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CLARA GAZUL
OR
HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE.
Jf any person should presume to assert
This story is not moral, first, I pray
That they will not cry out before they're hurt.
Loud Byron,
IN THREE VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR AND PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR,
No. 16, TRFVOR SQUARF. KNIGHTSBRIDGE,
OPPOSITE HYDE PARK BARRACK CATF.
To be had by all Booksellers.
1830.
8^5
v. x
INTRODUCTION
CONTAINING SOME ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR.
Though my Memoirs have long been be-
fore the public, I have not yet explained
how and why I became the mistress of
Lord Craven, at the early age of fifteen,
and the public is still ignorant whether it
was love, the seventy of my father, or the
depravity of my own heart which placed
me in that unfortunate situation ....
I am now disposed to gratify curiosity,
provided the reader has the grace to attend
IV INTRODUCTION.
to " a plain unvarnished " statement of
facts which I will make as short as pos-
sible ; and I offer this explanation in ex-
tenuation of my offences against the good
order of society.
My father was a native of Vevey, and
you all know or you ought to know, that
Vevey is a small town situated on the bor-
ders of the Lake of Geneva, in the Canton
de Vaud, w r hich once formed part of the
Canton de Berne, until it was separated in
1798, by the rebellion which broke out in
Switzerland at that period.
My father's native place has always been
celebrated by travellers as presenting- scen-
ery of incomparable beauty. Vevey is
not very distant from Clarens — that spot
NTKOIIUCTION.
which J. Jacques Rousseau has immorta-
lized.
My paternal ancestors in old times were
nobles, and distinguished themselves in
the politics of Europe. I could furnish my
readers with an account of the former feats,
armorial bearings, &c. of the late Barons
I)u Bochet, but that I should be afraid of
sending them to sleep, and therefore, I brief-
ly proceed to inform them that my grand-
father was the worst tempered man in all
the Canton and my father, John Du Bo-
chet, at the age of thirteen left his parents
roof in search of adventures, never to return.
His two Brothers soon followed his ex-
ample, and were not afterwards heard of.
My father joined a recruiting parly
VI INTRODUCTION.
journeying towards Holland, who refus-
ed to take him into their service on account
of his extreme youth. Charmed, however,
with the beauty of his countenance, and
his intelligent discourse, they supported
him on his journey, and suffered him to
partake of their meals.
Arrived in Holland his fine face and ta-
lents caused him, to be remarked and ad-
mired by all who beheld him, and he had
scearcely passed a month in that country,
when the colonel of a Swiss Regiment, be-
ing accidentally in his society, attached
himself to his interest at once, and engag-
ed him as military secretary.
My father continued in this Colonel's
service for some time, when oh! love, fa-
INTRODUCTION". VII
tal, all powerful love! what misery, whaA
crimes, do you some times occasion.
The Colonel had a Mistress, that Mis-
tress was but frail, my father was the love-
liest youth in Christendom, and as ardent,
as lovely, so there was no such thing as
resisting him; and the Colonel surprised
his interesting, and youug but most intelli-
gent protege in the aims of his mistress.
A meeting was the result. My father
excelled in the use of arms, the Colonel
fell, and the secretary's life, by the laws
of that country, was forfeited- Can we
wonder if he desired to make an abrupt
retreat? This alas, was interrupted by the
guards !
It is in the course of nature that we de-
Vill INTRODUCTION.
fend our own lives; my father fired, and
the guard fell dead at his feet
His mind, as I have heard, was deeply
affected by this two-fold misfortune, and
he wandered half over the known world ;
from Italy to Spain, then to America,
then to Lisbon ; and it was by his talents,
grace, and high courage, that he conti-
nued to make his way every where.
At length he obtained a sufficient sum
of money to embark with merchandise for
England, on a speculation. The ship in
which he sailed was lost in sight of Lis-
bon, but my father saved his life by his
expertness in swimming, and found him-
self once more pennyless on the shores of
Portugal. In a few hours afterwards he
INTRODUCTION. IX
announced himself to the principal inha-
bitants of the capital, as professor of al-
gebra, mathematics, German, French,
dancing and fencing, and soon obtained
scholars in all these branches of education,
saved money, and embarked once more
for England.
Here he made the acquaintance of Ge-
neral Burgoyne, who afterwards engaged
him as private secretary.
My father accompanied him to America,
where, although attached to his staff, he
had the good fortune to escape the dis-
grace of that General, when with the
whole British army, he was made prisoner
by the Americans. My father being dis-
patched on some important mission at
NTRODUCTION.
some distance from the scene of ac-
tion.
I remember he used to bless his lucky
stars, while recounting to us, that at the
very moment of the action he happened to
be quietly and innocently enjoying himself
over a bottle of Burgundy with a friend in
total ignorance of what was going on.
From thence he started again for England,
where he arrived and fell desperately in
love with my mother, and he had the talent
to prevail on the most modest timid girl
that could well be imagined, to consent, at
fourteen years of age, to a private marriage.
The tamenessof a married life, however,
but ill suited my father's ardent spirit,
and it was impossible for two minds or
NTHODUCTIOX. XI
dispositions to be more widely different,
or more unlikely to agree than my pa-
rents.
I was their sixth daughter, and born on
a Friday the 2d of February, 1786, at No.
23, Queen Street, May Fair.
Early impressions are lasting. My
father made a strong impression upon
me by dint of birch, when I was about
five years old, but 1 deserved it all, hav-
ing torn up a problem of his to make my-
self a fly-trap, and Papa undertook to use
the birch until I should promise never to
sin again.
I remember feeling indignant at the
first sight of the rod, and screwing my
courage up to the coming emergency, !
Vol. I c
Xll INTRODUCTION.
I fixed my eyes with firmness on my fa-
ther's face.
" Promise not to do it again," said Pa-
pa between each heavy lash of the rod.
81 Say no/' cried my poor mother,
" only say no, child — it is easy to say no,
surely" — but my mind was made up, that
nothing, not even a negative should be ex-
torted from me by dint of blows.
44 This devil must be got out of the
child," said my father ; 1 was thrown on
the bed and whipped, till my body was
disfigured from head to foot ; yet I be-
lieve my father acted from principle, for he
was not habitually cruel to children, but
such unusual obstinacy in so young a child,
required, as he no doubt conceived, ex-
INTRODUCTION". Xlll
traordinary correction. If he gave me my
way this time, there would be an end to
all discipline for ever. However, I did
not cry out once, but let him beat me till
I was fainting At last, the feelings of
nature, added to my mother's tears, in-
duced him to give up the case as hope-
less. Indeed, it was so, for 1 feel well as-
sured I should have died of blows at any
period of my life, rather than any thing
should have been beat out of me by force.
I was, nevertheless, a very affectionate
child, and have often, even at that very
early age laid awake and wept, while my
mother thought 1 slept, because I saw the
trace of tears on her cheeks.
With regard to the above-mentioned
XIV INTRODUCTION.
sound and desperate flogging, it is incredi-
ble even to myself how clearly I recollect
every circumstance attending it ; name-
ly, that the dispute began in the back
parlour, that I was by my father car-
ried from thence to his bed room on
the second floor, and placed on his bed
to be whipped. 1 remember even the
thoughts and feelings which determined
me to die, rather than they should beat
any thing out of me, St was not anger
or rage, for young* as J was, 1 felt and
knew that this punishment was not in-
flicted with malice, but a mixture of sen-
sations for which I had no name, although
their united influence was felt. I fancied
there could be no merit in my promising
INTRODUCTION. XY
any thing out of fear ; and my mind be-
ing firmly made up at the beginning of
the chapter, this severe punishment which
after my skin was broken became pain-
ful in the extreme, never made me waver a
single instant, so as to afford my father
the slightest hopes or chance of victory.
The day was my own ! ! My father re-
signed the birch, absolutely fatigued with
the exercise, and my poor body was rub-
bed with what was considered most heal-
ing, yet I continued more than a fortnight,
stiff, feverish, and full of pain.
My eldest, sister whose education had
been particularly attended to, undertook
the arduous task of teaching me to read.
I was the greatest dunce in the world,
and at an age when she had been an ex-
XVI INTRODUCTION.
cellent reader of a newspaper aloud, 1
scarcely knew my alphabet.
My sister, whom we will call Diana,
used to shake me, and call me a tire-
some, absent little brat. As well might
she have talked to the wind. My ideas
always wandered from the book, to
the blue bottles and wasps flying about
the room, and as to learning any thing
by heart that was not entertaining, it seem-
ed to me to be utterly beyond all possibi-
lity.
At last a lady happened to read some-
thing aloud in my presence that delighted
me, I asked for the book, wanted to. read
the passage myself, and implored sister
Diana's instructions. Reading was no
longer dry: I learn't it easily and at once,
INTRODUCTION. XVII
just as mv sister had given me over for a
dunce. As soon as 1 could read, I be-
gan teazing ever body for books, I could
not endure story books about naughty
boys and girls, &c. but there was an old
book in our nursery, called the Speaker,
containing scraps of Shakespeare, and other
great authors, which delighted me, espe-
cially Cardinal Wolsey s speech, not that
I understood it, but I had a sort of guess
that I should do so one day or other. In
the meantime I read it over and over pgain,
and asked Diana the meaning of every
line. My sister Paragon was my constant
companion and play-feilow ; she was two
years my senior.
1 he habit of reflect. on came upon me
XVI11 INTRODUCTION.
very young, and long before I could read,
1 used to sit on my little stool apart from
the rest to puzzle my head about the
nature and attributes of God. Why we
are often ill and unhappy ? What was
heaven ? What was death ? When was
the world to be at an end, &c. My sis-
ter Paragon must still recollect how often
I used to consult and plague her about the
end of the world, before I had attained
my fifth year.
Paragon was so proud of being my
elder sister, that she could not endure to
appear ignorant on any subject ; so she
answered my question one day in these
words, delivered with just as dignified
an air, as that with which she now holds
INTRODUCTION. XIX
forth on the virtues of Doctor Anderson's
Scots pills.
"Chilli/' said Paragon, " this world
will be at an end when all the little chil-
dren shall be grown up t_> men and wo-
men.*'
44 Oh ! ver\ well," said 1 delighted to
comeata reasonable conclusion, and I put
my head on my hand while I reflected, in
order to study the probability of the case.
" It is all wrong," said 1 to Paragon,
after ten minutes deep cogitation.
" What is all wrong?" Paragon asked.
44 Why because when I am only half
grown up, the big girls and boys will be
men and women, and more little ones will
come, whilst I am getting to my full size."
Vol. I d
XX INTRODUCTION.
" Oh never mind that puzzling stuff,"
said Paragon carelessly, while tying on
her doll's new bonnet.
" 1 wish I could speak to God Al-
mighty about it," I exclaimed very seri-
ously.
" Oh! for shame, Miss," said our nurse,
" it is very wicked to talk about the Al-
mighty in this sort of way.''
" Well, but if I am never to see God, or
to talk about him, how am I to love him ;
why, I shall forget all about him."
"Fye! fye ! Miss, you must pray to
God, and not chatter about him in that
sort of manner."
" But then I don't know what prayers
mean:"
INTRODUCTION. XXI
* Mean child * you pray that God
may make you a good girl."
"Yes! but then I want to know if he
hears me."
* He hears every word you say, and
knows all your thoughts."
" How are you sure of that ?"
" It is so written in the Bible — Don't
ask so many questions child, you are too
young : — You must be a good girl, love
God and then you will go to heaven. "
" Is heaven a nice place," I enquired,
and continued earnestly to question the
old woman, until she refused to answer
me.
I was sent to school for a short time,
where I learn't nothing; and my mother,
XX11 INTRODUCTION.
before I was eight years of age, discovered
that 1 could only learn what struck my
fancy, and nothing that any person might
wish to drive into my head ; I, therefore, re-
turned home, quite as ignorant as I had left
it, to hear talk of nothing but my sister's
conquests, the kiss that Tom Sheridan had
given Fanny, the appointment Paragon had
made to walk with Ned Jess, &c. Then
Fanny would read to us for the hundred
and fiftieth time, her cousin's warm effu-
sion, the first and only love letter she had
ever received. " Dear me/ 5 said I one
night to her, ?« how very tiresome all this
love and nonsense is," just as Fanny, af-
ter undressing and cold-creaming her nose
for the freckles, had placed herself in our
INTRODUCTION. XX Ml
old fashioned ponderous arm chair to read
us her love letter once more ; the con-
tents of which, I shall never be able to
forget — beginning thus:
M The lover that but seldom requires
11 the making of apologies, is too frequent-
" ly confounded in the attempt, whilst the
11 gaj and volatile, with hearts as light as
" their heads, pass over these matters,
" with complete indifference, and escape
" with impunity. 1 should be happy
" to escape your censure, for daring to
•* violate my engagement for our walk in
" the Green Park, but would fain con-
u vince you that the emergency of the
"case," &c. &c.
XXIV INTRODUCTION.
My readers, like myself, have had quite
enough of Fanny's cousin's love letter ;
but my sisters Paragon, Diana, and Amy,
were never satiated.
We slept in two adjoining rooms, and
I, who was always in bed first, could get
no rest for their abominable chattering —
" Read your letter to us," said Paragon
to Fanny, " and don't attend to that tire-
some little plague Harriette, who will never
get married as long as she lives.
To be brief, my sisters might have set
me a good example, and it is just pos-
sible I might have followed it ; but the fact
is, no poor girl could well be thrown into
worse hands. Morning, noon, and night
I heard of nothing but the softness of Tom
INTRODUCTION. XXV
Sheridan's hand, the brightness of Berke-
ley Craven's eyes, &c. &c. and my elder
sisters must still recollect how disgusted
1 used to be with their conversations, in
return for which they called me ;t tell-tale,
and brown, ugly, straight-haired figure of
fun ,J> In short, I was considered a spy
amongst them, and only because I could
not enter into their feelings, or desire to
be followed and made love to in the
streets ; indeed, I never dream't of being
liked, either abroad or at home. Natu-
rally shy, my sisters had succeeded in
making me believe myself both ugly and
every way uninteresting, but I was no tell-
tale, although 1 did once threaten to ac-
quaint my mother, with their sly meetings
XXVI INTRODUCTION.
wifh gentlemen, and what was still worse,
1 contrived to steal Fanny's worn out
love effusion, and slip it into our meat pye
just before it was carried to the baker, in
order that 1 might be relieved from the
intolerable bore of listening* to its peru-
sal.
Now, 1 will ask my readers whether it
be possible for a child to listen for months
and years together, to a set of gay young
girls, for ever raving on their love, their
lovers, and their sensations, without hav-
ing her curiosity a little bit excited ? At
length, I began to look slyly under my bon-
net at these lovers they all made such a
fuss about, and as soon as 1 took the
trouble to curl my hair, J was beset with
INTRODUCTION. XXV11
a host of admirers, who sent me messages,
and pretty copies of verses by our maid
servant, for I appeared much older than
I really was.
However, I never went out alone, or
encouraged any man to address me, but
my mother, who used to accompany me in
my walks, having observed the admiration
I excited in the street, advised my father
to take me to France, and place me in
some school or convent out of harm's way.
Let my readers then suppose me equip-
ed in my new little travelling dress, all
impatience, and trembling with anxiety to
see the world, kissing my mother and sis-
ters by turns, and taking a last look at the
crows I had been so long in the habit of
Vol. I e
XXV1U INTRODUCTION.
watching and feeding from the leads at
the top of our house.
At length I was seated with Papa in
the Brighton coach, The trees seemed to
dance on merrily before me, and for the first
half hour I could not believe they kept
their station. 1 was, however, disappoint-
ed in the pleasure I expected to derive
from a first view of the country : sanguine
people, like myself, are often disappointed,
and Sussex is so flat and ugly. The sea
struck me with wonder and astonishment.
" What a pity we are not going to India
instead of Dieppe/' said I to my father be-
cause I wanted to see with my own eyes
how far the sea would go.
Two gentlemen sailed with us, one of
INTRODUCTION. XXix
them was called Allen ; his companion, an
aristocratical looking young stripling, was
handsome, graceful and particularly ele-
gant in his attire. We had a tedious pas-
sage of three days and three nights. My
poor father, always suffered at sea, and
could not bear the smell of a cabin, so he
remained all the first night on deck. I
was still more affected than my father,
and remained in bed. The youth, Mr. Al-
len's friend, passed the whole night by my
side, and paid me every kind of civility,
handing me tea and various refreshing
scents from his magnificent dressing case.
At last, an old lady thought it incum-
bent on her to send a message to my fa-
ther, advising him to interrupt the close
XXX INTRODUCTION.
and pointed attentions of the young gen-
tleman to his daughter. After this hint,
ray father never once lost sight of me for
the rest of the passage. He would have
scolded me, but he found me too ill either
to resist or encourage the addresses of any
man.
The youth now laboured to convince me
by slight, almost imperceptible signs, that
he had not forgotten me. My father was
annoyed, and a sort of talking at each other
conversation took place, in which my fa-
ther had much the best of it.
Dieppe, as we approached it, struck me
as the most picturesque place imaginable.
