, she established her 
 exclusive pretensions on the ruin of his hap- 
 piness. 
 
 It was Albert, however, who incurred her 
 principal enmity. On him she contrived to 
 wreak all the spleen of her narrow mind -, for 
 he was a ready victim, ever at hand, patiently 
 submitting to the inflictions of her haughty 
 and capricious humours, and bearing her 
 oppression, with a gentleness and moderation, 
 which greatly endeared him to his father. 
 
 After the sketches we have attempted to 
 give of the two houses which form such promi-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 47 
 
 nent features of our history, it cannot be 
 supposed that von Lindenberg and Rosendahl 
 could be extremely intimate; for the gaudy 
 ambition of the latter was totally at variance 
 with the dignified philosophy of the former, 
 and nothing was more dissimilar than the tem- 
 per and general deportment of their respective 
 consorts. Still, an intimacy such as it was, 
 did exist, although in reality it was confined to 
 the younger branches of each family. Albert 
 was Leopold's senior by a very few years ; they 
 had entered the army about the same period, 
 and for a time had been in garrison together. 
 The consequence was that a friendship ensued, 
 which led to an exchange of civilities between 
 the parents. 
 
 Ella had, as it were, grown up imperceptibly 
 during this social intercourse, and Albert, sud- 
 denly perceived with genuine surprise, that the 
 playful and intelligent child, the little sister of 
 his comrade, the fair haired girl with whom he 
 had sported almost as an infant, whose innocent
 
 48 ella; or 
 
 questions he had answered, whose affectionate 
 caresses he had received, was rapidly trans- 
 formed into a lovely woman. This discovery 
 was attended with various emotions, and the 
 ultimate consequence was — mutual love. 
 
 A considerable interval elapsed ere the con- 
 sent of either family could be obtained to a 
 union between the young people. Count 
 Rosen dahl (acting under the suggestion of his 
 wife) was the most reluctant to the connexion, 
 and the Baron was unwilling to countenance 
 an attachment which did not meet the appro- 
 bation of all parties. The Countess on her part 
 objected to an alliance with the von Linden- 
 berg's family from two distinct personal motives, 
 one was the desire of uniting Albert to a very 
 needy and very ugly relation of her own, who 
 would make up in birth for deficiency of beauty 
 and fortune ; the second reason less apparent 
 but not less cogent, was a personal dislike 
 which she had not courage to avow, nor kind- 
 ness to subdue. It may readily be supposed
 
 49 
 
 however, she carefully concealed both these 
 sentiments from her husband; substituting 
 very plausible arguments in the place of them. 
 Von Lindenberg had not made a pecuniary 
 speculation of diplomacy, being too honourable 
 and too disinterested to enrich himself or his 
 family at the public expense; he had not 
 realised fortunes for his children, or increased 
 his own possessions ; he had merely accepted 
 the munificence of his Imperial master, without 
 impoverishing the country he wished only to 
 serve ; Ella, therefore, despite her beauty, her 
 innocence, and her virtues was but indifferently 
 portioned, the landed property being strictly 
 entailed upon her brother. This was a forcible 
 objection in the opinion of the elder Rosendahl, 
 who was incapable of admiring or compre- 
 hending the Baron's incorruptibility. A mere 
 courtier himself, imbued with the soul of an 
 official without the degree of talent required to 
 discharge its functions, the Count only saw 
 
 VOL. I. D
 
 50 ELLA ; OR 
 
 public business through the medium of political 
 expediency, as a means of personal advance- 
 ment and ministerial power and patronage. The 
 mere external badges of office were the sole 
 objects of his ardent desire and persevering 
 solicitation ; he did not aspire to the dangerous 
 mysteries of the cabinet, but merely crouched 
 and cringed for the glittering baubles of court 
 favour. 
 
 There was, however, in Rosendhal's estimation 
 one redeeming feature in the attachment of his 
 son to the daughter of von Lindenberg : her 
 pedigree on one side was faultless and could 
 bear comparison even with that of Holdenbeke, 
 and her mother was noble at least if not illus- 
 trious. It so happened, moreover, that the Em- 
 peror had expressed himself unequivocally in 
 favour of the union and had thus for a season 
 silenced the opposition afforded by the Coun- 
 tess. A brilliant appointment was reserved for 
 the intended bride, and the condescending
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 51 
 
 interference of the Imperial family materially 
 assisted the eloquent pleadings of the anxious 
 lovers. The consequence was, that the scruples 
 of Rosendahl gradually melted before the 
 tempting prospect unfolded to his ambition, 
 and his consent was pompously announced to 
 Albert, who hastened to implore a similar boon 
 from the father of his beloved. 
 
 The Baron yielded to Albert's solicitations 
 from a sentiment far different from that which 
 actuated the mind of the ambitious Rosendhal. 
 He prized his daughter's happiness too deeply 
 to refuse his sanction, but he stipulated that 
 the nuptials should be deferred for one twelve- 
 month, in order to prove the stability of Albert's 
 attachment. In the mean time, he was allowed 
 to accompany the family of his affianced wife 
 to Ereinfels Castle, at which place we have, 
 at the outset of our history introduced them 
 to the reader's notice. We must now for a 
 time claim his attention to other scenes and 
 
 d 2 
 
 
 tttQl*
 
 52 ELLA ; OR 
 
 persons, with whom are linked a still higher 
 interest than any which can attach to merely 
 private station, however high, or individual 
 character however marked or attractive.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 53 
 
 CHAPTER IV, 
 
 What know we of thy real self poor boy 
 If thou wert brave or recreant ; if thy soul 
 Aspired, or drank content from vulgar joy? 
 If wisdom lurked beneath that fair young brow, 
 Or the dull sense lay lock'd in the control 
 Of a court's jailor customs ? . . . . 
 
 If as thy features in thy softer mould 
 Betokened thou hadst something of thy sire 
 Writ in thy nature ? 
 
 E. L. Buiwer., 
 
 About a league from the city of Vienna, is 
 situated the Imperial residence of Schoenhrunn. 
 It is erected with more magnificence than dis- 
 crimination, on the tasteless but still imposing 
 plan of Versailles, to which splendid edifice it
 
 54 ELLA; OR 
 
 bears, both in architectural proportion and in 
 topographical position, a striking resemblance. 
 Although nature cannot be said to have 
 originally contributed much to the beauty of 
 this spot, and its selection for the purposes in 
 question cannot be considered as a very happy 
 proof of taste and judgment in the illustrious 
 founder, yet art has with infinite ingenuity, 
 succeeded almost beyond belief, in rectifying 
 some, and concealing others of its numerous 
 local deficiencies. In fact, its defects of posi- 
 tion are scarcely perceptible to the casual 
 visitor ; for the palace, which is really a noble 
 structure, appears luxuriantly embosomed amid 
 extensive pleasure grounds and gardens, laid 
 out with such consummate taste and skill, as 
 effectually to disguise the primitive imperfec- 
 tions of a spot now consecrated by a host of 
 historical associations. 
 
 The gardens of Schoenbrunn '(as indeed is the 
 case with every other ornamental promenade in 
 the environs of Vienna) are open to the public;
 
 THE EMPEROR S SOX. 55 
 
 and the busy citizens, with their respective 
 families, emancipated from the toil and con- 
 finement of business, flock thither in crowds 
 on a Sunday evening, sitting or sauntering 
 under the shade of majestic trees ; whilst 
 various marquees, kiosques, and summer houses 
 are filled with cheerful groups, recruiting from 
 the fatigues and anxieties of the preceding 
 week. In short, Schoenbrunn, the St. Cloud of 
 Vienna, is a kind of cockney lounge, where the 
 observing spectator may enjoy all the magic 
 lanthorn succession and amazing diversity of 
 human feature which is probably one of the 
 most surprising wonders in the mighty ma- 
 chinery of the animal creation. 
 
 This favourite resort continues thronged with 
 motley visitors until a late hour in the evening, 
 and is scarcely inferior in point of popular 
 attraction to the far-famed Prater; yet how 
 very few of the idle frequenters of the varied 
 walks and avenues of the Imperial residence, 
 ever bestow a thought on the touching interest 
 which is attached to the palace before them.
 
 56 ELLA ; OR 
 
 The structure itself is capacious, and although 
 devoid of tasteful elegance, it possesses at least 
 that imposing aspect which magnitude is sure 
 to impart. The heavy pile was commenced at 
 an enormous expense, and was completed at 
 protracted intervals, and was intended as the 
 summer abode of the Emperor and his court. 
 But at the period of which we are now to 
 speak namely, the autumn of 1829, the Duke 
 of Reichstadt was the principal inmate of 
 Schoenbrunn ; an extensive suite of apartments 
 being appropriated to his use, and that of his 
 numerous and various attendants. 
 
 In a large but gloomy saloon of the' edifice 
 we have just described, were seated two indi- 
 viduals, whose external appearance presented a 
 marked contrast to each other. The elder per- 
 sonage was of middling stature, and might 
 probably have attained the age of fifty. He 
 wore a garb which, if not precisely the eccle- 
 siastical habit of his order, bespoke the serious 
 vocation to which he was called. His pale and
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 57 
 
 wrinkled forehead was completely exposed, 
 partly by a natural deficiency of hair, partly by 
 the sacerdotal tonsure ; a few thin grey locks 
 furnished the back of his head, and gradually 
 diminished round the temples, which were 
 much sunk. Heavy projecting brows, which had 
 escaped the silvering influence of time, shaded 
 his keen small eyes. The colour of the latter 
 remained a matter of doubt with the casual 
 observer, from the rapidity of their motion, and 
 variety of their expression. They were in 
 constant employment, either seeking to disco- 
 ver the hidden thoughts and mental impressions 
 of the person occupying the opposite side of 
 the table, or in the assiduous concealment of 
 their own gleaning consciousness. Even in 
 the downcast humility which was occasionally 
 assumed, or the upturned interrogations or 
 aspirations aj)parently addressed to Heaven, a 
 spirit of watchful investigation could scarcely 
 be repressed. An aquiline nose finely formed 
 gave dignity to a countenance which otherwise 
 
 d 3
 
 58 ELLA ; OR 
 
 might have betrayed an acuteness, approaching 
 the more vulgar characteristic of cunning; 
 whilst the compressed lips, that were some- 
 times divided by a dubious smile, (conveying 
 rather a feeling of mirthful emotion) stamped 
 the reverend father a disciple of Loyola, by 
 nature as well as profession, (if such a phrase 
 may be allowed, to express a perfect natural 
 and moral fitness for the peculiar objects and 
 duties of his station.) 
 
 The second individual to whom we have 
 referred was a mere youth, in whom adolescence 
 was yet struggling with manhood. His slight 
 form which was tall and delicate almost to fra- 
 gility, possessed an aristocratic symmetry of 
 limb, the grace of which was materially coun- 
 terbalanced by an involuntary bend of the 
 shoulders/which were evidently too contracted 
 to admit of strength, and the consequent sink- 
 ing of the chest was very perceptible, in defiance 
 of the double waddings, paddings, braidings, 
 and facings of the rich uniform which he wore. 
 His head was handsome ; the forehead might
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 59 
 
 even have appeared capacious, had not its con- 
 tour been obscured by a profusion of flaxen 
 hair. His clear blue eyes glittered with the 
 unearthly glare which so often denotes the 
 existence of occult disease; whilst the clas- 
 sical outline of his face bore the mark of genius. 
 The firmly chisseled mouth accompanied by the 
 beautifully rounded chin, were however the most 
 conspicuous and interesting features of the 
 face, since the resemblance they bore could 
 not be mistaken ; they indicated at a glance 
 
 THE SON OF NAPOLEON ! 
 
 The room occupied by the Duke of Reichs* 
 tadt and his spiritual director (for such was his 
 companion) was a library furnished with splen- 
 didly bound editions of various works, chiefly 
 those of theological writers. Some Greek and 
 Latin classics, a few ancient MSS. and a 
 sprinkling of science in the vulgar idiom, com- 
 pleted the collection ; French books and works 
 of fiction being carefully excluded. 
 
 A pair of handsome globes stood in a recess 
 maps, were suspended from the walls ; drawing
 
 60 ELLA; OR 
 
 and prints were gathered in portfolios, and all 
 the requisites for study were spread on the 
 tables, interspersed with a profusion of rare 
 objects of virtu and antiquity. 
 
 The Prince was employed in occasionally 
 examining papers before him, and addressing, 
 from time to time various observations to his 
 companion. A large and very beautiful map 
 of Europe lay unfolded on the table, over which 
 he was bending, and he had gradually drawn it 
 closer in the course of desultory conversation, 
 and was now sedulously following with his eye 
 the slow undulating motion of his finger, as 
 it wandered cautiously over the varnished sur- 
 face, stopping and hesitating here and there, as 
 if to allow of momentary contemplation. 
 
 An involuntary sigh interrupted the mecha- 
 nical progress of the youth's occupation, and 
 not a single movement or expression escaped 
 the notice of the Jesuit, who waited with 
 professional humility until his highness should 
 please to break the silence. 
 
 " Father/' quoth the latter, after a long
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 6L 
 
 ^ause and without raising his downcast eyelids, 
 " father, I should like to travel, to visit foreign 
 countries, I am tired of Schoenbrunn." 
 
 " My son, your wishes shall be intimated to 
 the Emperor," replied the confessor, with a 
 smile that beamed any thing but sincerity. 
 
 " I should delight to visit Italy," continued 
 the Duke, " what pleasure it would be to bask 
 under its sunny skies, and indulge my imagi- 
 nation with its glorious associations." 
 
 " Rightly judged," returned the priest, 
 " your exemplary piety naturally selects the 
 ancient seat of St. Peter, as a primary object 
 of interesting research/' 
 
 A slight blush mantled on the cheek of the 
 youth, and extended to his transparent tem- 
 ples. 
 
 " Do you think my grandfather will sanction 
 the desire I venture to express V inquired 
 he. 
 
 " Perhaps/' replied the other evasively, " his 
 Imperial Majesty might prefer that you should
 
 62 ELLA ; OR 
 
 try the healthful springs of Carlsbad, ere your 
 highness proceeds on a more distant journey." 
 
 " Waters, waters/' muttered the Prince, in 
 a low discontented tone, that scarcely reached 
 the attentive ears of his companion, " oh, give 
 me air ! the air of freedom !" 
 
 " Change of air will probably prove of the 
 greatest service," observed father Clement, 
 affecting to understand, or rather to mis-under- 
 stand, the Duke's ejaculations. 
 
 " The natal air might," returned he with a 
 look of deep melancholy, " but there is no hope 
 of again beholding the land of my birth. It is 
 useless to repine, I am sick, so sick of 
 Schoenbrunn, that I languish for variety. I 
 require something besides the Opera and the 
 Prater, with its wearying monotony," conti- 
 nued the youth sullenly. 
 
 The Jesuit remained silent for a moment, and 
 busied himself searching amongst the scattered 
 volumes piled in different parts of the room. 
 
 " Has your highness finished the biographi-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 6'3 
 
 cal sketches that I had the honour of submitting 
 to your perusal ?" inquired he after a pause. 
 
 " Yes, but your books cease to amuse me ; 
 they disappoint my imagination/' replied de 
 Reichstadt. 
 
 u Of late, Monseigneur, you have sadly ne- 
 glected your classics," observed the ecclesiastic, 
 in a tone of remonstrance. 
 
 " I do not like reading now, and your long 
 controversial disquisitions have quite given me 
 a distaste for study," said the Prince peevishly. 
 " In that impatient retort, I can scarcely 
 recognize the humble piety that has ever been 
 characteristic of the house of Austria. We 
 once had hoped to have witnessed the holy 
 ceremony which would have consecrated your 
 Highness's youth and talents to the service of 
 our revered mother church. Such fond expec- 
 tations are frustrated" — as the confessor spoke, 
 he fixed his keen eye full on his pupil, who 
 quailed instinctively under the penetrating 
 glance. 
 
 " I have said it, — I will not pronounce the
 
 64 ELLA ; OR 
 
 vows/' exclaimed the youth, trembling as he 
 raised his voice above the usual key, " my 
 heart recoils from the sacrifice, and I cannot 
 pollute the sanctity of that altar I have been 
 taught to venerate, by mere external worship ; 
 the service of God should be joyfully and 
 willingly performed." 
 
 " Beloved Prince, forgive my zeal," replied 
 the Jesuit in his blandest accents ; " your wel- 
 fare, your eternal welfare is the object of my 
 daily occupation and nightly prayer. Having 
 myself found that salutary peace which the 
 world can neither give nor take away, in the 
 observances and austerities of a monastic life, 
 I hoped to have directed your Highness's steps 
 through the same bright path of everlasting 
 glory. My hope was vain ; but enough of this, 
 your heart will yet soften under the benign 
 influence of pious instruction and holy exercises. 
 We must not contemplate ultimate results, 
 but confine our efforts to present improve- 
 ment." 
 
 De Keichstadt pressed his hand to his side,
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 65 
 
 it may be to stifle the rising emotion, no less 
 than to suppress a momentary bodily pain. 
 
 t( Your old favourites, Milton and Klopstock 
 cease to interest your Highness?" continued 
 father Clement, in a tone of interrogation. 
 
 a Not so, I am as ever deeply imbued with 
 a sense of their beauty and sublimity." 
 
 " And Racine?" inquired the Jesuit, with 
 less prudence than usual, he felt his error ; but 
 the words were spoken and could not be re- 
 called. 
 
 " Your German translation of the French 
 dramatist, which is the only version I am 
 allowed to study, has worn my patience. I 
 can yet remember the native tongue, that deep 
 harmonious cadence with which those immortal 
 numbers once fell upon my infant senses, like 
 a dream well nigh forgotten. It is rather the 
 impression than the recollection which lingers 
 upon my fancy." 
 
 The spiritual director answered not, he had 
 himself touched the chord and awakened the
 
 66 ella; OR 
 
 early associations of his pupil ; his high fore- 
 head contracted and a cloud obscured the sere- 
 nity of his well disciplined features. The 
 duration of the expression was momentary ; for 
 on raising his eyes towards his companion, de 
 Reichstadt beheld the pale visage of the priest 
 unruffled and impenetrable as before. 
 
 " Perhaps your Highness might find solace 
 in a pursuit hitherto neglected. Mathematics 
 is a science which excites deep interest and 
 demands much application from the student." 
 The Duke brightened as Clement pronounced 
 the last sentence and exclaimed : u Oh father, 
 I should like to resume that study ; but who 
 will assist me? — yourself?" 
 
 " I shall provide a suitable preceptor, my 
 son," returned the priest, " your wishes in this 
 respect shall be gratified. This I hope may 
 reconcile you more to the study of astronomy, 
 of which mathematics may be called an auxi- 
 liary." 
 
 " Yes, but if once I became a good mathe-
 
 67 
 
 matician I might proceed to natural philoso- 
 phy, chemistry, fortification, what a noble and 
 varied field for investigation and research ?' 
 
 The Jesuit bit his lip ; his observations were 
 not fortunate. 
 
 " In time," continued the Prince, rather 
 apostrophising to himself than appealing to the 
 confessor, " in time I may become a tolerable 
 engineer; what is the use of wearing these 
 military trappings, and affecting to review an 
 army when I am ignorant of the springs by 
 which its vast machinery is propelled; although 
 I command a regiment," added he, casting a 
 contemptuous glance at his rich bullion epau- 
 lettes, which certainly looked more like an 
 incumbrance than an ornament on his narrow 
 shoulders, " although I command a regiment, 
 I know not even how to form the line of 
 battle, and scarcely know of what gunpowder is 
 made." 
 
 The priest bowed, folding his hands meekly 
 before his breast.
 
 68 ELLA; OR 
 
 ff You are pleased to banter my son. A 
 humble minister of Christ is but a poor guide 
 to military acquirements. I had wished to 
 direct your heart towards a haven of safety, 
 where the storms of this world are lulled to 
 rest ; I have failed, but spare me, — spare your 
 friend the pain of your sarcasms ; the disap- 
 pointment of my hopes is sufficient, cease to 
 revert to the deadly art of human warfare, 
 grieve not my paternal solicitude by these un- 
 worthy taunts. " 
 
 De Reichstadt was touched by this appeal to 
 his kindly feelings. 
 
 " Pardon me, father/' answered he mildly, 
 " I have been inconsiderate, perhaps ungrateful, 
 but I am unhappy, if this can excuse my heed- 
 less observations. " 
 
 Clement's dignified figure stood, if possible, 
 more erect than usual, as with extended palms 
 he pronounced a benediction which his contrite 
 pupil received with humility. 
 
 " You will be gratified, my dear son," re-
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 69 
 
 sumed the ecclesiastic turning the conversation 
 adroitly, " you will be gratified to hear that the 
 Baron von Lindenberg and his family are ex- 
 pected at Vienna in the course of this day.' 5 
 
 " Von Lindenberg returned }" exclaimed the 
 youth eagerly, " I am indeed delighted ! why 
 did you not mention this agreeable intelligence 
 before }" 
 
 " Forgive the omission, it was unintentional 
 on my part, allow me to repair my inadvertence 
 by asking if your Highness is disposed to grant 
 the Baron an early audience after his arrival ?" 
 inquired the confessor, thus diverting the ideas 
 of his charge to a pleasing subject. 
 
 " Certainly, without delay/* answered he. 
 " Excellent von Lindenberg ! how glad I shall 
 be to see him ! do you know if his son Leo- 
 pold and the amiable Ella have accompanied 
 him V 
 
 a The Baroness and her daughter are coming 
 to grace the court, but Captain von Lindenberg 
 is still with his regiment," said father Cle- 
 ment.
 
 70 ELLA; OK 
 
 w Happy Leopold \" murmured de Reich s- 
 tadt. 
 
 " The Baron cannot arrive for some hours ; 
 to-morrow he shall be admitted to the honour 
 of presenting his respects to your Highness/' 
 continued the Jesuit, apparently unconscious of 
 the observation which had escaped the Prince. 
 
 " I am anxious to see him ; therefore let 
 my wishes be intimated/' rejoined de Reichs- 
 tadt. 
 
 " Certainly Monseigneur/ 3 said the reverend 
 father, " you shall be obeyed ; but allow me to 
 suggest a little amusement for the present, your 
 Highness has been engaged all day, some music 
 may afford an agreeable recreation : the maestro 
 is in attendance, or perhaps an airing on the 
 banks of the Danube might be better adapted 
 to your present disposition, for the excitement 
 of conversation has produced considerable de- 
 bility." 
 
 ci Music, no ; I have little inclination for the 
 enjoyment of harmony, and still less for the te- 
 diousness of carriage airings. Oh! father, when
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 7l 
 
 shall I be free from the trammels of routine ? 
 I could now, for very weariness seek my bed, 
 and weep myself to sleep like a sick child/' 
 
 " Let us then resume our holy exercises," 
 said Clement, with fervour, " let us implore 
 relief, whence alone it can be obtained ; for 
 when the pleasures of this life cease to captivate, 
 the joys of Heaven become more acceptable." 
 
 " Even as you will, father," answered the 
 Duke languidly, dreading further discussion. 
 
 " We can construe a few pages of christian 
 doctrine, from the vernacular, into a more 
 classic idiom, thus blending our serious duties 
 with the pleasing task of mental improvement," 
 As he uttered these words the priest drew 
 forth a book from his bosom, and his pupil 
 applied once more to his theological studies.
 
 72 ELLA; OR 
 
 CHAPTER V, 
 
 Des sceptres £taient mes hochets. 
 Mon bourlet fut une couronne. 
 
 Et cependant je suis a Vienne, 
 
 Bernnger. 
 
 Consigned to the guardianship of Austria, 
 the son of Napoleon, the infant King of Rome, 
 designated by the more modest title of Due de 
 Reichstadtj was educated rather according to 
 the method best calculated to facilitate the 
 views of the Italian alliance, than consistently 
 either with his natural talents or his hereditary 
 bias. A distinguished disciple of St. Ignatius
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. *J3 
 
 Loyola had been appointed to the important 
 and responsible office of preceptor and spiritual 
 director to the Prince. 
 
 In this double capacity it was not a difficult 
 task for a man of Clement's endowments to 
 acquire unbounded ascendancy over the duc- 
 tile mind intrusted to his guidance, and which;, 
 in many instances, he moulded entirely to his 
 will. Every instruction received by the royal 
 pupil emanated either from Clement himself, or 
 was communicated by professors selected by his 
 superior penetration. No other source being 
 permitted to contribute to the mental culture of 
 his charge, he held, as it were, the clue to every 
 thought, the key to every unformed idea, and 
 the curb-rein to every passion. 
 
 It need not be added that the impressions 
 allowed, through such a medium, to fix them- 
 selves indelibly on the youthful perception of 
 de Reichstadt were only such as were deemed 
 desirable by the frigid calculations of an abso- 
 
 VOL. I. E
 
 J4 ELLA ; OR 
 
 iute government, rendered still more arbitrary 
 by bigotry and political expediency. 
 
 For several years, father Clement had fulfilled 
 the arduous duties confided to his zeal and 
 abilities, with perfect success. Extreme cau- 
 tion had been exerted in securing from the 
 Prince's observation those branches of liberal 
 education which bore, what might be consi- 
 dered, a dangerous tendency; and this was 
 deemed the more necessary, as a decided 
 military taste had very early manifested it- 
 self. 
 
 The most studious care was taken to prevent 
 his warlike predilection from developing itself 
 in the breast of one who was reserved, by 
 the short-sighted speculations of his guardians, 
 for the seclusion of a religious life; for one 
 whom the cowl and scapulary were awaiting, 
 and before whom the prospective dignity of the 
 scarlet hat and purple hose dimly showed 
 itself on the distant horizon of futuritv. But
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON- 7^ 
 
 the youth had early and perseveringly evinced 
 a repugnance for the sacred profession thus 
 sought to be thrust upon him ; and the affec- 
 tionate indulgence of the Emperor, who sin- 
 cerely loved the innocent offspring of Maria 
 Louisa, allowed him the rank of colonel in the 
 army, and the privilege of wearing the regi- 
 mental uniform. Still, the project of devoting 
 his Highness ultimately to the service of the 
 church, had never been totally abandoned, and 
 every endeavour was used to direct his views 
 into the right channel. The vivacity of boy- 
 hood was studiously checked by an unvaried 
 course of polemical reading; the ardour of 
 curiosity was repressed by superstitious scru- 
 ples 5 investigation was frustrated, inquiry 
 silenced, and the overflowing exuberance of 
 animal spirits, either damped by the practice of 
 monastic austerities, or amused for the time- 
 being, by some frivolous pursuit, the empti- 
 ness of which was sufficient guarantee as to the 
 result. 
 
 E 2
 
 7& ELLA ; OR 
 
 Thus de Reichstadt's youthful mind lost all 
 individuality; it became a creation of the 
 Jesuit's combined industry and ingenuity; and 
 although his heart retained a portion of its 
 native warmth, and occasionally bounded under 
 those powerful impulses of feeling which nei- 
 ther tuition nor habit can thoroughly uproot, 
 yet the busy energies of the brain were sub- 
 dued, the fire of genius was quenched, the 
 great principle of action was extracted; and 
 like a serpent deprived of its sting, he was 
 equally harmless and defenceless. 
 
 It seemed as if every thing conspired to 
 arrest the nobler soarings of young Napoleon's 
 inherent nature. The very localities of Schoen- 
 brunn produced their clue effect : the unimagi- 
 native character of the scenery; the punctilious 
 etiquette of a court, with its irksome mono- 
 tony; the measured phrases of ceremonial in- 
 tercourse, which never can presume to interro- 
 gate royalty, and scarcely ventures to elicit a 
 rejoinder; even the towering mind of Napoleon
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 77 
 
 himself must have withered and grown abortive, 
 had he been thus early transported from the 
 rude rocks of Corsica and the wild bivouac 
 of a victorious campaign, to the corrupt and 
 cankering atmosphere of an aristocratic court. 
 
 Nevertheless, amongst the extensive circle 
 of nobility by which he was surrounded, the 
 Duke de Reichstadt had discerned and appre- 
 ciated the merits of von Lindenberg. Formed 
 of nobler elements than the generality of 
 courtiers and politicians, his capacious and 
 enlightened understanding deeply sympathized 
 with, the state of moral subjection to which the 
 Prince was condemned. He fully compre- 
 hended the aching void of the young Prince's 
 ardent heart; the bootless search and bold 
 conjecture, that the cold craft of the priest 
 could neither stifle nor satisfy ; and he beheld 
 with sorrow the vain aspirings and impatient 
 throes of that restless spirit, pent up by the 
 most forcible of all social restraints, the in- 
 fluence of habit and education.
 
 73 ELLA ; OR 
 
 Von Lindenberg was, however, reluctantly 
 compelled to acknowledge the stern necessity 
 of checking those innate propensities which 
 were likely to foment a latent desire of enter- 
 prize, in the mind of young Napoleon. The 
 peculiar and difficult position in which he was 
 placed in regard to France, and to Europe in 
 general, rendered much precaution requisite 
 in the education and guidance of the Prince ; 
 and although the Baron might inwardly deplore 
 the actual method pursued by the government, 
 and had he been intrusted with the important 
 charge would undoubtedly have resorted to 
 more liberal measures, yet he was perfectly 
 aware of the great danger to be apprehended, 
 in the event of a spark of either political or 
 military ardour kindling the smouldering em- 
 bers of ambition which might be presumed to 
 exist in the youthful bosom of Bonaparte's 
 " crownless heir.' 5 
 
 The constitutional delicacy of the Prince 
 which was greatly increased by the extraordinary
 
 THE EMPERORS SON. j\) 
 
 rapidity of his growth, rendered him an object 
 of tender personal interest and solicitude, as 
 well as of national importance, and endeared 
 him to these who were the passive, if not 
 approving, instruments of that mental thaldrom 
 under which he was suffering. But the system 
 adopted towards him was in itself alone suffi- 
 cient to produce a hopeless state of ennui, that 
 was gradually assuming a more serious aspect ; 
 and the continued melancholy which displayed 
 itself as he approached maturity could not fail 
 to attract the notice of the whole court. 
 
 On his arrival at Schoenbrunn, and his in- 
 troduction to the Prince, the Baron imme- 
 diately perceived, with alarm, the deep ravages 
 which a few short weeks had wrought in the 
 personal appearance of de Reichstadt. Already 
 had incipient disease began to manifest its 
 presence. A bright hectic bloom flushed his 
 hollow cheek, and his pale blue eyes glistened 
 with a glassy brilliancy; seeds of premature 
 decay were evidently circulating in those
 
 80 ELLA; OR 
 
 transparent veins, and the mysterious light 
 of those eyes seemed to speak of a loftier 
 sphere than that on which they looked. 
 
 Von Lindenberg beheld with inexpressible 
 sadness the pining anguish of soul which thus 
 threatened to overcome the body. It was the 
 eaglet struggling in the iron fangs of destiny ; 
 and he melted with pity as he anticipated the 
 fatal issue of the conflict. 
 
 " You prolonged your sojourn at Ereinfels 
 Castle, beyond the usual period," said the 
 Prince, after having welcomed the statesman 
 with cordiality. 
 
 " The season proved more attractive than 
 ordinary," replied he, " and to confess the 
 truth, I was happy in the simple pleasures 
 which the country afforded. " 
 
 " Are the environs of your domain particu- 
 larly beautiful ?" 
 
 " x\t least they possess an inestimable charm 
 for me : — Ereinfels is my native place," replied 
 the Baron modestly.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 81 
 
 w Indeed ! so true it is, that we continue to 
 cherish through life the spot where first we 
 learnt to taste of its enjoyments," observed 
 the youth with a sigh. 
 
 " Were it not thus," replied the Baron, 
 " all local attachment must cease ; the Laplan- 
 der would forsake his snow built hut ; the Hot- 
 tentot would fly from his Kraal; and half of the 
 globe would be deserted, while the more fa- 
 voured portions would consequently be over- 
 run with a superabundant population ." 
 
 " True," rejoined the Prince, with a sigh ; 
 a I almost envy you the peaceful retirement 
 of your hereditary abode : what a contrast you 
 must find to it in the courtly restraint that 
 surrounds us here ! I do not wonder at your 
 sometimes exchanging the burthensome mono- 
 tony of your official duties, for the indepen- 
 dence of the country. Yet your absence has 
 been much regretted. The loss of your society 
 was especially felt by me — I have so few real 
 friends. " 
 
 e 3
 
 B2 ELLA ; OR 
 
 " In conferring so flattering a distinction/* 
 replied the Baron, " your Highness does credit 
 to my sentiments of sincere attachment, I 
 am proud to think that my return should prove 
 agreeable. I hope your Highness's health 
 is — " 
 
 " Not improving, I fear/' interrupted the 
 Prince, checking a slight cough ; " I am out 
 of spirits, and every place appears preferable 
 to this. I have taken a distaste to Schoen- 
 brunn." 
 