The women's caps three stories high, and
so curiously adorned, and their immense
INTRODUCTION. XXXI
long ear rings and pretty faces, delighted
me. I was interrupted in my admiration
by a custom house officer, who came to
inquire my name, The handsome youth
stood close behind us. " The misfortune
of it is Sir/' said he to my father, who had
thrown out many severe hints, about the
emptiness of the youths of the day, &c.
4 * that we are obliged here to tell our se-
crets whether we like it or not."
" My daughter is not ashamed of her
name or of her age,' 5 said my father, glau-
cing contemptuously on the youth, and
speaking as usual with a slight foreign ac-
cent. c; I might be ashamed of mine/' ad-
ded he, " for I am growing old, but that 1
see youth so impertinent and ridiculous."
XXX11 INTRODUCTION,
The young gentleman reddened,^ and
seemed about to answer in anger, but his
friend eagerly made signs to him to be si-
lent, and he obeyed. There was good taste
in his forbearance towards an offended
father, and I began to consider the young
gentleman with some degree of interest.
Since we were about to be separated, I
wished much to have been permitted to
bid him adieu ! I hate parting with any
body, when 1 believe the separation is to
last for ever. I would have looked my
good wishes at some safe opportunity, but
that 1 loved my father, and conceived he
had been treated with disrespect.
Under this impression, I took care that
our eyes should not meet, although, when
INTRODUCTION. XXXlll
unobserved, I examined the young gentle-
man's countenance. I thought I read
something of contrition there, and guessed
that his friend iiad read him a lecture on
the bad taste he had been guilty of. He
was high bred and thoughtless, but not, I
think, unfeeling. They had a handsome
travelling equipage on board, and appear-
ed to be men of fortune.
We went to an hotel kept by Monsieur
de la Rue, and retired immediately to bed,
being both worn out with fatigue. Early
the next morning, my father accompanied
me in a long walk. I was charmed with
everything I saw. We did not return till
my legs would carry me no farther.
As 1 stood at the window of our sitting
XXXIV INTRODUCTION.
room which faced the court, I saw a.l ele-
gant English chariot, and four post hor-
ses, preparing for some travellers depar-
ture. Soon afterwards we observed Mr.
Allen's graceful young friend, wrapped up
in a pelisse, addressing an English ser-
vant. He raised his eyes towards our
window, but appeared timid, and half
afraid to acknowledge us, lest his bow
should not be returned. Wheu we had
breakfasted, we again went out in search
of the bureau de la Malle-Poste, and as
we left the hotel, Mr. Allen stept into the
carriage. His young friend was about to
follow him when we passed. He blush-
ed — hesitated — pursued us a few steps —
then returned towards the carriage, and
INTRODUCTION. XXXV
again followed us with an appearance of
more resolution. His present timid agi-
tation interested us the more, by its con-
trast with his former boldness ; even my
father was softened.
44 I could not leave Dieppe, Sir/' said
the young gentleman, respectfully taking
off his hat — " 1 really Sir, could not make
up my mind to lose sight of you and your
daughter, perhaps for ever, without offer-
ing my best and most sincere wishes for
the happiness of you both." My father
looked undetermined, and the young gen-
tleman's confusion increased. As 1 watch-
ed his countenance, and his earnest natu-
ral manner I began to hope that he had
taken a sort of liking to my parent, and
Vol. I. f
XXXVi INTRODUCTION.
for this, I could have thanked him on my
knees, so dearly did I love my father.
" I am a very wild profligate fellow,''
said the young man at last, his colour
heightening as he went on. "I am not
good for much Sir, but upon my word and
honour I mean right now, and if you will
do me the honor to shake hands with me,
I shall travel with a lighter heart .*'
" Sir," said my father, shaking him cor-
dially by the hand, " I wish you a pleasant
journey to Italy/' My father's smile, con-
trasted with his usual severity of expres-
sion, produced a wonderful effect, it was
so perfectly beautiful, independent of the
glimpse it afforded of his brilliant teeth.
" i was quite wrong Sir, and enough to
INTRODUCTION. XXXV11
disgust you of young men in general, but
you must not refuse to acknowledge me,
should we hereafter meet ; I shall mend, Sir,
and grow amiable after mv travels." The last
b
my
words were uttered with such boyish arch-
ness, as a child is apt to use when coaxing
a parent ; then bowing low and gracefully to
me, he added with something like emotion,
and as if from his heart, "God bless you Ma-
demoiselle, I wish you both every possible
happiness :" in another instant he had
sprung into his carriage, and was out of
sight.
There is something, I repeat, in an eter-
nal farewell, which always affects me
deeply. I was not at all in love with this
youth, but he had jus* stood before me,
XXXVlll INTRODUCTION.
and was gone for ever. His eyes had met
mi ue for an instant, and 1 remembered
their expression was benevolent and ten-
der, and the tone of his voice was soften-
ed. He, too, disliked parting with the face
that had pleased him; he, too had felt
that chill, cold, tremulous sensation, which
at the same instant had weighed upon my
heart, whilst turning his back upon us for
eve r ! — My father too, would soon leave
me in a foreign country to the care of
strangers whom I bad never beheld, and
might not like. My heart was suddenly-
oppressed, I drew my large bonnet over
my eyes to conceal a tear I could not sup-
press, and to this hour, I remember that
parting with a feeling of melancholy.
INTRODUCTION. XXX X
We proceeded to Roueu on the same
evening that we took leave of the stranger.
My father having agreed with the Abbess
of the celebrated convent of St. Ursulines,
I took an affectionote leave of him, and was
presented by the Abbess to all her board-
ers, nearly a hundred in number. J felt
very melancholy among so many strange
faces, and my school-fellows countenances
did not please me, with the exception of
of La petite Comtesse de Richmond, who
was very lovely indeed. We were soon
sworn friends, which friendship lasted with
warmth, as long as 1 remained in Rouen.
I will not, at present, take up the read-
er's time, with the convent, or its anec-
dotes, nor will I dwell on such matters as
Xl INTRODUCTION.
Julia's romantic passion for our confessor,
Le Pere Petersin, who laboured so vainly
to make me a catholic — Mademoiselle
Moreau's black beard — The candle snuf-
fer's crooked nose — The kindness of the
Demoiselles Lambert's, nieces to the
Archbishop of Rouen, who procured
me invitations to dine with their Right
Reverend Uncle, every Thursday, four
holiday) — Nor will 1 now enumerate how
many times I was selected by our Ab-
bess for the high favor of pressing my
ruby lips on his right reverend great toe,
there to hold them fast, and inhale French
cirage, while we received his blessing,
" Bene, Bene, sancto spiritu/' but I have
forgotten mv Latin.
INTRODUCTION. Xll
I was too ignorant even for the third
and lowest class in our convent, so I was
an outcast, and I used to amuse myself with
drawing* horses and cows on my slate,
while the young ladies wrote down their
lessons from the lips of their masters, in
the shape of dictation. The Abbess was
a noble lady of high birth, and as 1 was
the first English girl she had ever had un-
der her protection, she made me her pet
" sa folie," and I shall never forget her ten-
derness, or cease to regret the advantage
I took of it, and the tricks I used to play
her. However, they were all good na-
tured tricks, and when she shook her head
at me, or held up her finger, 1 used to hug
her and half smother her with kisses ; and
Xlii INTRODUCTION.
then in her very pretty voice she would
read me a lecture, invite me to dinner, and
give me pralines, jelly, eau de Cologne, and
eau benite — She was a beautiful woman
of her age, which might be fifty, or less,
and her fair countenance, was most truly
soft and benevolent. I always told her
she was beautiful, but she really did not
seem to know what beauty meant ; a wo-
man so accomplished, yet so pure and
completely innocent, I should have be-
lieved was not in human nature, but for
my acquaintance with Madame Cousin,
which was the name the lady Abbess
bore.
Her brother, the handsome confessor,
used to expound the Bible, and explain
INTRODUCTION-. XllfJ
the catholic religion : this was not at all
dry to me, but a matter of deep interest.
" Hors de la religion catholique point
de salue*^ said the good priest, and I
had no idea of being cut out of my " sa-
lue," in this sort of wav.
After all my vain puzzling- at home, I
was deligthed to find a patient, willing,
handsome priest, who was never tired of
reasoning with me on the very subject
which had been tormenting me ever since
I was four years of age.
The priest did not like me to make him
laugh on serious subjects, au reste, he gave
me carte blanche to state, all my objections
* Out of the holy Roman catholic religion none shall
be saved. Ed.
Vol. I g
xlir introduction.
straight forward as they occurred to me,
in doing which, I sometimes placed his
creed in a ludicrous light, without really
meaning it, because I naturally seize upon
the ludicrous points of any subject with
great quickness — 'tis my forte or calling.
This our priest pitied and forgave when-
ever his own gravity of countenance was
not disturbed by it, but he was no dense
stupid bigot, and wit amused him mal-
gre* lui.
" You have the talent to make me
laugh, ^ said he, " but I forbid you to ex-
ert that talent when we discourse on mat-
ter of religion.
" Et moi moii cher Pere* je vous de-
* And I, Father, I forbid vou. Ed.
INTRODUCTION.
xlv
fends, at least 1 must request that you do
not place St. Peter before my mind's eye in
such a ludicrous light, or St. Paul either."
; * Yon go too far."
" Eh bien I* voulez vous me pardonner
mon Pere V
" Je ne sais pas ! "
' " Mais je ne rirai plus de ma vieje vous
dis — c'est que je me suis trompee voyez
vous mon cher Pere car j'ai cru que la
* " Well Father, will you forgive me ?"
M I don't know."
" But I'll never laugh again as long as I live, I tell you.
I have been mistaken Father, for I had thought that the
good and true religion was merry and gay, and far from
disregarding these two gentlemen, I esteem them greatly,
and should do more so, if you could only assure me that
they were less dirty fellows than the poor Jews of this pre-
sent day."
XU'\ INTRODUCTION.
bonne et veritable religion fut gaie, et
bien loin de mepriser ces deux messieurs
la, je les estime fortemenl et surtout si
vous pouvez m'assurer qu'ils etoient un
peu moins sales que les pauvres juifs d'
aujourdhui."
" Vous etes mechante," said the priest,
who had taken me into his beautiful little
library, adorned with fine paintings and
scarlet and damask draperies.
" Mam an, ma petite ma man viens done
vite ? Viens ici , vite ! vite!^ 1 exclaimed,
calling out to the Abbess who sat reading in
the adjoining room, which washer study,
M Pourquoi Maman m'as tu enfermee avec
* " You are very wicked.
INTRODUCTION. xlvii
ce beau pretre qui deja s'oublie et com-
mence a me dire des sottisses* *] — "
" La petite Maman, as we all called the
lady Abbess, hastened to join us with a
face of alarm.
" Voila qui est trop farce-fV' said the
priest, laughing outright.
k< Suis-je mechante doncj V — I asked.
" Du moins vous avez bonne physio-
nomie,||" he replied, still laughing.
" Embrasse moi done mon Pere§, ,> said
I.
* Mother ! quick come here ! Quick ! Quick !— Why
have you shut me up with a gay priest, who begins so soon
to forget himself, and say improper things to me ?
f That is too much for a joke.
J Am I very wicked then ?
|| " Your face at least, is in your favor."
§ " Kiss me then, Father !"
xlvill INTRODUCTION.
" Savez vons que ce sera pour la pre-
miere fois," observed the handsome priest,
half inclined to blush, as he pressed his
virgin lips on my cheek, now that this
harmless liberty was sanctioned by the
presence of his sister. The lady Abbess
was kind enough to exert herself in vain,
to prepare me for one of the classes by pri-
vate lessons, but I could really learn no-
thing by rule. 1 was too " distrait," and
could not help it. — All l s did in the con-
vent was to reflect much, study music a
little, and religion a good deal — and then
I learnt the rule of three, in the hopes of
giving my poor father an agreeable sur-
* " Do you know then, it will be for the first time"— -
Ed.
INTRODUCTION. x\\X
pris, and the verbs " avoir" and " etre,,'
for which I received a shilling, and our
daily little prayer, for which 1 received
nothing,
" Je vous salue, Marie pleine de grace !
" Le seigneur est avec vous et Jesus le
" fruit de vos entrailles est benit ! Sanite
" Marie! Mere de Dieu! Priez pour
" nous pauvres pecheurs maintenant et a
4i Theure de uotre mort*."
En voila assez du couvent ! f —
* I kneel before you gracious Mary ! The Father Al-
mighty is with you, and Jesus the offspring of your womb
is blessed ! Holy Mary ! Mother of God, pray for us poor
sinnners, now, and at the hour of death !
f Enough here, I think of the convent. — Ed.
INTRODUCTION.
After two years residence, during all
which time 1 stoutly resisted and abjured
the holy Roman Catholic religion, I re-
turned to a very uncomfortable home.
My sisters Amy and Fanny had both
ran off;— One with Mr. Trench, the other
with Mr. Woodcock. Paragon and Diana
lived still in all their purity, but they were
both very cross to me, which I felt the
more from having been made so much of
in Rouen, not only by the Abbess and her
brother, who both shed tears on taking
leave of me, but also by many of the pa-
rents and connections of my school-fellows,
who had been kind enough to invite me
to their houses.
1 entreated my dear mother to look out
INTRODUCTION. 11
for some situation for me, and she procur-
ed me that of music mistress, or rather, to
superintend the young ladies studies in
music, at a certain elegant boarding school
near Bayswater.
I only wish I could recollect the school
mistress's name for I have good and suf-
ficient reason to complain of her very illi-
beral and unfeeling conduct towards me.
She was at that time rather a pretty deli-
cate woman, and always wore white as did
her scholars. Mine was a fatiguing duty,
for 1 was required to keep my station, nail-
ed to my chair, by the side of a piano-
forte, in the music room, from nire till
three every day, while the whole school
Vol. I h
Hi INTRODUCTION.
in turn, practised their dull lessons out of
tune and out of time.
Though my head was often severely af-
fected by this eternal unharmonious ging-
ling in my ears., I endured it without a
single complaint, and I defy them to point
out any poor devil of a music mistress, who
was ever more steady to her post, or atten-
tive to her pupils. The English teacher
was a little fat brandy-faced vulgar looking
woman, to whom the young ladies never
shewed the slightest respect. To make a
amends, they were all frightened to death
at the least sound of the little black French
teacher's voice, who ruled them with a
rod of iron. I, who had lived long enough
in France, among French ladies to be a
INTRODUCTION. Jill
tolerable judge of French manners, could
not for the life of me help expressing
my surprise one day to the English teach-
er, that the mistress should have placed a
woman of the very lowest order, about
young ladies of fashion
The English woman thought I had mis-
judged the French teacher, but no one
could have beeu mistaken in her, who like
myself, had lived in good high bred French
society. How this woman had picked up
a little French grammar, I cannot guess,
for her habits and expressions were the
lowest and most common that can well be
imagined. Policy is not mv forte, 1 hate
it, so it was easy for the French woman to
read my heart, and perceive that I appre-
liv INTRODUCTION.
ciated her a sa juste valeur,* and held her
in notable contempt, therefore she hated
me with her whole heart and soul, and
easily contrived to render me perfectly
wretched.
One night, when I had been at this
academy about three months; a young lady
who slept in the bed next to mine, was
taken ill, and the French teacher entered
our room, just as 1 had stepped out of
bed en chemise, to offer my assistance.
My full bosom was completely uncovered.
The French woman fixed her penetrating
eyes on it, with the severe scrutiny of a
judge on the (bench. I hastened to cover
* Just for what she was worth.
INTRODUCTION. lv
it in much confusion. " Don't cover your
"bosom." said the fury in French, " pray
" don't cover it, I have long been curious
s< to see your bosom, in order to ascertain
* what I strongly suspected : that is not
" the bosom of a virgin, vous etes une fille,^*
said she, laying the deepest stress on the
word fille, and screaming with revengeful
passion — " vous etes une fille qui a bien
" fait ses farces en France ; je parierai ma
" tete que vous etes une fille ! ! et j'en dirai
" autanta madame."
The deep wound this wretch inflicted,
the shame, indignation, and bitterness of
feeling, she on that occasion excited in me,
no time can erase from my memory. I
was, God knows, innocent in thought and
lvi INTRODUCTION.
word, and my heart as pure, as was my
person from the touch of man ; yet, there
1 stood accused and condemned in the
presence of the whole school, by] the low-
est order of French reptiles, on no other
ground than the fulness of my bosom,
which was the more remarkable, because
of my very slender waist.
To any plausible though false accusa-
tion I had promptly, and perhaps, wittily
replied, but I had enough of the dignity
of woman about me, to offer no refutation
here. I remained perfectly silent, trem-
bling all over, with my heart beating and
my cheek glowing, while my mouth be-
came parched and feverish from the vio-
lence of my agitation. One of the young
INTRODUCTION. Ivil
ladies, in pity, banded me a glass of water.
I passed a wretched night after the French
fury had left me, which was not till she
had made herself hoarser than usual by
every insulting expression, and by which
she vainly expected to provoke me to re-
ply. Early in the morning I requested an
interview with the fine lady of the house.