 " Yet how many would be anxious to obtain 
 the privilege of occupying the most insignifi- 
 cant portion of the Imperial residence !" re- 
 turned Von Lindenberg. 
 
 " But then they would be free to leave it at 
 will," exclaimed the Duke ; " none are con- 
 demned to languish year after year within its 
 walls, deprived of hope — of liberty — " added 
 he, gloomily. 
 
 " None I hope \" added his companion with 
 emphasis.
 
 the emperor's SOX. 83 
 
 " The officers of my household," observed 
 de Reich stadt, " are allowed to travel, to 
 change, to roam from place to place. I alone 
 am the solitary exception ; I alone am bound 
 to this hateful spot, without the power of 
 quitting it. Whenever I seek to escape the 
 misery of a protracted residence, I am foiled 
 or diverted from the attempt by the persua- 
 sions of father Clement. The air of Schoen- 
 brunn does not agree with me ! and all I am 
 offered in its place is the eternal panacea of 
 Carlsbad, or the Brunnens of Nassau/' 
 
 a I fear that my Prince is exaggerating the 
 importance of locality," urged the Baron ; " our 
 own mind casts its shadow or its radiance on 
 neighbouring objects ; we bear within ourselves 
 the principles of satisfaction, or discontent. 
 The spot so irksome to the Duke de Reich- 
 staclt, was considered a desirable abode by his 
 predecessors/' 
 
 " That is possible," returned he; " yet if the 
 mind casts its own colour on material things 
 -in some instances, will you not allow the
 
 84 ELLA; OR 
 
 reverse also to be the case, and that locality in 
 its turn may influence the mind }" 
 
 The Baron remained silent, whilst his com- 
 panion seized the favourable opportunity to 
 urge his wishes for a change of scene, alter- 
 nately pleading ennui, mental improvement, 
 curiosity, and ill-health. To these arguments 
 every gentle expostulation and wise remon- 
 strance were urged and replied to in turn. 
 
 " Each member of the Imperial family," 
 continued the Prince, " is allowed the benefit 
 of travel and personal observation; every other 
 youth is permitted the advantages of unres- 
 tricted study, with the gratification of viewing 
 and comparing different countries, govern- 
 ments, laws, societies and institutions. I 
 alone am denied this privilege." 
 
 " The sacred vocation for which the Duke 
 de Reichstadt has been educated, requires not 
 this practical knowledge, and there are few 
 indeed whose theological information can com- 
 pare with your own." 
 
 " Nevertheless, I will not pronounce the fatal
 
 85 
 
 vows which would at once render me an isolated 
 being," exclaimed the youth firmly ; " my 
 determination is irrevocable; my health will 
 not admit of the necessary austerities." 
 
 The Baron felt a rising tear gathering on his 
 eyelid, as these words were uttered. 
 
 " Oh, von Lindenberg," cried the Prince, 
 pouring forth an energetic appeal, " my friend, 
 perhaps my only friend, you can comprehend 
 my feelings. There is an inward monitor that 
 tells me my expressions are not lost upon you. 
 I must quit this tedious place ; I must be 
 released from these odious polemics, which 
 distract without convincing my aching brain 
 I pine for change. . . .1 pine. . . , for action." 
 
 The minister started involuntarily, as the 
 last sentence was uttered in a tone that con- 
 trasted strangely with the Duke's accustomed 
 languor. He gazed with painful interest on the 
 flushed and animated physiognomy before him. 
 " Your Highness's desire for active life," 
 observed he gravely, " ill accords with the
 
 HG ella; OR 
 
 delicate state of health which we all have too 
 much reason to lament.' 5 
 
 " My present condition of intellectual torpor, 
 stagnates the blood in my veins," returned the 
 invalid bitterly, c: Give me but space .... then 
 perhaps I might recover." 
 
 " The Emperor loves you tenderly," an- 
 swered von Lindenberg ; " rely on that pater- 
 nal affection he has so frequently evinced. . . . 
 but do not ask too great a sacrifice ; he may 
 yet accede to your wishes, if they are within 
 the bounds of moderation." 
 
 " He will not, he can not refuse me," cried 
 de Reichstadt; " Schoenbrunn may be my 
 prison; it must not be my tomb." 
 
 " Subdue this excitement, my beloved 
 Prince/' interrupted the Baron ; " this violent 
 emotion cannot fail to prove injurious." 
 
 e: The atmosphere of Schoenbrunn withers 
 my heart," exclaimed the Duke ; " gloom per- 
 vades every object, and diffuses sadness into 
 every thought. I would visit Italy. . . . I diJ
 
 87 
 
 not venture to propose another and a clearer 
 land." 
 
 The statesman reflected for a moment. 
 
 " Should you wish for the society of the 
 illustrious Arch-duchess of Parma, she will 
 undoubtedly anticipate your Highness's de- 
 sires ; but insurmountable obstacles are opposed 
 to a more extended journey. I cannot explain 
 the complicated clue of foreign obligations 
 which bind the Austrian cabinet. Cease then 
 these useless excitements ; nerve yourself 
 against the encroachment of unworthy weak- 
 ness. From me, Monseigneur, you have ever 
 heard the voice of truth. Let me not now 
 speak in vain. Throw off this fatal languor 
 that threatens to overpower your better judg- 
 ment. I appeal to your philosophy, my 
 Prince, — are these murmurs either wise or 
 beneficial ?" 
 
 " Von Lindenberg, a cloud seems to oppress 
 me; wild dreams of former days, visions of 
 my infancy, flit vaguely in my memory. It
 
 88 ELLA ; OR 
 
 seems as if I once was destined to fill a different 
 sphere. Dim, distant recollections still haunt 
 me with dazzling images, that I can no longer 
 shape into distinct perception " 
 
 The Baron turned pale with emotion, but 
 replied not. 
 
 " Yes — -I can comprehend your silence," 
 exclaimed young Napoleon. " When I revert 
 to those bright days of childhood which I 
 vainly seek to recall, all around me look mys- 
 terious and seem stricken with silence.... I 
 was not always what I am!" 
 
 A severe cough interrupted the invalid, who 
 applied a handkerchief to his lips, which he 
 withdrew tinged with blood. The Baron screen- 
 ed his face, for a moment, with his hands ; a 
 tear trickled through his divided fingers. 
 
 K Tell me," said the youth recovering from 
 his temporary agitation, " tell me the eventful 
 history of . . . . myself. Why am I thus de- 
 tained ? Who am I ? My father was " 
 
 " The General Bonaparte has already been
 
 89 
 
 dead some years," answered von Lindenberg 
 solemnly ; " your Highness surely cannot re- 
 collect so long ago ?" 
 
 " Who was General Bonaparte ?" inquired 
 young Napoleon trembling with increased emo- 
 tion. " Deceive me not, — I suspect — I know — 
 alas! I know more than perhaps is right for 
 me to know, and yet am not contented," he 
 added with a sigh, u . Oh ! if you love me, solve 
 the problem of my present existence!" 
 
 " Your Highness cannot doubt my respectful 
 affection," replied the Baron. 
 
 " The time is come," rejoined the Prince 
 eagerly ; " I am no longer a child. The veil 
 that has hitherto concealed my real position 
 from me must be withdrawn. Speak, von 
 Lindenberg; for if you refuse to enlighten 
 my ignorance I shall be compelled to seek 
 information at a different source; and from 
 you, dear friend, I should wish to learn the 
 truth. Another voice would grate harshly on 
 my ears."
 
 90 ELLA ; o?w 
 
 c: You were born to fulfil a strange and 
 mysterious destiny ; you must still continue to 
 struggle through a thorny path " 
 
 " But I cannot struggle long" interrupted 
 de Reichstadt, in hoarse accents. 
 
 " Exert your noble energies, my beloved 
 Prince. Call in the aid of philosophy and 
 of religion. Remember that our first duty con- 
 sists in submitting with resignation, if we 
 cannot accept with cheerfulness, to the decrees 
 of Providence. This is the type of true great- 
 ness, and of intrinsic virtue." 
 
 " Ignorance is not wisdom. My present 
 shadowy perception of the past, and sad anti- 
 cipations of the future, afford me no ground for 
 moderation or magnanimity. We may yield to 
 the conviction of necessity, but not to the 
 pressure of misfortune. It is your duty to 
 answer my solicitations. Again I ask — I be- 
 seech — your candour — your confidence.'*' 
 
 " You are a national hostage," replied the 
 Baron, " a living pledge of the peace of Eu-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 91 
 
 rope. Does your Highness comprehend my 
 meaning ?" 
 
 " Perfectly. . my father was. .a general !. ,a 
 king !...a usurper !. . speak on, I am prepared." 
 " No, my Prince — excuse me from the task 
 — father Clement is better able to instruct you 
 than myself — apply then to him, and allow me 
 to close a conference so painful to us both." 
 
 " It must not be!" exclaimed the Duke, " I 
 request, I implore — nay, I command an expla- 
 nation. — It is meet that 1 should be apprized 
 of every fact relative to my origin. Let me 
 at least, have the power of estimating my own 
 unfortunate position. Had I not been deluded 
 thus from year to year, perhaps this bursting 
 heart and teeming brain might have been better 
 regulated — and circumstances then would have 
 found me more pliant to the decrees of fate." 
 
 (i Your father was a Corsican," returned von 
 Lindenberg. 
 
 " Of that I am already aware," interrupted 
 the Prince, " but proceed for I feel impatient."
 
 5)2 ELLA; OR 
 
 " Your father at an early age became an 
 officer, in the French army," continued the 
 statesman gravely. " By good fortune, and 
 an aspiring genius, he attracted universal notice 
 at a period when revolutionized France, torn 
 by intestine troubles, was on the very verge 
 of destruction. The furious contention of rival 
 factions was at its climax ; like the creations of 
 Cadmus they were destroying each other. At 
 this crisis Napoleon, resplendent with military 
 glory, rose a meteor on the gloomy horizon. 
 Unvaried success had hitherto crowned his 
 arms. A conqueror in every region where 
 he led the arms of France, he at length re- 
 turned thither, stemmed the rushing tide of 
 popular fury, and was elevated to the Consul- 
 ate." 
 
 " A modern Ceesar," observed the youth 
 proudly. His kindling eye brightened during 
 the recital, and his slight form seemed to 
 acquire dignity from a consciousness of his 
 origin.
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 93 
 
 " At the zenith of real power," said von 
 Lindenberg, proceeding with his narrative, 
 " the General Bonaparte seized the reins of 
 government at home, and prescribed conditions 
 of peace abroad, — tranquillity was restored ! 
 Here he should have stopped. . . . the goal was 
 attained. .. .he might yet have exercised the 
 noble privilege of relinquishing the Imperial 
 sceptre which was evidently within his grasp." 
 
 " And he did not do so?" inquired de Reich- 
 stadt thoughtfully. 
 
 " Ambition possesses the dangerous quality 
 of blinding its most ardent votaries/' resumed 
 the minister. " Dazzled with his own unpre- 
 cedented elevation, Bonaparte could not be- 
 hold the vacant throne unmoved ; and in direct 
 violation of that generous spirit of justice 
 which forbade the act of self-appropriation 
 whilst the hereditary sovereign still existed, 
 he claimed the imperial purple, and placed 
 the crown of Charlemagne on his own capacious 
 brow."
 
 94 ELLA ; OR 
 
 " My father. . . .Emperor. ... of France \" 
 exclaimed the Duke breathless from emotion, 
 
 " and I, languish .at Schoenbrunn." 
 
 u The moral of my tale is yet reserved for 
 your Highness's serious attention/' interrupted 
 von Lindenberg, with increasing solemnity. 
 ei Prosperity, my Prince, is an ordeal which few 
 can support ; your father sunk under it. The 
 Emperor chosen by the army, was anointed 
 by the representative of St. Peter, acknow- 
 ledged by foreign powers and idolized by the 
 people who were rescued from the horrors of 
 anarchy through his means. But though suc- 
 cess seemed the undeviating result of every 
 measure, one wish yet remained ungratified. 
 Napoleon had no heir to inherit the Imperial 
 throne ; he was childless, and his wife afforded 
 no hope of future issue. 
 
 " A halo of glory created by his own personal 
 exertions surrounded him, every member of 
 his family was raised to royalty; kings and 
 queens sprung up at his command and crowded
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 95 
 
 in his train, the dignities of the state were 
 distributed with a lavish hand, he seemed to 
 possess all he could desire, except a son ! You, 
 my Prince, the object of his wild wishes and 
 most ardent hopes, your very existence was the 
 consequence of an act of injustice. The part- 
 ner of his youth, the fond confiding woman 
 who first pointed out the road to eminence, the 
 angel, the guardian spirit of his fate, she was 
 no longer deemed worthy to share his throne ; 
 she was repudiated ; a descendant of the Cae- 
 sars, a daughter of Austria was selected as a 
 fitting consort for the Emperor of France, and 
 the mother of the future heir to its throne. 
 Your Highness was the offspring of this al- 
 liance, and the political wounds of the new 
 Empire seemed permanently healed; your birth 
 seemed to bind the treaties existing between 
 the rival nations with the strong ties of con- 
 sanguinity, you were regarded as the polar star 
 of government, the anchor of hope, the hostage
 
 96 ELLA; OR 
 
 of fortune. Still Napoleon was not content, 
 he tempted Heaven, he resolved upon the 
 conquest of Russia, he desired, — he attempted 
 impossibilities ; hitherto triumphant from the 
 banks of the Rhine to the pillars of Hercules, 
 from the shores of the Baltic to the Isles of 
 the Mediterranean, invincible alike amid the 
 burning sands of the desert, and the snow 
 capped Alps, from the Appenines to the Pyre- 
 nees, he dreamt not of defeat. But the 
 goddess at whose shrine he had immolated so 
 many victims was fickle, he pursued, — he 
 dared, — he defied her ! 
 
 " His army, probably the finest that ever 
 took the field, was crushed, not by man alone — 
 the elements seemed to combine against the 
 audacity of Bonaparte. The Moscovites, by 
 a sublime effort of patriotic virtue, reduced 
 their capital to ashes, thereby cutting off sup- 
 plies and shelter from the harassed invaders. 
 Great and heart-rending were the cruel vicissi-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 97 
 
 tudes endured by the French troops and their 
 indomitable leader ; — whole regiments perished 
 in the snow. Shall I conclude r" 
 
 " Yes, the lesson is salutary/ 5 replied de 
 Reichstadt in a voice scarcely articulate. 
 
 (i Reverses followed in rapid succession; 
 Napoleon abdicated, and for a season sought 
 voluntary seclusion in the small Island of Elba, 
 But his ambitious soul still fondly clung to the 
 Imperial dignity — visions of conquest still lent 
 their delusive brightness to the future. Again 
 he returned to France, again he mounted the 
 throne amid the acclamations of an applauding 
 people ; but the career of glory was drawing to 
 a close, the force of united Europe opposing 
 the military power of France, the faithful vete- 
 rans who carried victory and destruction in 
 their train rallied fearlessly around his standard. 
 But the die was cast, Napoleon was vanquished^ 
 a single, a final battle, decided the fate of Eu- 
 
 VOL. I. F
 
 98 ella; OR 
 
 rope ! The rock of St. Helena received as a 
 prisoner the conquered warrior; at St. Helena 
 your father lived to lament the errors of an 
 overweening ambition, at St. Helena he " 
 
 " Enough !" interrupted the Prince, ex- 
 tending his hand to the Baron who pressed it 
 respectfully to his lips, u thanks to your candour 
 I now know all. It is a strange and fatal 
 history ; at last I comprehend the vast respon- 
 sibility which Austria has incurred. I understand 
 the cruelty, the kindness, the care displayed 
 towards me. They think that perchance I 
 inherit my father's soul ! but see, tears bedew 
 my cheek, — he never wept, — there is safety 
 in this feminine emotion, Napoleon's son is 
 harmless !" 
 
 As he pronounced these words, the Duke de 
 Reichstadt pressed von Lindenberg's hand 
 within his own, and slowly withdrew to his 
 private apartment, leaving his companion to
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 99 
 
 muse on the leading topics of a dialogue of 
 such momentous interest to a Prince whose 
 past and future existence was involved in the 
 mysterious chain of public events therein nar- 
 rated. 
 
 p2
 
 100 ELLA; QR 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 This is a traveller Sir, knows men and manners. 
 
 Beaumont and Fletcher. 
 
 There is no period of existence so replete 
 with pleasing emotions as that brief one which 
 is dedicated to courtship, and this is especially 
 true of woman; whether it be during the 
 gushing exuberance of first love, or the linger- 
 ing tenderness of more durable and mature 
 affection. All intermediate attachments can 
 only be classed under the comprehensive head 
 of " flirtations," and there is no possibility 
 elevating them to the dignity of sentiment.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 101 
 
 The time that usually intervenes between the 
 acceptance of a lover and the solemn ratifica- 
 tion of mutual vows, is one of unalloyed 
 felicity. Youth is buoyant with expectation, 
 the heart has confided its sole treasure to the 
 safe keeping of another, who then becomes the 
 very mainspring of its action. Love, enhanced 
 by the legitimacy of its object, has not yet 
 sobered into esteem, it enjoys security devoid 
 of satiety, confidence free from familiarity and 
 variety without inconstancy. Reason has not 
 yet schooled the heart into coldness, and 
 docility cannot be construed into obedience; 
 the hard relentless duties of life have not yet 
 started up in frigid reality, to dispel the bright 
 visions of passion ; and the lengthened vista of 
 future years seems but the protraction of pre- 
 sent delight. 
 
 Thus Albert and his affianced bride were at 
 the summit of human bliss. Day after day 
 was passed in those soft interchanges of mutua
 
 102 ELLA; OR 
 
 regard which feed the very sentiment from 
 whence they emanate. The confidential ex- 
 pansiveness, the communicative out-pouring of 
 the soul, which generally marks the affection of 
 young and unpractised minds, forms in itself a 
 powerful connecting link between the parties, 
 and serves to cement the attachment which 
 might evaporate under the freezing influence 
 of reserve. 
 
 Accustomed to the society of her lover from 
 childhood, Ella's candid nature artlessly deve- 
 loped all its innate purity to his observation ; 
 and as he studied each variety of character 
 that unconsciously unfolded its hidden sweet- 
 ness, his tenderness assumed a deeper tone 
 with the strong conviction of her intrinsic 
 value. 
 
 It is precisely during such intervals, ere 
 certainty has irrevocably sealed his fate, that a 
 man holds the key to his own future felicity. 
 At this crisis he can best analyse the disposi-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 103 
 
 tion of her whom he has selected as a compa- 
 nion for life and acquire a permanent ascendancy 
 over her lasting regard. This noonday of 
 passion should be employed in reaping that 
 rich harvest of love which is intended to 
 support us in the sadder season, when after a 
 lapse of years, the heart becomes chilled by 
 worldly cares, has ceased to put forth fresh 
 blossoms, and habitual indifference has super- 
 seded the fond gushings forth of early enthu- 
 siasm ', it is then that the pleasing recollection 
 of those brief hours of delight will crowd upon 
 the fancy,, and the memory of past devotion 
 and former confidence will shed a cheering ray 
 around, which like the mellow tints of a crimson 
 sun-set diffuses a lingering halo of brightness 
 and beauty over the gloom of advancing age. 
 
 Ella was, of all beings, one over whose mind 
 love was likely to possess a commanding and 
 absorbing power ; the freshness and simplicity 
 of her nature rendered her doubly susceptible
 
 104 ELLA ; OR 
 
 of those keen emotions which a constant in* 
 tercourse with society is apt to deaden. There 
 existed a buoyancy, and a fervour in her 
 attachment to Albert which had scarcely yet 
 attained its full maturity, and could only be 
 compared to the opening flower discovering all 
 the budding beauty that promises even more 
 to the imagination than it yields to the senses, 
 a beauty that is frequently lost as ripening 
 bloom becomes the glowing precursor of ine- 
 vitable decay. 
 
 This confiding innocence was an additional 
 spell that rivetted Albert more closely to her, 
 whose future destiny and present happiness 
 was so completely blended with his own. His 
 masculine and stronger character gracefully 
 yielded to the clinging fondness of hers, and 
 the utter dependence she placed on his sincerity 
 was the surest bond of his truth ; for we love 
 that which we support, and men usually attach 
 themselves in proportion as they find that
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 105 
 
 attachment essential to the felicity of the being 
 who inspires it. Coquettes are seldom really 
 beloved, because the very self-command which 
 enables them to resist a permanent sentiment, 
 divests them of the very charm which is best 
 calculated to inspire it. 
 
 The autumn glided imperceptibly away, its 
 bright days had been fully employed by the 
 lovers in a succession of elegant occupations. 
 Albert read, whilst Ella plied her embroidery, 
 or she sang the soft vibrating airs of the Tyrol, 
 and his deep toned voice gave strength and 
 fullness to the swelling harmony. Of all plea- 
 sures which appeal to the senses, music is the 
 most calculated to promote the rise and progress 
 of passion ; there is something pre-eminently 
 attractive in the skilful combination of sweet 
 sounds, a melting voluptuousness waits on the 
 plaintive modulation and blending of notes, 
 which mere spoken language fails to impart. 
 
 f 3
 
 106 ELi.A ; OR 
 
 The heart gradually surrenders itself to the 
 witching influence ; eyes hitherto averted, seek 
 a responsive glance, and in one thrilling liquid 
 gaze of ecstasy the unconscious soul pours forth 
 the eloquent tale of mutual passion which 
 timidity alone had before so carefully con- 
 cealed. 
 
 United as the betrothed were by the purest 
 affection, there existed nevertheless a marked 
 difference in their feelings towards each other. 
 Both loved with equal warmth and sincerity, 
 but their respective dispositions stampt indi- 
 viduality on their views and impressions. Of 
 the two, Ella was the least happy, for Albert 
 lived for present enjoyment, whilst she dreaded 
 the future; his devotion would anticipate no 
 change, whilst her imaginative temper contem- 
 plated the various contingencies of life with 
 alarm ; she clasped every prophetic illusion to 
 her breast, whether favourable or fearful; where-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 107 
 
 as he felt the unalterable conviction that his 
 affection, and consequently his happiness, were 
 beyond the reach of adverse circumstances. 
 
 Although Albert could claim an extensive 
 and well chosen circle of agreeable associates, 
 he had not selected a single friend amongst the 
 number of those who were desirous of obtaining 
 that flattering distinction. Young, ardent and 
 ingenuous, he perhaps expected too much from 
 the world, or probably occupied as he was with 
 an absorbing passion, he did not display suf- 
 ficient deference for the duties of a less en- 
 grossing sentiment ; yet there were moments, 
 more especially when casually separated from 
 Ella, in which he unconsciously yearned for 
 the fellowship of a being in whom he could 
 safely repose an unlimited confidence. 
 
 A lover is usually disposed to be communi- 
 cative, and when by chance he does not prove 
 such, some convincing reason may be adduced, 
 to explain a reserve that in no way accords
 
 108 ELLA ; OR 
 
 with the overflowing plenitude of affection, 
 A lover is anxious to talk of his attachment, of 
 her who has enthralled him, of his own con- 
 stancy, of her perfection, of his hopes, of her 
 promises, of his pleasures, of his pains, of her 
 fears j in short, as La Rochefoucault has 
 already decided, love is the very quintessence 
 of egotism, and is ever revolving on its own 
 axis ; like the great magician of music, what- 
 ever may be its tone, love hath but one string, 
 and a man who might get through the ordinary 
 course of events without requiring sympathy, 
 or inflicting the tediousness of undesired 
 confidence, will, if once fairly smitten, torment 
 the least sentimental amongst his acquaintance 
 with endless details of personal emotion. 
 Even the most delicate, the most reserved of 
 lovers is scarcely free from this imputation ; 
 and however his feelings may be sedulously 
 screened from vulgar inquiry, and he may 
 shun the every day converse of casual asso-
 
 109 
 
 ciates, he will notwithstanding seize some fa- 
 vourable opportunity of laying open the secret 
 recesses of his heart to the tender scrutiny of 
 a friend, and will feel relieved by the dis- 
 closure. 
 
 Separated from his brother at an early age, 
 Albert knew but little of the delightful recipro- 
 cities of family connexion, beyond the regularity 
 of an epistolary correspondence, and the occa- 
 sional interchange of visits. But the cold and 
 tardy demonstrations of letter writing were but 
 ill calculated to satisfy the cravings of an ar- 
 dent heart ; whilst, on the other hand, his 
 father's disposition contrasted so strikingly with 
 his own, that Count Rosendahl was the last 
 man on earth whom he would have selected as 
 a confidant. Many reasons prevented the 
 possibility of a more intimate companionship 
 existing between them. There was no defi- 
 ciency of duty, respect or gratitude on Albert's 
 part ; nor could the paternal regard or anxiety
 
 110 ELLA J Oil 
 
 of the Count be justly arraigned; — but the 
 circumstances of a second marriage, and the 
 overpowering sway of a step-mother, were 
 quite sufficient barriers effectually to check the 
 growth of that delightful union between father 
 and son which is the purest type of human 
 attachment. 
 
 Alberts natural desire, however, for the 
 solace of friendship was not destined to remain 
 unsatisfied and accident afforded what the rou- 
 tine of society had hitherto denied. Not long 
 after returning from the castle of Ereinfels, 
 Albert became acquainted with the Chevalier 
 de Florville, a gentleman of French extraction, 
 who was presented to the family of Rosendahl 
 through the means of a letter of introduction 
 from the Duchess de Montpelier. Such a 
 passport would have been enough to ensure to 
 the stranger a gracious reception, had not his 
 general deportment and personal appearance 
 proved of that attractive description which
 
 Ill 
 
 materially diminishes the formality of a first 
 interview. 
 
 The Chevalier was but lately returned from 
 America, where he had spent a great portion 
 of his youth ; and he was now preparing to 
 travel for amusement through the north of 
 Europe. It was evident, from his conversation, 
 that he had been admitted by the Duke and 
 Duchess de Montpelier on terms of intimacy. 
 He spoke often and with praise of the lovely 
 Constance, whose attractions formed a wel- 
 come theme of mutual panegyric. He also 
 mentioned Alfred, with that frankness of man- 
 ner, which betokened a habit of familiar inter- 
 course and reciprocal esteem. De -Florvilie 
 was in the prime of life, and if not strikingly 
 handsome, he possessed a noble cast of coun- 
 tenance, and a distinguished air. His manners 
 displayed a perfect knowledge of good society, 
 without bearing the stamp of any particular 
 fashion or class. He expressed himself with.
 
 112 ELLA; OR 
 
 fluency on every subject, and possessed a va- 
 luable store of extensive information, and inte- 
 resting anecdote. Moreover, a spirit of pro- 
 found observation occasionally imparted a 
 philosophical tone to his discourse which was 
 peculiarly acceptable to Albert's contemplative 
 turn of mind. The consequence was, that a 
 strict degree of intimacy between them speedily 
 ensued. 
 
 Count Rosendahl, naturally solicitous of 
 shewing hospitality and attention to a friend 
 of the Duke de Montpelier, received the 
 stranger on a friendly footing, and listened 
 with all the eagerness of paternal delight to the 
 flattering description of his daughter's increas- 
 ing charms and varied accomplishments; whilst 
 the confirmation of Alfred's rapid advance- 
 ment, in his official career, filled him with 
 ambitious hopes of future distinction. 
 
 The transition from the spacious saloon of 
 Rosendahl palace, to the less ostentatious
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 113 
 
 circle of Baron von Lindenberg, was a natural 
 consequence of de Florville's introduction. 
 Yet formed as the latter was to enjoy and 
 promote the pleasures of the great world ; pos- 
 sessing all the requisites to appear therein 
 advantageously, the Chevalier evinced consi- 
 derable reluctance to mingle with the brilliant 
 crowded reunions where the elite of Austrian 
 nobility nightly congregate in unmixed exclu- 
 siveness. He preferred the quiet conversational 
 intercourse which the family of von Lindenberg 
 so pleasingly afforded. Inclined to enjoy 
 the refinements rather than the luxuries and 
 splendours of life, he shunned the glare and 
 intoxication of large assemblies, to seek the 
 companionship of those whose sentiments and 
 pursuits were in unison with his own. 
 
 De Florville was no ordinary person. A 
 decided vein of romantic exaltation might be 
 traced in his character. Occasionally, when his 
 superior conversational powers were called into
 
 114 ELLA; OR 
 
 action, and his spirited remarks elicited the 
 approbation of his hearers, his expressive face 
 would sadden or brighten, as with the con- 
 centrated accents of genuine feeling, he elo- 
 quently touched on the affairs of France, whose 
 former glory and whose actual debasement, he 
 could not forget. He was gifted with a persua- 
 sive eloquence far different from the vociferous 
 volubility which, amongst the French, is too 
 often a national peculiarity. An indescribable 
 interest attended his language ; even the ordi- 
 nary topics of the day were discussed by the 
 Chevalier with native ease and grace which gave 
 to them all the charm of novelty and interest. 
 But the intellectual feature which chiefly en- 
 deared de Florville to Rosendhal was that 
 enthusiasm, that electric spark of celestial fire, 
 from whence emanates all that is good and 
 great in the human mind, and which they 
 possessed in common ; — that enthusiasm, with- 
 out which, the highest excellence is neutralized.
 
 115 
 
 Enthusiasm gives life to thought, force to 
 language, and vigour to action. — It is an intel- 
 lectual magnet, attracting the adhesion of 
 others, and polarizes our mental faculties, by 
 influencing their peculiar direction, at the same 
 time that it increases and fixes their active 
 force. Without enthusiasm we can put forth 
 no claim to superiority — we are inert — the 
 principle of motion may exist within us, but 
 cannot be exercised — we may be harmless — 
 but the sublimity of virtue is unattainable, if it 
 be not stimulated by enthusiasm. 
 
 The same elements that glowed in Albert's 
 ardent nature, flashed with picturesque bril- 
 liancy in the poetic and adventurous character 
 of de Florville; but circumstances, education, 
 and locality, made each assume a separate 
 aspect. The moral energies of the one had 
 been regulated by habit, and repressed by the 
 force of example ; but the wild redundancy of 
 the other had burst forth with inextinguish-
 
 116 ELLA; OR 
 
 able fervour. The Chevalier was filled with 
 Utopian schemes of universal freedom, which 
 though poised on a purely patriotic basis, are 
 ever destined to continue the bright illusions 
 of exalted minds. This bond of sympathy 
 drew the young men to closer intimacies ; 
 Albert, in particular, found a friend in de 
 Florville which till then he had sought in vain, 
 and every hour seemed to cement their mutual 
 regard. Nevertheless on one subject the stran- 
 ger remained impenetrably silent: — however 
 communicative he might prove on the stirring 
 excitements of politics, the elegancies of litera- 
 ture, the intricacies of science, or the beauties 
 of the fine arts, de Florville never spoke of 
 .... himself.
 
 H7 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 Three children sliding on the ice 
 All on a summer's day 
 It so fell out, they all fell in, 
 The rest they ran away. 
 
 The festive season of Christmas passed 
 pleasantly, amid cheerful holiday meetings, 
 where the ties of consanguinity claimed the 
 first rank, and unrestrained cordiality formed 
 the principal charm. To these succeeded 
 gaieties of a more general description. The 
 new year was ushered in with numerous balls, 
 concerts, and court galas, which fully occupied
 
 118 ELLA; OB 
 
 not only the weary winter evenings but also 
 encroached on a considerable portion of the 
 night j and as if to enhance the measure of 
 enjoyment, a severe frost setting in with more 
 than ordinary rigour, promoted morning 
 amusement of a truly northern origin, of 
 which we must endeavour to convey an 
 adequate idea. 
 