" I have been cruelly insulted,'' said I
to her in a slow trembling voice.
She interrupted me to say she knew all ;
that her French teacher was an accom-
plished woman, and she was persuaded
had not said any thing worse of me than
I richly deserved.
Bursting with pride and anger, 1 flew
up stairs to my room, where having hasti-
Wiii INTRODUCTION.
ly put my clothes in my trunk I descend-
ed into the road by a back entrance from
the garden, and returned to my parents to
be harshly treated by my father, to whom
I could not find courage to explain my rea-
sons for running away from the school
where my mother had placed me, and I
merely assigned as a reason that I found
it impossible to agree with the French
teacher.
Ah ! Dear, kind, gentle Abbess of
St. Ursuline ! little did you dream that
your poor little favorite, who had slept in
your arms, listened to your pure innoceut
conversation and been loved by you as
your own child ,would so soon be insulted
and suspected of such degradation of vice
INTRODUCTION. lix
as we neither of us rightly understand, and
mistaken for one belonging to a race of
wretched outcasts whom we had scarcely
even once encountered in the course of our
lives.
• Though deeply wounded, I was not dis-
heartened, and hoping to be more fortunate
for the time to come, 1 determined to seek
out for another situation. I had, indeed, no
choice, for my father assured me drily and
harshly, that being nearly fourteen years
of age, i must earn my livelihood, instead
of eating the bread of my young brothers
and sisters. Heaven knows, I ate but little
of their bread, being subject to violent head
aches, faintness, and pains in the side.
Dear sisters in affliction ! ye set of ma-
Vol. i
lx INTRODUCTION.
hogany coloured governesses and teach-
ers in seminaries, martyrs to the rising
generation, whose ideas must be taught to
shoot amongst us though we die of it, from
my heart I pity you, particularly if you
have exercised your functions in the north
of England, and happen to he tant-soit peu
poitrinaire. *
A lady, in Bedford Square, who had re-
ceived a commission from Miss Ketridge
of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, to engage a teach-
er and music mistress under one, for her
pupils at Ketridge House, was pleased to
express herself " prepossessed with my
appearance, 5 ' so 1 was hired. I felt my
spirits sink very low on taking leave of my
* Ever so little affected in the lungs. — Ed.
INTRODUCTION. lx i
dear mother, to go to this freezing atmos-
phere. Cold weather disagreed with me.
I was in low miserable health, and I shud-
dered at the recollection of the unmerited
insults I had received from the French
teacher at Bayswater.
However, as there was no remedy, I arm-
ed myself with courage, and determined to
do my best. I travelled two nights in the
mail with the late Tom Sheridan, who was
on his road, I think, to join Lord Moira in
Edinburgh.
He was very attentive and respectful,
and begged me to allow him to correspond
with me. I told him if I had not wished
to act rightly, I should not have gone to
Newcastle, as I found no lack of admirers
lxii INTRODUCTION.
in London, who wished to get me under
their protection.
" But I want to write you a brotherly
letter, and give you good advice/' said
Tom Sheridan. " Well, write to me once
at all events,'' I replied, adding with my
usual comical sort of frankness; " I do
want a love letter so very bad to send to
Fanny, and read to her over and over
again, to pay her for tiring me so with her
cousin's effusion, till I was forced to put it
into the meat pye." Tom Sheridan laugh-
ed violently, and asked me if 1 had never
yet received a love letter.
" Oh yes, a good many," said I, " only
they were from quite strangers, and I never
INTRODUCTION. 1X111
opened them, but returned them untouch-
ed."
" By way of shewing yourself over vir-
tuous, Ty asked Tom Sheridan.
" jNo, but lam proud. My school fellows,
in the convent, would have felt deeply
insulted, if strangers would had addres-
sed love letters to them slyly, and however
unfortunate may be my situation, my
school fellows loved me as their friend and
sister, and I at least may emulate them.
" Well, but I am no stranger," said
Tom Sheridan, and he promised to write
me such a letter, as would not offend my
pride.
It was midnight when 1 arrived at this
northern academv for voung ladies, the
lxiV INTRODUCTION.
freezing tall bonny mistress of which, was
a maiden lady, for any thing I know to the
contrary, aged fifty, and she called herself
Miss Ketridge. It was on a Saturday
night, and I was ushered, by a bare-footed
nymph through a wet kitchen, which was
being mopped clean for the following Sun-
day, into a large dismal parlour, where I
was not welcomed the least in the world,
but formally desired to take a seat at the
supper table.
This being the very first time I had tra-
velled by night in a public coach, I was
completely overcome with fatigue, and
unable to partake either of Miss Ketridge's
small beer, which was very small indeed,
or of her uninteresting little Dutch cheese.
INTRODUCTION. lxV
A fat smiling- young lady in a Scotch plad
dress, sat on the left of mine hostess, stitch-
ing away at a new shirt. Miss Ketridge
presented her to me as Miss Macdougal,
the English teacher, and desired her to put
bye her work and eat her supper, and then
accompany me to my bed room.
u You will not be sorry to retire Miss
Du Bochet," was one of Miss Ketridge's
hospitable remarks, drawing up her long
throat which was uncovered, and screw-
ing up her lips which were like two bits of
dry leather. " I will point out to you, Miss
Du Bochet," continued the lady, " your
various duties to-morrow morning when
you will be refreshed."
I bowed, or rather nodded ; " for it was
lxvi INTRODUCTION.
all nodding — nid, nid, noddy, noddy/'
with me ever since I had been seated.
Miss Macdougal's unsavoury meal was
soon dispatched, when she arose, and with
a smile, proposed to accompany me to my
apartment. In less than ten minutes, I
was in a profonnd sleep, after having hum-
bly intreated not to be disturbed too early
in the morning; because two nights and
days, in snch excessive cold, had quite
worn me out.
Nevertheless, precisely at six the uext
morning, Miss Macdougal, in her green
plad, stood at the foot of my bed, desiring
me to loose no time, as she had trespas-
sed on Miss Ketridge's commauds, in
INTRODUCTION. lxvii
order to afford me the indulgence 1 had
begged for.
" If six o'clock is an indulgence at
Christmas, after two nights in the mail,
pray Miss Macdougal, what is your usual
hour of rising V said 1, rubbing my eyes
and vainly tning to open them.
" Miss Ketridge expects the teachers
to be dressed and ready to attend prayers
while the clock is striking the hour of six,"
replied Miss Macdougal, at the same time,
placing a small glimmering lamp, such as
only served to make darkness visible, and
then she left me to attend on her young
pupils, in their dressing room, where I
joined her as soon as I had contrived to
open my eyes and put on my clothes."
V ol. I A
lxviii INTRODUCTION.
u Have you made your bed ?" said Miss
Macdougal, and answering in the nega-
tive, she told me that it was the establish-
ed custom of Ketridge house, for both
teachers and scholars to make their beds
before they left their apartment.
" Never mind,'' said I, while my teeth
chattered in my head, " any thing to make
my blood circulate, for I really fear that
your northern climate will cause my death,
but may I not even see a fire, before 1 turn
house- maid. "
Oh ! dear no, ,J> replied Miss Macdougal,
shaking her head, and I went back to my
room to obey orders, but my fingers were
so completely numbed, that I made but a
INTRODUCTION. lxix
poor business of it. Miss Macdougal en-
tered just as I had finished my bed.
" That won't do," said she, " Oh ! how
lucky it is, that Miss Ketridge did not'see
that bed, she is so extremely particu-
lar." Patience does wonders: I tried
again, and felt satisfied with my improve-
ment.
Then we went to prayers, and at last I
was desired to seat myself at the foot of
the breakfast table, opposite to Miss Mac-
dougal.
Oh what a blessed sight was a large
fire and something to eat and drink.
I soon dispatched my little roll, and
then I begged to have a slice off the large
loaf. Miss Ketridge exchanged significant
1XX INTRODUCTION.
looks with her Scotch teacher. No mat-
ter, since my wish was complied with, for
that was all I cared about. The bleak
northern air, added to the very laudable
scarcity and scantiness of provision at
Ketridge academy, had given me an unusual
appetite.
After breakfast, as the clock struck nine,
I was commanded to place myself on a
high stool in the school-room, ata distance
from the tire, and listen to the miserable
attempts of three gawkey Scotch girls to
spell and read French, in rotation. At pre-
cisely eleven, Miss Ketridge entered the
room, and presented me with a stiff gen-
tleman's shirt to make, hinting at the per-
fect feasibility of a French teacher being
I^TRODUCTIOX. L\xi
employed several ways at once, like the
Paudeans at Vauxhall.
" I am very sorry to say that I do not
understand needle work/' said 1.
" iMercy on me/ 5 exclaimed the lady,
" what will become of you! what have
your parents to answ r er for."
'* I will try and learn how to make a
shirt, madam/ 5 said I, " although I never
understood that as a French and music
mistress, I should be so employed. "
" And how do you propose passing
your evenings ?" enquired the damsel.
" After the young ladies retired to rest
I hoped 1 should have had an hour to my-
self," I replied.
" Vet Miss Macdougal is satisfied to
IXXU INTRODUCTION.
employ herself in needle work till mid-
night," observed the school mistress.
To describe the petty torments and
hardships I endured, would be difficult ;
vainly did I, while the children were croak-
ing their vile French in my ears, in their
broad Scotch accent, labour to become a
model of shirt-making, or to excel in but-
ton holes ; needle work was not my vo-
cation, and my seat was perched up so
far from the fire place, that I became
numbed with cold. The scholars were
most of them older than myself, although
they appeared younger. A set of raw-
boned illiterate Scotch girls, who had
scarcely heard a word of French spoken
in their lives, till I came amongst them to
INTRODUCTION. IXXlll
make a fashionable academy out of Miss
Ketridge's boarding school for grown up
dunces.
Once Miss Ketridge and her teacher
laid their heads together and formed a plan
to shame me out of eating more than the
little flat roll. This was done by placing
a loaf of six or eight pounds on my plate,
and then tittering and laughing a£ one
another, when I came to the table. A
stranger, in ill health, and in a raw cold
place, I felt for a moment rather forlorn ;
few very young people can endure ridicule
unmoved, however undeserved. 1 am, how-
ever, of a contented disposition.
I had tried to do my duty in this un hos-
pitable mansion, and would not despond,
lxXir INTRODUCTION.
so on second thoughts, I thanked Miss
Ketridge for her attention in making me
such ample amends for her former scarcity
of allowance, then observing their sneers
and giggling, 1 shook my head at them,
whilst helping myself to a thick slice.
■ 'Tis a brilliant invention, ladies," said
I, "but vou see it won't answer, as 1 never
will be the simpleton to quarrel with my
bread and butter."
I cannot describe what I endured on a
dancing day, from cold, during that se-
vere winter, dressed up in a muslin gown,
and seated stock still in a long room, with
eight large windows where the fire was
lighted only once a week, and that, at the
very moment we entered ; yet, I armed
INTRODUCTION. I.XXV
myself with patience, and remained six
months in the north, but health may not
be commanded. By this time I was af-
flicted with a severe and constant cough,
and my nose was drawn in, like a person's
in a deep decline ; in short, 1 looked so
truly miserable and forlorn, sewing away
at my hard shirt, that even Miss Ketridge
at length was softened, and sent for the
apothecary to prescribe something for my
increasing cough, but when he mentioned
warm milk from the cow and early hours,
she advised me to consult him no more,
assuring me that too much sleep was very
injurious, and that as my real friend, she
must beg me to perfect myself in the femi-
VOL. I /
lxxvi INTRODUCTION,
nine necessary accomplishment of needle-
work*
" Why are there so many gentlemen's
shirts about this virgin's abode ?" said I
to Miss Macdougal one day, and was in-
formed that she was quite a miser, and
took in shirts to make.
I grew worse and worse, and was at
length forced to take my place in the mail
for London, i had received several long
friendly letters from Tom Sheridan, who
advised me to go on the stage. My face
was the best stage face for tragedy, after
Mrs. Siddons, whom he was polite enough
to say 1 much resembled ; and then the
tones of my voice, he said, were well ad-
apted for tragedy. He only wished to
INTRODUCTION. l.KXVIl
hear me read Shakespeare, in order to
form a more decided opinion of my talents.
If he found them equal to his expectations,
he promised me all his father's best as-
sistance, to get me well introduced and
brought out at Drury Lane.
Tom Sheridan's letters were truly friend-
ly, and i felt that 1 had excited his best
and most benevolent feelings in my be-
half, because, said he, " if others do not
take care of you, I feel sure that you are
the last person in the world to take care of
yourself."
I feared it would be impossible to get
rid of my natural shyness, or find nerve
for appealing on the stage ; however,
such was my fixed abhorrence and dread
IXXVlll INTRODUCTION.
of schools, that I resolved to try, and af-
ter I had been a short time at home, I
prevailed on my mother, to permit me to
read a passage in Shakespeare to Tom
Sheridan, who had returned to London a
short time before I left Newcastle.
She had the less scruple in doing so,
because his letters were so very kind and
brotherly, and we had known Tom Sheri-
dan, with Lord Craven, and his brother
Berkeley, all our lives, in consequence of
their living in sight of our house, and pas-
sing it constantly.
Tom Sherid n was quite delighted with
my reading Shakespeare, and discovered
that 1 had a turn for low comedy, as well
as a beautiful voice for tragedy. But
INTRODUC TTOX. 1XX1X
when I managed a sort of costume to play
Falstaff, with a pillow shut up in the coach-
man 's large waistcoat he laughed till he
absolutely cried, without being able to alter
a muscle of my countenance, so much had
I identified myself in the character, whilst
he read the part of King Henry, and 1 knew
Falstaff, as far as manners went, was always
a gentleman, and would not have laugh-
ed at his own wit or humour. I could
not have done this if 1 had been the least
in love with Tom Sheridan, but as that
was not the case, and as I was play mad,
I made an effort, and the encouragement
1 got, at length gave me confidence.
Sheridan afterwards assured me that he
had not the smallest doubt of my ultimate
lxXX INTRODUCTION.
success in any thing very tragic and pa-
thetic, or very comic. My mother having
such a large family, would have fain con-
sented, rather than have me pine away in a
school, seeing that a sedentary life would
never agree with my health, but when it
was mentioned to my father, he fell into
a violent passion, and declared he would
rather see me in my grave.
My reflections were now melancholy,
my prospects a blank. And must I drag
on a forlorn existence — so reasoned 1 at
fifteen — and teach children dementi's les-
sons, and the verbs "avoir," and " etre,' ;
from fifteen to fifty years of age, and then
to retire withered and still more forlorn,
to a work house I — And is it meant by
INTRODUCTION. IWXl
nature that 1 should pass away from this
world without having loved and been be-
loved? Why then does my heart glow with
sensibility and tenderness? — Why is this
ardent desire to love with all my soul and
all my strength implanted in my nature?
What chance on earth have I of marrying
a man of polished refinement? and well I
feel the impossibility of attaching myself
to any other. Who will scale the walls of
any of these high dried academies, to pro-
pose marriage to me? The confinement
will soon bring on a decline, and then
will this pretty person of mine wither in
solitude till it is changed to a hideous ske-
leton ! No, I cannot " teach the young
idea to shoot, 1 ' death even were preferable.
Wxxii INTRODUCTION.
These ideas had been tormenting me for
three months, during which time I was al-
most daily reproached by my father for liv-
ing in idleness and " eating the bread of
my younger sisters and brothers," although
I knew he was not so poor as he was
stingy, when 1 once hoped to give him an
agreeable surprise, for I loved my father
almost romantically, and deep, indeed, was
the wound his harshness inflicted.
There was an ancient Swiss dish which he
had once cooked himself, in my presence,
as a curiosity, I had watched him with
great attention, and one night when he was
expected home to supper, I took infinite
pains to prepare this dish, and succeeded.
His supper was ready at my usual bed
l> I UODUCTION. lxXXIll
time len o'clock, but I was so afraid it
would get cold or spoiled that 1 sat up till
his return, to watch it, and got soundly
boxed on the ears, pour commencer.
Nothing can be done with me by blows,
I hate them, and I swore immediately to
leave my wretched uncomfortable home,
on the following day. My dear mother
would forgive me, and visit me. Of that I
felt sure, for she knew I should soon die
if she forsook me, and for my father, strong
indignation, at that moment, hardened my
heart against him. I loved no one amongst
those who sought to seduce me, but the
Cravens were our near neighbours, and old
acquaintances, and they were gentlemen. I
Vol. m
IXXXIV INTRODUCTION.
was less afraid of them than any other men,
so I became the mistress of Lord Craven.
44 And there I was on the Marine Parade,
44 where Lord Craven was kind enough to
44 draw cocoa trees, and black men for
44 my amusement, but my readers have
44 read all this before/ 1
TO THE PUBLIC
London, January, 1850.
It is but fair to state of a man who has been so harshly
dealt by, that Mr. Stockdale, as my publisher, conducted
himself towards me liberally and honestly.
At the same time, I must, in justice to myself declare
that in the latter part of my Memoirs, independent of much
extraneous matter being introduced, under the head of my
Memoirs, which never belonged to them, and for which
J have been reproached ; many expressions have been put
into my mouth, which never issued from my pen.