 A heavy fall of snow, that had continued 
 for many hours, was followed by a fixed and 
 penetrating cold. The ground displayed a 
 surface of unbroken whiteness, which soon 
 hardened to solidity; bright crystallizations 
 hung, in fanciful girandoles, from the leafless 
 branches, assuming a thousand variegated 
 tints as the winter noon-tide sun poured a 
 rich stream of oblique radiance on the scene ; 
 nature appeared like a bride arrayed in a garb 
 of unsullied purity, the budding maidenly 
 beauties of spring being all concealed beneath 
 the rich, yet pure brilliancy of the nuptial
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 119 
 
 robe. The cloudless sky glowed with that 
 clear, deep azure intensity which generally 
 accompanies a settled frost; and the sharp 
 easterly wind swept keenly along the icy waves 
 of the Danube, which had acquired the neces- 
 sary degree of consistency to permit the exer- 
 cise of the traineau. 
 
 This picturesque sport, so prevalent in 
 Russia, is sometimes enjoyed by the inhabi- 
 tants of milder latitudes ; and few amusements 
 can be more exhilarating, combining as it 
 does, all the ardour of the chace with the 
 graceful dexterity of the race course. 
 
 Let those who have hitherto only connected 
 with the scenery of winter, the elegant amuse- 
 ment of skating, imagine the united pleasures 
 of riding, driving, racing, chacing, and sliding, 
 blended into one happy combination, and they 
 may then form some notion of the delights of 
 a course en iraineaux. 
 
 The mighty waters of the Danube, pent up
 
 120 ELLA ; OR 
 
 in ponderous masses of " thick ribbed ice/ 5 
 presented a scene of unusual bustle and festi- 
 vity. The assembled population of the im- 
 perial city thronged its banks, every face 
 beaming with eager curiosity and excite- 
 ment, as the elite of fashion glided swiftly 
 along the polished surface of the frozen river. 
 Amongst the latter, the lady Ella was the 
 most interesting at least, if not the most con- 
 spicuous ; and she shared the animated plea- 
 sures of the day with all the vivacity of her 
 age. 
 
 Albert, her chosen cavalier, had undertaken 
 the delightful office of guiding the rapid pro- 
 gress of the equipage, which consisted of an 
 elegant car, shaped according to the newest 
 device and of the most approved construction. 
 The vehicle was profusely ornamented with 
 carving and gilding, was lined with brocaded 
 silk, and furnished with cushions of the softest 
 down. To this conveyance was harnessed a
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 121 
 
 spirited horse, richly caparisoned, decked 
 with cockades and streamers of the most 
 striking colours ; and a number of small 
 silver bells suspended over his head, jingled 
 a merry peal at every movement of the noble 
 animal. 
 
 Ella's costume appeared equally adapted to 
 defy the piercing cold of the season, and to 
 conceal the faultless symmetry of her singularly 
 beautiful figure ; a circumstance which might 
 have been a subject of regret to the beholders, 
 had it not rivetted the attention more exclu- 
 sively to her lovely face. Her robe of crimson 
 cachemere was nearly hid by an exceedingly 
 rich manteau of black velvet, lined and 
 trimmed with ermine. A most becoming 
 Hungarian cap, of the same bright hue as the 
 dress, was tastefully placed on one side, a 
 large bullion tassel depending from it, which 
 added considerably to the effect of the coiffure, 
 A deep bandeau of chased gold encircled the 
 
 VOL. I. G
 
 122 ELLAj OR 
 
 exquisite contour of her clear forehead, from 
 whence a profusion of silken ringlets escaped 
 in wayward playfulness. 
 
 To protect her small feet from the incle- 
 mency of the weather, black velvet boots edged 
 with fur were laced over her satin shoes. 
 These perhaps, on extremities less delicately 
 moulded, might have appeared somewhat 
 heavy; but worn by Ella, this additional 
 covering could only excite surprize as to the 
 diminutive proportions of the little feet en- 
 sconced therein. 
 
 The gay and varied spectacle assumed a 
 still more animated appearance, as number- 
 less sledges of every size, sort, and denomi- 
 nation were hurrying to and fro, from the 
 elegant and diversified car of the aristocrat, 
 finished in workmanship with its rich parapher- 
 nalia and melted steeds, to that humble spe- 
 cies of conveyance which partook somewhat 
 of the form, dimensions, and properties of the
 
 123 
 
 wheelbarrow; being propelled in a similar 
 manner. 
 
 These latter unostentatious machines, were 
 followed by a crowd of pedestrians, amongst 
 which were various groups of young nobility, 
 vying with each other in grace and agility, as 
 they performed the most difficult feats and 
 figures which constitute the elegant art of 
 skating. 
 
 Meanwhile, shouts and exclamations of ap- 
 plause were echoed by the multitude, when 
 the more than usually dexterous skaters dis- 
 played their science; whereas joyous peals 
 of unrepressed laughter awaited the awkward 
 and unsuccessful exertions of the stumbler. 
 
 The traineaux, for the most part, contained 
 ladies of rank and beauty, each being conducted 
 at full speed by a favoured cavalier. Among 
 these latter, Albert was anxious to display his 
 skill, and had already outstripped his com- 
 petitors, when, releasing the rapidity of his 
 
 G 2
 
 124 ELLA; OR 
 
 progress, and pointing out the most remark- 
 able features of this " ftte populaire" to his 
 lovely companion, they were accosted by a 
 party of noble skaters, amongst whom were 
 several of their mutual acquaintance. 
 
 " What a brilliant assemblage !" exclaimed 
 one of the group, approaching the train eau. 
 ce We are indebted to the Baroness Ella von 
 Lindenberg for a great portion of its attrac- 
 tion," added the young Duke of Saxe. 
 
 " And I am indebted to you, gentlemen, for 
 a portion of my amusement," answered Ella 
 smiling graciously. 
 
 " We feared the intense cold might have 
 prevented many ladies from joining our sport ; 
 but it seems the bright sun has tempted a 
 numerous attendance," returned the first 
 speaker. 
 
 " Well, Rosendahl," observed the Duke of 
 Saxe, " do you not intend exercising with us 
 for a short time ?"
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 125 
 
 u No ! not to-day,' ' said he, u but to-mor- 
 row perhaps I may venture." 
 
 " How can you resist this busy scene ?" 
 inquired another from amongst the gay 
 circle; " you used to be so fond of skat- 
 ing." 
 
 " Oh Albert," rejoined Ella, " I shall be 
 quite disappointed if you do not skate — I long 
 to witness your proficiency ; and I know you 
 like the pastime." 
 
 " Not half so much as my present occupa- 
 tion dearest," answered he, dropping his voice 
 to such a low pitch that the last words of the 
 sentence only reached the ear of her to whom 
 they were addressed. 
 
 " Come, come, Rosendahl," returned a 
 number of speakers in chorus ; u you must 
 not deprive us entirely of your society." 
 
 " We request Mademoiselle von Linden- 
 berg to select one of us for her cavalier pro
 
 126 ella; OR 
 
 tempore" said the Duke of Saxe, advancing 
 towards Ella respectfully. 
 
 " I do not know if I can consent to relin- 
 quish my charge," replied Albert. 
 
 " If you do not choose to allow me to be 
 your Locum tenens^ said the Duke laugh- 
 ing, u you can look out for a graver substitute ; 
 but, if you take my advice, leave the arrange- 
 ment to the discretion of the lady herself." 
 
 Ella blushed and smiled, " I suppose I 
 must dismiss you in person," cried she, " and 
 appoint your successor, with as much pru- 
 dence as circumstances will admit. I think," 
 continued she, beaming with innocent satis- 
 faction as she beheld her father approach the 
 group, " that my election will fall on one who 
 must meet with general approbation/' 
 
 The Duke of Saxe pressed forward, confi- 
 dent of success, and Ella again entreated her 
 lover to accompany the skaters.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 127 
 
 Cfc Certainly, if you command me," cried he, 
 almost chagrined at the change ; " but to 
 whom am I to consign my precious charge ? 
 none of these gentlemen are sufficiently steady, 
 for me to intrust you to their care," added he, 
 not perceiving the Baron who stood at a little 
 distance. 
 
 u Fie, fie Rosendahl, we shall set you down 
 as a jealous, selfish mortal/' exclaimed the 
 Chevalier de Florville, who had joined the 
 party ; " you are happy in your present em- 
 ployment, and would not exchange it for. ..." 
 
 " A kingdom," interrupted Albert ; " but, 
 to prove my own generosity, Chevalier, and to 
 show that I can estimate that quality in others, 
 I feel inclined to name you to the post of 
 honour, if the Baroness Ella can be prevailed 
 upon. . . .." 
 
 " Nay this is not fair; I must select my 
 own charioteer on this occasion, and I shall 
 not be swayed by any arguments," added she,
 
 128 ELLA; OR 
 
 with captivating sweetness, " nor shall I 
 cause many pangs amongst the amiable gentle- 
 men who have so kindly volunteered their as- 
 sistance. My father will hold the reins whilst 
 Albert displays his science. Remember that 
 we shall watch your movements with the eyes 
 of Argus ; therefore beware of stumbling like 
 those awkward citizens whom we were ridi- 
 culing just now." So saying, Ella motioned 
 her father, who cheerfully undertook the 
 guardianship of his lovely daughter, and the 
 guidance of the traineau, without pretending 
 to rival his more youthful companions in this 
 skilful exercise. 
 
 Albert gazed fondly on his betrothed as he 
 confided her to the parental care, and encou- 
 raged by her approving glances, he glided 
 away with his gay associates — his lofty and 
 well proportioned figure towering conspicuously 
 above the rest, as with perfect ease he went 
 through a variety of complicated evolutions,
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 129 
 
 which elicited loud and protracted acclamations 
 from the applauding spectators. 
 
 Stimulated by emulation, the Duke of Saxe 
 redoubled his endeavours to outshine his com- 
 petitors, and he exhibited surprising feats of 
 activity. Still Rosendahl was the most suc- 
 cessful, and continued to draw forth universal 
 admiration, which perhaps might be partly 
 attributed to his personal elegance. The 
 Duke, however, did not allow himself to be 
 vanquished, without making another attempt 
 to appear advantageously,, and he boldly 
 challenged both Albert and de Florville to a 
 race. They cheerfully accepted the defiance, 
 and placing themselves on a parallel line, 
 started at a given signal. Considerable ex- 
 citement prevailed as the three candidates 
 alternately outstripped and overtook each 
 other, but the Chevalier being the least eager, 
 soon fell into the rear, leaving Rosendahl and 
 the Duke to contend for the palm of victory. 
 
 g 3
 
 130 ELLA ; OR 
 
 The latter was evidently more swift in his 
 progress, but the former was more scientific 
 and graceful in his movements ; and the con- 
 test appeared pretty equal, until by turning 
 towards Ella, Albert gave his adversary a 
 momentary advantage. Perceiving this, he put 
 forth all his powers, and in his ardour to reach 
 the appointed goal, inadvertently approached 
 a spot near the centre of the river, which had 
 hitherto been avoided as unsafe, owing to the 
 rapid current that flowed beneath the frozen 
 surface. Scarcely had he advanced a few feet 
 beyond his companion, when a fearful cracking 
 was heard, a huge portion of the ice detached 
 itself from the solid mass, a yawning chasm 
 separated the adventurous Rosendahl from his 
 companions, and threatened to engulph his 
 struggling form. With desperate resolution 
 he sought to maintain his hold on the floating 
 fragment to which he clung, whilst he felt 
 gradually sinking into the deep waves of the
 
 THE EMPERORS SON. 131 
 
 Danube that rolled suddenly beneath in dark- 
 ened grandeur. A piercing shriek rang through 
 the air, it was simultaneously re-echoed by a 
 thousand voices; numbers moved towards 
 the spot, but stood spell bound as the sense 
 of personal danger burst upon them. 
 
 " Back ! Back ! as you value your lives 1" 
 exclaimed de Florville, stepping fearlessly 
 forward. The awe struck crowd shrunk ap- 
 palled at the perilous sight, and many scram- 
 bled to the banks of the river. The Duke of 
 Saxe followed the Chevalier's noble example 
 with alacrity; but the latter motioned with 
 his hand, implying that the uncertain footing 
 was not capable of sustaining an additional 
 burden, and he advanced to the very edge of 
 the abyss where Albert still clung, in the con- 
 vulsive agony of despair. The surrounding 
 portions of ice were fast yielding in every di- 
 rection, and de Florville trembled to find that 
 his own position was becoming more and more
 
 132 
 
 insecure; but with a powerful exertion, he 
 stretched forth his arm to the utmost, and 
 seized the extended hand of Rosendahl, at the 
 very moment, when, through cold and fatigue, 
 he was gradually releasing the grasp which 
 had hitherto supported him. Another strug- 
 gle — and the two friends were in safety. 
 
 This incident, which had so nearly termi- 
 nated fatally, concluded the festivities of the 
 day. The whole scene underwent a speedy 
 change ; terror, confusion, sympathy, inquiry, 
 and gratulation alternately filling every breast. 
 Ella, on witnessing the imminent peril that 
 menaced her lover, had fainted away, and she 
 remained in that state, perfectly unconscious of 
 all surrounding objects, and passing events, 
 until she was relieved by the tender assiduities 
 of her mother. On recovering her senses, 
 she found herself under the paternal roof, 
 with Albert by her side. 
 
 The conviction of his having escaped unin-
 
 133 
 
 jured the dreadful doom which had threatened 
 him, rapidly restored her self-possession, and 
 called back the wonted bloom upon her cheek ; 
 and she loved him if possible more ardently 
 on account of the terror she had suffered for 
 him. 
 
 This event materially increased the existing 
 friendshipbetweenthe Chevalier and Rosendahl; 
 for it was thus consecrated by the most power- 
 ful of moral ties — gratitude on the one part, and 
 the sense of benefits conferred on the other. 
 
 From that hour, the friends became insepar- 
 able.
 
 134 ella;* OR 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Helas! on ne craint point qu'il venge un jour son pere. 
 
 Racine, Andromaque. 
 What is thy enterprise, — thy aim, — thy object ? 
 
 Coleridge's translation of Wallenstein. 
 
 Time moved on, and the Chevalier de Flor- 
 ville continued on intimate terms with the 
 families of Rosendahl and von Lindenberg. 
 He did not, however, reveal the object of his 
 protracted sojourn in Vienna, though he ap- 
 peared to have wholly relinquished the original 
 plan of proceeding on his northern tour, which
 
 THE EMPERORS SON. 135 
 
 had once been a favourite project 5 he remained, 
 as if spell-bound, in the Austrian capital. 
 
 For this entire change of purpose and of 
 plan de Florville assigned no cause or motive, 
 and had Albert possessed the slightest ten- 
 dency towards jealousy, this circumstance 
 might have furnished an ample source of per- 
 sonal uneasiness. But lovely and fascinating 
 as Ella was, it would have been difficult to 
 construe the refined attentions of the Cheva- 
 lier into any thing beyond the permitted 
 courtesies of high life. 
 
 There were intervals, however, when, in 
 defiance of his better reason and the evidence 
 of his daily observation, Rosendahl could not 
 escape an almost imperceptible shade of inquie- 
 tude. He was so devotedly attached to Ella, 
 that he was ever ready to suppose the same 
 sentiments of admiration must be excited in 
 other minds by the perfections which had 
 captivated his own. Nevertheless, there was
 
 136 ELLA ; OR 
 
 a coldness in the sparkling intelligence of de 
 Florville's dark eye similar to the jewel which 
 it resembled ; his glance might irradiate, but 
 did not warm, his feelings did not sympathise 
 with the desires and pleasures of society, they 
 seemed spiritualized ; his heart filled to over- 
 flowing with some master passion of a strong 
 and imperious kind, found no room for the 
 growth and culture of the gentler affections. 
 
 Received with frank cordiality into the 
 domestic circle of the Baron von Lindenberg, 
 de Florville could not fail to appreciate the 
 unrestrained freedom which characterizes the 
 familiar intercourse of the German nobility, 
 who evince the real spirit of hospitality, by 
 placing a flattering confidence in the honour 
 and integrity of their visitors — the ladies of the 
 family being allowed to partake unreservedly 
 of the social intercourse, in the presence and 
 under the sanction of their parents. This 
 confidence, so conducive to the happiness of
 
 THE EMPEROR^ SON. 137 
 
 youth, and to the general cheerfulness of 
 society, is decidedly the result of virtuous 
 simplicity. Secure as to their own conduct 
 and intentions, we do not impute to others a 
 baseness or a breach of decorum, the possibi- 
 lity of committing which had never suggested 
 itself to ourselves. Excessive refinement, the 
 luxurious appendage of civilization, brings in 
 its train suspicion, and suspicion may be called 
 the parent of guilt, as accusation is often the 
 forerunner of crime, by implying the possibility 
 of its existence. But until the soul becomes 
 steeped in the corruption of vanity and plea- 
 sure, the one cannot be contemplated, or the 
 other admitted. 
 
 De Florville usually passed his mornings in 
 private, often in study. His correspondence 
 was extensive and frequent. Sometimes Al- 
 bert surprised him at his desk, where he 
 appeared immersed in business requiring both 
 attention and despatch, yet the nature of his
 
 138 ELLA ; OR 
 
 occupation or the character and objects of his 
 epistolary labours were never hinted at. He 
 seldom alluded to his parentage, connexions, or 
 situation in life beyond common place remarks, 
 and vague admissions, which might either be 
 considered candid or reserved, as circumstances 
 seemed to justify. There was no effort at 
 concealment, yet as intimacy increased, and 
 friendship ripened, something more candid 
 might have been expected from a person who 
 manifested no particular desire for secrecy. 
 He spoke but little of the past, still less of the 
 future. His travels were a favourite topic, and 
 aiforded an inexhaustible source of comment 
 and conversation; they formed a species of 
 neutral ground, which admitted of interrogatory 
 without impertinence, and communicativeness 
 without imprudence. De Florville was fond 
 of describing the various countries he had vi- 
 sited, the habits and peculiarities he had ob- 
 served, and the extraordinary spectacles he had
 
 139 
 
 witnessed; and the remarks with which his 
 discourse was interspersed, were keen, apposite 
 and often conclusive. 
 
 He had fought in the cause of liberty with 
 the Greeks, and studied its application to the 
 art of legislative government amongst the 
 Americans. In the animated descriptions, and 
 political disquisitions in which he sometimes 
 indulged, he obviously shunned all personal 
 allusions or particular modern instances. He 
 was accustomed to generalize on political prin- 
 ciples but never to illustrate them by facts ; 
 and it was impossible to detect in his liberal 
 and enlightened conversation any of those de- 
 mocratical perversions which might have excited 
 the vigilant interference of the best organized 
 police in Europe. 
 
 About three months after the incident re- 
 lated in the preceding chapter, the two friends, 
 who had become almost inseparable, were seated 
 in the pit of the opera house. Some junior
 
 140 ELLA; OR 
 
 members of the Imperial family were expected 
 to honour the performance with their presence, 
 and the Duke of Reichstadt having partially 
 recovered from his former languor, his ap- 
 pearance was hailed by the court as a token of 
 perfect convalescence. 
 
 However loyal the hearts of a German au- 
 dience may be, no outward demonstration 
 greets the arrival of their hereditary rulers. 
 The stage-box is not that object of primary in- 
 terest which it is in countries where royalty but 
 seldom condescends to display its glories to 
 the vulgar gaze. The reigning princes through- 
 out the continent usually attend one or other 
 of the public theatres every week, and their 
 appearance being a matter of course, it creates 
 but little notice beyond that of a respectful 
 silence ; no additional expense is incurred, no 
 additional ornaments are supplied to relieve 
 the desolate aspect of the dusky ill-lighted 
 salle ; one large well furnished lustre depends
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 141 
 
 from the centre, diffusing sufficient light to 
 satisfy the spectators, whilst a pair of cande- 
 labras shed the superabundant brilliancy of six 
 or eight bougies on that compartment of the 
 building appropriated to the accommodation of 
 royalty. 
 
 The dubious obscurity which reigns in all 
 foreign theatres, is highly favourable to per- 
 sonal observation and stage effect; the fati- 
 guing glaring gas and chandeliers, being wholly 
 inconsistent with the illusion, on which de- 
 pends the whole effect of dramatic represen- 
 tations. 
 
 For some time previous to the arrival of the 
 Imperial party, de Florville had remained as if 
 absorbed in deep thought. Not a word escaped 
 his lips, and his eyes were fixed on the box 
 which the Royal Family were expected to oc- 
 cupy, Albert could not avoid noticing the sin- 
 gularity of de Florville's manner, which became 
 almost agitated as the son of Napoleon entered
 
 142- ELLA; OR 
 
 the theatre, accompanied by two arch-dukes, 
 and surrounded by a host of chambellans and 
 state functionaries, blazing with stars, crosses 
 and badges of different orders and denomina- 
 tions. The Prince bowed his attenuated form 
 politely to the assemblage, and took his accus- 
 tomed seat, below his illustrious companions 
 in a hugefauteuil of scarlet velvet, that strongly 
 contrasted with the extreme fairness of his 
 complexion, and gave him a still more feminine 
 appearance. The well trained orchestra imme- 
 diately commenced the overture, to which the 
 Prince listened with marked attention. The 
 subsequent music of the opera was beautiful, 
 but the words which accompanied it were 
 entirely divested of point, the whole having 
 been previously submitted to the public censor ; 
 so that every sparkling political allusion, every 
 touching appeal, or satirical inuendo, that 
 could possibly be applied to existing or recent 
 circumstances had been wholly expunged.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 143 
 
 During the short intervals occurring in the 
 business of the drama, the young Napoleon 
 displayed a listless apathy ; his cold blue eye 
 wandered round the circle, neither receiving 
 nor conveying intelligence; a faint smile, the 
 result of habit more than of agreeable emotion, 
 lingered on his well defined lips, — producing 
 rather a melancholy than a pleasing effect on 
 features which seemed but ill fitted for a mirth- 
 ful expression. His external deportment could 
 scarcely fail to elicit interest, even if the pecu- 
 liar circumstances of his history had ceased to 
 attract curiosity and excite compassion; yet 
 the vacant glazed transparency of his glance half 
 repelled the rising sympathy which his youth, 
 birth, and singular position, otherwise inspired. 
 
 As the performance drew towards a close, de 
 Florville breathed less freely ; a sort of convul- 
 sive tremor thrilled his frame as he watched 
 every movement of the Duke de Reichstadt 
 who had alone occupied his attention during
 
 144 ELLA) OR 
 
 the evening. The corps dramatique marshalled 
 their numbers with due regard to the classifi- 
 cation of tone, and contempt of symmetrical 
 proportions, to commence the grand final 
 chorus ; already, the audience began slowly to 
 rise from their seats, the most impatient moving 
 towards the different doors and corridors. 
 
 A slight confusion always attends the last 
 scene of an opera; the instrumentation becomes 
 louder, the singers more energetic, and the 
 wearied spectator more anxious to leave, ere 
 the general crowd should impede their retreat. 
 The Prince stood up to retire, just as the last 
 strophe of the splendid finale swelled trium- 
 phant on the ear. At that very moment a nose- 
 gay of withered violets, thrown from an unseen 
 hand, fell at young Napoleon's feet. They 
 remained unheeded by him for whom the offer- 
 ing was intended ; not so by father Clement, 
 whose keen and ever watchful eye marked the 
 spot from whence the bouquet had been thrown,
 
 145 
 
 and as the Duke moved to depart, he came 
 from behind the glittering circle of courtiers 
 which had hitherto screened him from obser- 
 vation, and picking up the disregarded flowers, 
 thrust them into his bosom. A flush of crim- 
 son overspread his pale countenance, and a 
 frown of momentous import contracted his 
 brow, as he bent forward on the balustrade, as 
 if to certify a second time the identity of the 
 individual who had thus endeavoured to attract 
 the notice of de Reichstadt. But the parterre 
 now presented a dense undulating mass of 
 human beings, all pressing and hurrying over 
 the vacant benches, to the various issues of the 
 building. Clement, however, had observed 
 enough, and he left the theatre, resolved on 
 keeping the incident secret until some favour- 
 able opportunity might occur of making it 
 known with advantage to himself. 
 
 " He is not like his father," murmured the 
 Chevalier, speaking to himself, as he walked 
 vol. i. H
 
 146 ELLA; OR 
 
 rapidly through the streets, leaning on the 
 arm of Rosendahl, who seemed more than 
 astonished at the unwonted emotion his com- 
 panion had manifested. Arriving at his hotel 
 de Florville threw himself on a seat, and his 
 paleness was quite remarkable as he dashed 
 his hat on the ground and sank back, apparently 
 overcome with some great moral exertion. 
 
 " Alas ! alas," exclaimed he aloud striking 
 his forehead, " the cause is lost ! he is not 
 like his father !" 
 
 " You have seen his father then?" inquired 
 Albert, in a subdued tone of confidential 
 interrogatory. 
 
 iC Seen him? yes!" exclaimed de Florville, 
 
 with bitterness "oh Rosendahl, few of 
 
 those who ever basked or quailed under the 
 eagle glance of that eye could ever forget it ?" 
 
 " He was a great man," said Albert. 
 
 " A great man indeed/' echoed the Cheva- 
 lier; " I did not then mistake your senti-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 147 
 
 merits ?" continued he, appealing to his compa- 
 nion. 
 
 " Do you mean my admiration for the me- 
 mory of Bonaparte ?" returned the other. " I 
 never concealed it." 
 
 " You are capable of acknowledging elevation 
 of character in him whom, as an Austrian, you 
 are bound to hate ! At least I have not mis- 
 taken you, Rosendahl." 
 
 " Do not forget that my mother was a 
 Montpellier, that my brother and sister are 
 French," interrupted Albert calmly. 
 
 u True, I could not be so ungrateful or so 
 obtuse. Forgive me, but I feared the cons- 
 tant influence of habit, the strong hold which 
 prejudice always takes upon the young and 
 untravelled mind, might in some degree have 
 repressed the feelings which, as a Frenchman, 
 I value above all things." 
 
 " If you mean to imply a strong partiality 
 for France, an inherent attachment to her inte- 
 
 h 2
 
 148 ELLA; OR 
 
 rests, and a fraternal affection towards her no- 
 ble children," cried Albert pressing the hand 
 of his companion with warmth, " I am, indeed, 
 uncontaminated either by precept or example. 5 ' 
 
 " I thought so," resumed the Chevalier, ac- 
 knowledging the fervent pressure ; " you have 
 often seen the Duke de Reichstadt ?" 
 
 " Frequently, but not for some months ; his 
 health is delicate ; the court entertained great 
 apprehensions with respect to his ultimate 
 recovery. I perceive, however, that he is bet- 
 ter." 
 
 i{ Thank God ! Hope yet lives in him. We 
 have confided our cause to a frail bark. ..." 
 added he in a tone that scarcely could be 
 meant to reach the ear of his companion. 
 
 " His life, indeed," resumed Rosendahl, " is 
 not of national importance; yet the son of 
 Napoleon can never be an object of indifference 
 to any man who boasts French blood in his 
 veins."
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 149 
 
 u Not of national importance V repeated the 
 Chevalier deliberately. " You are not correct in 
 your estimation of the value placed on the 
 existence of young Napoleon. . . .of Napoleon 
 the Second." 
 
 This last phrase was almost inarticulate, and 
 Albert replied casually, " perhaps you mean by 
 the allied powers, who, in my opinion, attach 
 far too much consequence to the safe guardi- 
 anship of the poor youth we have just seen. 
 His very constitutional debility precludes the 
 possibility of his ever becoming a dangerous 
 political engine." 
 
 " Per — haps ? had you seen and known his 
 father, Rosendahl, you would either share the 
 misgivings of the holy alliance, or sympathize 
 in the great cause of national independence as 
 I do." 
 
 " It is not necessary to be a Bonapartist to 
 feel that national independence is the common 
 cause of every patriot. But various meanings
 
 150 ELLA; OR 
 
 may be attached to these terms : I acknow- 
 ledge only one, — namely, wise laws, and a 
 rational submission to legislative authority, 
 when directed to the beneficial interests of a 
 free people. But I cannot agree with the wild 
 theories of modern innovators, who confound 
 order with oppression and license with li- 
 berty." 
 
 u But," interrupted de Florville, " you will 
 allow all nations freedom of election." 
 
 i( Certainly ; senators should be chosen by 
 the people, from amongst the people ; they best 
 can understand the mode in which their interests 
 should be represented," answered Albert. 
 
 " Will you not extend the privilege farther ? 
 will you not allow freedom in the choice of a 
 sovereign ? the ruler in whom all interests are 
 vested — the head of that body to which the 
 rest are but collateral members ?" 
 
 " Your question, Florville, involves too deep 
 a subject of deliberation for me to reply to now:
 
 151 
 
 von Lindenberg would better understand the 
 argument." 
 
 " No, Rosendahl, he is not the man to whom 
 I would unbosom myself. Much as I respect 
 his talents and his virtues, he is not the man 
 to whom I could confide the tumultuous hopes 
 and fears with which I am assailed. Do you 
 think that de Reichstadt is still attached to 
 France ?" 
 
 " It is impossible to know. Few hold com- 
 munication with him, and that is a subject to 
 which none could revert. The Duke's life is 
 very monotonous ; his time is chiefly devoted 
 to study 5 he mixes but little with the court, 
 or with the junior branches of his family. 
 Father Clement, the Jesuit, his confessor and 
 preceptor, is his principal companion." 
 
 " A Jesuit !" echoed the Chevalier, his teeth 
 actually set with emotion; " a Jesuit the guide, 
 the Mentor of . . . . Oh Napoleon, if thy mighty 
 soul can look down upon us, see how the bright
 
 152 ELLA; OR 
 
 visions of thy glory have faded in the darkness 
 that menaces to overwhelm the struggling ef- 
 forts of enlightened liberalism ! If thou knew- 
 est that thy son, him for whose destiny thou 
 didst offer such frequent and fervent aspira- 
 tions, was the creature, the play-thing of — 
 a Jesuit ! that the young mind, in which thou 
 didst hope to trace resemblance with thine 
 own, was bent, twisted, tortured and perverted 
 under the withering influence of religious and 
 political bigotry ! He is then lost to us, — lost, 
 beyond redemption!" added the Chevalier with 
 a deep sigh. 
 
 "It is strange, but you have now uttered 
 sentiments that have often suggested them- 
 selves to me," observed Albert) " you seem to 
 have clothed my own ill-defined ideas, in the 
 appropriate garb of language. Yet I cannot be 
 actuated by similar feelings. / never saw Bo- 
 naparte, whereas you appear to possess a per- 
 sonal interest — "
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 153 
 
 " I do — a deep, a powerful interest in the 
 fate of France/' returned he. " You are not 
 aware, Rosendahl, that my father and myself, 
 then quite a child in years but not in heart, 
 followed the broken fortunes of our exiled Em- 
 peror ; we witnessed his humiliations, rendered 
 doubly acute by the petty despotism of a nar- 
 row minded official, who triumphed in the 
 sufferings of his victim. We beheld our master, 
 like another Prometheus, chained to his barren 
 rock, languishing in captivity, pining to death 
 before our eyes. His last word was iS France 5 ' 
 — his last thought — his son." 
 
 Emotion for a moment checked the utterance 
 of the speaker ; and Albert listened with avi- 
 dity for a continuation of the subject, which 
 excited not only his curiosity but his feelings. 
 
 " Proceed, de Florville/' said he, " your 
 recital interests me more than I can express. 
 I do not ask you questions, but am ready to 
 
 H 3
 
 li>4 ELLA; OR 
 
 hear from you whatsoever your confidence in 
 my discretion may choose to dictate." 
 
 " I thank you for your delicate forbearance ; 
 it is like yourself. But the time is now come 
 for me to act ; all concealment must end — to- 
 wards you at least. I am not what I seem to 
 be." 
 
 " You are my friend !" replied Rosendahl 
 frankly; " from the first dawn of our acquaint- 
 ance there has seemed to exist between us a 
 conformity of tastes and opinions." 
 
 " There has/' replied de Florville eagerly ; 
 " and therefore it is that I venture to believe 
 you capable of assisting me in a glorious un- 
 dertaking." 
 
 " Stay, de Florville/' interposed Albert; " you 
 misconceive my principles, you overrate my 
 energies, if you think me fitted to take part in 
 a political adventure." 
 
 " Your friendship fails you at an early
 
 155 
 
 date f returned the Frenchman, in a tone of 
 pique. 
 
 " Be not unjust; it is neither my friendship 
 nor my resolution that fails ; but situated as I 
 am at present with Ella von Lindenberg, me- 
 thinks I should ill deserve the honour and the 
 happiness she is about to confer on me, were 
 I to mingle in any project likely to disturb the 
 tranquillity of that government in which her 
 father takes such a prominent part." 
 