It is, therefore, to prevent a recurrence of the like an-
noyance, that I am compelled to acquaint the public, that
Mr. Stockdale has now published nearly the whole part of
my Memoirs which I wrote and sold to him in M. S.
Some few pages may yet remain in his hands, but I
should imagine, indeed, I am almost positive that of my
composition, he cannot have sufficient to form a single
number or part of a volume, such as was at first sold for
half a crown.
The M. S. of the remaining unpurchased and conse-
quently unpublished parts, about half a dozen in number
TO THE PUBLIC.
have not been out o/, and are still in ray possession, and
without intention, at present, on my part, of being given
to the public.
I give this information very reluctantly, as I should be
truly sorry, to injure the father of a family, of whom, with
the above exception, I have no cause to complain
PREFACE
A Sketch-book or light novel was what
an illustrious, and in my opinion, very
amiable nobleman strongly recommended
me to write, a few years ago, instead of a
comedy. A gentleman belonging to the
company of -Edinburgh Reviewers, whom
I consulted as to its merits, favored me
with the following reply to my letter s
IxXXVill I'REFAl L
; ' Madam,
" 1 have mau) apologies to make for not
having answered your letter sooner ; yet,
however, not to miss an opportunity of
writing a letter of encouragement, after my
former one of criticism ; the plan you
mention of a Novel or Work, like the
Sketch-book, is, I think, very promising,
and as far as I can judge, very well ad-
apted to your talents. The risk and an-
noyance incidental to publications, are al-
ways less than that of dramatic adventure,
and the profits, in case of success much
greater. In case of publication, the know-
ledge that it was written by you, would
insure a sale, so that at least people would
PREFACE. IXXX1X
be forced to pay you before they could
abuse; whereas, in bringing out a play,
the managers may get all the profit, and
the author nothing but the abuse. I don't
know that I can say any more or give
any serviceable advice. Go on andpros-
per, and may you find Apollo and Par-
nassus, to the full as pleasant as Venus
and Idalia,
" Yours, &c. &c.
(Signed) "
The writer of the above, is a well known
whig from principle, a poet by inclina-
tion, a dramatist from taste, whose compo-
sitions were unfortunately un tasted by the
XC FKEFACE.
public ; an atheist, par excellence, and a
very gouty subject, malgre lui.
1 have, at length, resolved, to present to
the public, such a Work as recommended,
which, however, is chiefly founded on
facts.
Fanchette, the little French repasseuse,
who is introduced in the first volume, had
resided in Italy with an Italian nobleman,
whose real name I have concealed under
that of St. Betise, when she hired herself
to me, in Paris, as my waiting-woman, in
January 1828. Fanchette referred me to
her late master and mistress for her charac-
ter, and it was on that occasion that I first
visited the lovely Marchesa, whose noble
husband having been banished from Italy
PREFACE. NCI
by the Pope, at the instigation of her
uncle the Cardinal * * * * they had tra-
velled to Paris, and resided in the Rue
Neuve des Petits Champs, in the immedi-
ate neighbourhood of the Rue de la Paix.
1 was so struck with the beauty of the
Marchesa St. Betise, that I prevailed upon
my new waiting-woman Fanchette, to re-
late to me whatever she knew about her
late charming mistress. The girl was very
intelligent, and spoke Italian fluently.
While travelling tete-a-tete with her in
my carriage from Paris to Dieppe, we con-
versed constantly on the subject of the
Marchesa, and the society about her, par-
ticularly of her ladyship's uncle, the Car-
dinal . , . . .
Vol. I n
XCli PREFACE.
The story of Laura, 1 believe to be true,
but it does not regard the Marchesa St.
Betise's uncle. The affair happened in
Germany.
The Marchesa St. Betise, is, by birth,
a Spanish woman.
The young Prince Orazio died a few
days after the Marquis St. Betise had
been banished from his castle, which was
not situated in Naples, but in another
part of Italy.
The summer house, the signal gun, in-
trigues, duels, &c. have been all so "ac-
curately and humourously described to
me by Fanchette over and over again,
as to leave no doubt on my own mind
as to the exact truth of every circum-
PREFACE. XCU
stance ; and they were corroborated by a
letter of the young Prince's, addressed to his
fair mistress, which Fanchette had found
sewed up in the hem of the Lady St. Be-
tise's morning dress, andjiad stolen from
her. It was written in French, and 1 took
a copy of it, which my readers will find in
my Second Volume translated verbatim.
The little Marquis is described with
simple truth. Fanchette, I am convinced,
did not broder or high colour his cha-
racter. She delighted to describe what
she had seen in Italy, and 1 could not but
be amused by her lively animated discourse.
Her descriptions were free from either ma-
lice or benevolence. Neither of us were
likely to meet with her Italian friends
XCJV PREFACE.
again, and it was now her business to amuse
her new mistress, and beguile the time
away as we travelled together.
Premeditated falsehood is easily detect-
ed, and as Fanchette's descriptions bore
the stamp and character of truth in all
trifling details, which led naturally to the
matter, 1 give, therefore, the St. Betise
anecdotes to the world as facts, with a
clear conscience aud entire persuasion of
their truth.
Alberto is a high coloured sketch of a
gentleman's character now in England.
I have concealed the name of the noble
mother of Napoleon Bonaparte's natural
son, under that of Countess de Polignac.
1 was not acquainted with her, but I once
PRLFACE. XCV
passed some months in the country, near
her chateau, where 1 heard much good of
her, and Napoleon's son dined frequently
at my house. She seldom visits Paris
now, but in the country keeps up all the
splendour and eclat of her rank, which
is superior to what 1 have assigned to her,
by acts of benevolence to the poor, and
hospitality to the rich.
Monsieur and Madame St. Sauveur, with
their daughter, resided in Lyons in 1798, I
have not disguised their names, having ta-
ken the account from a french newspa-
per.
I have so far, however, varied the real
story, as to make Ligonia the half, instead
of the whole brother, and I have made
XCV1 PREFACE.
soma other trifling alterations which
would destroy the interest of the narrative
prematurely to anticipate in a preface.
It may be worth relating, as a curious
fact, altho' purely a matter of chance, that
after murdering his brother, Ligonia en-
tered the Russian service as a private sol-
dier, in which capacity he so often and sig-
nally distinguished, himself that he was
promoted to high rank, and in 1814, upon
the occupation of Lyons by the Cossacks,
he was absolutely billetted in his native
town, upon his orphan niece's house ! !
Having however changed his name, and
being greatly altered by grief and service,
he was not after such a lapse of time recog-
nized by any one. Count Drognichieff
PREFACE. XCVll
commanded the regiment of Cossacks in
which Ligonia served.
To the curious, or lovers of research, it
may be satisfactory to mention that I have
disguised the real name of " [vaiidier!,"
which he bore in the Russian service, un-
der that of Ligonia.
Anglo Neapolitans may, perhaps, recog-
nise an aquaintance in the Countess Dia-
blo. I believe she is not yet dead.
The Comtessa Lorenza is alive, but is
cured of way-laying lovers in the dark.
Jacques Tracasse is taken from a living
character on the continent, who much
amused me.
As the English characters which the
Page Eugenio describes in his letters
XCV111 PREFACE.
from London, are sketched from nature,
they will, of course, resemble those of
many persons in high life.
After declaring that I mean no offence,
I have only to add, that whoever may hit
upon a cap to fit him, is welcome to wear
it, whether it be adorned with " laurels,"
or " long ears."
" HONI SOI QUI MAL Y PENSE."
If amongst various others, I have in-
truded a sketch of my own character drawn
with impartial truth, as far as 1 am a judge,
it is, as I conceive, but a piece of com-
mon justice to myself, considering the vi-
rulence and disgusting slander which has
been published on my subject-
True, 1 have in my Memoirs exposed
PREFAEC XCIX
many truths, which for the honor of our
aristocracy, it had been desirable to have
kept secret ; but I have traduced no charac-
ter by such false calumnies as have been
practised against myself. I, however, for-
give all freely, and would not have intro-
duced the matter here, but by way of apo-
logy for the intrusion of my own charac-
ter amongst EugemVs sketches of life and
manners in London.
My object has been to keep as near to
facts as possible, and to draw varied and
spirited dramatic scenes, such as are likely
to enliven and interest an invalid or a
weary traveller, uo matter at what Chapter
he might open my book. L have endea-
VOL. I. O
PREFACE.
v oil red to avoid all prosy heavy descrip-
tions in a work of this light nature.
" U fault un peu de tout dans ce bas
monde," and there appears to me to be no
lack of learned books out already, profess-
ing morality, and pressing the reader to
" read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest''
as much of them as convenient.
My only chance, then, of benefitting
mankind, with my humble abilities, is to
offer to the sick, the indolent, and unlearn-
ed, a work they can understand, and will,
be at the trouble of reading, instead of
having recourse to some less harmless
amusements.
1 am aware that objections may be made
to this work on the score of the various
P&EFACE. CI
intrigues it describes. I hope, however,
that whoever has read Gil Bias with plea-
sure, will not affect to be shocked at de-
scriptions, at least as delicate and modest,
as any contained in that most populai
work.
If I have described the errors and vices
incidental to humanity, if I have not paint-
ed all my females virtuous, and in Italy
too, professing as 1 do to draw from nature,
yet has their dereliction from virtue been
invariably punished.
Triumphant vice is no where set forth.
The errors of the Lady St. Betise are
the cause of much misery to herself, and
disorder in her family.
Laura witnessed as shocking a sight, as
Cll PREfACE.
could for punishment be inflicted on a
mother.
The young Prince Orazio pays dearly
for the indulgence of his guilty passion.
Alberto is a frank libertine who deceives
no body, and possesses a thousand re-
deeming qualities, but Gil Bias is a cow-
ardly knave, whose vices and dishonesty
are rewarded by riches, and every honor
being heaped on his head. I, therefore,
humbly hope, my work is the more moral
of the two.
As to plot, it is what I fear I have no
sort of taste or talent for, and the reader
may despise my faint brief attempt in
that department, without the possibility
PREFACE. CHI
of making me think worse of myself than
I have always done hitherto
I shall be more than satisfied, 1 shall
be proud, if in spite of the faults, incon-
sistencies, and irregularities of all kinds
which abound more in my work than al-
most any other, it yet is found to amuse,
by its spirit, its originality, or effect, those
who are either too unwell, or too in-
dolent for more serious study ; and as we
are one and all occasionally placed in some
of these predicaments, I humbly hope,
that this my first work of imagination,
will find favor ; if it does, Clara Gazul
may, perhaps, one day, continue her ad-
ventures, but if in these Three Volumes
*he has failed to amuse, vou will hear no
CIV PREFACE.
more of her — Not so the authoress, who
will try again and again if life be spared
her, because of her faith and belief that
she was born to please you, and is bound
to fulfill her destination.
To conclude, 1 shall feel grateful to any
Editor or Reviewer who will be at the
trouble of freely animadverting on the de-
fects of my Novel, because 1 have the de-
sire to improve, and I hope to benefit by
impartial criticism.
CLARA GAZUL
CLARA GAZUL,
OR
HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE.
CHAP. I.
MY BIRTH AND EDUCATION.
My mother, Dona Euphrasia, was bred to the
stage, so was my grandmother. My mother
had made her successful debut at Madrid, ten
years before I was born,
" On ne connoit pas toujoursson pere, c'est
un malheur*."
I was sent to a distant country to be nursed,
and my mother continued her dissipated ca-
reer. Luckily, I fell into kind hands. My
One does not always know who one's father is ; — this i« *
misfortune. — Editor-
Vol. I. is
2 CLARA GAZUL.
nurse, Agnes, loved me; she was a young
French woman, whose infant had been born
dead.
When I had attained my fifth year, my mo-
ther sent for me, and being struck with my
beauty, began to speculate on the rich harvest
it promised to her insatiable avarice.
To be brief, masters were provided for me,
and no expense spared to render mean accom-
plished woman.
My nurse was hired to attend on me. My
mother's violent temper and profligate habits,
disgusted us both, whilst our affection for each
other increased daily.
One night, soon after I had attained my four-
teenth year, my nurse called me into her room,
when throwing her arms about my neck, she
burst ino tears.
I soon learned from Agnes, that I was des-
tined for a victim of prostitution. She had
overheard a conversation between Euphrasia
and the rich Senor Don Gonzales, irto whose
CLAUA G.UUL. 3
arms I was shortly to be delivered for a stipu-
lated sum of money.
Our resolution was soon taken ; death itself
had been preferred by me to the hideous Don
Gonzales.
We passed the whole night in arranging our
flight, and early next morning beheld us al-
ready on the road, journeying towards France,
with a small basket of provisions, a few ducats,
the property of my nurse, and in the complete
costume of two French peasants. We had
such a dread of being overtaken, that we pur-
sued our journey with great swiftness on foot,
or any humble conveyance that fell in our
way. In less than three weeks we passed the
frontiers, and arrived at Lyons, exhausted and
pennyless.
I was a high spirited girl, and too proud of
my liberty to despond. Among other ac-
complishments which I had acquired under my
mother's roof, I excelled on the guitar, and
my voice was remarkably sweet Agnes, had
CLARA GAZUL.
brought my instrument slung across her shoul-
ders. Take courage, my dear Agnes, said I,
I can sing and play, and we will tell our story
to some kind lady, who will pity us.
Alas! my poor child, said Agnes, it is for
you I grieve, who are so delicate, your poor
little feet are bleeding, your shoes are worn
out, and your clothes are torn : we must sell
the guitar, since we have not the means where-
with to procure a single meal. I have bread
and fruit in my basket, said I, with the
buoyant spirit of extreme youth ; let us seek out
some shady retreat near a river, where we
can bathe our feet and refresh ourselves.
It was on a delicious evening, in the month
of July, quitting the town; on the left, a
winding lane led us to a most inviting spot,
where, having unbound my hair, Agnes began
to arrange it in decent folds about my head,
while I bathed my feet in a clear brook that
murmured amongst the trees.
Our simple toilette concluded, we began to
( L \ B A (■ \ZUL. o
refresh ourselves with the contents of my
basket, and forgot for a moment the forlorn-
ness of our situation. Night was advancing
when our merriment was interrupted by the
sound of heavy footsteps approaching us.
Imagine our dismay, when four athletic male
figures, with beards and moustachios of a
tremendous growth, stood grinning before us,
habited in a strange costume, such as we had
never before beheld. The language of these wild
looking beings was unintelligible, although my
nurse had taught me to speak French almost as
well as Spanish. The most hideous of them
seemed to be expressing his admiration at the
beauty of my hair and features, and another
forcibly pressed his lips to mine.
I threw myself on my knees in dreadful
alarm ; Agnes tried to protect me, but was
fiercely thrown aside. The savages surround-
ed me, and appeared to contend and quarrel
among themselves. At this moment, a figure of
6 CLARA GAZUL.
exquisite manly beauty, suddenly made his ap-
pearance from behind some trees.
He addressed our tormentors in a command-
ing voice, and in their own language.
They immediately desisted, and saluted the
stranger, as soldiers salute their chief.
You will protect us, said I, in Spanish, throw-
ing myself at the feet of the handsome stran-
ger, and raising my eyes beseechingly to his
face.
He answered me in good Spanish, and the
melancholy tone of his voice, added to the ex-
traordinary beauty of his countenance, made
that deep impression on my sanguine imagina-
tion, which no time or absence could efface.
The stranger wore the same foreign style of
dress or uniform, as that of the men, but of
a finer texture. He apologised for the alarm
bis men had occasioned us, and informed us
that his name was Ligonia, that they were a
party of Cossacks under his command, and
CLAJtA CrAZLL. 7
quartered at Lyons ; he then proposed protect-
ing us to our home.
In a very few words, Agnes acquainted Cap-
tain Ligonia with the history of my life.
Poor child, said he, in a tone of compassion,
I will endeavour to procure you some female
friend, although, I am, myself, a stranger in
this town : in the mean time, let us proceed
towards the nearest inn, where I will place you
under the care of the hostess, and make my-
self accountable for your expenses.
Overcome by fatigue, gratitude, and a va-
riety of other sensations, I was nearly sinking
at the feet of the stranger, who supported me
with great kindness His expressive face
was pale as death, deep melancholy seem-
ed to have stamped its seal for ever, on the
finest of ail human countenances. His age,
I guessed, might be thirty-five, or thereabouts,
his eyes were sunk, but their fire was not ex-
tinguished.
I had never received a lesson on propriety
c; L A R A f ; A Z U L
and knew not how to hide from the handsome
stranger, the impression he had made on feelings,
warm as my native climate, aided by the deep
gratitude which his services so justly in-
spired.
When Captain Ligonia had succeded in
calming my agitation, and recommended us
to the care of our landlady, he took his leave,
promising to return on the following morn-
ing
Thank God! for our good fortune, said
Agnes, as soon as we were alone; we are in
luck's way, my child, and though thrown on
the wide world, we need not despair, since we
are both young and willing to exert ourselves.