 " Thus it is/' cried the Chevalier, despair- 
 ingly ; u love usurps the duties of friendship — 
 a woman smiles — and a world is lost! Albert, 
 1 augured better of you — but — the illusion is 
 over — I must seek another friend." 
 
 " I do not merit these bitter taunts. What 
 is it you require at my hands?" said Rosendahl, 
 hurt at the reproaches of his companion. 
 
 " Probably less than you imagine, but more 
 than you will grant. I ask a secret audience 
 with young Napoleon."
 
 156 ELLA; OR 
 
 " You know not the impractibility — almost 
 the impossibility of what you ask," returned 
 Albert. " Besides, even if we were to succeed, 
 the risk is great. Father Clement is vigilant 
 beyond expression; and Frenchmen are the 
 object of his peculiar mistrust; so much so 
 that none would venture. . . ,*' 
 
 " None !...." thundered de Florville, stamp- 
 ing on the floor with indignation ; " I tell you 
 thousands, perhaps millions, are ready — an- 
 xious — at this very moment to risk their lives, 
 their liberties. . . .but enough — you fear!" 
 
 " Fear !" echoed Rosendahl fiercely — " fear, 
 what ? whom ?" 
 
 u The lady Ella and her frowns," added de 
 Florville in a milder tone. " Yet believe me, 
 she is not a woman to shrink from such a 
 mission. There exists a romantic spirit of 
 adventure in that gentle creature, which is not 
 hostile to the cause I have embarked in. She 
 would not love you less if — dread not her dis-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 157 
 
 pleasure. . . . and if you retain any apprehen- 
 sion of paternal authority, or the ban of the 
 police. . *. ," 
 
 " You wrong me, sir, by Heaven you do V 9 
 exclaimed Albert, rising impetuously. 
 
 u If I have done you injustice, forgive me," 
 said the Chevalier in a more conciliatory tone ; 
 " but I thought your feelings were more in 
 unison with my own — that the glorious cause 
 of which you frequently expressed your admi- 
 ration would not have found you lukewarm. 
 Yet, if the generous spirit of freedom fails to 
 infuse a spark of its holy fire, perhaps a diffe- 
 rent sentiment may exert its persuasive ascen- 
 dancy. Rosendahl, dear Rosendahl, you see 
 before you the devoted partizan of Napoleon. 
 I am intrusted with his dying commands — 
 they must be fulfilled — can you refuse your 
 aid, which I solicit in the name of that friend- 
 ship you accepted and confessed?" 
 
 " Were I less attached and less grateful,
 
 158 ella; OR 
 
 your words this night might have given of- 
 fence; as it is they have only grieved me. 
 Speak then, how can I serve you ?" 
 
 " You can serve me, — your assistance may 
 prove invaluable, and eventually cause the 
 success of the undertaking in which I am en- 
 gaged. Of your secresy I feel assured. . . . yet 
 promise. . . ." 
 
 " I do promise, I swear/' exclaimed Albert, 
 " whatever fate may be reserved for me, should 
 we meet no more— I never will divulge the 
 confidence you place in my honour/' 
 
 " Can I depend on your exertions }" en- 
 quired de Florville, with sparkling eye and 
 flushed cheek, animated with the distant pros- 
 pect of success. 
 
 " Remember that I am an officer and a 
 gentleman," calmly observed Rosendahl. 
 
 " As I also claim the latter title," returned 
 his companion proudly, " your character cannot 
 in either respect be compromised by the noble
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 159 
 
 enterprize for which I crave your favour. I 
 hear von Lindenberg has constant access to 
 the Prince/' added he after a pause of some 
 moments. 
 
 " He has — but what of that ?" rejoined 
 Albert. 
 
 " It is well. — But we must not implicate 
 ourselves with the minister," said the Che- 
 valier deliberating : " his daughter — Ella — nay 
 — start not Rosendahl, it is she who can really 
 facilitate my plans." 
 
 " Ella!" echoed the lover, a what do you 
 mean? she must not be trifled with! respect 
 her innocence — her inexperience — I command 
 you, sir," cried he with considerable vehe- 
 mence. 
 
 ei If I were as hasty as yourself, we should 
 have quarrelled long since," returned the Che- 
 valier with dignity. te You are forgiven. Fear 
 not for Ella— think not that I could presume 
 to trine with the purity or youthful simplicity
 
 160 ELLA; OR 
 
 of your affianced bride; but knowing her 
 unbounded sway with her father, her familia- 
 rity with the usages of the court, I judged that 
 she could furnish me with the information 
 required. Yet I would not incur your dis- 
 pleasure, dear Albert/' continued he in a tone 
 of conciliation. 
 
 " Pardon me/' interrupted Rosendahl, "but 
 her name is to me a talisman, and raises a 
 host of uncontrollable feelings, which no effort 
 of reason can repress. But explain your wishes 
 more clearly." 
 
 64 I ask your influence with the lady Ella — 
 I ask you to plead the cause for which I 
 labour. Obtain from her a promise of assist- 
 ance when needed, and I shall be satisfied. 
 Oh, Albert, you can scarcely imagine the 
 anguish I endure. I long — I pine to throw 
 myself at the feet of young Napoleon. It has 
 hitherto been my hope and my sole object in 
 life — I have not yet succeeded. Who can paint
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON, 161 
 
 the tortures of suspense — the baffled endea- 
 vours — the patient watchings of a faithful ad- 
 herent ? — but enough — I leave my tale to your 
 eloquence to convey in better language. Those 
 who feel as I do cannot give utterance to 
 their feelings in words/' As he concluded, 
 the Chevalier, exhausted with emotion, buried 
 his face in his hands. 
 
 " Promise me, de Florville, as a man, as a 
 patriot — pledge your honour as a gentleman — 
 that this project, wild and incomprehensible as 
 it now appears, will not involve the Baron 
 von Lindenberg in any political embarrass- 
 ments/ ' 
 
 A smile, a cold contemptuous smile illu- 
 mined the Chevalier's marked countenance, 
 as he answered deliberately, 
 
 " You are timid — but I excuse it in a lover — 
 von Lindenberg cannot be endangered. I seek 
 nothing of him, and of you I merely require 
 a clue to guide my future measures. The
 
 162 ELLA; OR 
 
 result, however glorious, concerns not you. 
 Forgive me, Albert, but from you I must have 
 reservations. Till now I thought your soul 
 was cast in a stronger mould ; but love I find 
 has softened the sterner virtues. Should you 
 ever be destined to sustain the blight of dis- 
 appointment — then perhaps the innate quali- 
 ties of your nature may shew themselves. 5 ' 
 
 " I thought you were my friend," said Ro- 
 sendahl reproachfully; " why do you sting me 
 thus )" 
 
 " I only meant to stimulate/' said his com- 
 panion carelessly. " Remember that I have 
 not yet revealed my plans or purpose, and 
 however you may have launched into the wide 
 field of conjecture, you know nothing of my 
 mission." 
 
 " You wish me then to be a blind and 
 tacit instrument in your hands," cried Albert 
 gravely. 
 
 " A human agent in the hands of retributive
 
 163 
 
 providence/' returned the Chevalier with em- 
 phasis. — " But see, the night wanes — we have 
 already conversed many hours. — To-morrow 
 we will meet again — -and you shall hear more." 
 
 As he spoke he bent his head close to Ro- 
 sendahl's, and whispered a single word, which 
 seemed to produce an electrical effect. A 
 pause ensued, which was broken by Albert, 
 who, clasping the hand of the stranger with 
 fervour, exclaimed : " To morrow then — be it 
 so." 
 
 " In the mean time fidelity and discretion/' 
 observed de Florville j and the two friends se- 
 parated. 
 
 Albert directed his steps slowly to his fathers 
 mansion. His thoughts were agitated and 
 preoccupied by the extraordinary scene which 
 had taken place ; and it was nearly morning 
 when he had reached his chamber. He was 
 on the point of retiring to rest, when he ob-
 
 164 ELLA; OR 
 
 served on his toilet-table an official letter. It 
 contained an order from the commander-in- 
 chief, bidding him join his regiment without 
 delay.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 165 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 What trivial circumstances hold dominion 
 O'er wise men's counsels, and the fate of empire ! 
 The greatest schemes that human wit can forge, 
 Or bold ambition dares to put in practise, 
 Depend upon our husbanding a moment, 
 And the light lasting of a woman's will. 
 
 Rowe — Lady Jane Grey. 
 
 The heavy clouds which for some time had 
 imperceptibly been collecting on the political 
 horizon of France, ere the memorable ordon- 
 nances of the Polignac ministry produced the 
 last popular revolution, threw a deep shadow 
 on the cabinet of Vienna, and portended a 
 storm which, though yet distant, threatened
 
 166 
 
 eventually to overwhelm the fortunes of von 
 Lindenberg in its devastating progress. 
 
 With that self security so constantly the 
 appendage of a generous and unsuspecting 
 mind, the future victim marked out for des- 
 truction by a political cabal was totally uncon- 
 scious of, and unprepared either to meet or 
 to avert, the danger menacing his popularity. 
 He thought no evil to others, and consequently 
 apprehended none for himself. 
 
 The ultra-apostolical faction of which Father 
 Clement was the occult principle, had long 
 watched and patiently waited a favourable op- 
 portunity of crushing the more liberal party, 
 which kept the equilibrium of power in the 
 Austrian cabinet. The upright and enlightened 
 von Lindenberg was particularly obnoxious, 
 and had been selected by his opponents as 
 the object of especial hostility. Envied by 
 the multitude, feared by the weak, and secretly 
 opposed by the powerful, however his talents
 
 167 
 
 and ministerial integrity might be supposed to 
 raise him above the petty intrigues and un- 
 worthy detractions of his enemies, yet, like 
 the perpetual falling of a single drop of water, 
 which in time wears down the surface of the 
 hardest rock, the unwearied efforts, skilful 
 machinations, and deeply devised inuendoes of 
 the designing Jesuit, had already penetrated 
 the barrier of inflexible virtue which had hi- 
 therto shielded the high character of von Lin- 
 denberg from the shafts of calumny. Even the 
 purity of his principles became a matter of 
 doubt, his honesty of intention was questioned, 
 and his ulterior motives of action were a never 
 failing source of conjectural malignity. 
 
 The Baron's conduct, during a series of 
 diplomatic services, had bidden defiance to 
 misconstruction; yet the creatures of Father 
 Clement, ever alive to the suggestions of party 
 spirit and personal jealousy, had long re- 
 mained in ambush, hoping to seize a propi-
 
 168 ELLA; OR 
 
 tious and critical moment, when, by combined 
 ingenuity and perseverance, the disgrace of the 
 minister might be completed. 
 
 The Countess Rosen dahl was not only 
 disagreeable as a woman, but united many of 
 the less amiable qualities of the other sex, and 
 might be correctly termed a political intriguante. 
 That relentless bigotry and absolutism which 
 is so fatal to the progress of civil and religious 
 liberty, so detrimental to national advancement 
 and to individual freedom, existed in her mind 
 under its most odious form. Her character 
 blended egotism and littleness with all the 
 feebleness of woman, yet without that endear- 
 ing gentleness which constitutes the very 
 strong-hold of female dominion. She directed 
 her natural quickness of perception to the 
 most contemptible of purposes; her feminine 
 tact degenerated into mere cunning, and she 
 suffered herself to be at once the agent and 
 the tool of the apostolicals.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 169 
 
 Whatever the tendency of a man's politics may- 
 be, he seldom openly departs from the wide 
 range of public transactions; his views are 
 ostensibly applied to measures, not to men, and 
 mere personality is a meanness sedulously dis- 
 claimed. Private piques, when they do influence 
 the general conduct of public men, are carefully 
 veiled by plausible protestations of impartiality, 
 and praise- worthy zeal in the cause espoused. 
 Whereas the political opinions of females ge- 
 nerally spring from some hidden and probably 
 unsuspected source, which is seldom investi- 
 gated, except by the searching scrutiny of the 
 biographer, should the importance of their 
 actions or the current of events ever entitle 
 them to the honours of historical celebrity. 
 Women always judge with a reference to them- 
 selves ; they view the rest of the world through 
 the medium of their own impressions. If 
 
 VOL. I. I
 
 170 ELLA; OR 
 
 Henry VIII had not divorced Catharine of 
 Arragon, in order to obtain the hand of Anne 
 Boleyn, it is very probable Queen Mary would 
 never have persecuted the protestants. But 
 having sustained personal injury and insult 
 from individuals belonging to the new sect, 
 she confounded feeling with opinion, and hated 
 a religion whose followers had proved inimical 
 to herself. It is equally to be supposed that 
 her popular successor Elizabeth would not 
 have proved the strenuous supporter of the 
 reformed creed, and stood conspicuous as the 
 foundation stone of the newly established li- 
 turgy, had not a firm detestation of Mary and 
 her papistical administration infused a spirit 
 of fervour into her piety, which principle alone 
 could never have engendered. In both ins- 
 tances self was the main spring ; personal 
 resentment kindled the fires of Smithfield; per-
 
 171 
 
 sonal resentment raised the constitutional edi- 
 fice of the church ; and female jealousy sharp- 
 ened the axe which struck the devoted heads 
 of the gallant Essex and the ill-fated Queen 
 of Scots. 
 
 Madame de Maintenon possessed a more 
 masculine mind. Her character is yet a pro- 
 blem that future writers may attempt to solve. 
 None have yet accused her of insincerity ; and 
 whatever secret motives and particular views 
 may be attributed to her, there cannot remain 
 a doubt that her political interference was but 
 a means of sustaining her unbounded sway 
 over the debilitated intellects of a ci-devant 
 hero. 
 
 Catharine of Russia stands alone in the history 
 of female rulers. Monstrous, as a woman; di- 
 vested of every feminine virtue; she appears pre- 
 eminently the very type and ideal of despotic 
 monarchs. Her love, like to the wild and roving 
 
 I 2
 
 172 ELLA; OR 
 
 propensities of the brute creation, never united 
 her to its temporary object by the bonds of 
 affection ; every passion, strong and fearful 
 as they ever were, sank into subjection before 
 the one all-absorbing interest, the stability of 
 her government, and the aggrandizement of 
 Russia. 
 
 It is a singular fact that, despite the salic law, 
 which places an impenetrable barrier around 
 the throne of France as regards female so- 
 vereignty, that country has been mainly go- 
 verned by feminine intrigue and cabal. Women 
 ever had, and still have in France, more social 
 and political power than in any other country 
 in the world. The revolution of 1792-3, which 
 shook the foundation of every dynasty in Eu- 
 rope, was greatly accelerated by the instrumen- 
 tality of women. 
 
 The dislike entertained by the Countess 
 Rosendahl towards von Lindenberg, like the
 
 173 
 
 swelling waters of some mighty river, took its 
 source in various small and tributary streams, 
 hidden in the recesses of her heart ; but pro- 
 bably the most fertile of these springs was the 
 projected union between Ella and Albert, which 
 she had not been able to oppose with success. 
 
 Moreover, she felt jealous of the intimacy 
 which existed between her step-son and the 
 Baron. She imagined that the influence of 
 the latter diminished her power over the for- 
 mer, and believed that, by assisting the de- 
 struction of the statesman, she would thereby 
 raise up an insuperable barrier between the 
 lovers; for she well knew that her husband 
 would follow the tide of favour, and withdraw 
 his sanction from the projected union if once 
 von Lindenberg ceased to be the prosperous 
 favourite of the present moment. 
 
 Such an auxiliary as the Countess was not 
 to be neglected by Father Clement; nor was
 
 174 ELLA; OR 
 
 the powerful protection of the ecclesiastical 
 interest to be rejected on her part. 
 " Circumstanced as the families of Rosendahl 
 and von Lindenberg were in reference to each 
 other, the personal remarks and observations 
 of the Countess, proved an invaluable acquisi- 
 tion to the Jesuit, who founded his hopes of 
 permanent triumph on the prospect of her 
 ultimate success in the dark science of syste- 
 matic espionage. 
 
 The introduction of de Florville was hailed 
 by the Countess Rosendahl as an auspicious 
 circumstance. At first she hoped that a ri- 
 valry might ensue between the Chevalier and 
 Albert, and that Ella, fascinated by novelty, 
 would terminate through fickleness the matri- 
 monial engagement existing between Albert 
 and herself. But in these conjectures she was 
 doubly mistaken, and displayed an ignorance of 
 the female heart which seemed at variance
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 175 
 
 with her usual penetration. Ella never evinced 
 the slightest inclination towards coquetry, and 
 the Chevalier, apparently absorbed in specu- 
 lations of a less tender nature, remained un- 
 touched by the beauty and charms of the 
 affianced maiden; evidently preferring the grave 
 and philosophical society of the Baron, to the 
 more animated conversation of his lovely daugh- 
 ter. 
 
 It was therefore with considerable mortifica- 
 tion that she observed the increasing intimacy 
 of de Florville with her step-son ; for she soon 
 found that Albert was gradually shaking off 
 the constraint and deferential submission he 
 had heretofore shewn to the parental authority, 
 and which authority she had, on her part, 
 exercised with more rigour than discretion. 
 Thus, grown jealous of his ascendancy, the 
 Chevalier became obnoxious to her, and the 
 object of her peculiar watchfulness ; while the
 
 176 ELLA; OR 
 
 unexpected duration of his sojourn in Vienna 
 soon furnished materials for her suspicious 
 nature to work upon. The inquisitorial spirit 
 once roused, a thousand conjectures were ha- 
 zarded, and his simplest words afforded mat- 
 ter for comment, and food for investiga- 
 tion. 
 
 The very disinclination he had shown towards 
 general society, and the decided preference 
 he had displayed for that of von Lindenberg 
 and his family, had created a slight feeling of 
 dislike towards him amongst those persons who 
 considered themselves neglected by the selec- 
 tion; and Madame Rosendahl drew various infe- 
 rences from thence, which were of a nature to 
 inflict incalculable injury on the Baron. Already 
 it was insidiously hinted that he encouraged the 
 speculations of an adventurer, the secret emis- 
 sary of foreign malcontents ; that he had been 
 bought over to the interests of the French
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 177 
 
 liberaux, and was preparing to facilitate an 
 insurrection in Italy. Every trifling breach of 
 public peace which chanced to occur in the 
 Austrian dominions was, by the Jesuit's crafty 
 insinuations, magnified into a popular move- 
 ment of revolutionary tendency, and ascribed 
 to the occult agency of the Baron or his 
 friends. 
 
 Thus his name became frequently linked 
 with supposititious motives ; and these malici- 
 ous surmises, from being constantly circulated, 
 and not contradicted because they were not 
 known to the party interested, at last acquired 
 strength, and assumed the semblance of truth. 
 Former measures of prudence and forbearance, 
 which he had exercised discretionaliy towards 
 the Italian states, were now brought forward 
 as tacit proofs of delinquency ; many actions 
 which once had met applause and gratulation, 
 were now r construed into a testimony of his 
 
 i 3
 
 178 ELLA; OR 
 
 ambitious views; and even the popularity 
 he had hitherto enjoy ed, was offered as the 
 strongest evidence against him, by his inte- 
 rested rivals. 
 
 A considerable time was allowed to elapse 
 before any of the party thought it advisable to 
 throw off the mask which screened their sen- 
 timents and intentions ; and the unsuspecting 
 statesman remained sedulously employed in 
 the duties of his official station, whilst the 
 poison of detraction was distilled slowly and 
 secretly, drop by drop; and Father Clement 
 took especial care that it should reach the 
 imperial ear, by a sure though circuitous chan- 
 nel. Still it was no easy task to shake the firm 
 confidence of years ; and it was only by de- 
 grees that the heart of the Emperor could be 
 closed against his faithful servant, by the bitter 
 suggestions of prejudice and envy. 
 
 Favour, like the ebb and flow of the ocean,
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. ] 79 
 
 carries every thing with it; and at length even 
 the Baron's best friends became lukewarm in 
 his defence ; whilst his foes, emboldened by 
 the prospect of success, waxed stronger in 
 their attacks. The train was laid, and required 
 but a spark to cause its explosion. 
 
 It has been observed, that people of the 
 highest order of intellectual endowments are 
 sometimes totally divested of that homely 
 species of caution, with a view to self preser- 
 vation, which is generally found allied to the 
 meanest abilities; and thus it was with von 
 Lindenberg: he was either ignorant of the well- 
 woven toils that were gradually closing round 
 him, or he despised the spider's web, forgetting 
 the venomous source whence it originated. 
 
 Count Rosendahl, although perfectly inno- 
 cent and unsuspicious of his wife's participa- 
 tion and agency in these unworthy transac- 
 tions, unconsciously imbibed the ideas she
 
 180 ELLA; OR 
 
 studiously and constantly instilled into him. 
 Vain, ostentatious, and weak-minded, he felt 
 a certain awe of the Baron's simple grandeur. 
 He mistook an innate sentiment of inferiority 
 for dislike, and almost rejoiced in the distant 
 possibility of an event which would humble a 
 man whom he could not help respecting, and 
 whose overpowering greatness had hitherto 
 kept him in a state of involuntary moral sub- 
 jection. 
 
 In one respect he showed far different sen- 
 timents from those which actuated his wife, 
 who saw but the goal of her personal desires, 
 and hesitated not to trample on the most 
 sacred obligations in proceeding to their attain- 
 ment. He also felt considerable anxiety lest 
 Albert might be implicated in the danger which 
 encompassed von Lindenberg, and trembled 
 at the consequences which might accrue from 
 the high wrought enthusiasm and peculiar
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 181 
 
 opinions of his son; opinions which had long 
 proved a source to him of anxiety and alarm. 
 
 Under these circumstances, the projected 
 marriage assumed a more formidable aspect in 
 his estimation, and every succeeding hour cast 
 additional gloom over the once dazzling per- 
 spective which had beguiled his half reluctant 
 consent. To obviate any personal annoyance, 
 and suspend in the mean time further inter- 
 course between the families, he resolved to 
 separate the lovers, and by a temporary ab- 
 sence prevent the possibility of being involved 
 in the political changes which were likely to 
 ensue. 
 
 Meanwhile the Countess, fully satisfied with 
 the seeds she had scattered, was quite content 
 to await the expected harvest at some distance 
 from the field of action ; mentally rejoicing in 
 the docility of her spouse, who although bias- 
 sed by a less malignant impulse, had completely
 
 182 ELLA; OR 
 
 followed the course she would have dictated, 
 and had heartily concurred in an arrangement 
 which promised to spare him the awkwardness 
 of being in any way mixed up with the sinister 
 events that were at hand. 
 
 By a singular stroke of fortune, which under 
 the circumstances might almost appear the 
 result of a preconcerted plan, Albert, as we 
 have seen, received orders to join his regiment, 
 a few days previous to the intended departure 
 of his father and stepmother, who proposed 
 spending the summer months with some dis- 
 tant relatives in Bohemia. Thus the wishes 
 and well devised machinations of the Countess 
 were crowned with unequivocal success.
 
 183 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Then came the parting hour, and what arise 
 When lovers part, expressive looks and eyes 
 Tender and tearful, many a fond adieu, 
 And many a call the sorrow to renew ; 
 Sighs such as lovers only can explain, 
 And words that they might undertake in vain. 
 
 Crabbed Hall. 
 
 Moi t'oublier ?....est-il en ma puissance? 
 French Romance. 
 
 Ella, who had passed one of those long 
 and placid nights of slumbering repose such 
 as are only enjoyed during the first bloom of 
 youth, ere time and the feverish experience of 
 worldly cares have destroyed the confiding
 
 184 ELLA; OR 
 
 simplicity of the mind, rose at an early hour 
 on the day following the Duke de Reichstadt's 
 visit to the opera, refreshed by sleep, bounded 
 forth from her chamber with lightsome step, 
 her fair face beaming with the glow of morning, 
 and her young heart palpitating with the de- 
 lightful consciousness of its own innocence. 
 As she thus wandered in her garden, and 
 tripped gaily amongst the party-coloured blos- 
 soms that filled the air with rich perfumes, 
 stopping here and there to enjoy their sweet- 
 ness, or bending her graceful head to examine 
 the opening beauties of each promising bud 
 that claimed her care, she seemed like one 
 of those classic forms perpetuated in sta- 
 tuary alone. But the ripe perfections of wo- 
 manhood bade defiance to the sculptor's art, 
 and rivalled the soft and varied hues that 
 tinged the fragrant host by which she was 
 surrounded.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 185 
 
 Engaged in watering her plants, and dis- 
 persing a pearly shower which assumed a thou- 
 sand changeful tints as the rays of the morning 
 sun rose above the horizon, Ella did not hear 
 a rapid step approaching, until a deep sigh 
 warned her of the presence of a visitor. She 
 raised her eyes from the delicate flower to 
 which she was fixing a suitable support, and 
 uttered a faint cry as she beheld Albert in a 
 travelling dress, his face bearing the impress 
 of deep sorrow. He met her tender gaze of 
 recognition with a look at once so sad and so 
 impassioned, that she scarcely knew in what 
 terms to accost him. 
 
 " You are an early riser, dear Ella," said he, 
 in a melancholy tone, taking her hand affec- 
 tionately. " I scarcely hoped to have found 
 you. Always happy, I see, in the society of 
 your scented favourites."
 
 186 ELLA ; OR 
 
 " Is it then so very early for me to com- 
 mence my occupations, dear Albert ? or is it 
 not rather early for you to witness them?" she 
 replied, blushing with mingled pleasure and 
 surprise. 
 
 i( I fear that my intrusions in future will 
 not be so frequent that you need feel much 
 alarm/' returned the lover mournfully. 
 
 " Nay, you are easily piqued," exclaimed 
 Ella. " I did but jest ; come when and where 
 you please, your presence Albert must ever be 
 agreeable to me. But now you are here, I shall 
 make you useful; see that bed of variegated 
 tulips ; you can bind them all up for me before 
 breakfast/' 
 
 " I came, dearest, on a less pleasing errand," 
 observed Rosendahl, endeavouring to assume 
 a composure he could ill command. " Military 
 duties are very arbitrary, and I fear that I shall
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 187 
 
 not be able to remain much longer in Vienna. 
 A popular commotion is expected on the fron- 
 tier." 
 
 " Surely you are not going to leave us," in- 
 terrupted Ella, fondly pressing his hand within 
 her own j — " to leave me" added she with em- 
 phasis. " These idle rumours have often been 
 circulated; you certainly will not join your 
 
 regiment until after ," she stopped 
 
 confusedly, feeling that she had already betrayed 
 her hopes to him in whom they were all centred, 
 and gently withdrew herself from the warm 
 embrace which had intercepted her faltering 
 accents. 
 
 " Alas ! my own love, my worst fears are 
 verified," rejoined Albert. w I have received 
 orders from the minister of war which admit 
 of no delay. I came to announce our approach- 
 ing separation." 
 
 The affianced bride hung her head in silence,
 
 188 ELLA; OR 
 
 and a tear stole down her cheek, which had al- 
 ready lost its bright morning glow. 
 
 " I had hoped, dearest/' continued Albert, 
 " to have claimed you as my own ere this cruel 
 moment had arrived ; a few short weeks only 
 remained to complete the year of probation 
 imposed by our parents. Oh Ella ! if you 
 could but know the anguish of my heart ! how 
 shall I live away from you ?" 
 
 " And I Albert ?" murmured his compa- 
 nion — " shall I not feel your absence bitterly ?" 
 
 " So selfish is human nature," resumed Ro- 
 sendahl, " that the assurance of your regret in 
 some measure diminishes the intensity of mine. 
 Grief loses its poignancy by being shared. Ella, 
 you will think of me sometimes, and remember 
 the vows that bind us to each other ?" 
 
 " You are going to Italy — to the most deli- 
 cious country in the world. You will be sur- 
 rounded by all that is bright and beautiful.
 
 189 
 
 May not the pleasures and allurements of that 
 favoured land obliterate the traces of past en- 
 joyments ? oh ! my dear friend, this ill-omened 
 separation bodes evil to our hopes/' 
 
 " Not so — it will establish the triumph of 
 our constancy," interposed the lover. " In a 
 few months I shall return, even if it be but for 
 a day — and then Ella, we part no more." 
 
 The truant colour again mantled on the 
 maiden's transparent brow, as she fervently 
 replied, " I should be happy to share your 
 destiny, wheresoever it might lead you. Yet 
 by that time perhaps you may be able to re- 
 linquish a profession so incompatible with the 
 tranquillity of domestic life." 
 
 " Yes, I should have quitted the army 
 ere this, had not a sense of duty impera- 
 tively commanded the sacrifice of private in- 
 clinations. But Ella could not love a recreant," 
 added he, appealing to her.
 
 190 ELLA ; OR 
 
 u But to lose you thus — to be separated for 
 an indefinite period — to be tortured with an- 
 xious doubts and fears — to live on in a state of 
 constant expectancy ! oh ! what a transition 
 from the happiness we have hitherto enjoyed !" 
 exclaimed Ella, dissolved in tears. 
 
 " You are young, dearest ; this emotion will 
 soon subside ; and new objects may attract — 
 amuse — perhaps estrange — " 
 
 Albert spoke these words with considerable 
 agitation. 
 
 " Do you question my truth ?" replied Ella. 
 " Have we loved then so long that you doubt 
 the endurance of my affection ¥' 
 
 " I do not question the strength of your 
 attachment my Ella, and your present anguish 
 gives me the conviction of your actual suffering; 
 but I thought, I hoped indeed, that the elas- 
 ticity of youth would enable you to bear up 
 against protracted misery. Yet when I con-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 191 
 
 sider your inexperience, your extreme youth, 
 I cannot banish the apprehension that when 
 you cease to indulge the bitterness of regret, 
 the blandishments of a court may — forgive the 
 doubt — the dread, — hitherto you have seen 
 little or nothing of the world — the page of your 
 mind is yet pure of every impression — the mass 
 of mankind are to you an unknown race, flat- 
 tery an unknown language, temptation an un- 
 known influence- — but if once assailed by am- 
 bition or vanity, — oh Ella ! — you will resist ? 
 — you will ? — you will ¥' repeated he, clasping 
 her hand passionately. " Let not fresh plea- 
 sures estrange your heart from the absent one," 
 murmured he — " forgive my unjust misgiv- 
 ings — these fast falling tears are tacit assu- 
 rances of your fidelity." 
 
 t€ You must write, often, very often," sobbed 
 the weeping one, after a pause. 
 
 " Yes," returned Albert, " I shall claim the
 
 192 
 
 poor privilege of reminding you frequently of 
 my existence and my devotion. But know you 
 how soon we are to part }" 
 
 She raised her downcast eyes and replied, 
 " Too soon for our happiness — yet not imme- 
 diately r 
 
 " Too soon, indeed ! I must leave Vienna 
 before night; even then I can scarcely reach 
 head-quarters within the allotted time." 
 
 Without uttering a sound, the agitated girl 
 sank breathless on her lover's bosom, whilst he 
 pressed her with fervour in his arms, reite- 
 rating his vows of eternal constancy. " You 
 will not forget me, Ella ? you will not forget 
 your affianced husband ?" 
 
 " Never, my only love/' murmured she 
 faintly. 
 
 " Let that name prove a talisman !- ex- 
 claimed Albert. " Henceforward it must pre- 
 serve you from contamination. Remember that
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 193 
 
 you are young — that you are beautiful — nay 
 blush not — -you are pre-eminently lovely — 
 you will naturally become the object of general 
 admiration — you will be followed, courted, 
 and beloved ; but none will ever cherish you 
 so truly, so fervently as Albert Rosendahl. 
 Listen not to the accents of adulation, and the 
 eloquent pleadings of passion; do not allow the 
 adoration of others to render you insensible to 
 mine. I shall be far away ; I leave no friend to 
 support my cause. Absence is the only test of 
 the affections. In time you will learn the truth 
 of this axiom ; for as yet your unsuspecting 
 nature is incapable of fathoming the depths of 
 human feeling." 
 
 " I care for little else, saving your love," 
 gently rejoined Ella. " Indeed you but poorly 
 appreciate the sincerity of my affection, by sup- 
 posing that the fascinations of pleasure can 
 
 VOL. I. K
 
 194 ELLA; OR 
 
 ever efface the bitter recollection of this 
 wretched moment." 
 
 " And yet, wretched as it is, this moment 
 is fraught with delight; it is bliss itself, 
 compared with those that must follow ; for 
 still I behold you — I clasp you in my arms. To- 
 morrow at this hour the distance between us 
 will be — I tremble to think how great — yet 
 each day will augment it. But the last look of 
 love I receive from you, shall linger in my me- 
 mory, and remain graven on my heart, to 
 cheer and support me under the gloom of pro- 
 tracted expectation/' 
 
 " All my sad fears are corroborated/' ex- 
 claimed Ella ; " did I not say that we should 
 suffer disappointment ? I tremble at the con- 
 sequences to which our separation may lead. 
 Perhaps, Albert, we may never meet again." 
 
 " Nay, Ella, you should speak words of
 
 THE EMPEROR^ SON. 195 
 
 comfort, not of despondency/' cried he. " Let 
 us be true to each other, and no human power 
 can divide us." 
 
 " At least we can love, in defiance of adverse 
 circumstances," observed Ella mournfully. " Yet 
 what a futurity of sorrow seems reserved for 
 me ! — when you are gone who will read to me, 
 sing with me, and enliven my leisure hours 
 with sweet conversation ? Where am I to seek 
 companionship ?" 
 
 " Your father will continue to direct your 
 studies. Who can better supply the place of 
 your future husband?" answered he gravely. 
 " Your mother, too, excellent and amiable as 
 she is, will bear you company. I only trust that 
 you may not be tempted to exchange their 
 society for — " As he checked his rising doubt, 
 Albert gazed fondly on her clear brow, and 
 could detect there no second thought or men- 
 tal reservation. 
 
 k %
 
 196 ELLA; OR 
 
 " No, no, I shall be alone," she exclaimed, 
 " and shall repeat your favourite airs, until the 
 melody becomes painful by association. My 
 drawings will remain unfinished, and my books 
 unopened. I shall miss your presence in every 
 act and occupation of my daily life." 
 
 " I trust, Ella, that your customary occupa- 
 tions, may still possess the power of charming 
 your solitary days. New acquirements will 
 be added to those already possessed, and the 
 powers of reflection will have gained strength 
 from judicious exercise. You will not be altered 
 nor improved, for that is impossible ; but like 
 the season of the year, you will progress to- 
 wards maturity." 
 
 As Albert uttered the last phrase, he gently 
 drew the arm of his companion within his own, 
 and proceeded to the house. They entered 
 the elegant boudoir which was solely appro- 
 priated to the use of Mademoiselle von Lin-
 
 197 
 
 denberg, and was furnished with all the re- 
 finements of fashion and taste. They sate down 
 side by side, in melancholy silence. Still they 
 were together — together perhaps for the last 
 time. Months might elapse ere they should 
 meet again — perhaps years. A large mirror, 
 placed between the windows, reflected the fair 
 forms of the lovers as they leant towards each 
 other, as if seeking mutual support and con- 
 solation. 
 
 * If yon bright surface could retain and 
 transmit your image, Albert," — murmured Ella. 
 u But in a few hours, I shall be alone — the mir- 
 ror which now multiplies the delightful vision 
 will still be there, but will no longer afford a 
 single trace of the dear form now pictured 
 therein; it will remain as if in mockery of my 
 woe when you are gone." 
 
 There is indeed something exquisitely sad 
 in revisiting the scenes of past happiness — above
 
 198 ELLA; OR 
 
 all the spot where we last met the object of 
 former vows. Every mute testimony of affec- 
 tion strikes anguish to the soul — every object 
 brings forward the recollection of the heart's 
 idolatry, now coldly superseded by the sorrow- 
 ful realities of life ; more than all, the looking- 
 glass brings with it a host of mournful remem- 
 brances. It has reflected back the beloved 
 features we once fondly cherished, and whose 
 bright aspect will never gladden our solitary 
 path again. Ella, however, only knew the 
 sorrows of absence by anticipation ; she had yet 
 to learn the actual bitterness in store for her. 
 
 " Yet, dearest/' observed Rosendahl after a 
 pause, " you will be more happy than I ; for in 
 my lonely pilgrimage I shall not be allowed to 
 grieve; I shall not even possess the melancholy 
 satisfaction of letting my sorrows flow unres- 
 trained. Hurried on from place to place — 
 brought in contact with every discordant ele-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 199 
 
 ment — I shall not be able to think of you 
 exclusively ; a thousand vulgar cares and irk- 
 some engagements will engross those precious 
 moments I should otherwise devote to memory. 
 No creature is more completely isolated than 
 he who is surrounded by a multitude, incapable 
 of either comprehending his sentiments or 
 sharing in his emotion." 
 
 u But the varied objects which cannot fail 
 to attract your notice," interrupted Ella, ee will 
 relieve the long tedious hours of brooding ab- 
 sence ; whereas revolving time will bring no 
 change to me, no alleviation, no forgetfulness. 
 I shall live in the expectation of your letters, 
 existing, as it were, from post to post. You will 
 write often ?" added she with a look of tender 
 supplication. 
 
 " It is rather I who should ask this/' re- 
 turned he. " I shall expect a sort of journal, 
 so that I may be able to follow the course of
 
 200 ELLA ; OR 
 
 your thoughts and occupations, and by the 
 force of imagination cheat both time and dis- 
 tance with fond illusions. But, Ella, I have still 
 hopes that the period of our union will not be 
 procrastinated beyond a few months. You 
 have heard me say, that the colonel of our re- 
 giment is a personal friend of my father's, and 
 if properly applied to, he will doubtless grant 
 me leave of absence at the first convenient in- 
 terval. He cannot refuse the request, for I 
 know him to be under considerable obligations 
 to our family." 
 
 " Is it not possible then to exert that in- 
 fluence at present, and thus avoid a separation 
 so painful to us both ?"' inquired Ella. 
 
 « No — my personal honour forbids the 
 thought. I must obey the orders I have re- 
 ceived ; and, dearest, I could leave you, even you, 
 with a feeling of triumph, were my arm re- 
 quired in the cause of public duty. But alas !
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 201 
 
 neither the glory of the battle field, nor the 
 laurels of victory, are awaiting me. To conquer 
 and lay the spoils of conquest at your feet, would 
 be indeed a noble stimulus and bright reward ; 
 but fate has ordained differently. I quit you 
 for the dull and profitless routine of mere dis- 
 cipline ; to be the lounging tenant of a garrison 
 which needs no defence — the mechanical slave 
 of weerisome details and empty forms, with- 
 out sharing the dangers or the honours of war- 
 fare." 
 
 " Yet to me, love, the peaceful state of Eu- 
 rope is at least some consolation. I shall be 
 spared all apprehension for your personal 
 safety — all the agony of suspense. Do not la- 
 ment the only circumstance which supports 
 my sinking courage." The words died away on 
 her lips, as the ardent lover pressed her to his 
 bosom. 
 
 Again and again were mutual vows ex- 
 it 3
 
 202 ELLA ; OR 
 
 changed, renewed, repeated. The moments 
 glided swiftly as they tasted the sweets of af- 
 fection for the last time ; and Rosendahl was 
 only aroused to a perception of their rapid pro- 
 gress, by the entrance of the Baroness, who 
 endeavoured, with maternal fondness, to sooth 
 the pang she could not avert. She sought to 
 fix their hopes on the future, and to veil the 
 misery of the parting scene by picturing the 
 joys of distant meetings. 
 
 And were they destined to meet again ? 
 Alas ! yes, — too late for hope ! — too soon for 
 peace !
 
 the emperor's son. 203 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 On l'exposa vivant sur un roc solitaire, 
 Et le g£ant captif fut rernis par la terre, 
 A la garde de l'oc^an. 
 
 Victor Hugo. 
 
 Farewell to thee France ! — but when liberty rallies 
 Once more in thy regions remember me then ; 
 
 The violet still grows in the depth of thy vallies ; 
 Though withered, thy tear will unfold it again. 
 
 Lord Byron. 
 
 A considerable time had elapsed since the 
 sudden departure of Albert Rosendahl, which 
 had been immediately followed by the removal
 
 204 ELLA ; OR 
 
 of his family to a distant part of the country. 
 During this period Ella had punctually received, 
 and as punctually answered, many delightful 
 letters, which were anxiously expected, and 
 read with that fervent sentiment of joy and 
 gratitude ever attending the indulgence of a 
 first correspondence. This may always be 
 considered a memorable epoch in the life of 
 woman. In early youth, when* the language 
 of passion greets the charmed and unpractised 
 ear for the first time, there is something most 
 exquisite in the feelings thus elicited by epis- 
 tolary communication. The words hitherto 
 confined to the outward sense, or fondly trea- 
 sured in the hallowed recesses of the memory, 
 are by letter brought more forcibly to the mind ; 
 they are addressed to the understanding, and 
 assume a permanent, tangible form. The soft 
 persuasive accents which had floated sweetly 
 on the air, breathing intoxication and music,
 
 205 
 
 are thus deliberately re-echoed under the sanc- 
 tion of reason, and receive the stamp of indeli- 
 bility from the beloved hand which traced them. 
 At no after period can similar emotions be re- 
 called; for experience too soon displays the 
 fallacy of all human hopes, the instability of 
 all human attachments, and the self-delusion 
 to which happiness has been immolated. In 
 vain does the imagination seek to re- embody 
 the fair and fleeting illusions of first love ; in 
 vain the bright semblance of a former sentiment 
 smiles in derision at the bootless attempt. 
 Pleased with the dream that lulls the heart 
 with its deceptive pleasure, we clasp the sha- 
 dow when the substance is gone 5 but we do 
 so under the chilling conviction that our affec- 
 tions have been laid waste, that love is a delu- 
 sion, constancy a fiction, and disappointment 
 the only reality. 
 
 Seated in her father's private cabinet, Ella
 
 206 ELLA ; OR 
 
 was surrounded by the complicated machinery 
 of official routine, over which her delicate form 
 seemed to preside like an angel of mercy in the 
 council chamber of justice. It was strange to 
 behold a young and gentle girl, seeming thus to 
 participate in the business of the state; yet 
 nothing could be farther from her busy thoughts 
 than the ministerial implements of power that 
 were lying before her. The huge arm chair 
 of dark morocco, usually occupied by von Lin- 
 denberg, was vacant ; but the open desk and 
 scattered writings proclaimed that, if absent, 
 he was not at any great distance, and would 
 soon return. A large library table stood in the 
 centre of the apartment, covered with portfolios 
 and papers, rolled, folded, or in loose sheets. 
 Of these some were tied with tapes of various 
 hues, and sealed with wax of different colours 
 and impressions. Stamps, passports, letters, 
 maps, books, memoranda, foreign intelligence,
 
 207 
 
 newspapers of all countries and in all languages, 
 with numerous statistics of every description, 
 lay in thick confusion around. 
 
 In the midst of this legislative amalgamation, 
 Ella was engaged with her drawing ; her crea- 
 tive pencil was endeavouring to portray the 
 features of her lover, and she had succeeded 
 in the attempt. Animated with the promising 
 result of her labours, she looked almost happy; 
 her young fancy had outstripped 4he cold limits 
 of reality, and freely luxuriated in the realms 
 it had attained. Already the image that gra- 
 dually seemed to expand under her magic touch 
 had, in its turn, raised a host of tender thoughts 
 and fond conjectures ; but the vision of youth- 
 ful passion was quickly dispelled, by the un- 
 expected entrance of the Chevalier de Florville, 
 who slowly approached her, with a warmth of 
 manner, which, if it did not amount to the ar-
 
 208 ELLA; OR 
 
 dour of admiration surpassed the placidity of 
 friendship. 
 
 " I had hoped, Mademoiselle, to have met 
 the Baron. I regret to perceive that he is ab- 
 sent," said he graciously. 
 
 " My father will shortly return ; meanwhile, 
 Chevalier, you may perhaps manage to beguile 
 the time with books," said Ella. 
 
 " You will then forgive the intrusion of one 
 who is presumptuous enough to hope that his 
 presence may not be considered as such," re- 
 plied he, in his most persuasive tone. 
 
 " At all times we are glad of your society ; 
 but at the present moment you happen to be 
 especially welcome, as I require your assistance, 
 and must put your French gallantry to the test. 
 What think you of my sketch ?" 
 
 " It is admirable," said he; " you have seized 
 the likeness with vour accustomed facilitv."
 
 209 
 
 " I fear your politeness and sincerity may 
 be at variance," interrupted Ella archly. " Am 
 I to place implicit faith in your flattering as- 
 surance y 
 
 " You cannot doubt my words ; I appeal to 
 your own judgment as to the resemblance." 
 
 Ella blushed. " As I have no model," said 
 she, " perhaps your memory can assist me. 
 The face is rather stern — Albert seldom looked 
 thus. What say you, Chevalier?" 
 
 " Methinks it should have a more smiling 
 appearance, particularly in its present aspect, 
 when it might be supposed to express the 
 pleasure your occupation would convey/' 
 
 " I wished," said Ella, " to execute a like- 
 ness of him such as he generally is, not when 
 under the influence of feelings which are the 
 result merely of momentary emotion. " 
 
 " I doubt," replied the Chevalier, " if Al- 
 bert is ever under any other influence save
 
 210 ELLA; OB 
 
 your own ; at least if I am to believe the evi- 
 dence of my own observation, and of the letters 
 he writes." 
 
 " Does he write to you often?" inquired 
 Ella. 
 
 ft Not so often as I could wish ; but more 
 frequently than I had a right to expect/' said 
 he. 
 
 Ella hesitated ; for although curious to hear 
 the particulars of her lover's correspondence, 
 she was ashamed to display the interest she 
 felt in it. " You are fortunate,' 5 she conti- 
 nued, c * in possessing the confidence and friend- 
 ship of Albert ; that is, if you value the sterling 
 qualities we Germans are proud to consider our 
 most national features. He blends the stern 
 virtues of the north, with the more lively cha- 
 racteristics of the south. Xtosendahl has a vein 
 of French brilliancy in his disposition." 
 
 " None can be more profoundly impressed
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 211 
 
 with the excellencies of his nature than myself. 
 I am proud of his acquaintance, and grateful 
 for the favours which he has conferred on me; — 
 amongst others that of his introduction to the 
 notice of Mademoiselle von Lindenberg," re- 
 plied de Florville, with a profound obeisance. 
 
 " He does not mention any prospect of 
 change of quarters ?" inquired Ella blushing. 
 
 " No, his letters to rne are chiefjy on abstract 
 subjects. Albert appears deeply interested in 
 the fate of Poland," replied the Chevalier va- 
 guely. 
 
 " I could have guessed as much ; that is so 
 like his generous heart/' observed Ella. 
 
 " He is imbued with the pure spirit of pa- 
 triotism/' interrupted de Florville, " and de- 
 serves a better position than that which he 
 fills. 3 ' 
 
 " You surprize me/ 5 returned Ella smiling.
 
 212 ELLA; OR 
 
 " This is hardly in unison with your late polite 
 assertions concerning him." 
 
 " Do not misapprehend me : I speak politi- 
 cally. With RosendahPs enthusiastic cast of 
 temper I have often wondered that he did not 
 hasten to assist the expiring efforts of Grecian 
 heroism, or join the newly raised standard of 
 Polish independence. But it is not to be 
 wondered at that Ids love for you rivets him 
 to Austria." 
 
 " I should deeply regret to think that his 
 love for me prevented the manifestation of a 
 noble sentiment. 3 ' 
 
 " Perhaps I have not expressed myself pro- 
 perly/' returned de Florville. " His love for you 
 so completely absorbs every thought and fa- 
 culty, that he has no energy left to bestow on 
 other subjects. Were he less the creature of 
 passion, he would certainly become the avowed
 
 213 
 
 champion of liberty. The same impulse has 
 merely taken a different direction ; and who 
 can arraign his choice ?" inquired the speaker, 
 with insinuating softness. 
 
 " Albert could never raise his arm against 
 his fatherland," observed Ella. " Better to die 
 like Leonidas, than to live like Coriolanus." 
 
 u How often I have turned with disdain 
 from the history of that Roman renegade !" 
 exclaimed the Chevalier ; " yet he forsooth has 
 been exalted as a hero ; his treachery has been 
 dramatized, and his fate lamented. Too selfish 
 for a patriot, too vain for a republican, too 
 proud for a citizen — even of Rome. Because 
 his country proved ungrateful, he must needs 
 become a traitor to her, and to himself. Yet I 
 would not confound the love of country — the 
 glorious " amor patriee" of elevated souls — with 
 the base and blind submission to arbitrary ins- 
 titutions and forms of government. In the
 
 214 ELLA ; OR 
 
 duties of a soldier many difficulties occur. What 
 is he to obey ? the fiats of despotism enforced 
 by discipline ? or the dictates of national eman- 
 cipation supported by justice ? The cause of 
 the government should never be separated 
 from that of the people. When once the con- 
 necting link between them is broken, the 
 soldier must decide between the many and the 
 few, between practice and theory, between 
 principles and persons. 
 
 " You are liberal, Chevalier/' observed Ella. 
 " I have often heard my father say that the 
 interests of the multitude, and of their rulers, 
 are so intimately blended, that the existence of 
 the one depends on that of the other. Your 
 ideas with respect to Coriolanus agree with 
 mine; he was deaf to the dictates of honour and 
 conscience, yet he yielded to the tears and sup- 
 plications of his wife and mother. If it was the 
 path of duty which he chose, what need of so-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 215 
 
 licitations to the choice ? There are happily 
 not many similar instances in history." 
 
 (i Not in ancient history " returned de Flor- 
 ville. " Patriotism was at least a classical virtue, 
 just as personal fidelity was the attribute of 
 the feudal system. The brightest characters 
 that shone forth amid the gloom of the middle 
 ages were but the attached servants of a fa- 
 voured monarch or a popular chieftain. He who 
 was most loved, was most powerful. The num- 
 ber of a man's adherents constituted the prin- 
 ciple of his greatness. But we have lost the 
 pure glory of Roman civism, as we have lost 
 the poetry of chivalrous adventure; both sprung 
 equally from the noblest sources of human 
 feeling. Men now live for themselves alone ; 
 each plods on for mere personal advancement ; 
 toiling for the attainment of his own peculiar 
 views." 
 
 " Not all, I trust," interrupted Ella mildly.
 
 216 ELLA ; OR 
 
 " Perhaps not all ;" echoed the Chevalier 
 slowly : " that is yet to be proved. But think 
 you, lady, that if the spirit-stirring energies of 
 the olden time still flourished in their pristine 
 vigour, the Poles would remain unfriended in a 
 national struggle which involves their political 
 existence ? think you that Napoleon would have 
 languished out the remnant of his wonderful 
 career on the ocean-bound rock of St. Helena ? 
 that his son, the long wished for heir to his 
 empire and his name, would linger year after 
 year in hopeless obscurity, within the cheer- 
 less walls of Schoenbrunn }" 
 
 " In former days France would have been 
 the theatre of perpetual civil war, and political 
 opinion would have degenerated into blood 
 thirsty faction," rejoined Ella with firmness ; 
 for she felt that she was giving utterance to 
 frer father's sentiments. 
 
 The Chevalier's brow assumed a darker
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 217 
 
 shade^ as he replied, " I was then mistaken 
 in believing that Mademoiselle von Lindenberg 
 admired the dauntless bravery and aspiring 
 genius of Bonaparte, or that her gentle nature 
 commiserated the forlorn position of the Duke 
 de Reichstadt. It appears that in this instance 
 she does not share the feelings and principles of 
 de Rosendahl/" 
 
 " Few participate more truly than I do in all 
 his views and opinions," returned Ella, (i or 
 sympathize more strongly in the destiny of a 
 prince whose singular history and whose amia- 
 ble qualities must render him an object of 
 peculiar interest to all whom he honours with 
 his condescensions." 
 
 " You are then well acquainted with his 
 Highness ?" inquired de Florville. 
 
 " More so than the generality of ladies at 
 court," answered Ella. " The Archduchess his 
 
 VOL. I. L
 
 218 ELLA; OR 
 
 mother has been graciously pleased to notice 
 me on many occasions.' 5 
 
 " I understand so," muttered the Chevalier. 
 " You are in the habit of frequenting the 
 imperial apartments. You have penetrated 
 beyond the arcana of ante-room cabal. You 
 have faced royalty in private.' 5 
 
 " Whenever Maria Louisa visits Schoenbrunn 
 she kindly admits me to her intimate circle. 
 Her taste for flowers is remarkable, and I am 
 somewhat skilled both in their culture and 
 classification. She is also fond of music, and 
 is pleased to approve of my trifling acquire- 
 ments." 
 
 " It is not easy, I am informed, to obtain an 
 audience with the Prince/' remarked de Flor- 
 ville. 
 
 " It is impossible," replied Ella ; " few stran- 
 gers are ever admitted, and French subjects
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 219 
 
 are absolutely prohibited from holding the 
 slightest communication with the son of Napo- 
 leon/' 
 
 " Is the Em... (the Archduchess I mean) ex- 
 pected at court ?" asked the Chevalier. 
 
 u Not at present ; but you must often have 
 seen both mother and son. The Duke fre- 
 quently drives on the Prater, and being yourself 
 a Parisian, you may still preserve a remem- 
 brance of the imperial pomp at the Tuileries." 
 
 " I remember them too well ; I was but a 
 youth emerging from childhood ; yet I wit- 
 nessed scenes that can never be forgotten." 
 
 " The Arch- duchess still thinks with tender 
 pleasure of the days she passed in France," 
 said Mademoiselle von Lindenberg. 
 
 " Ha ! we thought she had abandoned all 
 interest in the fate of that country over which 
 she once held imperial sway. She still then 
 recollects the land which hailed her infant's 
 
 l2
 
 220 
 
 birth ? . . . . Ella, I was once also a favourite at 
 court. Son of the Emperor's most ardent par- 
 tizan, and the most attached of all the faithful 
 few, — I accompanied my father to St. Helena. 
 We followed our master and shared his priva- 
 tions. " 
 
 Ella started. u Then you are personally ac- 
 quainted with Maria Louisa, and have seen de 
 Reichstadt in his infancy ?" added she. 
 
 " Yes — I know Maria Louisa sufficiently to 
 lament the miserable infatuation which beguiled 
 her from the glorious path before her. She 
 forgot she was the wife of Napoleon the Great ; 
 she shrank from the task awaiting the mother 
 and the Empress. Had she rallied the faithful 
 garde around the standard of her son, and 
 abided by the broken fortunes of her husband, 
 the rock at St. Helena might have ever conti- 
 nued unillustrated. Yes ! indeed, I have seen 
 the hope of France, the King of Rome whilst
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 221 
 
 he was yet swathed in the garb of babyhood — 
 when his cradled form was exhibited to the 
 anxious eyes and yearning hearts of a devoted 
 
 people ! and I have seen him since 
 
 oh ! what a change a few short years have 
 wrought ! The budding hope of the Tuileries 
 is transformed to the pale and feeble stripling 
 of Schoenbrunn." 
 
 " Strange mutations of fortune have hitherto 
 attended the Duke de Reichstadt/' replied 
 Ella ; " but your language surprises me. I 
 could not possibly imagine that you had ever 
 known Maria Louisa, or your judgment upon 
 her would not be thus severely expressed. Re- 
 member she was a daughter before she was a 
 wife." 
 
 " Aye ! but the mother should concentrate 
 the virtues of both/' retorted de Florville 
 warmly. " Let that however pass. I speak from 
 a deep sense of love and admiration towards
 
 222 ELLA; OR 
 
 that mighty self created Potentate who for 
 fifteen years wielded the sceptre of Europe ; 
 who dictated his decrees from that very palace 
 where his son is now imprisoned, and made 
 the crowned heads of Germany bow before him. 
 I witnessed his subsequent captivity — the petty 
 and protracted tortures he was doomed to 
 suffer ; day after day, I saw him writhe — strug- 
 gle—and finally sink under the infliction ; and 
 I am now the depositary of his dying words, 
 by which we may yet recall the memory of 
 former greatness to the palsied recollection of 
 his son." 
 
 " Chevalier, I respect your feelings," said 
 Ella ; " and I can admire the unshaken fidelity 
 which preferred the miseries of exile to the 
 freedom of selfish indifference. The names of 
 Bertrand " 
 
 " Spoken like yourself," interrupted de Flor- 
 ville with heightened colour; " and do you not
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SOX. 223 
 
 believe that the Duke de Reichstadt would feel 
 as you do, but in a far greater degree ? Do you 
 not think that he would value our attachment, 
 and appreciate the faithful adherence of the 
 veteran bands who still connect and identify 
 the cause of France with the success of the 
 imperial eagle ?" 
 
 " I do not exactly understand you. The 
 Prince is of a most affectionate disposition, 
 and is not only capable of gratitude, but also 
 of proving it. None have more reason to know 
 his Highnesses amiable qualities than myself," 
 answered Ella, somewhat confused by the 
 Chevalier's observations. 
 
 " He would then receive the heartfelt aspi- 
 rations of the Emperor's most devoted fol- 
 lower ; he would listen to my tale of insulted 
 majesty and dying glory. He might perhaps 
 endure the tedious recital of long suffering and 
 fruitless repinings, when, like another Blondel,
 
 224 ELLA ; OR 
 
 I wandered thither, watching with patient en- 
 durance the walls of yonder palace Ella, 
 
 if you so willed it, you might indeed befriend 
 me." 
 
 " Surely the generous preserver of Albert 
 Rosen dahl can require nothing of me which I 
 should withhold !" repeated Ella warmly, as she 
 extended her hand to de Florville. 
 
 " It is not the vulgar plea of ingratitude and 
 obligation, with which the future bride of Al- 
 bert should be addressed by me ; — I appeal to a 
 higher sentiment; — I appeal to you in the name 
 of the affection that unites me to him ;— as his 
 friend — his chosen associate — his confidential 
 companion — as such only, I claim a portion of 
 your regard." 
 
 " As such receive the assurance of my warm- 
 est esteem," replied Ella. 
 
 " You know the localities of Schoenbrunnr ,, 
 
 « Perfectly."
 
 the emperor's son. 225 
 
 " Can you describe the situation of the Duke 
 de Reich stadt's apartments?" inquired the Che- 
 valier. 
 
 " Certainly ! his Highness occupies the whole 
 suite on the ground floor of the right wing. 
 The windows look out upon the southern ter- 
 race, and are shaded by many lofty trees." 
 
 " I know it now ! Do you think I could 
 through your instrumentality obtain an inter- 
 view with the Prince ?" 
 
 " Oh ! de Florville, why do you make so 
 vain a request ! how can I venture to disobey 
 the orders of the Emperor ?" replied Ella in 
 dismay. 
 
 " Perhaps you might use your influence with 
 your father,' 5 answered the Chevalier evasively. 
 " Can you not suggest some method of pro- 
 ceeding that may combine success with secu- 
 rity ?" 
 
 " My father — did you speak of him ? you must 
 
 l 3
 
 226 ELLA I OR 
 
 be strongly misled, he never would countenance 
 such a wild attempt. His duty is opposed to 
 it." 
 
 " Your father, lady, if he followed the gene- 
 rous dictates of his own heart, would probably 
 consent to the sad satisfaction I have craved in 
 vain from his daughter. No ! Clement the 
 Jesuit is the real obstacle to the meeting; 
 he is the jailor of his pupil ; the intellectual 
 fetter which binds and restricts his move- 
 ments/' 
 
 " Perhaps my father's private feelings may 
 not always accord with the stern necessities of 
 the public service/' returned Ella mildly ; " yet 
 the imperial mandate cannot be disobeyed with 
 impunity. Positive orders exist against the 
 admission of any French subject." 
 
 " But you are not pledged to support these 
 harsh measures of arbitrary power/' said the 
 Chevalier with ironv.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 227 
 
 " I am the daughter of von Lindenberg," 
 replied she. 
 
 " But why seek to prevent an interview 
 that would crown my fondest hopes ? I have a 
 debt of gratitude which I am bound to dis- 
 charge — Napoleon was the benefactor of my 
 family—" 
 
 " The Emperor of Austria is the benefactor 
 of mine/' answered the maiden with energy. 
 
 " Your inference is incorrect," observed de 
 Florville with gentleness. a Francis himself 
 would feel and think as I feel and think to- 
 wards the young de Reichstadt, were he not 
 entangled in the meshes of political expediency. 
 Perhaps his inmost soul still fosters ambi- 
 tious views for the preferment of his grandson, 
 and the hand that would place a crown on 
 young Napoleon's brow might yet be clasped 
 in gratitude by his venerable sire ! My mission 
 is not injurious to Austria."
 
 228 ELLA; OR 
 
 " I confess/' said Mademoiselle von Linden- 
 berg, a that the ecclesiastical vocation ill accords 
 with the innate propensities hitherto mani- 
 fested by the Duke, and I have heard my fa- 
 ther lament a measure of which he doubts the 
 absolute necessity. He certainly inclines to a 
 more liberal line of policy." 
 
 " If the Baron thus sympathizes so strongly 
 with the illustrious captive (for such I consider 
 him to be) what then must be my feelings — I, 
 who have loved and followed Napoleon — who 
 shared his bounty when in power, and sought 
 to lighten the sorrows of banishment by my 
 attentions ? I was but a child in age ; but 
 adversity quickens the growth of sentiment, 
 and what I did not understand, at least I 
 felt/' 
 
 " You remained for some years at St. Hele- 
 na" inquired Ella musingly. 
 
 " Yes ! my father and myself, together with
 
 229 
 
 a few of the most devoted of his former ser- 
 vants, gathered on the spot which he conse- 
 crated by his sufferings, and ministered the 
 only consolation we could offer— the tribute of 
 our respect, and the balm of our affection." 
 
 " Oh Chevalier, your narrative is most inte- 
 resting," exclaimed Ella; " I cannot but ap- 
 plaud your heroism. Did you continue with 
 Bonaparte to the last? 5 ' 
 
 " We did — rivetted to the chain which linked 
 our master to the rock. But the mighty spirit 
 which once had led but to conquer, and com- 
 manded but to be obeyed, sank under the 
 minor evils of his destiny ; the narrow minded 
 persecutions of a triumphant and rival govern- 
 ment effected what the armies of the holy 
 alliance had failed in; his body appeared in- 
 vulnerable, but his heart was not. Above all, 
 he felt the defection of his friends — of those 
 he had fostered and raised from the dust of
 
 230 ELLA; OR 
 
 obscurity to the very steps of his imperial 
 throne. As they had gained power, so they 
 forsook glory ; a love of luxury and ease crept 
 in amongst the veterans of the field, and they 
 ceased to sacrifice at the iron shrine of war ; 
 tired of action — gorged with victory — they re- 
 quired peace, and sought to purchase its blessing 
 at the expense of national honour. Ill fated 
 Ney — brilliant chivalrous Murat — poor victims 
 of human inconsistency ! but ye are gone, and 
 your error was expiated in blood !" 
 
 For a moment de Florville remained silent, 
 and concealed his face with his hand. Ella, 
 deeply moved by his fervent and even pictu- 
 resque eloquence, waited in expectation for the 
 conclusion of a speech which raised both her 
 curiosity and her enthusiasm; but perceiving 
 that he seemed absorbed in painful recollec- 
 tions, she mildly observed,— 
 
 " I have often understood that both the ex-
 
 231 
 
 King of Naples and the Prince of Moskowa 
 were completely self immolated ." 
 
 " No ! they were judicially slain/' returned 
 de Florville with great bitterness. " But Ella, 
 does not your own magnanimous soul plead 
 in favour of the remaining adherents of the 
 great Napoleon ? Is the young scion of that 
 blighted stock to languish in helpless capti- 
 vity — in dark ignorance of his father's meteor- 
 like career ? shall he not learn the melancholy 
 details of the last mortal struggle ? shall he not 
 receive this precious token of paternal love?" 
 inquired he, producing a small locket contain- 
 ing hair. ..." Ella, you are not the governor 
 of Schoenbrunn." 
 
 " Oh j de Florville/' sobbed the agitated girl,, 
 " what can I do ?...the Emperor. . . .his com- 
 mands are implicit. ... I cannot. .. .indeed I 
 cannot help you/' 
 
 u You shrink then from the undertaking !"
 
 232 
 
 exclaimed de Florville ; a I mistook the affi- 
 anced wife of Rosendahl — I imagined that a 
 portion of his spirit was infused into hers. . . . 
 It is otherwise I find." 
 
 " Stay," exclaimed the maiden. " Your 
 words are undeserved. Speak plainly; what is 
 your plan, and what end do you propose ?" 
 