We gathered from our friendly hostess, that
Captain Ligonia, with his friend the Count
Drognichief, lived with a rich widow-lady,
whose name was de Fleury, and that people
talked of a match between Mademoiselle
Fleury, and the young Russian Count
< l \ ii a (Mzn,.
We enquired if Captain Ligonia was a Rus-
sian by birth ?
No one knows, replied our hostess, as the
Captain speaks so many languages in perfec-
tion. He is, indeed, she continued, a most ac-
complished gentleman, highly esteemed by all
who know him, rich or poor, yet is he ever a
prey to the most desponding melancholy. But
you are fatigued; my children, said she, observ-
ing that Agnes' head was nodding; then leading us
to our comfortable apartment, she bade us good
night, and we fell asleep in each other's arms.
Vol. F.
10 CLARA GAZUL.
CHAP. II.
I MAKE KIND FRIENDS, AND BECOME CELEBRATED
FOR MY SKILL IN MUSIC.
The next morning the gay carriage of the rich
widow, drove up to the door of the inn, from
whence alighted Madame de Fleury, and her
daughter, the dashing, graceful Mademoiselle
Rosa.
Oh! Qu'elle est jolie! qu'elle est belle!
exclaimed both at once.
How old are you, child ? Are you really a
Spanish girl born and bred ? and thus they
continued to questi me, till at length, having
obtained my whole history from Agnes, Ma-
dame de Fleury invited us to step into her car-
riage. We were set down at her beautiful re-
sidence, situated half a league from Lyons.
*A'u! how pretty she is ! how beautiful ! ! — En.
CLARA GAZUL. II
After Madame de Fleury had recommended
Agnes to the care of her first waiting woman,
Bertram, she invited me into the drawing room.
I hesitated at first to enter in my simple dress,
or rather disguise, but Rosa seized my hand,
and presenting me to the young Russian Count,
who sat reading on a sopha, soon made him ac-
quainted with my romantic adventures.
After some indifferent conversation, Madame
de Fleury spoke to me as follows :
I have under my protection, the niece of a
dear friend. The poor young creature is de-
ranged, but she has her intervals of reason, and
is at all times perfectly harmless. Her physi-
cian has lately recommended me to seek out a
lively young person to attend her as her com-
panion, believing that she is disposed to the
study of music.
Does the young lady inhabit this house ? I
asked.
Madame de Fleury pointed to a small, neat
white building, at the bottom of her large gar-
12 CLARA SAZUL.
den, and replied, Mademoiselle St. Sauveur, and
her two nurses, have for some time occupied
that summer house, and she then promised to
introduce me to the poor invalid on the first
opportunity.
Captain Ligonia made his appearance just
before dinner was announced, he warmly ex-
pressed his satisfaction at finding me under the
protection of Madame de Fleury, and conversed
with much kindness on various subjects. He
was the most sensible man I had ever met with ;
every body seemed to hang on his words, and
delight in his conversation.
Madame de Fleury, as soon as we had dined,
asked him if he would like to hear his little
protegee sing a song, and on his expressing
the pleasure he should experience at witnes-
ing my peformance, I was seized with a fit of
trembling.
Love, all powerful love, however, soon fur-
nished me with the tact of a more advanced
age. The plaintive air I choose, was in
( I. \ 11 a BAZVL. 13
unison with the melancholy tone of Ligonia's
mind. I saw him brush a tear from his pale
cheek, at sight of which, my voice died away
in notes of such softness that all were touched
by it; then observing the effort that Ligonia
made to recover his serenity, I struck up a
merry madrigol, for which spirited performance,
I had been much admired in my native country.
Bravo! Bravo! was reiterated from every one
in the room, and Captain Ligonia for an instant
seemed to forget his deep melancholy, to smile
at my efforts to amuse him.
It was late when I was permitted to retire
with my nurse Agnes, to whom I related the
proposal that had been made to me by Madame
de Fleury to offer myself as companion to the
unhappy young lady who inhabited the white
building in the garden.
We soon fell fast asleep, and did not awake
until Bertram, Madame de Fleury's woman, tap-
ped at our door. She came by her ladies' desire
to accompany me to the dress makers, and pro-
14 CLARA GAZUL.
cure for me a fashionable change of ready-made
clothes that I might appear like a young lady of
education.
Passing through the church-yard on our way
to the dress-makers, we saw Captain Ligonia ;
he was examining the magnificent tomb which
had been, as I was afterwards told, erected to the
memory of Monsieur and Madame St. Sauveur,
the parents of the poor deranged young lady
Isabelle.
This tomb was said to be a master-piece of
sculptural beauty, and attracted the admiration
of all foreigners. As we approached it, I was
struck with the deadly paleness of Captain Ligo-
nia's face ; he merely bowed to us and hurried
away.
I was soon equipped in a neat white muslin
dress, and large silk morning bonnet ; Mrs. Ber-
tram chose for my evening costume, a black
satin dress with tight bodice, after the Spanish
fashion, which set off my delicate waist to the
CLARA (iAZl'L. 1")
greatest advantage; although scarcely fifteen
years of age, I was tall, and though slender, was
so far formed as to have been mistaken for eigh-
teen, judging me only by my person, whilst my
face was that of an intelligent child.
My features were regular, but my eyes were
my chief beauty, than which none could be
more expressive of strong sense and arch hu-
mour: their brightness was tempered by the
sensibility that glowed in my heart.
Few loved truth and abhorred deception of
every species more than myself, who had been
so greatly disgusted with my mother's habit of
hypocrisy.
Of religion I had heard seldom tell, except
when my nurse had taught me to pronounce a
short prayer on my knees, night and morning.
My reading had been chiefly confined to a
few Spanish romances, yet I was not entirely
unacquainted with French literature.
The French language delighted me, and I
16 CLARA GAZUL.
spoke it like my mother tongue. But I will not
dwell on my good or bad qualities, since my ac-
tions will best speak for me, and I beg pardon
for this digression.
CLARA (JAZUL. 17
CHAP. III.
I AM ENGAGED AS THE COMPANION OF A YOUNG
LADY OF UNSOUND MIND ; SOME ACCOUNT OF
CAPTAIN LIGONIA.
Having purchased all the necessary little re-
quisites to complete my morning and evening
costume, and render it worthy the society of
Madame de Fleury, we retraced our steps
homewards ; I found Mademoiselle Rosa in her
dressing-room, she had just returned from riding
with the young Count, who (as I soon learnt)
had proposed, and been accepted as her future
husband.
Come here and let me look at you, said Rosa,
and having examined me at all points, she grew
jealous, and confessed as much : an heiress is apt
to be frank.
Madame de Fleury, in the course of that day,
introduced me to Doctor Lambert, who was the
Vol. I. d
18 CLARA GAZUL.
poor deranged young lady's physician ; and he
addressed me in about these terms.
"Hearing Mademoiselle that you are willing to
offer your services to this afflicted and interesting
young lady, I beg permission to acquaint you
with a few particulars of her case, which hap-
pened in Italy.
The parents of Mademoiselle St. Sauveur
were my best friends. The death of Monsieur
St. Sauveur was a shock which caused Madame
St. Sauveur to be seized with the pangs of pre-
mature labour, and she died three hours after
her child saw the light, but not until she had in-
treated me to watch over the poor orphan's health
and happiness. Madame de Fleury, as her last
surviving connexion, was chosen guardian of the
young lady's fortune.
No symptoms of insanity had been remarked
in Isabelle, until she had attained her tenth year.
The poor thing, now believes herself skilled in
foretelling events; but, I still hope to restore
this lovely, and afflicted young lady to society,
CLARA GAZUL. 19
if I can only divert her mind, or fix it to some
kind of study. I have said enough to you Miss
Clara, and will now introduce you into her
closet. I was accordingly conducted into a
small apartment adjoining Isabel le's sitting-
room ; at the first sound of my voice and guitar,
Isabelle flew to the closet, she wore a simple
white robe fastened round the waist by a ribbon,
her light brown hair fell below her girdle, her
cheeks were pale, and the unnatural fire" of mad-
ness glowed in her eyes; she examined me with
intense interest, stood at some distance from me,
in the attitude of listening, with one of her deli-
cate fairy fingers held up ; I struck a few chords
and murmured the first stanza of a Spanish
hymn, Isabelle listened with rapture; I ceased
suddenly, and gently slung my guitar across her
shoulders ; she eagerly examined it, struck the
chords with her fingers, and then returned it me
in disgust at the unharmonious sounds she had
produced ; knelt down at my feet, and fixed her
eyes beseechingly on my face. I raised her,
20 (Lara GAZUL.
nodded assent, and tried the effect of a livelier
air, she appeared to understand the very soul ol
music.
We will live together Isabelle, said I, laying
down my instrument, we will sing together, and
I will be your companion.
Your destiny does not lie with mine, said
poor Isabelle, there is a fatality against it, she
continued, something tells me that I shall one
day destroy your peace of mind ; I have seen
you in my dreams, but I have odd thoughts and
fancies. There are times when, as now, I re-
collect all the incoherent things I have said and
done, and then I weep, oh ! 'tis shocking to
know that we have seen in our minds eye, what
in fact is no where else visible; to be aware that
one is watched and chained up like a wild beast,
nay more, (continued Isabelle looking wildly
about her, and pressing her hand on her fore-
head) " to feel that confusion here, which ren-
ders such bondage necessary:"
Oh, how shocking ! I exclaimed in the tone oi
genuine pity.
CLARA GAZUL "21
I have seen a murderous hand raised against my
life; I have seen blood flow, and the earth be-
strewed with mangled human frames !!.... I
have seen all this, and know it was but the vision
of a disordered mind.
They will pass away as dreams, said I, (put-
ting my arms round poor Isabelle's neck and
kissing her) these are fearful fancies, but we
will charm them away with music.
Do you not fear me then ? she asked.
And why so my sweet delicate sister, I re-
plied, even though some shocking phantoms do
disturb your mind ? you shall learn of me to
touch the light guitar, and we will live together.
I passed the whole of the day with Isabelle,
and at parting delighted her by my promise to
return to her the next morning.
I found my nurse Agnes in high spirits,
Albert,, the Count Drognichieff's gentleman, had
been very particular in his attentions to her;
and she believed him to be an excellent young
man.
22 CLARA GAZUL.
I eagerly changed the subject, to enquire
when she had seen Captain Ligonia ?
Poor dear gentleman, said Agnes; I have
just been talking about him to Monsieur Albert
And what said Monsieur Albert? I asked
eagerly.
The substance of what Agnes had gathered
from the Count's servant Albert, was simply
this. " That about fourteen years back, when
the Count was a mere child, Ligonia had entered
the regiment of cossacks, to which his father
belonged as a private soldier, where, by his bra-
very and talents, he had immediately distinguish-
ed himself, and was soon promoted to the rank
of captain ; that higher honors had been tender-
ed to him which he had declined. He spoke
the Russian language without foreign accent,
but as he had perfected himself in so many
others, no one knew for certain from whence he
came ; that his grace and beauty had captivated
the Count's sister; that his father who owed
his life to the courage and generosity pf Ligonia,
CLARA GAZUL. 23
had desired to promote the match, provided he
would have explained who and what he was,
which Ligonia had refused to do, declaring that
he should never marry under any possible circum-
stance ; that he was adored by every soldier in
the regiment to which he had attached himself,
for his noble courage, charity and benevolence ;
that he seemed to be from the first independent
in his circumstances, but so deeply oppressed
with melancholy, as to endure existence only
that he might lighten the hardships of the poor
soldiers he commanded.
The deep interest I had before felt for Ligonia
was increased to enthusiasm, by Agnes's ac-
count of his virtues and courage ; and I was
vexed to find that I could no longer keep her
awake, to delight me with every trifling parti-
cular which she had gathered from her new ad-
mirer Albert.
•24 CLARA GAZUL.
CHAP. IV.
A SENTIMENTAL SCENE WITH A COLD LOVER ; —
I RECEIVE A DANGEROUS WOUND FROM THE HAND
OF A LADY. — CAPTAIN LIGONIA RETURNS INTO
RUSSIA. — MARRIAGE OF MADEMOISELLE FLEURY ;
I ACCOMPANY HER TO NAPLES ; SOME ACCOUNT
OF MY TRAVELLING COMPANION.
But few events occurred during the next four
or five weeks : my performance on the guitar,
had, by this time, got me in vogue at Lyons,
where nothing was talked of but the Spanish
girl and her guitar; and every body's balls or
assemblies were considered not worth attending,
unless Madame Fleury would bring her prote-
gee to play one little song, and accompany it
with her beautiful voice.
From the first day of my attendance on Isa-
belle, her health was said to improve. I was
Clara gazcl. - 5
iier companion and music mistress, and her pro-
gress was rapid.
I saw Captain Ligonia, daily, and melancholy
as he was, I could not help flattering myself
that he liked my society. Those were indeed
delightful moments to me, who loved for the
first time, with all the impassioned ardour that
my nature was capable of.
I was roused from my happy dream by the
unwelcome news that Captain Ligonia proposed
shortly returning to Russia, in consequence of
the breaking up of the army of occupation that
year (1818.)
On his naming this resolution to me, I burst
into tears. We were alone; Ligonia soothed
me in terms of the gentlest pity ; he could not
be blind to the sentiments he had inspired, and
he was too frank to affect ignorance on the sub-
ject.
Clara, said he, feelingly, you see before you
an unhappy man, whose heart is dead to love,
and whose mind is subdued by a weight of an*
Vol. I. e
2(j CLARA GAZUL.
guish which renders ex istence a burthen to him ;
it has not, however, made me so callous, but that
T can still desire to promote the welfare of one so
young, so lovely, and so deserted.
As I listened to Ligonia's discourse, my tears
fell unheeded down my cheeks.
I would fain be as a parent or a brother to
you Clara, continued he, pressing my hand, and
looking at me with tenderness, but my mind is
so disturbed. I cannot direct you ; yet, I do
believe, you love me, Clara, and your affection
may be proved towards me in a way to afford
me much comfort. Attend to the little counsel
I can offer you ; subdue your passions ; acquire
the command of them as you would save your-
self from crime and destruction. We may meet
again, Clara. Let me find you a respected, use-
ful member of society.
And will you smile kindly on me, if }^ou hear,
that unaided by a single friend, I shall have
subdued my passions, and learnt to merit the
esteem of the wise and the good ?
CL\RA GAZUL. 2?
Alas ! Clara, save in bitterness of spirit, I shall
never, I fear, smile again.
Oh ! What hope will support me then? said
I, sobbing aloud; Who, in this dreary world,
where I am a stranger, shall speak comfort to
me?
Vainly would you come to me for comfort,
poor Clara, said Ligonia, while his beautiful
countenance, bore the fixed character of des-
pair.
I will be all you wish, continued I. If I live
and preserve my senses, I will never love you
less than at this moment.
And suppose you were to discover that your
affections had been fixed on a man whose vices
were
I can suppose no vice, I could not pardon in
you Ligonia, I interrupted.
Clara, you have soothed some of my bitter-
est feelings, and rendered me for a moment
less wretched : we may meet, perhaps, when
you least expect it Of one thing, be certain.
28 CLAUA (iAZUL.
that I shall not cease to interest myself for your
happiness. Let me hope that my advice has
been of service to one of my fellow-creatures.
Ligonia refused to be more communicative,
as to what chance I had of ever meeting him
again. When he was about to take leave
of me, I wept bitterly.
May God bless you, Clara! Pray for me,
poor Clara, said he, and he was going ; a phan-
tom obstructed his path ! Isabelle stood be-
fore him, pale as a corpse ; her attitude was
menacing, her eyes darted fire, and her hair
was dishevelled. This sudden apparition seem-
ed to appal the very soul of Ligonia, who uttered
a deep groan. On a sudden, Isabelle snatched
up a pruning knife which the gardener had
accidentally left in her path, and aimed it, with
the quickness of thought, at the breast of Ligo-
nia, whose face was covered with his hands, as if
to shut out from his sight some terrific object.
I sprang forward, and throwing myself on Li-
gonia' s bosom, received the intended death wound
CLARA GA2UL. 29
for him in my shoulder. At sight of the blood,
which flowed from the wound, Isabelle's loud
screams brought both servants and neighbours
to my assistance. Let the reader judge of their
surprise and consternation at the scene which
presented itself.
Ligonia was on his knees, his features covered
with a deadly paleness, was employed in endea-
vouring to stop with his handkerchief the blood
which flowed from my wound.
As I shortly afterwards fell into a deep
swoon, 1 cannot describe what followed.
On coming to my senses, I found myself in
bed, Agnes and the physican were watching by
my side. For several days, I was not permitted
to speak; my wound was dangerous, but the
excellence of my constitution aided my reco-
very.
As soon as I was permitted to converse, I ga-
thered the following particulars from Agnes. The
doctor had forgotten to fasten the door of Isabel-
le'sapartment, who finding herself at liberty, had
30 CLAftA G\ZUL.
wandered towards that part of the garden where
we stood. No one eould account for those
symptoms of horror and abhorrence which she
evinced at the sight of Ligonia. Conjectures
were fruitless, since Ligonia had served in Russia
nearly as long as Isabelle had been born. The
attempt she had made on his life could,
therefore, only be attributed to the sudden freak
of a maniac.