 The Chevalier changed colour. " Your in- 
 genuity may furnish me with the best expe- 
 dient, and I shall have an additional motive 
 for prizing the friendship of Albert, when re- 
 ceiving a signal service at the hands of his 
 affianced bride. My scheme, my only object, 
 is to obtain an interview with the Prince. I 
 care not how it is effected — whether by open 
 application or otherwise.' 5 
 
 u No solicitation can avail, '* said Ella ; " your 
 object can only be attained through some clan- 
 destine arrangement, and I feel reluctant to 
 encourage a measure which may endanger your
 
 the emperor's SON. 233 
 
 personal safety. Should it be discovered that 
 you have infringed the orders of the court, 
 your liberty may be at stake ; and if once im- 
 plicated, it will not be in the power of your 
 friends to extricate you." 
 
 u Reserve these prudential arguments for 
 those who will regard them. For me, I . am 
 pledged — by oath. As for danger, I have long 
 learnt to despise it. Life is of little value to 
 me — all I dread is — a failure. The last words 
 of Napoleon are still resounding in my ears ; 
 they are engraven on my heart. Listen to 
 them ! c It is fit that my son should learn the 
 fate of his father,' said he, ' as we crowded round 
 his couch of agony, and treasured each sentence 
 that issued from his dying lips. ' It is meet 
 that he should know my history ; but not until 
 his mature years enable him to conceive the 
 grandeur of imperial sway, and the value of
 
 234 ELLA; OR 
 
 military glory. Then, but not till then, speak! 
 convey to him my farewell, and my blessing.' 
 The restless soul of the fallen Monarch did 
 not long linger in the vile thraldom of his ene- 
 mies. Time passed rapidly; but my promise 
 remains unredeemed. Childhood became 
 adolescence, — adolescence has ripened into 
 manhood,- — the Prince is now of an age to 
 hear his father's last injunctions. The hour is 
 come to fulfil this touching duty, which has 
 been the aim of my life. The distant contem- 
 plation of it has cheered my solitary travels, 
 peopled the desert, and illumined the dark 
 abyss of futurity. It has been the polar star 
 that directed my course ; and when far from 
 the haunts of civilized society, wandering 
 amongst the vast wilds of America, the hope 
 of seeing the son of Napoleon has proved the 
 invisible tie which bound me to the world, and
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 235 
 
 rendered my obscure existence of some impor- 
 tance in my own esteem." 
 
 " You distress me/' cried Mademoiselle von 
 Lindenberg, changing colour as she spoke. 
 " I would fain befriend you on this occasion, 
 but I see not the means. Heaven knows how 
 often I have deplored the destiny of de Reich- 
 stadt, and silently lamented the cruel policy 
 that has hitherto shackled every movement of 
 his mind. I have yearned towards him, and 
 should have hailed his emancipation with joy ; 
 but the prosperity of Europe is too closely in- 
 volved with the inviolability of the good faith 
 of Austria." 
 
 " You are but repeating the language of the 
 cabinet." 
 
 " Yet surely," replied she mildly, " you 
 must know that the French are a stirring tur- 
 bulent race; their present rulers are unpopular; 
 and the young Napoleon might be brought 
 forward as the instrument of faction."
 
 236 
 
 The Chevalier reddened and became con- 
 fused ; but his countenance brightened, as he 
 spoke deliberately, after a moment's reflection. 
 " Can the heart's devotion of a harmless stran- 
 ger menace the security of the Holy Alliance, or 
 shake the foundation of European tranquillity ? 
 You have magnified my insignificance. I did 
 not expect from you the cold calculation that 
 can thus construe the faithful attachment of a 
 friend into the daring of a conspirator. I tell 
 you lady that my errand is one of love." 
 
 " Of love only?" interrupted Ella du- 
 biously. 
 
 " And even if it were otherwise/' resumed 
 her companion with animation, — " if I were 
 indeed the secret emissary of France, I believe 
 de Reichstadt incapable of embracing the vast 
 conceptions of a few bold and sanguine indivi- 
 duals. Whatever delusive hopes were once 
 indulged by our party, whatever we once might 
 have conjectured, we now feel that the fabric
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 237 
 
 is baseless, — de Reichstadt is not likely to live, 
 — he bears the germ of destruction within him. 
 I marked his transparent vacant gaze, — his 
 flushed cheek, — his hollow chest and sunken 
 temples ! — He can no longer inspire terror to 
 the minions of despotism ! — But before the 
 tomb closes on this fragile, this fading relic of 
 Napoleon, let me — oh let me — I conjure you 
 seek his presence — let me contemplate his 
 pale features, and trace a faint yet soothing 
 resemblance to the well remembered linea- 
 ments of his father. — Oh let me throw myself 
 
 at his feet! " 
 
 " If Albert were only here to advise me I" 
 exclaimed Ella, joining her hands as if in sup- 
 plication. 
 
 " I wish indeed that he were here," returned 
 the Chevalier coldly ; " I should not then need 
 to have recourse to so many different argu- 
 ments." 
 
 ?t He would support me ! cried Ella,
 
 238 ELLA; OK 
 
 " He would not for a moment encourage 
 such faultering timidity, such torturing inde- 
 cision of purpose/' observed de Florville im- 
 patiently. 
 
 " Could I but venture to apply to my father," 
 continued Ella, evidently wavering. " Go Che- 
 valier — speak to him — plead for yourself to 
 him as you have now done to me — perhaps he 
 may assist you/' 
 
 " No, it is not requisite to risk the Baron's 
 displeasure or opposition. Describe to me the 
 localities of Schoenbrunn, and I may succeed 
 even without your personal assistance. If you 
 have a plan of the palace, it will afford a clue 
 for my guidance/' 
 
 " You can only succeed by prudence," in- 
 terrupted Ella; "but the principal difficulty will 
 be to avoid the observation of sentries, and 
 elude the vigilant scrutiny of the officials who 
 crowd the corridors and antichambers." 
 
 " Are there no private avenues or secret
 
 the emperor's son. 239 
 
 entrances to the gardens of the residence ?" 
 inquired the Chevalier rapidly. " Surely there 
 must be some postern, some obscure gateway, 
 unfrequented by the court, through which cer- 
 tain privileged individuals, members of the 
 household, or of the cabinet, pass at all hours 
 unmolested and unquestioned ? At least there 
 must be some pass-word or signal which may 
 serve the purpose of gaining admission." 
 
 Ella still hesitated, rather from timidity than 
 reluctance; but the eloquence of de Florville 
 soon removed all remaining scruples, and she 
 gradually furnished him with every information 
 he desired. Candid and enthusiastic, she pro- 
 ceeded with the utmost accuracy to detail the 
 particular bearings and terminations of the 
 different passages and issues to and from the 
 palace and gardens; giving him all necessary 
 instructions for the furtherance of his plans,
 
 240 ELLA ; OR 
 
 which he said would yet demand time and ma- 
 ture deliberation ere they could be executed 
 with success. 
 
 Their dialogue was ultimately interrupted by 
 the entrance of von Lindenberg, who, totally 
 unsuspicious of the previous purport of the 
 conversation, joined in it with cheerfulness. 
 But Ella, absorbed in the busy workings of 
 her excited imagination, sank into comparative 
 silence. She could not divert her mind to 
 the ordinary topics of the day, and as she 
 sought to arrange her agitated thoughts, she 
 felt that she was guilty of duplicity — that she 
 was deceiving her father— deceiving him for the 
 first time. The step she had taken was how- 
 ever decisive; she had committed herself to 
 such an extent that it was impossible to retract ; 
 and having also pledged herself to secrecy, she 
 was precluded from appealing to any one,
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 241 
 
 either for advice or aid. Her only hope was 
 that the generous and adventurous friend of 
 Albert Rosendahl would prove himself worthy 
 of the confidence he had extracted from her. 
 
 VOL. I. M
 
 242 ELLA ; OR 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Though I know not 
 That I do wrong, 1 feel a thousand fears 
 Which are not ominous of right. 
 
 Lord Byron. 
 
 Preoccupied and agitated, Ella passed a 
 day of considerable uneasiness. The conversa- 
 tion of de Florville had made a deep impres- 
 sion upon her. Hitherto unaccustomed to 
 mystery or subterfuge, her situation was equal- 
 ly painful and unprecedented. She now seemed 
 to shun the calm inquiring glance of her father,
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 243 
 
 which but a few hours before had been sought 
 with all the eagerness of filial confidence. A 
 change was wrought in her candid nature, and 
 every look that had formerly been hailed with 
 grateful affection, appeared to search her in- 
 most soul — to penetrate the hidden workings 
 of her mind ; and the presence of the parent 
 she had been taught to love and revere only 
 served to increase the embarrassment which 
 attended an indefinite consciousness of error. 
 Oppressed with vague apprehensions of pre- 
 sent dilemma and future difficulty, the kind 
 observations of her tender mother remained 
 unheeded and unanswered; the language of 
 affection did not reach beyond the outward 
 sense, and Ella for the first time was neither 
 attentive nor deferential in her manner. 
 
 Reluctantly compelled by promised secrecy 
 to withhold the confidence which she felt was 
 due to her father, Ella could not venture to 
 
 m 2
 
 244 ELLA; OR 
 
 ask either his advice or support, and she en- 
 dured the pain of self-reproach, in all its first- 
 felt keenness. Her's was the penalty of a vir- 
 tuous mind, first shrinking from the practice 
 of deception, in which she was as unskilled as 
 she was inexperienced. 
 
 Concealment is always painful to an inge- 
 nuous character ; for the security which can be 
 derived from secrecy is never wholly satisfac- 
 tory ; and Ella, alarmed at the serious conse- 
 quences which might result from her com- 
 pliance with de Florville's views, became 
 constrained and taciturn, as the conviction of 
 her imprudence gradually obtruded itself. 
 Restless, yet languid, she found no solace in 
 her usual avocations, and as she sat listless 
 and inactive, her thoughts painfully pressing 
 upon her, the hours seemed to lengthen in 
 their span; yet slacken in their progress. 
 
 Anxious to obtain relief from solitude, Ella
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 245 
 
 watched the tardy approach of night with fe- 
 verish impatience, and under the ready plea 
 of indisposition, seized the earliest opportunity, 
 by retiring to her chamber, of evading her 
 mother's assiduities, and the keen perception 
 of von Lindenberg, who was too conversant 
 with his daughter's disposition to fail remarking 
 the mental uneasiness which evidently op- 
 pressed her. 
 
 Once more alone, she endeavoured to collect 
 and arrange her bewildered thoughts. The 
 vivid language of de Florville still seemed to 
 ring confusedly in her ears ; his full penetrating 
 voice eloquently pleading the cause wherein he 
 had embarked, and which possessed all the 
 dreamy and delusive interest which attaches 
 itself to chivalrous enterprise, and a faithful 
 adherence to the fortunes of a fallen dynasty. 
 Personal devotion is in itself a quality 
 which never fails to produce admiration, if not
 
 246 
 
 followers. Ella found it almost impossible to 
 resist the powerful ascendancy thus acquired by 
 de Florville, and sought to persuade herself that 
 no danger attended the wild scheme in which 
 she was so singularly involved ; and, influenced 
 by the alternate suggestions of hope and fear, 
 at intervals she resolved to brave her father's 
 displeasure, and communicate the whole affair 
 to him, regardless of the solemn pledge which 
 sealed her lips. Then, indignant at her own 
 infirmity of purpose, she nerved herself for 
 the opposite event. Completely dazzled 
 and overcome by the ingenious importunities 
 of the Chevalier, the proposed interview was 
 not divested of romantic interest in her eyes ; 
 neither could she help remembering the prin- 
 ciples and opinions so strenuously supported 
 by Albert on many former occasions, in which 
 she had also warmly sympathized. Thus close- 
 ly contemplating the chances and probabilities
 
 247 
 
 attending the adventure, its dangers became 
 diminished through the medium of imagination, 
 as before they were magnified under the in- 
 fluence of fear and doubt. 
 
 Hitherto struggling with feminine weakness 
 and indecision, the remembrance of Rosendahl 
 brought with it a cheering hope that he at 
 least would approve and be gratified by her 
 conduct. She was happier in believing that her 
 acquiescence in Florville's wishes emanated 
 from the love she bore her intended husband, 
 and that it was the appeal made in Albert's 
 name which vanquished the lingering scruples 
 of prudence. 
 
 As if to strengthen her wavering resolutions, 
 and steel herself against the suggestions of 
 alarm, she drew from a hidden recess in her 
 escrutoir the treasured epistles of her absent 
 lover. In the latent hope of extracting some
 
 248 ELLA; OR 
 
 further encouragement, she began to re-peruse 
 them, sighing as she rapidly glanced over the 
 closely written pages, which uniformly revealed 
 the same glowing professions of love, and the 
 same undisguised freedom of political senti- 
 ment. 
 
 She had not long been thus employed when 
 the sound of footsteps proclaimed her father's 
 approach. A slight knock at the door pre- 
 ceded his entrance, but it scarcely allowed her 
 time to gather up the scattered testimonials of 
 affection that bestrewed her toilette. 
 
 " Not yet retired to rest my child ?" ob- 
 served he, seeing her still in her evening attire* 
 " I feared you were ill, and hoped ere this you 
 had sought repose." 
 
 As he spoke, she had already taken out the 
 richly carved tortoise shell comb that confined 
 the luxuriant tresses of her light brown hair,
 
 249 
 
 and appeared busily employed in disposing the 
 soft braids and ringlets which fell in thick con 
 fusion on her shoulders. 
 
 " Surely the arrangement of these lovely 
 locks/' added he smiling, " is not of such mo- 
 mentous import as to deprive you of sleep." 
 
 " I could not sleep at so early an hour," 
 answered Ella ; " besides, I thought you would 
 come to bestow your accustomed blessing." 
 She faltered as she said this ; for however she 
 might have reason to expect a visit from her 
 father, it was not with pleasure she now re- 
 ceived it. 
 
 " And in the mean time you were reading 
 Rosendahl's letters?" added he playfully, draw- 
 ing the desk towards him. 
 
 " My father, who has sanctioned our at- 
 tachment with his approval, cannot object to 
 the indulgence of our correspondence," replied 
 Ella, with a tone of remonstrance. 
 
 M 3
 
 250 ELLA ; OR 
 
 u Far be it from me to interfere with your 
 affections/' said he ; " yet I sometimes dread 
 the consequences that the intensity of your 
 feelings may entail upon you in after life." 
 
 " Dear father, what can you apprehend from 
 Albert ? you have hitherto esteemed his vir- 
 tues," answered she mildly. 
 
 " I fear nothing from Albert, but much 
 from yourself Ella," returned the Baron. 
 a Even your legitimate love for your affianced 
 husband may assume a character incompatible 
 with your happiness." 
 
 66 In what does my regard for Albert en- 
 danger my future peace?" inquired Ella. c: On 
 the contrary, are they not so linked together — 
 so intimately blended — that the destruction of 
 the one implies that of the other ?" 
 
 " Exactly so, my Ella; your fate is too 
 deeply interwoven with that of Rosendahl, to 
 satisfy the anxieties of a father's heart. You
 
 THE EMPERORS SON. 251 
 
 have embarked your whole existence 3 and 
 the wreck, if it were to happen, must be 
 total." 
 
 " Nay — I scarcely comprehend you," ex- 
 claimed Ella, in a tone of mingled fear and 
 surprise; — " till now I imagined you loved 
 Albert as a son." 
 
 " Rosendhal is dear to me — I confess he has 
 noble and excellent qualities. I do not arraign 
 his merit Ella ; but we are taught to regulate 
 our passions — to moderate the force of our 
 best inclinations, and to give a just direction 
 to our warmest impulses. The perfection we 
 cherish in others is no excuse for idolatry." 
 
 " Do not accuse me of being overfond," re- 
 plied she, shrinking from her father's scruti- 
 nizing glance ; u had I not deemed Albert among 
 the first of human beings, I should not have 
 received his addresses."
 
 252 ELLA; OR 
 
 " Most true — you are a promising logician 
 child/ 5 said the Baron with a sigh. " Had 
 you not loved Albert, and had we not approved 
 of your choice, the solemn engagement which 
 now binds you to each other could not have 
 existed. I must bow in acquiescence to your 
 reasoning. But tell me dear Ella/' said her 
 father, with an enquiring look, — " why are 
 your spirits so unusually depressed ?" 
 
 " Not unusually depressed," returned she ; 
 u for since Rosendahl's departure I have not 
 felt the same elasticity of disposition." 
 
 u You evade my question Ella; but you 
 cannot mislead me ; something oppresses your 
 young mind. It is not jealousy I hope ?" 
 
 " Heavens ! jealousy ! no !" said she with 
 fervour ; " I have not the slightest reason to 
 doubt the sincerity of his attachment. Albert 
 is incapable of deception."
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 253 
 
 " But not of being deceived/' retorted von 
 Lindenberg. 
 
 Ella remained silent. 
 
 " None can value Rosendahl more truly than 
 myself, " continued the Baron ; " yet there is a 
 germ of enthusiasm, a strain of romance in his 
 disposition, which 1 cannot help admiring, 
 although I tremble for its consequences/' 
 
 " Have you not often said, dear father, that 
 in former days you also were an enthusiast — 
 and that the business of the state, the cares of 
 office, contributed to chill the natural warmth 
 of your character/' 
 
 " But if time and experience have damped 
 the youthful energies of my soul, I am for that 
 very reason more capable of appreciating the 
 danger of the rocks, shoals, and shallows which 
 others may have to contend with. Albert is ar- 
 dent and unsuspecting ; both qualities are in- 
 herent to generous natures. He has hitherto
 
 254 
 
 found but little sympathy in his own family, 
 whatever he may have experienced in mine. 
 I fondly hoped Ella that his love for you would 
 have fully occupied the faculties of his mind ; 
 but I was mistaken." 
 
 Ella started, with a mingled sensation of 
 surprise and alarm ; meanwhile her father 
 continued, without appearing to observe her 
 emotion. 
 
 i£ His great intimacy with the Chevalier has 
 caused me some uneasiness. But my fears may 
 be ill-founded." 
 
 " I little expected to hear from my father,'* 
 exclaimed Ella, u a surmise against de Flor- 
 ville which is at once vague and injurious. 
 Have you forgotten the deep obligation we owe 
 to him ? did he not save the life of Rosendahl ? 
 that, in itself would be a sufficient bond to 
 unite more common minds ; but I have often 
 seen you listen with delight to his conversation.
 
 the emperor's SON. 255 
 
 You appeared to esteem him for his intellec- 
 tual qualities." 
 
 " True, most true my child, I did esteem 
 him, and he has not forfeited that esteem," 
 replied the Baron. 
 
 " Did you ever detect an unworthy senti- 
 ment, or witness an ignoble action, on the 
 part of de FlorviUe ?" inquired Ella warmly. 
 
 " Never — I am proud to acknowledge it. 
 My reception must have proved to him, and to 
 all, my conviction of his worth j for as you 
 know, I am not fond of strangers. Yet I fear 
 Rosendahl carried his confidence beyond the 
 limits of prudence.' 5 
 
 " Have I not sometimes heard you remark 
 that extreme prudence in very young people 
 was a proof of coldness r" said Ella eagerly. 
 
 " Prudence is but too often another name 
 for indolence and heartlessness. I confess such
 
 256 EJLLA ; OR 
 
 is my opinion. The prudent youth is likely to 
 make the crafty man ; and however desirable 
 the attainment of prudence may be in the 
 course of one's progress through the world, it 
 does not precisely harmonize with that over- 
 flowing sensibility which is so charming in 
 youth, and so characteristic of that period of 
 life. Yet there is a certain degree of prudence 
 the necessity of which I would fain impress 
 upon your mind. Unbounded confidence is 
 not to be placed in man." 
 
 Ella forbore answering these observations, 
 which she felt did not admit of contradiction. 
 
 " To be candid with you my dear child," 
 resumed the Baron, u I believe that our friend 
 entertains many exaggerated notions on poli- 
 tical subjects, which at this crisis are of a dan- 
 gerous tendency. I am willing to acknowledge 
 that such enthusiastic ideas are natural in a
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 257 
 
 Frenchman ; but they are quite incompatible 
 with the laws, habits, and national character of 
 Germany. Generations must be swept away 
 ere the principles of modern innovation will 
 be allowed to penetrate the sanctuary of the 
 Austrian dominions. They are inconsistent 
 with the prejudices and feelings of the people, 
 and are totally at variance with the spirit of 
 our government.' 5 
 
 " But my dear father, neither the affairs of 
 France nor' the opinions of de Florville can 
 affect the prosperity of this country ; and as 
 to the happiness of our domestic circle, surely 
 that suffers no danger from the political creed 
 of our friend, and the tumult of foreign dis- 
 cord/' 
 
 " Nay, Ella, the peace of our fireside is more 
 strongly blended with public events than you 
 may be aware of," observed von Lindenberg 
 with a deep sigh. " But let us return to Al-
 
 258 ELLA ; OR 
 
 bert. I plainly remarked, with mingled regret 
 and apprehension, that previous to his depar- 
 ture he had become more deeply imbued than 
 ever with sentiments and theories which after 
 all are but delusions, and as such are not 
 calculated to advance his individual success or 
 to benefit his country : for he is by birth an 
 Austrian." 
 
 " Rosendahl was always liberally inclined/' 
 interposed Ella, in vindication of her lover. 
 " His near connexion with France on the ma- 
 ternal side renders him keenly alive to the 
 prosperity of that country." 
 
 " But the subversion of the established order 
 of things is not likely to increase the prosperity 
 of any country," murmured the Baron, with a 
 still graver expression on his countenance. 
 " Ella, the private accounts from Paris, received 
 this day, are truly alarming. All has been anar- 
 chy and blood-shed — the King has abdicated —
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 259 
 
 and the Bourbons are once more exiled from 
 their native soil. With such events passing 
 before our eyes, you cannot be surprised at my 
 uneasiness. The vigilance of the Austrian 
 government must be redoubled ; and de Flor- 
 ville's opinions are of a nature to attract no- 
 tice.'' 
 
 " Yet surely, dearest father, he is very 
 guarded," interrupted Ella, " and seldom ex- 
 presses his thoughts even in private, beyond 
 an occasional observation. 5 ' 
 
 " A single casual inadvertency on his part 
 would be enough to arouse the jealousy of a 
 certain party, especially at this period, when 
 every account from Paris gives some fresh 
 information with respect to its convulsed con- 
 dition. Innovation is the war whoop of faction, 
 and armed with this excuse they ruin the 
 constitutional edifices which only needed re- 
 pair. — The effervescent youth of the day are
 
 260 ELLA; OR 
 
 too apt to imagine that patriotism and rebellion 
 are synonimous. I have already witnessed 
 the rapid rise and fall of various governments 
 throughout Europe. I have seen the insignias 
 of power transmitted from the man to the 
 multitude. I have watched the work of revo- 
 lution in all its phases, and viewed its de- 
 vastating progress, marked with the brand of 
 guilt, and stained with the blood of innocence. 
 Ella, when a change is demanded in the 
 regulation of national institutions, it should be 
 the result of deliberation, not of popular fury. 
 The senate should consult the wants and 
 wishes of the people, but should never consent 
 to yield to the dictates of clamour." 
 
 " But my dear father, I have hitherto had 
 reason to believe that you approved of our 
 intimacy with the Chevalier ; and at all events 
 Albert is absent ; therefore no danger can be 
 apprehended either from his embracing the
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 261 
 
 cause of France or compromising his character 
 as an Austrian. — Surely his correspondence 
 with his friend is harmless?" enquired Ella, 
 alarmed at her father's serious looks and tone. 
 
 u I am not convinced of that," answered 
 von Lindenberg. " But you are becoming 
 quite a politician, my dear Ella; I must check 
 this propensity; it is not graceful — it is not 
 feminine. The energy necessary for political 
 action, and the prowess of the battle field, 
 must be left to the stronger sex." 
 
 " Are not these reports from Paris rather 
 unexpected? and may they not be exagerat- 
 ed?" inquired Ella, somewhat startled at the 
 aspect affairs had assumed. 
 
 " Neither the one nor the other/' re- 
 plied the Baron. " Charles X has been driven 
 from France, and the Duke of Orleans is 
 called to the throne. These facts speak for 
 themselves. But the numerous cabals and
 
 262 ELLA ; OR 
 
 factions which distract France have each an 
 idol of their own, ready to thrust forward in 
 the very face of legitimacy. It is a subject of 
 congratulation to me that Albert is far from 
 Vienna ; for henceforward de Florville will be 
 a marked man. I know it from undoubted 
 authority. He is enveloped in a species of 
 mystery, alike impenetrable to the quick 
 scrutiny of friendship, and to the inquisi 
 torial investigation of enmity. He is uni- 
 formly silent as to his purposes and pur- 
 suits. What motive detains him thus in Ger- 
 many ? Neither pleasure nor business, — I 
 should suppose. He has now been admitted 
 to our house on familiar terms for several 
 months, and we yet continue ignorant of his 
 real position in life. The name of de Florville 
 I confess is new to me. In consequence of 
 the various rumours and surmises which have 
 lately reached me, I have carefully searched
 
 263 
 
 my collection of French newspapers, in hopes 
 of discovering some clue or connexion by which 
 I might be able to trace his real condition — 
 but in vain. /The Chevalier once mentioned 
 the name of Bonaparte, with a certain interest 
 and consciousness which did not escape my 
 notice. Since then he has never reverted to the 
 subject in my presence. His name is not con- 
 tained in the ephemeral catalogue of noblesse 
 which Napoleon raised from nothing ; nor is it 
 recorded amongst those patrician worthies who 
 either consecrated their lives to the cause of 
 monarchy in voluntary exile, or resigned it in 
 exchange for the palm of martyrdom on the 
 scaffold." 
 
 " I believe him to be descended from some 
 of Bonaparte's strongest adherents f returned 
 Ella, evidently labouring under great emotion. 
 
 " Strange apprehensions assail me," inter- 
 rupted her father. " I am haunted with a
 
 264 ELLA; OR 
 
 sense of impending danger, which cannot be 
 defined. I am not superstitious — I am not the 
 creature of impulse — I am not subject to 
 groundless fears, or suspicious without founda- 
 tion ; — yet, I confess to you, I both fear and 
 suspect de Florville." 
 
 Ella listened with a painful earnestness, 
 which did not tend to lessen her father's 
 doubts. 
 
 " I speak Ella," continued he gravely, " ra- 
 ther by way of caution for the future than in 
 reference to the past. We must be guarded 
 in our intimacies, and you had better suggest, 
 in your letters to Rosendahl, that a little pru- 
 dence in his words and correspondence may be 
 advisable. His birth, property, education and 
 projected alliance are essentially German. His 
 profession is that of a soldier. The Austrian 
 government does not allow itself to be tam- 
 pered with, and should Albert imbibe and
 
 the emperor's SON. 265 
 
 promulgate the wild doctrines of a French 
 Bonapartist, his hopes and success through life 
 must suffer materially. His military career 
 would be checked at the very onset ; all pro- 
 motion would be stopped ; and his step-mother 
 would be the very last to screen him from 
 the animosity of a cabal." 
 
 " Count Rosendhal could surely protect his 
 son from injustice/' said Ella. 
 
 " Injustice is seldom so strong as when its 
 persecutions are supported by a plausible pre- 
 text ; and however flagrant it may be, injustice 
 is never acknowledged. No one admits that 
 he is swayed by passion ; the human heart is 
 ever ready to clothe its vilest impulses under 
 the garb of expediency; and if Albert once 
 commits himself, I fear the worst results for us 
 all. De Florville is a man calculated to obtain 
 and to preserve a dangerous ascendancy over 
 the minds of others. His very virtues, and 
 
 VOL. I. N
 
 266 ella; OR 
 
 the high toned exaltation of his disposition, 
 render him the more unsafe as an asso- 
 ciate." 
 
 " But, my dear father, you have misjudged 
 him," exclaimed Ella eagerly; " he is not 
 what you appear to suspect. He is no conspi- 
 rator — I believe — I know — he is a partizan of 
 freedom — an admirer of Napoleon — to whom 
 he acknowledges vast obligations. — He reveres 
 the memory of a great man — he laments the 
 overthrow of a vast empire. — But why should 
 a matter of feeling, of individual attachment 
 towards. . . .the dead. . . .excite your fears?" 
 
 " It is not the attachment professed towards 
 the dead that alarms me ; it is the reference 
 which is thereby implied to the living. But 
 enough — you are fatigued, dearest child. Pon- 
 der my words : I trust they may not be too 
 late." On saying this the Baron rose, and 
 tenderly embracing his daughter, retired.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 267 
 
 As Ella once more yielded to solitary medi- 
 tation, and undefined conjectures, as to the 
 character of de Florville, it seemed to acquire a 
 darker hue. She also felt the truth of her fa- 
 ther's observations. But the die was cast — she 
 had missed her only opportunity of craving the 
 protection and indulgence of her parent ; — and 
 as she sought to still the voice of self upbraid- 
 ing by calling up visions of the past and the 
 future, she found that no effort of imagination 
 could silence the solemn accusations which rose 
 against her, or calm the excitement under 
 which she was labouring. 
 
 After some hours of agitated watchfulness 
 she at length sank into a perturbed slumber, 
 which neither afforded oblivion nor relief. Still 
 the same images haunted her fancy ; the indis- 
 tinct terror of impending misfortune seemed 
 magnified during the obscurity of night, and 
 
 N 2
 
 263 ella; OR 
 
 assumed a more threatening aspect as the rea- 
 soning powers remained dormant. 
 
 She awoke on the following morning, feverish 
 and unrefreshed, to a perfect consciousness of 
 her own imprudence, and the bitterness of 
 unavailing regret.
 
 THE EMPERORS SON. 269 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Lo ! on yon couch pale Austria's crownless boy 
 The sad Scamandrius of a fallen Troy. 
 
 Edward L. Bulwer. 
 
 The Duke of Reichstadt still dragged on a 
 wearisome existence in the Palace of Schoen- 
 brunn. No change had taken place in his posi- 
 tion. Surrounded by external grandeur, the 
 accustomed watchfulness still presided over his 
 actions. He continued a solitary being, neither 
 enjoying the fellowship of his equals, nor re- 
 ceiving the poor satisfaction which the homage
 
 270 ELLA J OR 
 
 of inferiors may sometimes afford. The son of 
 one Emperor — the grandson of another — he 
 was yet an object of pity to all who looked 
 upon or thought of him — of all — from the 
 prince upon his throne to the peasant at his 
 plough. 
 
 There is no sentiment we are more reluctant 
 to excite in others than that of compassion : 
 human pride in every sphere recoils from it. 
 There is a species of satisfaction even in being 
 the subject of envy — so much so that vanity 
 delights in the vulgar triumph. But pity is 
 the mildew of the soul : a gentle nature withers 
 under it — a proud one repudiates and scorns 
 the unwelcome sympathy. 
 
 Endowed by circumstance with all the ex- 
 ternal attributes of royalty, birth, wealth, mag- 
 nificence, influence, — the Duke de Reichstadt 
 was totally divested of the real essence of all 
 these— namely Power. The poorest and most
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 271 
 
 humble citizen of Vienna was at least master of 
 himself; but such was not the son of Napoleon. 
 In contemplating his fate, and that of his father, 
 it would seem as if a retributive justice presided 
 over the destinies of man. The all absorbing 
 passion of Napoleon, the unbounded desire for 
 universal empire, the wilful abuse of great and 
 glorious gifts, punished by the very means and 
 in the very moment of attainment ! The son, 
 born as it were to wield the sceptre of the 
 world, yet scarcely allowed the free exercise 
 even of thought ! And the destiny seems to 
 cling to the whole race. The Bonaparte family 
 will soon cease to exist, or at least they will 
 be again merged and lost in the rank from 
 whence they were raised by the magic sway of 
 the mighty ruler. One by one the various 
 members of the original stock disappear from 
 the scene of life. A few more years, and 
 nothing will remain of the once flourishing and
 
 272 ELLA; OR 
 
 brilliant dynasty that for a season held the 
 concentrated Monarchy of Europe — nothing 
 but its record in the iron page of history. 
 
 At the period to which we last referred, the 
 Duke of Reichstadt's health, which was con- 
 stitutionally delicate, was evidently far from 
 improving; and the confined and enervating 
 atmosphere of Schoenbrunn was not calculated 
 to repair the perceptible ravages of disease, or 
 dispel the increasing melancholy of his disposi- 
 tion. The splendour of the court, far from 
 relieving the ennui which consumed him, 
 seemed to mock the deep dejection that had 
 settled on his youthful brow. Satiated with 
 the productions of the fine arts, the Prince no 
 longer loved to contemplate the vivid beauties 
 of the picture gallery ; for the semblances of 
 youth, health and freedom, which he saw there, 
 became every day more painful to his sight. 
 The most noble efforts of sculpture failed to
 
 273 
 
 please him, and the rich ornaments with which 
 taste or luxury had decorated his apartments 
 were to him the mere gilded bars of his prison- 
 house : — that which alone he panted for was 
 that which was alone denied him — Liberty ! 
 
 The salubrious baths and springs with which 
 Germany abounds had been alternately pres- 
 cribed by the faculty, and their use sanctioned 
 by the Emperor. But De Reichstadt preferred 
 even the languor of the court to the fruitless 
 ennui of a royal tour. 
 
 It was with sincere pain that the Emperor 
 observed the insidious advances of the fatal 
 disease which was consuming the youth, and a 
 physician was in constant attendance, rather to 
 watch the progress of the malady than from a 
 hope of successfully arresting its inroads. Even 
 the torturing vigilance of Father Clement re- 
 laxed some portion of its wonted activity. 
 
 The season had just arrived at full maturity : 
 
 n 3
 
 274 ELLA J OR 
 
 it seemed as if nature could reach no higher 
 point in the ascending scale of perfection, and 
 that the next perceptible change must be the 
 unavoidable forerunner of decline. The flowers 
 had already been superseded by richer produce, 
 and blushing fruit made ample amends for 
 fading blossoms. Yet there is something sad 
 even in the very fulfilment of promised abun- 
 dance. The plenteous harvest for which the 
 husbandman has toiled, is but the harbinger of 
 decay; and in proportion as we gain the ob- 
 jects of existence, we perceive more distinctly 
 its inevitable termination. At first all is hope ; 
 expectancy directs every human action; the 
 distant goal of desire, still far from us, gleams 
 brightly on the horizon. But as we gradually 
 draw nearer to the attainment of our hopes, we 
 find the insufficiency of enjoyment, and feel our 
 approach to the grave, which ultimately closes 
 upon all things.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 275 
 
 Young Napoleon had passed a day of listless 
 inactivity, — his books and his devotions suc- 
 cessively sharing only a small portion of that 
 attention which he could neither command nor 
 apply. One by one he had relinquished his 
 different studies, seeking amusement from 
 variety, and finding it no where. Drawing 
 appeared to possess the strongest attraction 
 for him, and for a while he occupied himself 
 cheerfully with his pencil ; but the acute and 
 increasing pains in his chest compelled him to 
 throw aside the half finished sketch which had 
 beguiled a few minutes of his time. The design 
 possessed considerable spirit, and represented 
 a romantic fortress, which imagination alone 
 had depicted with surprising correctness of con- 
 ception ; due regard being displayed to the capa- 
 bilities of defence, the probable range of can- 
 non, and other like peculiarities. A spark of
 
 276 ELLA ; OR 
 
 his father's genius was conveyed to that 
 paper ! 
 
 Von Lindenberg, who had dedicated a por- 
 tion of the afternoon to the society of the 
 Prince, smiled a melancholy approval, as he 
 looked at this effort of military taste ; whilst 
 Clement, observing the circumstance, imme- 
 diately produced a fine engraving from Raphael, 
 which he praised with ostentation, — thus seek- 
 ing to divert the royal artist's attention from 
 the subject he had chosen. 
 
 The physician, who remarked the hectic flush 
 which burned on the hollow cheek of his 
 patient, urged a gentle remonstrance— begging 
 his highness to prepare for the exercise which 
 his sedentary occupations during the entire 
 day had rendered so necessary. 
 
 " No, I prefer quiet," replied the youth, 
 " and your conversation has interested me. 
 I do not wish to leave the palace."
 
 277 
 
 " Change is recommended, my Prince/' said 
 the Jesuit ; ei you have been confined too long ; 
 let me prevail on you to walk or ride. 5 ' 
 
 " Change ? yes change may be beneficial I 
 acknowledge," answered De Reichstadt ; " but 
 the formal gardens, measured walks, and strait 
 avenues of Schoenbrunn offer no change in 
 their odious monotony." 
 
 " If your highness would select?" resumed 
 the physician humbly. 
 
 " Speak, monseigneur — you have but to 
 express your wishes," replied the confessor 
 mildly. 
 
 " My wishes !" echoed the Duke, " be it 
 so ! thanks for your kind attention, — but I do 
 not feel disposed to leave the palace." 
 
 The priest still urged a change of occupation 
 — looking towards von Lindenberg as if for 
 additional support. 
 
 " Why do you importune me thus ?" cried
 
 278 ELLAJ OR 
 
 the youth impatiently; " let me remain here." 
 As he spoke thus he approached a splendid 
 organ, that occupied a large recess. He laid 
 his hands lightly on the keys, and drew forth 
 tones of exquisite purity and pathos. For 
 some moments he rambled over snatches of 
 melody, which he harmonized with scientific 
 modulation ; then turning from his own phan- 
 tastic combinations, he commenced a beautiful 
 voluntary of Mozart, in which tenderness and 
 religious solemnity were delightfully blended. 
 He then wandered, almost unconsciously, to 
 the mysterious, soul-harrowing inspirations of 
 Beethoven, whose genius he seemed to appre- 
 ciate. The magnificent productions of that 
 composer can never be compared with those 
 of any other genius, living or dead. The 
 sublimity of his concerted pieces at present 
 stand alone in the scale of musical superiority. 
 No other composer has ever united in the same
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 279 
 
 degree, the most energetic harmony, and the 
 most touching pathos, with all the startling 
 effects of light and shade. A dim, visionary, 
 almost unearthly character breathes through 
 every strain, as if the sounds came from 
 another and more spiritual world, and spoke 
 the language of the soul. Deep, irresistible 
 expression forms the striking feature of his 
 matchless minores and adagios; whilst the 
 bold feverish impetuosity that pervades his 
 scherzos display a fervour and vehemence of 
 conception that must ever isolate the metaphy- 
 sical Beethoven from amongst his predecessors 
 and his contemporaries. 
 
 Excited by his new occupation, de Reich- 
 stadt continued for some time accelerating the 
 movement, until exhausted with the force of 
 ]iis own impassioned execution, -he betrayed 
 considerable emotion. Yet such was the effect
 
 280 ELLA ; OR 
 
 of the heavenly music, so completely was the 
 attention of all around rapt in the scientific 
 harmony, none perceived that the exertion 
 might prove prejudicial to the performer. 
 
 Approaching darkness gradually warned 
 them of the hour, and as departing daylight 
 yielded to the increasing gloom, the soft full 
 tones of the instrument melted on the sense, 
 and slowly sank into a melancholy cadence; 
 for the hand that produced them had expended 
 its vigour, and the organ now sadly and so- 
 lemnly responded to the tremulous touch dying 
 away in lingering echoes. 
 
 " His Highness is fatigued/' exclaimed the 
 confessor, first awakening to the perception of 
 de Reichstadt's feebleness. 
 
 " No father, no !" rejoined he mildly ; " I 
 am only a little overpowered with the music." 
 
 u Too much application, even to the fine
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 281 
 
 arts, may be injurious," said the Jesuit ; " re- 
 pose is absolutely necessary to your high- 
 ness." 
 
 " Nay father, surely I may commune with 
 the ideal. I feel as if I heard a voice from the 
 unknown world of spirits. . . ,it is the privilege 
 of an invalid to be indulged. ..." The Prince 
 sighed deeply as he uttered these words. 
 
 " Could your Highness be persuaded to 
 take some refreshment?" observed the officious 
 physician. " Allow me also to order lights ; 
 for this obscurity — " 
 
 " I prefer this soft twilight," said the Prince, 
 interrupting him ; — " but I will recline on the 
 sofa, if the Baron von Lindenberg will excuse 
 it." 
 
 The Baron placed a down cushion under 
 the languid head of the sufferer, who pressed his 
 hand gratefully. 
 
 " Your kind attendance," added he, ad-
 
 282 ELLA; OB 
 
 dressing the doctor, " will be dispensed 
 with." 
 
 " My son/' cried Father Clement, " we will 
 all retire." 
 
 " If the Baron would remain," interposed 
 de Reichstadt, " and read aloud or converse, 
 I should be gratified." 
 
 " I implore your Highness to calm this ex- 
 citement, which almost alarms me," exclaimed 
 the medical adviser, with genuine uneasiness. 
 
 " Your science can avail but little," retorted 
 the invalid peevishly ; " spare me its useless 
 display." 
 
 " You are nervous, my beloved son," re- 
 joined the Jesuit; " I am sure his Excellency 
 (turning graciously to the Baron) will agree 
 with me in prescribing rest, and an absolute 
 cessation of all mental exertion." 
 
 " Perhaps his Highness may not like soli- 
 tude," observed von Lindenberg, not wishing
 
 the emperor's son. 283 
 
 to abandon the feeble youth to the suggestions 
 of his heated imagination. 
 
 " Solitude ! yes — no/'— muttered the Prince 
 discontentedly — for he wished to banish the 
 doctor and the priest, but could not make the 
 desired exception in favor of the Baron. 
 " Deal with me even as you will," continued 
 he — subdued almost to childishness. " Go 
 or stay." 
 
 K As it is yet so early, you may not be able 
 to sleep before your accustomed hour," ob- 
 served Clement ; K allow me therefore to pre- 
 sent a small collection of pious thoughts, which 
 I have carefully selected and edited for your 
 personal use," added he, offering a volume 
 elegantly bound in purple velvet, and mounted 
 with clasps of chased gold. a It will satisfac- 
 torily beguile the time until you feel inclined 
 to celebrate the evening service, when I shall
 
 28 1 ELLA ; OR 
 
 be in readiness to assist your highness's devo- 
 tions/' said the priest. 
 
 a Father/' rejoined de Reichstadt, in that 
 timid yet querulous tone so exclusively apper- 
 taining to bodily weakness — " could you not 
 remit the office of Angelus Domini .... for this 
 night ? Private orisons will suit me better in 
 my present frame of mind. To-morrow, dear 
 father/' added he, smiling in his most conci- 
 liatory manner, " to-morrow I hope you will 
 find me more docile/' 
 
 " So be it," cried the follower of St. Igna- 
 tius, raising his eyes to Heaven. " May your 
 Highness's reflexions prove salutary." 
 
 Fatigued with the Argus-like vigilance of the 
 Jesuit, and equally annoyed with the officious 
 intrusiveness of the physician, the royal re- 
 cluse would willingly have sought refuge and 
 solace in the society of von Lindenberg; but
 
 285 
 
 the desire was no sooner expressed than its 
 attainment was frustrated. The free choice of 
 a companion, even for an hour, was denied 
 him, and he felt that perfect solitude, even 
 neglect, would be preferable to the minute 
 torment of the petty jurisdiction and the 
 teazing assiduities to which he was sub- 
 jected. 
 
 Few things are more irritating to a nervous 
 temperament than to find oneself the object of 
 perpetual watchfulness, even though that watch- 
 fulness may be dictated by affection ; but if it 
 emanates from distrust, it becomes insupport- 
 able. Young Napoleon endured this to the ut- 
 most extent. It was therefore a welcome re- 
 lief to his harassed spirits when the confessor, 
 touching a small silver bell, summoned the 
 page in waiting, whose duty it was to attend 
 the royal chamber.
 
 286 ella; OR 
 
 A lamp of exquisite workmanship was placed 
 in the centre of the apartment, through which 
 it diffused a stream of chastened light, that 
 could not offend the most delicate organiza- 
 tion. 
 
 Transparent curtains of the finest texture 
 were carefully drawn across the closed windows, 
 and every precaution was taken to exclude the 
 external atmosphere, which was deemed preju- 
 dicial to the invalid. 
 
 " Good night my son ! God be with you 1 M 
 said Father Clement, after pronouncing the 
 customary " Benedicite/' to which the Duke 
 of Reichstadt responded by a silent but re- 
 spectful inclination. 
 
 The Jesuit then slowly turned towards his 
 companions, with a gesture of decision that 
 admitted of no appeal, intimating that it was 
 time to depart. One by one they kissed the
 
 287 
 
 emaciated hand extended to them, and 
 with a profound obeisance, the statesman, 
 the priest, and the physician retired for the 
 night.
 
 268 ELLA ; OR 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 My chief, my king, my friend, adieu 1 
 
 Never did I droop before $ 
 Never to my Sovereign sue 
 
 As his foes I cow implore ! 
 All I ask is to divide 
 
 Every peril he must brave, 
 Sharing by the Hero's side, 
 
 His fall, his exile, and his grave. 
 
 Lord Byron. 
 
 " At last I am alone/' exclaimed the Duke 
 of Reichstadt, with an expression of melan- 
 choly satisfaction, as he mechanically turned 
 over the leaves of the volume received from his
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 289 
 
 spiritual director. " Yet I should have wished 
 von Lindenberg to remain. I love his wise 
 communion : it soothes my troubled spirit, and 
 teaches me. . . .resignation." 
 
 On giving utterance to these words the 
 Prince commenced reading, and skimmed 
 through a few pages of the book he held ; but 
 his attention was not to be captivated by the 
 turgid exhortations and oft repeated aphorisms 
 that constituted its learned contexts. He at 
 length threw it aside with undisguised disgust, 
 and rising from his half recumbent posture on 
 the couch, approached the window, withdrew 
 the clear muslin drapery by which it was shaded, 
 and contemplated the prospect without. 
 " Ever in thraldom," continued he, " the very 
 breath of Heaven is excluded." As he said 
 this he opened the casement, by an effort of 
 strength unusual to his feeble limbs. A fresh 
 breeze swept past, and cooled his burning 
 
 vol. i. o
 
 290 ELLA; OR 
 
 brow, but as it murmured on in its viewless 
 progress through the majestic trees that orna- 
 mented the extensive gardens below, a few 
 seared leaves fell rustling to the ground. 
 
 " Already !" exclaimed he soliloquizing. 
 " Already ? surely the green garb of summer 
 has not yet yielded to autumn's saddened li- 
 very ? It is early, too early for the foliage to 
 wither. But a short time since I watched the 
 tender buds bursting into vigorous luxuriance. 
 'Tis soon indeed for them to fade. Pre- 
 mature decay has blighted yonder leaves ; 
 but fresh verdure will again clothe our forests 
 — another spring and the elastic boughs will 
 again undulate with the fragrant pressure of 
 newly opened blossoms — but man — has no 
 second season — here!— Must I assume the 
 mournful trappings of the grave, and never 
 bloom again ? Strange thoughts are crowding 
 on me. .. .nineteen years of life — but nineteen
 
 THE EMPEROR S SON. 291 
 
 years ! 'tis young, too young to die. . . .nineteen 
 years of solitary existence, uncheered by friend- 
 ship's glad companionship — unhallowed by af- 
 fection — unsoothed by sympathy. . . .cruel. . . . 
 cruel policy, that has severed me from all who 
 might have loved and cherished me ! Me- 
 thinks I could die more happy if this aching 
 head were pillowed on a mother's breast." As 
 the youth thus spoke, he raised his eyes, filled 
 with tears, to the bright arch of Heaven. It 
 was resplendent with the gorgeous regalia of 
 nature; myriads of stars shone forth in glorious 
 galaxy. 
 
 " Away with the learned calculations of 
 astronomy !" exclaimed de Reichstadt. a Let 
 me contemplate those distant and mysterious 
 orbs, the brilliant radiance of which we admire 
 but cannot comprehend ; whose existence we 
 know but cannot explain ; the supernatural 
 influence of which on the destinies of man, 
 
 o 2
 
 292 ella; OR 
 
 has been conjectured but never ascertained. 
 Let me view yon twinkling gems with a senti- 
 ment far different from the philosophical inves- 
 tigations of science. There is a wild theory of 
 a less earthly kind, that yields unlimited scope 
 for speculation. I have heard that my father 
 
 believed the planetary ascendancy My 
 
 father ! that fearful victim and minister of 
 fatality. .. .He, that was at once the holocaust 
 and the high priest, the altar and the sacrifice ! 
 He believed in the stars, and read the luminous 
 language of the firmament. Perhaps in the 
 joyful exuberance of newly awakened fondness, 
 when first he clasped the infant heir of France 
 to his paternal breast, he consulted the bright 
 intelligences of Heaven, and sought to know 
 the future fortunes of his son — of Napoleon's 
 son ! . . . . Did the prophetic skies foretell the 
 wondrous changes that the face of Europe 
 would sustain in the course of a few short
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 293 
 
 years ? that his conquests would be effaced in 
 the blood of a single battle — that his dynasty 
 should be annihilated by the instrumentality 
 of former partizans — that his power should 
 sink before the advancing armies of the bar- 
 barous north, and his family be gradually 
 swept away from the face of the earth. The 
 lily has displaced the eagle; the extended limits 
 of France have shrank from the vine clad banks 
 of the Rhine to their ancient boundaries — and 
 the son — the long desired heir — the child 
 for whose possession the love of woman and 
 the fidelity of man were sacrificed — that child 
 has pined in solitude, in disease — the race will 
 soon be extinct. 
 
 At this moment the Duke de Reichstadt's 
 melancholy reverie was interrupted by a pene- 
 trating but subdued voice, that sang, with an 
 expression of deep pathos, the following stan- 
 zas :
 
 294 ELLA 3 OR 
 
 The closing flowers salute the autumnal gale, 
 While deeper shade o'erspreads the fruitful vale. 
 The peaceful lake in placid beauty lies, 
 Silvery mirror of the radiant skies ! 
 Oh country dear ! tho* absent, still the same, 
 My faithful heart bounds wildly at thy name. 
 
 Approaching night moves on with solemn pace, 
 To crown the day with evening's mellow grace ; 
 A trusty friend unites in freedom's song ; 
 A mountain echo bears the strain along. 
 Oh 1 country dear, tho' absent, still the same, 
 My faithful heart bounds wildly at thy name. 
 
 The rising moon now breaking thro' the trees, 
 That gently murmur in the sweeping breeze, 
 Which yet may waft my plaintive voice to thee, 
 And bring a token back of Hope to me ; 
 And that dear land, tho* absent, still the same, 
 My faithful heart bounds wildly at the name » 
 
 * It is hoped the author of " Oh ma patrie" will forgive 
 the liberties that have been taken in attempting an English 
 version of that plaintive and popular romance.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 295 
 
 As the Prince listened to the singer, the air, 
 once familiar to his infant ears, rushed upon 
 him with the full tide of memory. Tears fell 
 fast from his eyelids as he repeated the sounds 
 so well remembered. 
 
 " How often," exclaimed he, " have these 
 words been repeated in my hearing ! How of- 
 ten have I been lulled to sleep and obedience 
 by that very song !" 
 
 As the Prince spoke, a figure, which until 
 then had remained concealed by the deep 
 shadow of the building, emerged from the 
 gloom, and stood before him. 
 
 " Who goes there ?" inquired he starting, 
 more with surprise than alarm. 
 
 " A friend !" replied the stranger. 
 
 " You may approach," said de Reichstadt, in 
 a tone of command. " But you select an unu- 
 sual hour."
 
 296 ella; OR 
 
 " All hours are favourable to good inten- 
 tions/' answered the intruder. 
 
 " The audience you seem to seek shall be 
 granted/' rejoined the Duke. u You cannot be 
 a courtier I presume, or you would not have 
 chosen this novel mode of addressing me." 
 
 " I am a friend — therefore not a courtier," 
 observed the stranger in a low voice. " Will 
 your Highness admit me to your apartment ?" 
 
 " You are alone I perceive/' said the Prince ; 
 " and if you were not I have nothing to fear ; 
 at least I know no enemies," cried he, with a 
 degree of firmness and moral courage not to 
 be expected from his debilitated health, retired 
 habits, and the monastic style of his educa- 
 tion. 
 
 The Duke retreated a few paces from the 
 window, which descended to the floor, whilst 
 his mysterious visitor, with a slight exertion
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 297 
 
 of his muscular frame, raised himself from 
 below, and entered through the open casement. 
 — He advanced towards the sofa where the 
 Prince had seated himself, and throwing off 
 a large Spanish cloak which completely enve- 
 loped his person, bent one knee to the ground, 
 then raising his dark expressive eyes met the 
 timid glance of young Napoleon, whose sunken 
 features gleamed with kindled curiosity and 
 astonishment, in the wan light of the veiled 
 lamp which fell directly on the spot he occu- 
 pied. A more striking group can scarcely be 
 conceived. 
 
 " For this," exclaimed de Florville, for it 
 was no other, u for this I have hitherto existed, 
 and to enjoy this melancholy gratification I 
 could have died ! — Let me examine that face, 
 which brings with it a painful yet precious 
 reminiscence " 
 
 " You think that I resemble my father/' in- 
 
 o 3
 
 298 ELLA; OR 
 
 terrupted de Reichstadt with simplicity, " you 
 are perhaps a Frenchman ?" 
 
 " I am a Frenchman, Sire — a faithful, a de- 
 voted subject." 
 
 ic A Frenchman }" repeated the Prince — " a 
 Frenchman at Schoenbrunn ! what chance or 
 design has led you hither ?" 
 
 " The purpose of years, and the wishes of a 
 people, have brought me to your presence," 
 cried he. 
 
 " You have eluded the sentries !" returned 
 de Reichstadt; "beware of alarmingthe house- 
 hold !" continued he, raising a monitory ringer. 
 
 " My admittance is the result of my own 
 fixed determination — and I am rewarded by 
 success," answered the stranger. 
 
 " Had you met a repulse }*' remarked the 
 Duke. 
 
 " I should have persevered — I was resolved 
 — that is sufficient."
 
 the emperor's SON. 299 
 
 a You have run some risk," replied the 
 Prince. 
 
 " I learnt to despise danger long since. The 
 present moment compensates for years of an- 
 xiety/' cried de Florville in a subdued tone. 
 
 " I did not think that I could have inspired 
 so strong an interest/' rejoined de Reichstadt 
 with kindness ; then assuming an air of dignity 
 he added — " your errand must be one of 
 mystery or danger, as it seeks the protection 
 of darkness and concealment." 
 
 " It is an errand of love !" exclaimed de 
 Florville with increasing energy. " I come a 
 faithful emissary of your Imperial adherents — I 
 come to offer allegiance to the son of Napo- 
 leon !" 
 
 " You surprise me. Hitherto my existence 
 has passed away unheeded and uncheered by 
 human attachment. The memory of my father 
 is dear to my recollection. I can imagine that 
 his moral ascendancy may still survive his
 
 300 ELLA; OR 
 
 power. Speak ? have you known my father ?" 
 inquired de Reichstadt with vehemence. 
 
 " I once enjoyed that honour, and glory in 
 my stedfast adherence to the cause which was 
 deserted by his nearest kindred. Should your 
 highness doubt my words, this token may 
 bring conviction; for your heart must recog- 
 nize it if your remembrance fail," returned de 
 Florville, producing the cherished relic. 
 
 The Prince snatched it eagerly, and gazing 
 on it with tenderness, opened his breast, from 
 whence he drew forth a locket set in brilliants, 
 and compared its contents with the lock of 
 hair he held. Both were similar in shade, but 
 that given by de Florville was slightly inter- 
 mixed with grey. 
 
 " My father," groaned the Duke, pressing it 
 reverently to his lips, at the same time direct- 
 ing a glance of mingled scrutiny and tenderness 
 towards his companion.
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 301 
 
 " Your Highness, will now perhaps give cre- 
 dence to my testimony," said the stranger. 
 
 " Proceed — I did not doubt you — I only 
 marvelled," cried the youth. 
 
 " Should the details of my story prove te- 
 dious," exclaimed de Florville, * the substance 
 cannot fail to interest the feelings of a son." 
 
 " Why do you hesitate ? your words have 
 already deeply excited my attention, my curio- 
 sity. Go on I entreat you — this suspense is 
 painful," observed de Reichstadt. 
 
 " Personally insignificant, I acquire some 
 consequence from the circumstances in which 
 my destiny has been involved. I enjoyed the 
 noble privilege of attending Napoleon to St. 
 Helena, and shared the lot of those faithful 
 friends who preferred honour to prosperity. 
 We remained at Longwood until the fatal ter- 
 mination of our master's eventful life. At 
 times our tender care succeeded in assuaging
 
 302 ELLA; OR 
 
 his agony; and when our best endeavours 
 failed to relieve, at least our intentions seem- 
 ed acceptable to the sufferer. We loved him 
 — we had participated in his munificence, 
 and sought by sympathy to alleviate his mis- 
 fortunes. Being allowed the melancholy satis- 
 faction of attending the Emperor in his last 
 moments, I became the depositary of his 
 wishes, and the bearer of his commands. I 
 bring a father's blessing to his only child ! 
 His dying gaze was fixed on your image — his 
 dying accents were intended for your ear l" 
 
 The Prince sobbed with concentrated emo- 
 tion, as de Florville continued to pour forth a 
 strain of high wrought enthusiasm. 
 
 "This is not all. . . .hear me Sire I? cried he, 
 bending one knee before his agitated listener. 
 " I have another mission to fulfill — a mission 
 of vital import to the cause of freedom and of 
 glory — but ere I venture to give utterance
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 303 
 
 to the vows and aspirations of fidelity, may I 
 be encouraged by your Highnesses permission V 
 
 " Your language, wild and extraordinary as 
 it sounds, is not unwelcome. You have raised 
 a host of tumultuous sensations ; you have 
 created an interest hitherto unfelt ; — go on — I 
 am not inattentive — '* replied the Duke. 
 
 " I am sent hither to lay the hearts and 
 swords of a faithful people at the feet of their 
 chosen sovereign/' exclaimed the stranger. 
 
 " Forbear !" interrupted his royal compa- 
 nion ; " these flattering proofs of individual at- 
 tachment are useless. I do not merit such 
 enthusiastic devotion. But this touching allu- 
 sion to my father's memory cannot be passed 
 over in silence. Accept my warmest gratitude 
 — the acknowledgments of. . . .young Napo- 
 leon."' 
 
 " The remnant of la vieille garde — the nume- 
 rous body of Bonapartists now in France,
 
 304 ella; OR 
 
 those who still proudly remember our days of 
 glory, and those whose young imaginations feed 
 on the recital of their fathers, have deputed 
 me to submit their wishes for your High- 
 nesses consideration and approval — " continued 
 the Chevalier. 
 
 " Cease to convey the rash suggestions of 
 ambition," rejoined de Reichstadt. " I cannot 
 permit such language to be held in my presence. 
 Our interview must close." 
 
 " Think not, monseigneur, that the voice of 
 affection is thus easily silenced — that the sense 
 of a people can thus be misunderstood. Your 
 hereditary claim to our devotion and respect, 
 you cannot entertain a doubt of ?" observed de 
 Florville. 
 
 " Confused, yet penetrated with conflicting 
 sentiments hitherto unknown, I can scarcely 
 impart an adequate idea of my present feel- 
 ings," answered the Duke, considerably moved,
 
 305 
 
 u I welcome you — as a Frenchman — as a friend 
 — your language I believe is the transcript of 
 your soul." 
 
 " I express the desires, the will of thou- 
 sands/' exclaimed the Chevalier fervently. 
 
 " These words breathe sincerity — they are 
 gladdening to my heart — they shed a flattering 
 illusion on my desolate condition ; but mistake 
 not the assurances of gratitude for the required 
 sanction to your rash hopes. Your words this 
 night have made an indelible impression on 
 me — but I must not, I will not deceive you — 
 remember that the son of Bonaparte is the 
 grandchild of Francis, and a subject of Aus- 
 tria." 
 
 De Florville coloured deeply, and remained 
 silent for a moment, after which he resumed 
 emphatically. 
 
 " The circumstances to which your High- 
 ness alludes have ever been deplored by
 
 306 ELLA ', OR 
 
 those who seek to establish your throne in the 
 hearts of the French people. Would to God 
 you partook more decidedly of Napoleon's tur- 
 bulent nature ! Oh ! that our present regret 
 could be changed into joyful expectancy ! for 
 your father is yet mourned as intensely as if 
 the dire calamity that betrayed France into the 
 hands of her enemies had happened but yester- 
 day. Oh ! how we loved the daring spirit that 
 ruled us ! How we loved the warrior who led 
 us forth to battle and to victory ! How fear- 
 lessly we obeyed the comprehensive mind that 
 contended against the intricacies of European 
 policy, and swayed them to his will ! We would 
 joyfully place the diadem of France at the com- 
 mand of Napoleon the second. A numerous 
 deputation from our party are only waiting my 
 signal to escort your majesty in triumph to the 
 very centre of your dominions. There is not 
 a single regiment in the whole kingdom that
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 307 
 
 does not possess some fraction of that noble 
 army which was once deemed invincible. The 
 mercantile interest is always swayed by the 
 popular voice, which cannot long continue si- 
 lent. The old noblesse are a powerless body, 
 bound to support the privileges of their own or- 
 der; and a timely intimation of future protection 
 to the hereditary honours of the ancient aristo- 
 cracy may insure neutrality at least, if not more 
 beneficial results. The modern families, those 
 who sprang from under your father's footsteps, 
 must become naturally your staunch adherents. 
 I have a document that will instruct your High- 
 ness completely as to our plans and capabili- 
 ties." So saying the Chevalier delivered a sealed 
 packet, which to the great astonishment of de 
 Reichstadt, contained an authentic communi- 
 cation from the leaders of the Bonapartist fac- 
 tion, with a succinct account of a projected
 
 308 ELLA ; OR 
 
 counter revolution, offering to place him at 
 once on the throne of his father. Subjoined 
 were several valuable letters from individuals 
 connected with public affairs, giving informa- 
 tion with respect to finance, and the general 
 state of the country, all of which were signed 
 by many distinguished and honourable names. 
 A small medal bearing a singular impression 
 was also inclosed within the packet. One side 
 displayed a tolerable resemblance of the young 
 Prince himself, with the words of Napoleon 
 Second, Emperor of the French ; on the reverse 
 was the cap of liberty surmounting the scales 
 and sword of justice, with the legend of " La 
 Charte." De Reichstadt literally shuddered as 
 he examined the beautifully finished coin, and 
 the signatures affixed to the papers. Cold 
 drops bedewed his forehead. De Florville drew 
 closer to him, and suddenly presented a por-
 
 the emperor's SON. 309 
 
 trait of the late Emperor, evidently taken after 
 death had already stamped her unearthly calm- 
 ness on the still features. 
 
 " In the name of him whose image you re- 
 cognize, I call on you, my Prince, to consider 
 the earnest solicitations of your friends — and 
 future subjects.'* 
 
 " Oh God !" exclaimed the Prince : " I see 
 him ! — just as my fancy depicted him — hide 
 it — take it from before me !" — cried he, plac- 
 ing his hands before his eyes. " I cannot 
 bear that lifeless appearance — those marble li- 
 neaments — that stiffened form ! — Who are you, 
 stranger ? ,J exclaimed he with vehemence — 
 " friend or fiend ? why do you seek to tempt 
 me ? I say again who are you ?" 
 
 " The son of Las Cases \" was the unex- 
 pected reply ; and as de Florville pronounced 
 his real name, the Duke sank fainting in his 
 arms,
 
 310 ELLA; OR 
 
 Most tenderly did the Chevalier raise the 
 attenuated form that lay almost deprived of 
 life on his faithful breast. The soft fair curls 
 of the gentle youth touched his more manly 
 cheek ; he pressed the silken locks to his, with 
 the enthusiastic devotion which characterized 
 his extraordinary enterprise ; but as he chafed 
 the clay cold forehead with essence, he felt, he 
 saw, that his mission was frustrated — that it 
 was useless. 
 
 After a short interval de Reich stadt reco- 
 vered his self possession, and struggling with 
 tumultuous feelings that almost choaked his 
 utterance, addressed Las Cases with mingled 
 dignity and tenderness. 
 