Poor Isabelle was consequently more closely
watched than usual. On being questioned why
she attempted such a crime, she had shewn so
much agitation, and spoken so wildly, that the
physician had thought it prudent, to change the
subject, and her attendants were forbidden to
recur to it.
Ligonia, who was still an inmate of Madame
de Fleury, as soon as I was permitted to con-
verse, took an affectionate leave of me. Alas !
said he, at parting, could one fatal hour be blot-
ted from time, we might enjoy more happiness
CLARA GAZUL 3l
than usually falls to the lot of man ; but it can-
not must not be.
Ligonia, said I, your will and pleasure be
ever sacred to me, when that sweet countenance
which I now gaze on shall be seen no more,
when immense space shall divide us, and when
I hear of you no longer, methinks I shall have
ceased to exist for ought, save stern duty and
severe privation. I ask no promises, I will ac-
cept no pity, and I claim no merit, that I threw
myself between you and danger, for it was the
act of involuntary impulse; if ever my affec-
tion can comfort you, you will seek me ; in the
mean time be free. It shall be my ambition to
deserve your esteem, with that of all good men,
and every evening while the sun is setting, I
will fervently pray to the Father of all good to
give you comfort.
Ligonia clasped me to his heart in a short but
fervent embrace.
Be assured, said he, that the heart that turns
3*2 CLARA GAZUL.
from you Clara, shall never enjoy woman's love,
and he disappeared.
The physician found my pulse high. My re-
lapse was very serious ; for eight days, my life
was despaired of.
When I recovered, I learned that Ligonia was
on his road to Russia, having left Lyons immedi-
ately after our last interview, but ^rst he had
deposited a purse of gold with Agnes for my use.
Shortly after the departure of Ligonia, Rosa
informed me that the young Count DrognichiefY
had proposed to her, and been accepted, that an
early day was fixed for their marriage ; imme-
diately after which, they had determined to pro-
ceed to Naples. Rosa invited me to accompany
her, which invitation I joyfully accepted, and
promised to hold myself in readiness.
In the mean time I received a visit from Doc-
tor Lambert, who came to take his leave of me,
being about to accompany Mademoiselle St.
Sauveur to England. Since the attempt she had
made in her frenzy on the life of Ligonia, her
CLAftA GaZI'L. ^3
mind had conjured up some horrible images
respecting him. All her medical attendants had
therefore recommended change of scene to the
poor invalid, who would leave Lyons for Lon-
don on that very evening, after which they pro-
posed passing a few months in Italy. The
Doctor having shook me cordially by the hand,
and expressed his hopes of meeting me in Na-
ples, took his departure.
In another month the nuptials of Count
Drognichieff and Rosa were celebrated at Lyons,
and the next day we were all three journeying
on our road to Naples, accompanied by Agnes
and her new lover Albert, (the Count's servant)
Rosa's femme de chambre Pauline, and three
male domestics. The bride and bridegroom
travelled tete-a-tete in their travelling chariot,
the large family coach was loaded chiefly with
baggage, and the inside occupied by myself,
Agnes, Pauline, and a little repasseuse whom
the Count had engaged in Paris, at the recom-
mendation of a great countess, not for himself
Vol. T. f
34 CLARA GAZUL.
but for the service of a Neapolitan marquis
whose name was St. Betise, and she assured the
Count " que la petite repasseuse dont il vou-
" loit bien se charger seroit un vrai tresor
" pour son cher ami a Naples, M. le Marquis
"de St. Betise; vu, qu'il tenoit a avoir ses che-
" mises plissees dans la plus haute perfection.*"
Rosa and the Count would have had me tra-
vel with them, but besides the scruples I felt to
interfere with their tete-a-tete, I experienced, in
my present melancholy tone of mind, a strong
antipathy to the idea of witnessing two happy
lovers during their honey-moon.
The Countess, however, never treated me as
an inferior, but insisted on my dining at her own
table.
Pauline, her dashing waiting woman, turned
up her nose at my poor simple nurse Agnes ;
* That the little laundress, of which he was so polite as to take
charge, would turn out quite an acquisition to his friend at Naples,
the Marquis of St. Betise ; and most essentially so, as he was so
particular in having his shirt frills got up, and plaited in the very
highest perfection.
CLARA GAZUL 35
perhaps some degree of jealousy existed be-
tween them; I suspected that Albert was the
prize for which they contended. The little
French repasseuse possessed more ready wit
than modesty; she wore a smart green silk
apron, adorned with full trimmed pockets, and a
cap ornamented with rose coloured ribbons, a
little rouge, and a great deal of sandy hair ; her
pretensions to beauty were very moderate, in-
deed, I was greatly surprised at the choice of the
Count's friends in Paris, of this female who ap-
peared so deficient in every amiable quality.
3(5 CLAUA GAZUL.
CHAP. V.
SERENADING AND SERENADERS— JEALOUSY IN LOW
LIFE — HONOR DEFINED BY A FRENCH COOK SHEW-
ING WHAT A HOLD VANITY HAS ON THE PASSIONS
OF MAN — A HOAX.
As we passed through Italy, everybody ex-
claimed at the dirt and poverty which was min-
gled with splendour, so as to completely destroy
its effects.
But I, as a Spaniard, saw nothing to astonish
me in a fine castle loaded with rich furniture,
paintings, and precious stones, while the lower
stories were appropriated for filthy stalls where
squalid penury reigned, without regard to order
or decency.
The twanging of innumerable guitars, was as
frequently heard in this country of an evening
as in my own, and the Italians are better musi-
cians but the higher romantic spirit of serenad-
CLAIIA GAZUL. .'*7
ing exists in Spain, or may be I am partial
in saying so much.
In Italy, every barber, as a means of adding
some touch of refinement to the expression of
his coarse desires, has recourse to a guitar, on
which he contrives from his good ear to accom-
pany his voice. The same love rigmarole, to
the same air is twanged all over the towns at
midnight; the number of guitars being regu-
lated by the fortune of the serenader, or by the
degree of respect and love which the object has
inspired.
I have heard fifty or sixty guitars at a time,
twanging merrily under my window, after I had
returned from visiting one of the theatres with
the Count and Rosa ; nay, Pauline too was sere-
naded by three musicians one night at Bologna.
To shew what a hold vanity has on the passions
of man, Albert was just growing tired of Pau-
line, and he now conceived she must be an
angel. Pauline on her part, elated with what
she pretended was proof positive of the won-
38 CLARA GAZUL.
derful effect of her charms, in her turn began to
treat Albert with high disdain. Albert had
served three years with his young master in
Russia, he had certainly been once, half in love
with Pauline. Reflecting on these weighty sub-
jects, he began to fancy himself jealous, and to
think about his honor, not that he quite under-
stood what the word meant.
He would fain have consulted some military
hero on the subject, but being ignorant of their
language, he addressed himself to Pedro the
French cook.
Pedro was a merry wag who had formerly
kept a gambling house in Paris, until he had
been forced to emigrate for the simple circum-
stance, of having at a game of whist, when a
large sum of money was at stake, kept all the
honors to himself.
Honor, said the Frenchman as soon as
Albert had sharpened his wit by a cup of
wine, "honor is of various sorts and kinds;
the honor of a man-cook requires that he should
CLARA GAZUL. 39
send to table a delicious repast , a tailor's honor
is in his measure, for if he mismeasures, he is
dishonored; the honor of a justice of peace rests
in his prudence, and he may commit any body
but himself; the honor of a prime minister is to
keep down the opposition; and the honor of
an Italian actress dwells, as you well know, with
the number and high rank of her lovers.
But speak tome of military honor! said Al-
bert impatiently.
Military honor consists in never flinching
from the bottle said Pedro, filling both their
glasses.
True, replied Albert, after swallowing a
bumper, but on that point I have ever conform-
ed religiously to the rules prescribed ; but sup-
pose a man tries to seduce my mistress, what
says honor to that ?
Speak you of Italian honor?
I speak of military honor.
Yes! but 'tis widely different in Italy and in
France: which will you have?
40 CLARA GAZUL.
Either is good enough for me ; give me the
most simple.
In this country then it is the custom to stab
the offender in the dark !
A Rome comme a Rome, said Albert, taking
up his hat, his mind bent on deeds of blood.
It was striking eleven o'clock when Albert
left the French cook, who had received him in
his bed room. As he traversed the corridors
in his way towards the kitchen, he met Agnes,
who told him that supper was ready. Albert
pushed her on one side with such rudeness, that
the poor young woman burst into tears. Albert
relented, he could have given her his heart and
best affections, whom he esteemed for her gentle
virtue, if any body would have but given her a
serenade. In the mean time, but little glory was
attached to a conquest which no one coveted or
contended for, so having begged her pardon, and
excused himself from joining her at supper, he
hastened towards his own bed room, where he
armed himself with his travelling dagger and
CLARA GAZUL 41
small pair of pocket pistols, and then hurried
into the street.
Here he began to parade up and down un-
der Pauline's window.
His courage, for the first quarter of an hour,
was firm and terrible ; the fumes of the wine he
had just swallowed, had worked him into a
jealous phrensy, and he grasped his dagger with
a savage gripe. Towards midnight he began to
reflect seriously on what be was about. Sud-
denly he heard the twang of several guitars.
The night was dark, and Albert advanced un-
perceived, nearly close behind the musicians.
They were three in number, as before, and ap-
peared to be mere lads: they sang a pretty amo-
rous ditty, which they accompanied with some
skill.
Villains! cried Albert, who could contain him-
self no longer — Rogues! Thieves! away with
you, or I will send a brace of pistol bullets
through your empty heads, an you dont leave
off your twanging ; saying which, he seized hold
Vol. I. g
42 CLARA GAZUL.
of the youths by the collar, one after the other,
and flung them to the earth with the greatest
possible ease.
Murder! murder! rape! murder! scream-
ed out the poor musicians, as they each measur-
ed their length on the ground.
However, it was soon evident, that two out
of the three had escaped death from the dread
hands of the terrible Albert, since they were no
sooner down than up again, and scampering to-
wards the kitchen, as though old nick had been
in pursuit of them. But the last of these three
amorous heroes happened to be less fortunate, if
one might judge from the noise he made, and
from his continuing on the earth, just where Al-
bert had tossed him.
Wretch ! you have broken all my bones,
screamed out the prostrate youth, in good
French.
The Count, Rosa, and myself, accompanied
by the hostler and the maitre d' hotel, attracted
and alarmed by this midnight disturbance, has-
CLARA GAZUL. 43
tened to the outer gate. We arrived just in
time to witness a most ridiculous scene. Albert
had picked up the wounded hero, and was car-
rying him towards the kitchen. He was mask-
ed, and being placed on the dresser, persisted in
declaring that his bones were all broken.
Surely, said the Count, this youth has got on
my surtout! — and holy Virgin ! exclaimed Al-
bert, these are your Lordship's overalls. We
have caught a thief! Here Pedro! Pedro ! send
for an officer ! — Take the rogue into safe custody,
bawled out the maitre d' hotel.
Spare me! Pardon me! Pardon! said the
phantom, suddenly rising from the dresser, and
tearing off his mask, he fell prostrate at the
feet of the Countess.
It was Pauline, as large as life, who had been
serenading herself; grown desperate at the
change in Albert's manners since he had become
acquainted with Agnes, she had imagined this
stratagem to rouse the jealousy of her ci-devant
lover, and induced the little repasseuse, with the
44 CLARA GAZUL.
kitchen maid, to accompany her, after leaving a
light in her bed room, and putting the key in
her pocket.
Bursts of laughter now resounded from all
quarters; the Countess pitying the extreme dis-
tress of her woman Pauline, refrained from re-
proaching her; Agnes, instead of triumphing
in the disgrace of her rival, feeling her gentle
heart melted with pity, offered to lead Pauline
out of the room.
Bruised and crest-fallen, the poor self-sere-
nader, was easily prevailed upon to go and hide
her diminished head-
C L A R A G A Z U L . A ~>
CHAP. VI.
IN WHICH FANCHETTE THE LITTLE FRENCH RE-
PASSEUSE RELATES HER ADVENTURES.
We continued our journey towards Naples, by
short stages.
One day when we had exhausted many sub-
jects of conversation, and had been silent for
some time, the little indefatigable repasseuse,
whose name was Fanchette, proposed that each
should relate the adventures of her life.
My story was soon told ; Pauline's had little
interest in it, but the French woman's account
of herself, being more lively, I will endeavour to
give it my readers in her own words.
" My mother was a repasseuse, and I was
bred up to her trade. Having, at the age of
nineteen, become intimate with a very profligate
46 CLARA UAZUL.
set of girls ; my mother, under the idea of sepa-
rating me from the connection I had formed,
procured me a place of femme de chambre, to
Madam la Marquise de la Croix, who was so
celebrated in Paris, for her beauty and whimsi-
cal disposition.
The Marquis, her husband, was a stiff formal
pair de France, about forty years of age. His
beautiful wife was only fifteen, when I entered
her service. All the men were in love with
her, but though she was the gayest of the gay,
and dressed herself in the most extravagant ec-
centric and coquetish manner, yet was her virtue
never suspected. We led a merry life at the
Marquis de la Croix's, and drank champagne
constantly at the second table. Heaven defend
me from an ugly mistress, who is sure to under-
stand domestic duties, and regulate the expenses
and table of her servants, whilst a beauty is ab-
sorbed in the delights of making and preserving
conquests. The Marquis thought only of his
CLARA (i\7.VL 47
lovely wife, when he was not more deeply en-
gaged with his senatorial duties.
" Thou/h my mistress was indifferent to all
her other noble conquests, yet I could not help
fancying that she distinguished her cousin, whom
she called Alfred, with peculiar attention. Al-
fred was a novice in the gay world, a mere stu-
dent, hot from the university, all passion and
sensibility. He was a sweet pretty youth to
look at, with a dimple in his cheek like a wo-
man's. I was told that he was clever and accom-
plished too, and I remarked, he sang like a night-
ingale, and his breath was as sweet as a rose.
It was easy for every one to observe, how he
loved his cousin, but I believe the idea of pos-
sessing her, had never once entered his young-
head, when the anecdote I am about to relate
to you took place. But first, I must acquaint
you that though the Marquis and his wife loved
each other dearly, yet they quarrelled like dog
and cat, often for the most absurd trifles, and
then they would kiss and make it up, as other
48 CLARA C5AZUL.
married people do. The Marquis would then
ransack all the jeweller's shops in the Palais-
Royal, for some new fanciful bauble to present
to his pretty pet-wife, who used to vex and tease
him so much occasionally, and particularly
when she taught her parrot to call him odd
names, such as, vieux emplatre — fane — passe —
blase — ci-devant jeune-homme,* &c. &c. &c.
On one of these occasions, the Marquis so
completely lost his temper and his manners, as
literally to have laid his childish wife across his
knees, and actually whipped her smartly with a
rod, as though she had been an infant.
My mistress was, generally speaking, as sweet
in temper, as she was lovely, and though in a
tremendous passion at the moment, soon forgave
her husband for the unwarrantable liberty he
had taken with her.
Unhappily for the Marquis, he was of a fid-
getty tiresome temper, and knew not how to be
* You drone of a fellow ! — you dried up— done up — worn out
old codger ! — Ed.
I J. A R.\ &AZU L. 4U
quiet when he was well otT. Not content with
having whipped his beautiful wife, he had the
folly to boast of it in her presence, and before
at lea>t twenty visitors. " Regarded moi cette
belle sauvage, cette beaute fiere, said he, half
in kindness, half ironically ! Qui croiroit qu'elle
aete fouettee . . . mais bien fouettee .... fouettee
comme il faut*!' '
The young countess's cheek glowed deep
scarlet She rushed out of the room, flew up
stairs tojoin her cousin, who resided in the house,
invited him to her boudoir, and when she re-
turned to the saloon, where she left the aston-
ished company, she addressed them as follows,
in a loud voice : Si Messieurs et mesdames j'ai
l'honneur fie vous annoncer que vons voyez la,
devant vos yeux monsieur le Marquis de la
Croix, que vient a l'instant d'etre coiffe — mais
Look, gentlemen, at this proud and savage beauty ! Who, here,
will credit me, when I assure them honestly, that she was, not
long since well whipped!— well whipped — to her heart's content
too!! Editor
Vol. I. h
50 CLARA UAZUL.
bien coifi'e — coiife coinme il taut ! ! — Demandez
a mon cousin."* — Every body opened their eyes,
but were tongue-tied with astonishment.
The marquis knew the world, and affected to
consider this story as a joke; in short, up tc
this day, he has never acknowleged that he be*
lieved one word of it, although I am persuaded
that no man knew the character of his wife
better than the Marquis. However that may be,
they have lived upon such excellent terms, that
my master has never once had recourse to birch-
ing his lady from that hour ; neither do I, in my
conscience, believe, that the beau cousin, was
ever again permitted to become an instrument
of revenge to the Marchioness de la Croixf. The
Marquis had an ugly knack of putting his ear
to the key hole of the servant's office, in order to
listen to our discourse.
* Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honour to announce to you
that you see here, before jour own eyes, the Marquis de la Croix
whose I ead has w* 11 bien this instant dressed and ornamented !—
iir.d ornamented— to his heart's content tco ! ! — Ask my cousin !
t This is a true stur;. •
Editor.
CLARA GAZUL. 51
One night, after the Marchioness had been
thus revenged on him, he heard me relate the
circumstance of my having been an eye-witness
of the tete-a-tete between the Marchioness and
her cousin, from the key hole of the room ad-
joining her boudoir, when instead of pardoning
me for such curiosity, as he was, himself, in
the habit of gratifying by the like means, even
on much less interesting occasions, he, without
further ceremony, turned me out of doors.
UNIVERSITY OF
ILLINOIS LIBRARY
52 CLARA HAZUL.
CHAP. VII.
CONTINUATION OF FANCHETTE'S ADVENTURES.
My talents, as a repasseuse, however, soon pro-
cured me a good post with a prude of the name
of de Vallier, who resided with her husband at
her chateau near Versailles.
This lady was a strict catholic, and led us a
very dull life, making us attend mass, twice a
day, and fast the whole of lent.
Madame de Vallier was not half so beautiful as
my late mistress, although possessed of some
charms; she was a weak, vain, amorous woman,
and I soon contrived to flatter her weak side, till
I obtained her confidence. Listen, said she, one
day to me, as I sat by her bed-side, at work,
while she sipped her chocolate. I have a good
opinion of you, and believe you trust worthy.
CLAW A GAZUL. 53
I expressed my gratitude, and my anxiety to
deserve her flattering predilection in my favor.
Asa reward for your fidelity, take this purse,
continued my mistress, presenting me with one
that was tolerably well lined.
After much preamble, and many attempts to
blush, she acknowleged that she adored a young
military hero, by name De Julien, who was the
constant visitor of her husband.
Madame de Vallier proceeded with her con-
fession, in! about these words: — "Although my
lover returns my passion, we have found it im-
possible to gratify our wishes, owing to my hus-
band's indefatigable zeal in watching our very
looks, and his obstinate perseverance in accom-
panying me wherever I go. Cependant ceque
femme veut, Dieu veut* ; >and I have hit upon a
plan that with your assistance cannot fail. Re-
member your fidelity shall be well rewarded,
whilst the least indiscretion on your part, will
cause your immediate dismissal."
* What woman wills ; (Jod wills. — Ed.
.54 ILAIU 6AZUL
Having made the warmest professions of good
faith and honor, the lady proceeded to explain
her intentions, as follows :
" De Julien dines here to day ; at ten, in
the evening, he will take his leave, our foot-
man, Ambrose, remains absent till to-morrow
night. When you hear De Julien descend the
stairs, open the gate, and affect to let him out,
Having shut it again with a loud noise, you have
only to lead De Julien, into your small sitting
room down stairs. Take care to place lights, and
whatever may be necessary, before hand."
Willingly, Madam.
" You will then," continued my mistress, " go
to your bed, and I command you on no account
to leave it till the morning, not though I should
ring my bell for an hour together."
The heavyj purse I still held in my hand had
put me in such excellent temper, that I vehe-
mently protested and promised my mistress that
all her wishes should be blindl} obeyed.
Alas, continued my mistress, with uplifted
CLAMA SAZUL. 55
eyes, how arbitary is the passion of love ! How
impossible to overcome !
Then do not attempt impossibilities, Madam,
said I.
I have before hand made up my mind to do
heavy penance for this sin, said my mistress,
and left me.
Every thing succeeded to our wishes, and De
J ulien being safely lodged in my sitting room,
my mistress and master shortly afterwards went
to bed. I soon followed their example.
At midnight I was awoke out of my sleep
by a violent ringing of my mistress's bell, which
tingled loudly and without intermission for near-
ly three quarters of an hour, after which, all was
still as death.
My mistress went out early the next day to
confess, but did not once allude to the circum-
stance of the night before. Xo suspicion what-
ever was entertained by the tender husband, and
all went on smooth, for more than a week. But
it happened that De .1 ulien had a friend who was
56' CLAM A GAZUL.
quartered at Versailles, whom he loved as a
brother. The discretion of a Frenchman in
love affairs, is not always to be depended upon.
De Julien's intrigue with Madame de Vallier,
was too piquante; the story of the bell too
amusing to be buried in his own breast, so under
promise of strict secrecy, he related it to his
friend, taking care, however, to conceal the
name of the lady. His friend repeated it to al-
most every officer in the regiment, and thus it got
round to Jacques Tracasse, the barber of the ad-
joining village, near our chateau, a tooth-draw-
er, and merry fellow to boot, possessing an infal-
lible remedy for the lumbago, and another for
dyeing hair.
The said Jacques Tracasse was well known to
all the good families about Versailles, many
of whom preferred sending to him at his
village, which was at some distance, to emplov-
ing any one of the town, partly on account of
his excellent talents, as a hair dresser, but chief-
ly because of his lively humour. He was, in
<L \ R. \ G IXUL 0/
fact, a most amusing gossip, and it became the
fashion to send for Jacques Tracasse, as an occa-
sional remedy for the spleen, as the English
people call it
But to proceed with my story ; the French
are a fickle race, and De Julien having succeed-
ed in a tete-a-tete with his mistress, as I have
described, never thought of trying to obtain a
second, on the contrary, in a few days after-
wards, he procured six months leave of absence,
and departed for a distant country.
This insulting conduct, so enraged my mis-
tress, that her former passion was converted into
hatred, and she called down vengeance and
many imprecations upon De Julien's head,
vowing she would renounce the whole sex.
Soon afterward she sent for two female re-
lations to come and reside with her, but cruel
and false as may be those vile men, there is. it
should seem, no such thing as dispensing with
them. My mistress and her two female friends
Vol. L 1
38 CL \ R \ GAZUL
did nothing but yawn from morning till night,
or they would sit fortune-telling, and promising
a brace of new lovers to each other at every
cut of the cards
My mistress's husband was a merchant, whose
affairs detained him continually at Paris. When
at home, lie acted the husband to perfection,
just as I have seen that character performed at
every place where I have lived. I don't mean
to say that there are no light and dark shades,
and that all husbands are exactly alike, be-
cause some I have seen, who in society seem
perfect models, ever calling their wives " my
dear," or, M my sweet one," giving them the
warmest seat by the fire, and speakiug of them
to their friends, with the highest respect: whilst
others, more frank and natural, will call their
wife a fool, before all the world, and ever keep
the warmest seat by the fire, to the aslonish-
ment of all the well-bred part of the company.
This latter class, I must say, have generally been
in private, the best husbands, and some of these
CL MIA Ci NZL'L. 10
have, in ti.t-ir hearts, really loved their wives next
and second only to themselves; but bad are the
best. AH husbands consider their wnes as pa-
tient tools, destined to bear more harsh usage,
and insulting taunting remarks, than the lowest
menial would endure for an hour ; being bound
in honor and decency to stand by them in their
poverty and gaunt misery, not a jot the less
firmly, when they have brought it on by their
own careless extravagance or profligacy. True,
most husbands will stand by their wives, fight,
nay, die for their wives, should they be sudden-
ly in danger of violence or ill usage, but these
occasions are rare, and in the mean time the
* «
wife is daily neglected and ill used, because,
bear it she must, and forgive it she must, since
she is fastened for life to him, and to force her
chains is but to incur disgrace, and have the
finger of scorn pointed at her, or be reduced
to the hard case of perpetuai celibacy. But 1
am straying from my story.
One Sunday afternoon my master being in a
6*0 CLARA GAZUL.
livelier humour than usual, his wife proposed
sending for Jacques Tracasse, to amuse her two
female friends, who had never seen him. We
will pretend to have the lumbago, or to want
some of his box-combs, of which he talks so
much, said my mistress ; my master w T as delighted
with the idea, and Tracasse being sent for, soon
made his appearance.
Figure to yourself a dapper, sturdy|built little
man, about five and forty years of age, scarcely
five feet high, with a little periwig" on his pate,
covered with stale pomatum, and a small cocked
hat placed erect over all, his face round, his eyes
bright and twinkling, his nose red and snubby,
with a comic expression of the mouth, small
even black teeth, a dingy skin, and whiskers of
no given or acknowledged colour, but dusty red-
dish, or red dusted with brown powder.
The costume of Jacques Tracasse, had been,
as I was told, uniformly the same for the last
fifteen years. A short coat of light stone blue,
fashioned somewhat like un habit de chasse, nan-
CLARA UAZLL. 61
keen knee breeches, with pearl flat buttons, blue
cotton stockings, shoes up to his instep, and
large buckles; a neat plaited frill to his shirt,
and a small stiff' black cravat, which looked as if
it half choaked him, under which he was perpe-
tually digging his two fore fingers, in the vain
attempt of giving more breathing room, without
disturbing the fatal knot, which looked, as if, it
had not been untied for half a century. Add to
this sketch, an old neatly darned white quilted-
waist coat, and one-third of a Swiss check snuff-
pocket handkerchief, which was to be seen at
all times dangling % out of his coat pocket, and
Jacques Tracasse stands before you.
On entering the room he just lifted his little
cocked hat, two inches from his head, while
shrugging up his shoulders, he bowed ; and then
replacing it with its usual starch precision, said
" votre serviteur tres humble," a fine afternoon
ladies. Qu'y-a-t-il pour votre service?* a fine qua-
lity of hair this young lady's, but she does not
r What nia} be vour pleasure. — Ed.
6'2 CLARA GAZUL.
take care of it. Mademoiselle, you must amuse
yourself with cutting the tips, only — the tips,
mind, twice a week.
Has any body got the lumbago here ? I cured
a gentleman who was laid out for dead last
week, and not a grey head leit in Versailles ! !
I am a ruined man ; I'm to be compared only to
Caesar,* who wanted new worlds to conquer !
Was it not Caesar, ladies ? You have heard of
Caesar, no doubt. He was an Italian. A Ro-
man, that is to say — same thing ; only when I
hear of these fiddling, popingjay singing effe-
minate Italians of to-day, I can't fancy how it
happened, that Caesar was such a devil of a fel-
low! Will you hear the news, fair ladies, or shall
I dress your hair ?
The news, the news, Tracasse, give us news,
for we are moped to death, said my mistress.
Oh ! I hate scandal, said my master, yawning,
then added, but Tracasse, you are quite a cha-
racter, how long have you lived in this neigh-
« Qu._ Alcximdn >— Rd.
CLARA CAZL'L. f)3
bourhood? do sit down man in that chair, and
give some account of yourself! Its done in the
twinkling of an eye, said Tracasse, tapping his
large snuff box.
Commencons par le petit verre, said my mas-
ter, offering the barber a glass of curious li-
queur, who having swallowed it, smacked his
lips, and pitched his finger under his cravat
with a wry face, he hemmed to clear his voice,
and then delivered himself as follows:
I was born in the Pays de Vaud, my father, a
respectable Swiss gentleman, wanted to make a
merchant of me, for which purpose, he bound
me to a bankers' at Lausanne, but I felt such a
strong predilection for the stage, and such a
hatred to the business of a clerk, that I resolved
to run away to Paris. Having performed this
journey on foot, I presented myself to some of
my father's relations, who, after scolding me for
my disobedience, pitied my youth, and gave me a
small sum of money to begin the world with.
This put me in hicfh spirits.
(54 CLAttA (i \ZUL.
Having hired a back garret in the Rue St
Jacques, I passed whole days in studying for the
stage, stamping, raving, dying, and singing by
the hour together. At last, my neighbour, in
the front garret, who was an author, threatened
to complain to our landlord of the noise I made.
I called him a grovelling minded wretch, who
wanted to clip the wings of my soaring genius,
and asked him how he dared interrupt a youth
like me, in his studies.
At least, said the poor devil, since you pre-
vent me from working by day light, give me a
few candles, that I may continue my book while
you sleep.
I pushed him out of my room by the shoul-
ders.
The next day, the gentleman who lodged
under me, gave notice to quit, on account of
my stamping my foot so vehementlly exactly
over his head, while exercising myself in a
deep tragedy. My landlord, to preserve a more
profitable lodger, turned me into the street, T
CL\KA UAZUL. 65
proceeded, but little dismayed, at this accident,
towards a small country town, and presented
myself to the manager.
Having a fine voice, they engaged me at thirty
sous a night
I got on better than I expected, and improved
daily, but grew very thin on my poor stipend of
thirty sous per night, out of which I had to
deduct my wig's, gloves, and various articles_of
dress. However, I looked forward to better
times.
In three months, my salary was increased,
and before the end of the year, I obtained an
engagement at Calais, at twenty franks a week.
To shew you what trifles stamp our future
destinies, one night when I played the first part
in a popular tragedy, in which I was required
to kneel down and offer up a prayer to Heaven,
I began, by taking of my hat. Here a heavy
disaster befel me, my wig being too large for my
head, came flying off at the same time, and in
my zeal, I dashed it exactly in the face of the
Vol. I. k
()() TLA it A (i \ZC"J..
youth who was performing with me. He was
a shy nervous young man, who had that night
appeared on the stage for the first time ; my
wig flapping right in his face, frightened him
to such a degree, that he was disqualified for
the rest of the evening, while no one missed
it from my head, owing to my own excellent
hair, and to the row of extra curls which were
separately attached to my collar.
But though I got off with eclar, yet as it was at
the expence of one of our company, I fell into a
violent passion with the barber, of whom I had
hired my wig, for having so shamefully misfitted
me. Ever after, dreading the like accident, I
used to patch and alter my wigs myself, until I
acquired a taste for periwig-making, which I
improved under the able tuition of Charles Bap-
tiste, who was bred to the trade, and at length
I became a proficient in the art.
In the course of ten years that I played my part
in the drama, I earned more by occasionally fa-
CLARA GAZUL. 6f
bricating a wig, for the trade, than ever I gained
by the stage, spite of my superior abilities.
The ingratitude and meanness of managers,
at length disgusted me with a profession, I had in
the beginning, thought so highly of, so having
obtained the good will of my little shop, by the
interest of some friends, I joyfully established
myself in this village, where I have reigned as
first rate hair dresser, without a rival, for the
last fifteen years. Old Juliette has been my
cook, friend, and steady companion ; her tender
care of me, I am just thinking about rewarding
by marriage.
My mistress thanked the barber, for the trou-
ble he had taken. Several glasses of excellent
wine which my master presented to Jacques
Tracasse, so enlivened the good man, that he
grew irresistibly entertaining.
After relating various little anecdotes of the
inhabitants of Versailles, he continued thus : but
ladies, my best story is tu come, only in the
68 CLARA GAZUL.
name of Heaven, don't betray me— its a secret
the very best joke ! Oh ! its delicious ! !
Give it us then, quickly, you provoking man,
exclaimed my mistress, impatiently.
You must know then, said the barber, rub-
bing his hands gleefully, you must know that
Oh ! how you will laugh ! — I had it from
the very best authority ! — You must excuse
names ! but as to the facts, sweet ladies, you
may take Jacques Tracasse's word for them.
A lady of Versailles, of high birth and character,
fell desperately in love with an officer, about
a fortnight ago. He was a Frenchman ! I need
not add, that he was at her service. The dif-
ficulty was this ; her stupid jealous husband
never left her for an instant. No matter, she
resolved to gratify her passion Listen
ladies 'tis the merriest farce ! would make an
excellent dramatic piece. The lady's waiting
woman concealed her lover in a closet down
stairs, after he had been dining at the house.
CL\KA KAZUL. (jy
The husband and his wife, having retired toge-
ther to bed, the husband, as often happens, soon
fell asleep. Suddenly, the barber continued,
riggling his chair towards the ladies, and wink-
ing his merry eyes, suddenly the wife made be-
lieve to be seized with a violent pain about the
lower stomach ; imaginez vous. The husband,
who awoke from the noise of her continual
groans, expressed much anxiety.
It is nothing, my dear, said the tender spouse,
but I wish to retire, I must go
down stairs !
Shall I accompany you ? enquired the hus-
band.
Xo my love, not for the world ; but I
am dreadfully afraid of ghosts, will you oblige
me by laying hold of the bell, and ringing it all
the while I am absent, that I may know you
are awake. The bell will be company for me,
at this solemn hour of the night, so don't refuse
me my sweet, since I am so so very ill.
?0 CLARA G\ZUL.
The husband agreed. Down went the wife,
and in a second, was in the arms of her lover.
Tingle, tingle, tingle, tingle, went the bell for
nearly three quarter's of an hour, while the
happy lovers, secure of the good husband's
" whereabouts" — Hem — translation from Shake-
peare's play of Macbeth — enjoyed each other's
society, without fear or constraint. Ha! ha!
ha ! cette invention ! les dames sont uniques
pour inventer, les scenes dramatiques.
Jacques Tracasse, was so taken up with his
own story, that he did not observe the impres-
sion it made on his auditors, till the husband
strided past him towards the street door, and left
the house ; at the same instant, that my mis-
tress fell back on the sofa in a fainting fit
The dismayed barber, when it was too late,
guessed the truth, and lamented the mischief he
had innocently committed. He bustled up and
down, fanned my mistress's face, with his little
three cornered hat, wiped the drops from his
own with his Swiss pocket handkerchief, de-
CLARA GAZUL. 71
clared it was a scene for the drama, un coup
de Theatre: and then departed, with uplifted
eyes, muttering wondrous! curious! who
would have thought it?