 " Your name has long been familiar to me ; 
 its recollection is linked with every noble sen- 
 timent. Your personal attachment and gene- 
 rous perseverance render you at this moment 
 doubly dear to me. Receive the warmest ex-
 
 311 
 
 pressions of my unbounded gratitude and res- 
 pect. But beware, Las Cases, of committing a 
 fatal error ! Let not my kind friends and 
 countrymen risk their safety, their property, 
 or their liberty (precious liberty !) in a cause 
 that never can succeed. I do not inherit 
 the genius of my father ! and even if I did 
 — look at me ! The seeds of death are with- 
 in me — I feel it — I have not long to live. — 
 Let not the scanty remnant of my existence, 
 the expiring agonies of a dying youth, disturb 
 the tranquillity of mankind — the security of go- 
 vernments — the happiness of families. The con- 
 test can only tend to involve them in danger, 
 and prove worse than fruitless — it will be 
 fatal. Convey my sentiments, my acknow- 
 ledgments and my sense of obligation for the 
 high honour and confidence reposed in me; 
 but I have neither bodily nor mental energy 
 to fit me for the office. I am not fated to be
 
 312 ella; OR 
 
 a monarch. Perhaps, Las Cases, there might 
 have been a time when dreams of splendour, of 
 conquest, of power, floated dimly in my young 
 imagination — when my heart beat with wild 
 and ill defined emotion. Then your proposi- 
 tions might have been welcome — at least they 
 might have received consideration — but now 
 — my wasted form — my feeble limbs, my ex- 
 hausted faculties — they refuse their aid. My 
 soul is hovering on the confines of eternity. 
 Go — yet I can never forget the zeal and at- 
 tachment of Las Cases." 
 
 Scalding tears fell fast during the hurried 
 utterance of these words, and every drop sunk 
 deep on the heart of the stranger. 
 
 " Adieu my friend," continued de Reichs- 
 tadt — " it is late — leave me — for your own sake 
 as well as for mine. I must retire, and if pos- 
 sible find that repose which this new excite- 
 ment has rendered doubly needful to me — but
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 313 
 
 ere we part I have one request — do not refuse 
 me — leave that sad memorial of him we both 
 regret and revere — that picture which I have 
 not at present the courage either to contem- 
 plate or to relinquish ." 
 
 The Chevalier knelt once more at the feet 
 of young Napoleon, and silently expressing 
 his acquiescence in the royal wishes, placed the 
 medallion in his hand ; then rising slowly from 
 his humble posture, he cast one long melan- 
 choly look on the pale inmate of Schoenbrunn, 
 and retreated through the open casement by 
 which he had entered. 
 
 They never met again \ 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 314 ELLA; OR 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Nay then farewell ! 
 I have touched the highest point of all my greatness, 
 And from the full meridian of my glory, 
 I haste now to my setting : I shall fall, 
 Like a bright exhalation in the evening, 
 And no man see me more. 
 
 Shakespeare. 
 
 The midnight hour had chimed its solemn 
 warning from every steeple in Vienna. The 
 vast streets, so lately thronged with busy pas- 
 sengers, had gradually sunk into silence and 
 repose. A few stray revellers, who had lin- 
 gered on the scene of dissipation, departed to
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 315 
 
 their several homes, as the different doors and 
 windows of each house of public resort closed 
 in succession for the night. Nought but the 
 fiercer passions resisted the soothing influence 
 of peace and obscurity. — There does not exist 
 a spectacle more replete with interesting matter 
 for thoughtful contemplation, than a large and 
 populous city during the hours of darkness, 
 when the spirit of activity is lulled to rest, 
 when the stirring business of life is suspended, 
 and the lordly inmate of the palace is, equally 
 with the wretched tenant of a hovel, subdued 
 under the irresistible ascendancy of the great 
 leveller — sleep. 
 
 The inhabitants of Schoenbrunn, separated 
 as they were from the city by an extensive 
 suburb, had closed the massive gates of the 
 imperial residence, and extinguished the nu- 
 merous lights which illuminated its noble 
 
 p 2
 
 316 ELLA ; OR 
 
 halls, at a much earlier period of the night than 
 the more wakeful denizens of the city. The 
 sentinels placed in different parts of the 
 grounds, guarding the various avenues and 
 entrances, slowly perambulated to, and fro 
 their allotted distances, and as they exchanged 
 the usual passwords in low and measured ac- 
 cents, scarcely broke the deep stillness. 
 
 It was moon-light ; the palace stood conspi- 
 cuous amidst the dense mass of foliage; its 
 grand dimensions appearing magnified by the 
 uncertain radiance which fell on the most pro- 
 minent parts of the building, and left the re- 
 mainder in impenetrable darkness. Gigantic 
 shadows threw redoubled gloom around, whilst 
 fanciful shapes seemed to gleam in the distance? 
 through the tall branching trees, as they caught 
 a transient ray from the cold orb which ever 
 and anon was shrouded by the white fleecy
 
 317 
 
 clouds that were driven rapidly across its silver 
 disc. The scene was one of imposing yet 
 placid beauty. 
 
 A faint glimmering dimly nickered through 
 the Venetian blinds that closed the windows of 
 the Duke de Reichstadt's sleeping apartment ; 
 for the lamp had nearly exhausted its sustain- 
 ing element, and cast but a tremulous and 
 wavering light upon the couch where the Prince 
 lay in feverish slumber. Various articles of 
 apparel, evidently thrown off in haste, were 
 scattered in confusion by his side. The rich 
 brocaded curtains were tossed back, as if their 
 ample drapery had been considered oppressive 
 by the impatient occupant of the couch, — who 
 had retired to rest without summoning his 
 customary attendants to fulfil the duties of 
 their office. 
 
 But the wild tumult of the sleeper's soul was 
 not so easily lulled to repose. The interview
 
 318 ella; or 
 
 with Las Cases had left a lasting impression 
 upon his mind. Contending thoughts, bold 
 aspirings, and painful reminiscences, haunted 
 the Prince under every fantastic variety. He 
 writhed in bitterness on his pillow ; vainly he 
 sought to chase away the vivid picturings of 
 his troubled imagination, whether it raised up 
 the buried hopes of the past, or embodied the 
 nameless shadows of the future. Sleep, in 
 short, brought not the solace of forgetfulness, 
 and he only closed his aching eyes, to endure 
 all the agonies consequent on a distorted repe- 
 tition of his waking emotions. 
 
 The night was already far advanced, when 
 a tall figure, clad in a loose robe, entered the 
 chamber where his highness slept. With 
 noiseless tread he approached the unconscious 
 youth, and bending cautiously over the couch, 
 examined his features with considerable anxiety. 
 The keen, searching physiognomy of the in-
 
 319 
 
 truder was tinged with an expression of melan- 
 choly, and even of a tenderness that scarcely 
 accorded with his thin, sharpened visage, and 
 scrutinizing glance. 
 
 The nocturnal visitor was — Father Clement. 
 
 For some moments he stood silently watch- 
 ing the sleeper, whose full but parted lips were 
 gradually wreathed into a languid smile. The 
 blue veins were distinctly marked along his 
 fair transparent neck, which was completely 
 uncovered ; for the diamond studs that closed 
 the embroidered collar of his night dress were 
 unfastened. His bright curling hair, thick and 
 glossy, had escaped from the confinement of a 
 Grecian cashmere cap, that fell from the head 
 it was intended to protect. The Prince 
 breathed heavily ; and at length a deep drawn 
 sigh reached the attentive ear of the Jesuit. 
 " He sleeps," murmured he — " but not with
 
 320 ELLA; OR 
 
 his usual placidity — his brow contracts — he 
 dreams/' 
 
 At that instant de Reichstadt turned on his 
 side, and displayed to the observation of the 
 priest a crimsoned cheek and a troubled expres- 
 sion of the mouth. 
 
 " He is flushed, and agitated ; the chamber 
 too bespeaks haste and confusion," — added 
 Clement, endeavouring to catch the unintelli- 
 gible sounds which were uttered in a low tone 
 and with guttural indistinctness. 
 
 "He speaks" — cried the Jesuit, leaning over 
 the couch; — and immediately, by acute effort, 
 he detected the name of " St. Helena," as it 
 issued from the heaving breast of the agitated 
 youth, whose right hand was grasping some 
 unseen object with convulsive eagerness. 
 
 Slowly raising the nickering lamp from the 
 table on which it was placed, and shading the
 
 THE EMPERORS SON. 321 
 
 expiring flame with his extended fingers, the 
 confessor held it nearer to the couch. A ray 
 of light fell on the face of the sleeper; his 
 clenched hand relaxed its nervous gripe, and 
 a second movement of the dreaming Prince, 
 who mechanically shrunk from the glare, re- 
 leased a medallion which he had hitherto held 
 — and it rolled upon the floor from his open 
 palm. 
 
 Clement seized it with the rapidity of light- 
 ning, and to his utter dismay recognized the 
 picture of Napoleon which had been received 
 from Las Cases but an hour before. 
 
 " His father's portrait !" mentally exclaimed 
 the priest. "My fears are verified— my suspi- 
 cions are not unfounded. . . . the good faith of 
 Austria has been betrayed". .. .After a brief 
 pause, during which contending feelings threw 
 their contradictory expressions into his hard 
 yet expressive features, — u von Lindenberg, 
 
 p 3
 
 322 ELLA; OR 
 
 I hold you now !" exclaimed he, in a tone of 
 triumphant malignity. He then gently drew 
 back, and replaced the waning lamp upon the 
 table. The medallion was also restored to the 
 powerless hand which could not close upon its 
 regained treasure, and without creating the 
 slightest noise that might have disturbed his 
 pupil, the priest glided from the apartment as 
 he had entered it, in mystery and silence. 
 
 The confessor had long suspected that men- 
 tal depression operated sensibly on the health 
 of the Duke de Reichstadt, and the very re- 
 signation which he had lately manifested was 
 more alarming than those unquiet cravings of 
 his ardent nature which had formerly produced 
 so much uneasiness. But the restless spirit 
 of inquiry had ceased ; the uncontroulable desire 
 for travel had subsided ; the unsatisfied yearn- 
 ings of his breast no longer sought the fellow- 
 ship of others ; and it was evident that the
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 323 
 
 thoughts and sentiments of the Prince had 
 found another channel; — like the pent up tor- 
 rent, which boils and foams against a rocky 
 barrier, but afterwards rolls silently and sullenly 
 along the deep and hollow chasm which its per- 
 severing efforts have worn in the very heart of 
 its most effectual boundary. Thus, in fact, did 
 the character of young Napoleon acquire an 
 appearance of external tranquillity, as the tide 
 of its feelings made for itself a deeper channel, 
 and carried the overflowing springs of sensibi- 
 lity beyond the reach and observation of man. 
 The melancholy of his disposition still remained, 
 and was even augmented; but the outward 
 workings of his active mind, once the object 
 of constant apprehension to the Austrian cabi- 
 net, had greatly diminished. The mine had 
 exploded, and hopes and fears were alike buried 
 in the ruins. He asked no startling and un- 
 answerable questions, as once had been his
 
 3i>4 ella; OR 
 
 habit ; he forbore to press unwelcome argu- 
 ment. He had learnt the history of his own 
 existence ; and he sought not to drink deeper of 
 the cup of humiliation and disappointment ; 
 for the information his importunities had ex- 
 tracted from the Baron, however unsatisfactory 
 to his wishes, was fully convincing to his 
 reason. 
 
 The Jesuit blended strong personal attach- 
 ment to his royal charge, with a love of domi- 
 nion which frequently accompanies the exer- 
 cise of power. In addition to these incentives, 
 he nourished a decided hostility towards von 
 Lindenberg, whose milder principles of action 
 accorded as little with his own. But it was 
 rather the force of prejudice, than the absence 
 of affection, which had suggested so many 
 measures of stern and withering policy in 
 respect to the guardianship of the Duke de 
 Reich stadt. His cold and rigid conduct to-
 
 the emperor's SON. 325 
 
 wards his pupil was the result of caution, and 
 a mistaken sense of duty, in reference both to 
 his spiritual and his temporal superiors. He 
 deemed the extension and advancement of the 
 Catholic church as the first of all considera- 
 tions, and the stability of the state as next in 
 precedence. Firmly rivetted to certain dogmas 
 and opinions, he admitted no other, and 
 dreaded the encroaching influence of newer 
 doctrines, as an infringement on established 
 rules and customs. The rapid promulgation of 
 enlightened and liberal notions was particularly 
 obnoxious to him ; as he shrewdly judged every 
 step towards intellectual freedom as adverse to 
 the interests of Rome. He mistook despotism 
 for a just degree of power ; ignorance for will- 
 ing submission ; and arbitrary enactments, for 
 the wise science of legislation. Consequently 
 he hated von Lindenberg in a double capacity ; 
 first in principle, as a political opponent who
 
 326 ella; or 
 
 entertained and disseminated ideas of a philo- 
 sophical and tolerant tendency ; secondly, as a 
 man calculated, by his peculiar talent and for- 
 cible example, to dispel the superstitious dark- 
 ness on which the Apostolicals founded their 
 formidable sway in the affairs of government. 
 The artful insinuations of the Countess Ro- 
 sendahl had been eagerly adopted by the am- 
 bitious and vindictive priest, and the sudden 
 revolutionary convulsions in France had main- 
 ly assisted in developing the deep laid scheme 
 for the destruction of the Baron. The frequent 
 visits and confidential intercourse of the sus- 
 pected de Florville with the family of von 
 Lindenberg, had first offered a plausible pre- 
 text for mistrust and investigation, but hitherto 
 the one had appeared unfounded, whilst the 
 other remained fruitless. The statesman's con- 
 duct, both in public and private, afforded no 
 opening for misconstruction ; his correspon-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 327 
 
 dence had been secretly submitted to a rigo- 
 rous search; every official and personal com- 
 munication either received or made by him 
 was subject to the strictest scrutiny ; but to no 
 purpose : the character of the minister still rose 
 far beyond the aspersions of envy and in- 
 trigue. 
 
 The complicated department of the govern- 
 ment that devolved upon von Lindenberg bore 
 ample witness of the zeal and fidelity with 
 which the important duties of office had been 
 discharged ; and the Jesuit would almost have 
 despaired of success in his mischievous 
 enterprise, had not his unrelenting spirit still 
 clung to the possibility of implicating his rival 
 through some other channel, by substituting 
 conjecture for facts, and thus gradually under- 
 mining the power that could not be openly 
 assailed. Ever on the alert to use the inge- 
 nuity with which nature had gifted him, the
 
 328 ELLA; OR 
 
 confessor easily established a connexion be- 
 tween the moral change which the Duke of 
 Reichstadt unconsciously manifested, and the 
 decided preference evinced in favour of the 
 Baron's society. He resolved to examine his 
 pupil more narrowly, hoping thereby to unra- 
 vel a clue which, if once in his possession, 
 would enable him. to crush the object of his 
 persecuting animosity, and check the progress 
 of the innovating principle which he dreaded. 
 
 Anxious to acquire every information in sup- 
 port of his suspicions, the disciple of Loyola 
 redoubled his vigilance, and lost no opportu- 
 nity of carefully observing and collating the 
 language and sentiments of his pupil. On the 
 eventful night selected by de Florville, or 
 rather Las Cases, for the execution of his ro- 
 mantic design, Father Clement conceived that 
 his misgivings were in a great measure corro- 
 borated by appearances ; at least sufficiently so
 
 the emperor's SON. 392 
 
 to authorize a closer scrutiny \ and after he had 
 retired from the Duke's presence, the idea of 
 watching the private devotions of his charge 
 suggested itself. For a considerable time he 
 continued irresolute, and reluctant to penetrate 
 the sanctuary of the Prince's sleeping apart- 
 ment ; but the impatient craving of his inqui- 
 sitorial disposition overstepped the more deli- 
 cate scruples of propriety, and as he ap- 
 proached the chamber, he became emboldened 
 to enter it, on perceiving that the light was not 
 extinguished ; the declining health of de Reich- 
 stadt furnishing abundant excuse for such an 
 uncommon display of solicitude, even should 
 the intrusion be discovered. 
 
 The result of Clement's secret observations 
 may be easily anticipated. The medallion con- 
 taining the picture of Bonaparte was conclu- 
 sive evidence of his Highness having held com- 
 munication with some forbidden source, and
 
 330 ella; OR 
 
 on the ensuing day a minute inquiry was in- 
 stituted amongst the various sentinels and 
 officials stationed about the palace of Schoen- 
 brunn. From them however nothing material 
 could be elicited, with the exception that one 
 of these numerous functionaries had remarked 
 the entrance of a stranger, who on being ques- 
 tioned stated himself to be the bearer of a pri- 
 vate despatch from his excellency the Baron 
 von Lindenberg to the equerry of the Duke de 
 Reichstadt. On pursuing the investigation, it 
 was discovered that no such messenger had 
 ever reached that noble personage. This was 
 hailed by the confessor as a ray of light, and 
 guided by it, he repaired without delay to the 
 imperial presence, and set forth the incidents 
 of the case, with all the emphasis he could 
 command. The fact of the portrait being found 
 in the possession of the Prince, and the appa- 
 rent instrumentality of the minister, were elo-
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 331 
 
 quently enforced ; whilst the disturbed state of 
 France and Belgium rendered every precaution- 
 ary measure on the part of Austria not only 
 advisable but necessary. Revolution was 
 marching through Europe with gigantic strides, 
 and Germany was pledged to oppose its fatal 
 progress. 
 
 Agitated with mingled doubt and fears, 
 his Majesty hastily assembled the privy Coun- 
 cil, to whom Clement succinctly recapitulated 
 the occurrence of the night; taking especial 
 care to assign the most cogent reasons for his 
 unprecedented vigilance and qualifying the 
 facts by the testimony of his previous obser- 
 vations. 
 
 The respect and delicacy due to the peculiar 
 position of the Duke de Reichstadt prevented 
 his being personally interrogated on the sub- 
 ject of the medallion ; a circumstance which 
 proved extremely unfavourable to the Baron,
 
 332 ELLA ; OR 
 
 as it suppressed the strongest evidence of his 
 integrity. 
 
 After the whole affair had been duly weigh- 
 ed, its tendency was deemed detrimental to 
 the interests of the government, and von Lin- 
 denberg was arraigned accordingly. Already 
 rendered unpopular by the jealousy of his col- 
 leagues, and the insinuations of his enemies, 
 it was scarcely possible to escape the disgrace 
 that for some time had threatened to over- 
 whelm him ; and the assertions of the Jesuit 
 not being refuted by any extenuating argu- 
 ments, the fate of the minister was sealed, and 
 Father Clement was triumphant. 
 
 Finally, suspicion having also extended it- 
 self to de Florville, his residence was searched 
 by the myrmidons of the police ; but it afforded 
 little information beyond that of establishing 
 his identity with the person who had visited 
 the Duke of Reichstadt on the night alluded
 
 333 
 
 to; — for he had destroyed every document 
 which might develope the ulterior views of the 
 party of which he was the secret emissary. He 
 was however arrested, and subsequently ex- 
 pelled the imperial dominions.
 
 334 ELLA : OR 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Statesman, yet friend to truth ; of soul sincere, 
 In action faithful and in honour clear ; 
 Who broke no promise, served no private end ; 
 Who gained no title, and who lost no friend. 
 
 Pope. 
 
 The time is past when swords subdued — 
 Man may die — the soul's renewed j 
 Even in this low world of care 
 Freedom shall never want an heir : 
 Millions breathe but to inherit 
 Her unconquerable spirit. 
 
 Byron, 
 
 Shaken, but not shattered, by the severe 
 blow which had struck at the root of his pros-
 
 the emperor's SON. 335 
 
 perity, von Lindenberg felt more keenly from 
 the mystery in which the whole business was 
 involved, than from the sting of disappointed 
 ambition. His elevated soul was proof against 
 the shafts of envy ; it towered above the de- 
 struction which had overthrown his credit and 
 his glory. He knew from long experience that 
 all earthly distinctions were evanescent; that 
 court favour was precarious, popularity ca- 
 pricious, and enmity persevering. He was a 
 fallen man. Years of diplomatic toil availed 
 him not ; years of legislative power had not 
 served to avert the storm which scattered his 
 harvest and dimmed the lustre of his days. 
 All that remained of his former greatness was 
 his hereditary name, his undeviating rectitude, 
 and the venerable possessions of his ancestors, 
 — together with the sad and hard-earned expe- 
 rience of a life dedicated to the exercise of 
 public duties and private virtues.
 
 336 ELLA ; OR 
 
 De Florville — whom for the future we will 
 more properly call Las Cases — had obtained a 
 considerable portion of von Lindenberg's re- 
 gard, and, during the period of his intimacy 
 with the family, had won both esteem and 
 friendship, in defiance of the frequent mis- 
 givings and tardy suggestions of prudence. It 
 was not until the crisis was at hand that sus- 
 picion was excited ; and the Baron discovered 
 when too late that the eloquent and accom- 
 plished stranger whom he had unguardedly 
 admitted on terms of confidence to his domes- 
 tic circle, was the daring and enthusiastic 
 emissary from the Bonapartist liberals, who 
 were rife for action throughout France, and 
 from whose untiring exertions constant alarm 
 had ever been entertained by the Austrian 
 administration. 
 
 In one respect however the judgment of the 
 statesman was not deceived; namely, in the
 
 337 
 
 estimation he had formed of the Duke de 
 Reichstadt, who evidently withstood the allure- 
 ments of political intrigue. Although destitute 
 of the dazzling brilliancy which characterised 
 his father's wayward genius, he was endowed 
 with a native grandeur of sentiment, and a de- 
 licate sense of self-appreciation, which raised 
 him above the vulgar ambition of a throne. 
 
 On the evening previous to the departure of 
 von Lindenberg and his family for the retire- 
 ment of Ereinfels castle, where they purposed 
 passing the ensuing winter, the following letter 
 was delivered to the Baron by an unknown 
 messenger. It was written by Las Cases, and 
 dated from the frontier. 
 
 " Amazed and literally horror struck at the 
 work of devastation I have unconsciously 
 wrought, allow me von Lindenberg to address 
 you once more, under the sanction of that 
 
 VOL. I. Q
 
 ELLA; OR 
 
 friendship with which you honoured me. Think 
 not my present presumption originates in a 
 selfish desire of vindication, but from an ear- 
 nest wish to explain my conduct, as far as it 
 regards a family from whom I have received 
 the most cordial hospitality, and to whom I 
 must appear a monster of ingratitude. I have 
 involved you von Lindenberg ; I have caused 
 your ruin and disgrace ; yet the result has been 
 as unexpected as it was unintentional. 
 
 " Bred and born a French subject, I en- 
 tered into the consciousness of existence, at 
 that eventful period of national glory, when 
 the standard of France was raised on the very 
 confines of Europe ; when our successful armies 
 braved all dangers ; and when the coalesced 
 forces of the allies sought vainly to oppose the 
 rapid advances of our invincible troops. My 
 cradle was rocked to songs of victory, and my 
 youthful mind was awakened to reflection by
 
 339 
 
 spectacles of conquest. I triumphed thus 
 early in the triumphs of my country, and 
 idolized the mighty chieftain whose transcen- 
 dent spirit had infused a portion of its energy 
 into the people he seemed destined to lead 
 and govern. 
 
 " You know the history of our sad reverses. 
 The hero died, and the hopes of France were 
 centered in the son. Of the Bourbons I knew 
 nothing; I knew neither their virtues, their 
 failings, nor their misfortunes. They were 
 obnoxious to me only as a dynasty that was 
 supported by the united bayonets of England, 
 Russia and Prussia ; it was motive enough for 
 me to oppose them, that their claims were 
 enforced by the enemies of Bonaparte. 
 
 " Thousands, nay millions of Frenchmen 
 have long thought and felt as I do. The flower 
 of the army ; weather beaten veterans ; beard- 
 less youths, not yet emancipated from the ju- 
 
 q2
 
 340 ELLA; OR 
 
 risdiction of the schools ; men of letters, 
 artists, and many leading characters ; all com- 
 bine with the bursting, and overflowing en- 
 thusiasm of the people, who still yearn with 
 the joyful expectation of Napoleon the Second. 
 
 " These are the sentiments in which I have 
 been nurtured, and in which I shall die. — To 
 gratify the passion of my soul I came to Vien- 
 na, introduced by the Duchess of Montpel- 
 lier to Albert Rosendahl. My admission to 
 your peaceful circle was the immediate conse- 
 quence. But think not that I came with the 
 fixed purpose of implicating the political prin- 
 ciples of my friends. The name of de Flor- 
 ville had been adopted some time previously : 
 — it was useful, as it screened me from the 
 constant and dangerous observation naturally 
 attracted by that of Las Cases. 
 
 Circumstances combined to facilitate and ce- 
 ment our intimacy. Albert became my friend.
 
 341 
 
 I harboured no particular plan, no design. I 
 gave myself up to the delightful intercourse 
 your family afforded ; till by degrees my views 
 assumed an appearance of practicability. Still I 
 did not imagine it possible that I could entail mi- 
 sery, disgrace and exile, on the noble Baron von 
 Lindenberg, the man of all others for whom I 
 entertain the highest respect and gratitude. 
 I can say no more. ... I am heart struck at the 
 fearful consequences of my bootless enterprise 
 . . . .My own worthless life was valueless. I 
 have risked it often, and have ceased to prize 
 the Heaven-sent boon. But your political career 
 was of vital import to the administration of 
 which you formed the noblest support ; and it 
 has terminated through my instrumentality: 
 a climax of misfortune which I had little anti- 
 cipated. 
 
 " I ask no forgiveness. The injury inflicted 
 is not of a nature to obtain it. I cannot restore
 
 342 ella; OR 
 
 the confidence of a monarch, or the smiles of 
 a people. I cannot rescue your fame from 
 obloquy, or share your exile, although my 
 baneful influence has exposed you to all these. 
 
 " Perhaps in a few days I shall be far from 
 the land of my forefathers. . . .Despotism has 
 choked the soil of Europe with the rank weeds 
 of corruption. ... Perhaps I may return once 
 more to another hemisphere. Freedom at 
 least has flourished on the shores of the New 
 World, which, if not illustrated by conquest, is 
 consecrated by liberty. 
 
 a Adieu von Lindenberg ! The passing 
 hurricane may yet subside. The Phoenix may 
 rise from its own ashes, and we perhaps may 
 meet again. . . . but sad realities press upon 
 me — adieu." 
 
 The contents of this letter scarcely sur- 
 prised the Baron, and it seemed to corrobo-
 
 343 
 
 rate more strongly his previous opinion of the 
 adventurous writer ; it also confirmed him in 
 the helief that neither himself nor his family- 
 had been the victims of designing villany, or a 
 selfish disregard to the sacred obligations of 
 gratitude. He was too well convinced of the 
 Jesuit's personal hostility, and persevering hate, 
 to overlook the fundamental cause of his pre- 
 sent reverses. The incident of Las Cases' in- 
 terview with young Napoleon, had been made 
 subservient to the purposes of a cabinet cabal ; 
 and this occurrence, fatal as it had proved to 
 the prosperity of the statesman, merely acce- 
 lerated an event ultimately inevitable. 
 
 Calmly reviewing the gradual changes which 
 were wrought around him, circumstances until 
 then unheeded flashed upon his mind, mark- 
 ing the slow but steady progress of the rival 
 party, which was followed by the increasing 
 coldness of his sovereign, and the rapid defec-
 
 344 ELLAJ OK 
 
 tion of former adherents ; and he readily per* 
 ceived that the daring attempts of the Chevalier 
 had merely been made the ostensible pretext 
 of a disgrace originating in a deeper and more 
 inveterate source. 
 
 The morning's dawn witnessed the departure 
 of von Lindenberg and his family from the 
 court. Before evening a relative of Father 
 Clement, who was also a friend of the Countess 
 Rosendahl, and a staunch advocate for arbi- 
 trary government and coercive measures, was 
 nominated to the high and responsible situation 
 wherein the Baron had so eminently distin- 
 guished himself for a series of years. 
 
 The ex-minister and his family performed 
 the first day's journey towards the patrimonial 
 domain in cheerless silence. Sunk back in the 
 carriage, her eyes every now and then filled 
 with tears, Madame von Lindenberg leant on 
 her husband's shoulder for support. She had
 
 The emperor's son. 345 
 
 not yet recovered from the unexpected shock 
 her feelings had sustained, by the sinister event 
 which involved alike the personal prosperity of 
 her husband, and the future advancement of 
 their children. She endured the double humi- 
 liation and disappointment of a wife and of a 
 mother. 
 
 The Baron, endued with greater strength 
 of mind, shared her sorrow, but without dis- 
 playing external types of it. He also grieved 
 more for her sake than his own, and pressing 
 the gentle hand which was abandoned to his 
 love, he endeavoured to soothe the anguish 
 which he could not dispel. 
 
 Ella, pale but tearless, was seated opposite 
 to her parents. She bent her head sorrowfully 
 towards the open window of the vehicle, 
 watching with aching sight the changeful beau- 
 ties of the receding landscape, as the heavy 
 berline moved onward to its destination.
 
 346 ella; OR 
 
 Writhing under the feelings of self reproach, 
 which she could neither banish nor subdue, 
 she sought to divert the bitter current of her 
 thoughts, by directing her attention to external 
 objects, which indeed formed a marked contrast 
 with the condition of her mind. A thousand 
 varied features of the country unfolded them- 
 selves to her view, or glided past in quick suc- 
 cession, as the carriage wheeled onward ; every 
 turn in the road disclosing some fresh attrac- 
 tion, and opening some new source of interest. 
 In a constant state of apprehension lest her 
 father should question her on the subject of 
 de Florville's access to the Palace of Schoen- 
 brunn, and the degree of assistance he had 
 succeeded in obtaining from her, Ella pre- 
 pared to meet the just displeasure her impru- 
 dence might elicit, with humility, candour, 
 and contrition. But the apprehension was not 
 fulfilled ; no word of reproof, not a syllable of
 
 THE EMPEROR'S SON. 347 
 
 reproach or animadversion on the subject of 
 his reverses, escaped her father's lips ; scarcely 
 a shade of difference in his placid and dignified 
 demeanour, indicated a dimunition of paternal 
 confidence. Yet, however slight the change 
 might be, Ella was too sensitive not to detect 
 the smallest perceptible symptom of its latent 
 existence ; and she sought to evade the pene- 
 trating scrutiny of the Baron's glance, by stead- 
 fastly directing her own to the sylvan prospect 
 around. But she misjudged the strength of 
 her father's character, in supposing that his 
 regret would display itself in censure. He 
 plainly perceived the painful struggle she was 
 sustaining, and appreciated the tendency of her 
 feelings; well knowing that neither remon- 
 strance nor upbraiding would ever produce so 
 much effect on her understanding, as the salu- 
 tary workings of her own mind.
 
 348 ella; OR 
 
 There is always a vague melancholy attend- 
 ing a removal, even from an unpleasant resi- 
 dence ) for in leaving the spot which has been 
 a temporary home, we leave also for a brief 
 space our habits, our associations, and the daily 
 occupations of life. Its routine is broken, and 
 the thoughts and interests which have long 
 occupied us receive a fresh impulse. The 
 place in which we have lived becomes endeared 
 to us by a thousand ties. Many dull hours 
 may have been spent there ; — many fallacious 
 hopes may have been cherished ; — still the re- 
 collection of bygone events, decked in the 
 rainbow variety of human sentiment, are linked 
 with a locality which has witnessed alike our 
 pleasures and our pains, our fears and our ex- 
 pectancies, our triumphs and our disappoint- 
 ments. Captives have been known to weep on 
 leaving the very prison from whence they had
 
 the emperor's SON. 349 
 
 previously sought to escape. The innumerable 
 fibres of the heart twine mechanically round 
 adjacent objects ; and it is the beneficent des- 
 tiny of man to love that which employs his 
 attention, ministers to his wants, and fills up 
 the craving vacuum of the mind. 
 
 Ella, who really did not like Vienna, and 
 was not seduced by the fatiguing glare of 
 courtly grandeur which had surrounded her, 
 nevertheless regretted the city she had left. 
 Its gorgeous palace faded in the distance ; its 
 lofty towers sank on the horizon ; the deep 
 waters that circulated like a branching artery 
 through its very centre, now rolled far away 
 from its noble walls ; and she breathed a sigh 
 to the memory of Albert, as she beheld the 
 last vestige of the metropolis disappear from 
 her sight. Her lover's last farewell, his last 
 warm caress, had consecrated the spot, and
 
 350 ELLA; OR THE EMPEROR'S SON. 
 
 she clung to every mute testimony of an 
 attachment which she fondly believed to be 
 as unbounded and as inexhaustible as her own. 
 
 END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. 
 
 LONDON! 
 
 SCHULZE AND CO. 13, POLAND STREET.