For my part, as I was morally certain, that
my master would dismiss me for the part I had
acted, I began quietly to pack up my clothes
as soon as my mistress came out of her swoon,
and having demanded the payment of my wages,
I left Versailles, on that very evening.
My master, as I have since heard, never re-
turned to his home, but had regular articles of
separation drawn out, which procured for my
mistress full liberty of action, without the noise
of bells in her ears.
At this moment the loud snoaring of Pauline,
who had fallen asleep in the corner of the car-
riage, so offended the little repasseuse that she
vowed she would waste no more time in relating
pleasant adventures to persons who had not the
good taste or the good breeding to listen to them.
72 CLARA GAZUL.
CHAP. VIII.
WE ARRIVE AT NAPLES — MY CONQUESTS — JEALOUSY
IN HIGH LIFE— NEW FRIENDS.
In a few days after Fanchette had related these
adventures, we arrived at Naples, and as soon
as we were comfortably settled, in an elegant ho-
tel, which the count hired by the month, he
sent his letter of introduction to the Marquis St
Betise by the little repasseuse.
The next day, while Rosa and myself were
singing a duet together, the Marquis was an-
nounced. A little dry yellow looking man with
fine eyes, of about eight and thirty. He was
all over diamonds, perfume, and emeralds ; the
rings on his fingers dazzled us ; his massive
gold snuff box, was curiously wrought ; his cam-
bric shirt beautifuly embroidered, and fastened
( t. < R \ HAZUL. 73
down the breast with a row of diamond buttons.
His whole appearance was that of an Italian no-
bleman.
Having saluted us with studied grace, and ex-
pressed himself charmed to make our acquain-
tance, and grateful for the vast kindness we had
done him in bringing over such an excellent repas-
seuse, " qui plisoita ravir,*" said the Marquis, kis-
sing the tips of his delicate fingers, he hesitat-
ed ... . begged mille et mille pardons but he
had heard such sounds ! — Was it really a sim-
ple guitar that he heard ? — and he cast an eager
glance towards my instrument, which lay on the
table.
" You are very musical Monsieur le Marquis,"
said the Count, " and will probably like to hear
Mademoiselle Clara's performance."
Monsieur le Marquis, said he, should be " ravi
on ne peut plus."
I took up my instrument, and bowing to the
Marquis, began to play a solo in my best style.
Who plaited to perfection.
Vol. I. l
74 CLARA GAZUL.
The Marquis's demonstrations of delight were
so ridiculously exaggerated, that I with difficulty
refrained from laughing. "Bravo! Bravo! c'est ca.
— Oh ! delicieuse, — Tantini is a fool to you — Oh !
Tan — ti — ni peut — se — fai — re,'* and as
my air at this critical moment ended, the Marquis
suddenly paused, and I lost the intended finish of
his Lordship's accompaniment.
" Figurez vous Mademoiselle," said the Marquis,
when I had finished, " Figurez vous que je suis
fou moi,* si fou pour la musique qu'on se moque
de moi habituellement et partout. — Sur ma parole
d'honneur, you are superior to Tantini ; but I for-
got, you are strangers, and have not the advantage
of knowing Tantini, I will bring him to you si cela
peut vous faire plaisir : la Marquise mon epouse is
la belle Signora's countrywoman, and will be
charmed with her acquaintance." After having
chatted an hour, and fixed a day for our dining at
his castello, the Marquis took his leave of us.
* Only imagine Miss, I am mad ! — so very mad for music that it is
quite a common thiug to laugh at me, and that too, wherever I go.
CLARA GAZUL. 75
The Count having brought various introduc-
tory letters, we shortly afterwards received cards
from all the best families in Naples, and in the
course of two months, I made several conquests.
The Signor Roderigo, a rich superannuated no-
bleman, was struck through his spectacles, one
night, on seeing me dance a Spanish castagnette
dance at the house of the Marchioness St. Betise ;
and here I must mention the great beauty of my
charming countrywoman the lady St. Betise, whose
apparent modesty and dignified reserve inspired
me with the highest respect for her virtue.
She received me with distinguished politeness,
and after we had been acquainted a few weeks,
often hinted to me how happy she should feel if I
would become her inmate.
It was in this hospitable mansion, as I have
before said, that I touched the heart of the Signor
Roderigo. My second conquest was that of a
young English gentleman of the name of Delford ,
to whom I frankly related my adventures, without
concealing my passion for Ligonia.
76 CLARA GAZUL.
From being the most ardent lover, he became
my sincere friend, and I parted from him with
regret; some months afterwards, when his health
(which had required Italian skies and air to re-
store) permitted him to return to England. One
evening as I sat chattering with my old superan-
nuated admirer, the Signor Roderigo, without
observing that the Countess had left us tete-a-tete,
was seized with a fit of heroics, and dropping
on his knees, began a rapturous declaration, in the
midst of which, he was surprized by the entrance
of the lovely Marchesa de St. Betise, accompanied
by her uncle the Cardinal Poco-puranti.
I blushed deeply, but I could not help laugh-
ing.
The Cardinal Poco-puranti's character stood
high as a prelate in Italy, spite of and in defiance
of a certain sly expression which lurked in his
eye, and reminded me of a cautious voluptuary.
His sudden appearance had such a violent
effect on my antique lover, that he fell prostrate
backwards. The beautiful Marchesa assisted me
CLAKA GAZUL. 77
to place my noble conquest on his legs again, who,
now with shrugs and bows innumerable, paid his
respects to the Cardinal and his niece.
His Eminence condescended to put many ques-
tions to me on the subject of my religious belief.
" Alas! poor child," said he, after I had frankly
explained to him all I had been taught, " you
walk in darkness ; but, my niece has interested
me in your behalf."
I was eager to change the subject, because I
had lately been induced by the instructions of my
young English admirer, to entertain a strong pre-
dilection in favor of the protestant belief. Rosa
soon joined us, when the conversation took a ge-
neral turn.
" Thank Heavens ! they are gone," said Rosa, as
soon as the Cardinal and his niece had taken their
departure, adding, " I have taken such a disgust to
that Cardinal, that I never was in such a humour
to quarrel with bigots. Listen to me Clara," she
continued, " you have met the Countess Lorenza,
78 CLARA GAZUL.
that pious looking widow, who always wears
black and attends mass three times a day."
I have seen her at the Marchesa de St. Betise,
1 replied.
" The same," said the Countess ; " last night she
continued, " as I sat watching at my window for
the return of my husband, who dined with one of
the ministers, I observed a figure coming along
the street, which I believed to be the Count. As
it past the castello of the Countess de Lorenza,
which is to be seen from my window on a moon-
light night, a short figure issued from the portico
in a hood and cloak ; I guessed it to be that of a
female : it seemed to arrest the steps of the tall
figure by laying hold of his cloak, and having
spoken in his ear, I thought it slipped a letter into
his hand.
•' It was the Count!
" I was almost speechless when he entered the
room from agitation." " What can be the matter
with you?" said he.
" Having explained what I had seen, I insisted
CLARA GAZUL. 79
on his showing me the letter, which was at length
reluctantly handed to me; I will read you the
contents.
The letter ran thus :
" Charming stranger, — I can no longer resist
the passion with which you have inspired me ; the
bearer will meet you to-morrow evening at nine
o'clock, and conduct you by the small grey lattice
entrance, along the garden to my secret chamber,
where I will receive you in total darkness. You
shall not once hear the sound of my voice : for
know, too charming stranger, that I value reputa-
tion more than life. The bearer of this note is
completely in my power, nor shall you ever be
able to prove my dishonor to the world. Be
punctual, and mystery shall but add zest to our
stolen happiness."
" Can this epistle be written by the Signora Lo-
renza?" I enquired in the greatest astonishment.
" It is the hand-writing no doubt of her minion,
the duenna," replied Rosa, adding that she was de-
termined to play her a trick. l The Count," oda-
Vol. I. l 4
CLARA GAZUL.
tinued she, " is to dine with the Marquis de St.
Betise, I will plead indisposition as an excuse for
remaining at home ; I am tall, and in my husband's
clothes, wrapped up in his large mantle, I can
easily pass myself on the old duenna."
Rosa s plan succeeded ; the Count left her at
liberty, and in about an hour after, Rosa, in the
disguise of her husband, had followed love's mes-
senger to the dark chamber of the longing fair
one. She returned in safety, and amused me with
the following account. — " The old duenna," said
Rosa, " desired me to take off my shoes, that we
might pace along the corridor with noiseless step.
When we arrived at the door, my guide tapped
gently, and we were immediately admitted into a
room so dark, that I required the hand of the
duenna to lead me towards a bed.
" She then whispered in the ear of some one
who put forth her hand to welcome me, and
drew me gently towards her.
" How short was to be her pleasing illusions !
Throwing her arms about my neck and pressing
(LAKA GA/UL. 81
her lips to mine, she was seized with a violent
tremor then hastily passing the back of her
hand over my face, vainly searching for either
my beard or moustache, she seemed ready to give
up the ghost, feeling certain that she was betray-
ed.
She touched a silver bell which was imme-
diately answered by her watchful duenna.
" Leave the room villain, whoever you are,"
said the Signora, " or I will alarm the house!"
" Xot till you have shewn me your face, chaste
lair one," said I, at the same time seizing hold of
the duenna's dark lanthorn, and turning its shade
round till it emitted a bright ray of light.
" Chaste lady, I salute you," said I, taking off
my husband's gay plumed hat, and bowing low
in mockery
" The Countess Drognichieff ! ! !" exclaimed
the prude and then fell into hysterics.
4< Why thou purblind, mercury", said I, be-
tween bursts of laughter, addressing myself to the
duenna; "thou impotent pandor to the lascivious
Vol. I. m
$'l CLARA (iAZUL.
desires of that pious hypocrite, thy mistress!
Art thou so recently in her service, as to mistake
me for a man ? — Poor, poor Signora! ! !" Having
enjoyed my revenge, I insisted on being safely
conducted out of the house, and left the prude
bursting with rage and hysterics.
CLARA. GAZUL. 83
CHAP. IX.
I LEAVE ROSA AND GO TO LIVE WITH THE FAMILY OF
POCO-PURANTI — A DINNER-PARTY — THE COUNTESS
DIABLO — A FAUX-PAS SUSPECTED IN HIGH LIFE.
During the rest of the winter which I passed
with the Countess Drognichieff, nothing very re-
markable occurred.
The nuptials of my nurse Agnes and Albert
were fixed for the following month, which cir-
cumstance so enraged Rosa's woman Pauline, that
she abruptly quitted her service.
I proposed that Agnes should supply the
place of Pauline about the person of Rosa, who
determined to return to Lyons for her accouche-
ment.
Suspecting that lady of a general disposition to
jealousy, I resolved for the sake of her peace of
mind to decline accompanying her, as I guessed
84 C LA 11 A GAZUL.
she dreaded the frequent tetes-a-tete which might
occur with the Count and myself during her
confinement
Rosa but faintly attempted to dissuade me, and
finding me resolute, " It happens very lucky," said
she, " since you are determined to remain in Italy,
that I know of a family, of the highest respecta-
bility who desires you to become their inmate."
" The Cardinal Poco-puranti resides with his
maiden sister, in the most splendid palace in all
Naples. The Cardinal is lately appointed by her
deceased parent, guardian to a noble young lady,
the affianced bride of a Castilian nobleman, now
on his travels."
" The young lady, Mademoiselle Laura being
a distant relation of the Cardinals', was sent to
them that she might be prepared for her commu-
nion. The Cardinal's sister, the Signora Poco-
puranti, seeks an amiable young lady as compa-
nion for Laura, during her residence with them."
I made no objections to this proposal, although
I had taken a sort of dislike to the expression of
CI.AKA CAZUL. 85
the Cardinal's features. Accordingly the next
day, we waited on the Marchesa St. Betise who
presented me to her aunt, the good-natured Sig-
nora Poco-puranti, as a young person highly re-
commended, and desirous of olfering myself to be
the companion of their ward, Mademoiselle
Laura.
The Signora immediately engaged me. Having
invited us into the next room, and presented me
to her pretty ward, who sat playing on her harp,
that young lady appeared so elated at the idea of
having a companion of her own age, and express-
ed so much impatience to see me regularly in-
stalled, that Rosa, to oblige the Signora Poco-pu-
ranti, suffered me to remain from that hour ; pro-
mising to send my clothes by Agnes, and to visit
me as long as she should remain in Naples ; she
soon afterwards took her leave.
The Signora Poco-puranti having left me alone
with Laura, we were soon on the most intimate
footing.
M How delightful to have a young companion/'
SO (LA I! A (.'AZIL.
said she, " after having for mouths been living
with these pious people. What do you think of the
Cardinal, Miss Clara?"
I unwillingly admitted that his Eminence was
handsome.
The person of the Cardinal Poco-puranti was
nevertheless among the finest order of fine forms;
Of majestic height, with full chest, and if his en-
bon-point had began slightly to encroach on the
perfect symmetry for which in his younger days
he had been so justly admired, yet his ancles,
feet, and hands would still have furnished fine
models for the sculptor's art. His forehead was
high, his skin florid, his nose roman, and if in his
pale blue eye there lurked the expression of sly
voluptuousness, his mouth had a character about
it both distinguished and manly, while nothing
could exceed the brilliant beauty of his teeth.
He passed for a man of tolerable sanctity, yet
was he the Cardinal a la mode at Naples, and es-
teemed above all things amongst the ladies, with
the exception of a few old devotees who blamed
CI.AKA CJAZUt. 87
his love of expence and courtly phrases, whilst
they lamented the pious parsimonious crooked-
backed little Cardinal whom he had succeeded.
But these grumbling souls were few in number,
and bore no comparison to the admirers of Car-
dinal Poco-puranti. His Eminence possessed a
certain eloquence both of voice and manner,
which was particularly popular and persuasive.
He was a man of sound learning too, gentle
and easy in his temper, and he threw his money
right and left among the lazaronies with princely
magnificence. Who would be severe on the qua-
lities of the heart, or examine too closely into the
motive or ruling principles of such an amiable
individual as the gay Cardinal Poco-puranti?
I enquired his age ?
Laura guessed it might be five and thirty, or
more; she spoke of her intended marriage with
the Castilian nobleman with the greatest possible
indifference. The match, she said, had been ar-
ranged by her parents as soon as she was born.
Our conversation was interrupted by the sound
88 CLARA GAZUf*.
of the large dinner-bell, when a magnificent ban-
quet was served up in a beautiful saloon, the
floor of which was inlaid with pure mosaic stone.
The company assembled at dinner, consisted of
Rosa and her husband, the Marquis and Marchio-
ness of St. Betise, and the Marquis's aunt, the gay
old Contessa Diablo, who was excellent company
and made us all laug'i with accounts of her former
beauty and conquests.
At this period, painted up to the eyes, her
cheeks covered with black patches, her costume
in the fashion of times long gone bye, her robe of
red satin that stood alone, slashed with black, and
trimmed with point lace, her extraordinary head-
dress, her enormous fan, on which was curiously
wrought the figure of Tasso the poet, in red
velvet slashed breeches, kneeling at the feet of a
damsel as stiff as himself, who was crowning him
with a wreath of laurels, I say, the old Contessa
Diablo with her patches, lappets, fan, and mittens,
was the most grotesque figure in nature. The
CLARA GAZUL. 89
Cardinal saying grace, and the Cardinal during
dinner was two persons.
Nothing could be more solemn and impres-
sive than his tone and manner of calling down a
blessing on our repast, but that ceremony over,
the Cardinal was almost abon vivant; he was cer-
tainly an epicure. His great tact, it seemed to
me was, in choosing at all times for his subject of
conversation, something that should be intelligible
and amusing, not only to the persons to whom
he particularly addressed himself, but also to
each and every individual at his table. And it
was curious to observe how near, how very near
his Eminence would sometimes touch on sub-
jects irrelevant, too light, and too profligate for
his pretended sanctity ; and yet had he the tact
to wave them in good time, just when he had
roused and excited an interest in the breast of
such fair ladies as liked not the too rigid morals of
handsome men.
The freedom of the Contessa Diablo's discourse
Vol. I.
{HI CLARA GAZUL.
often occasioned Laura and myself to blush,
wiiile the modesty of the lovely March esa St. Be-
tise, appeared to suffer even more than ours.
She begged and implored, with tears in her beauti-
ful eyes, that the Contessa, her aunt, would change
her subject, but the incorrigible merry old lady
scorned restraint.
" Never tell me — never tell me," said she,
in answer to her niece's expostulations, " there
was more candour in my time. I was a pret-
ty blossom like yourself once, and as pure as
snow, up to the hour when the divine Signor Ro-
derigo, saved my life, at the risk of his own, by
plunging into a muddy pond, where I had fal-
len, without taking time to throw of his embroi-
dered cloak of pale blue satin or his . . . ."
"Are^you alludingt o Clara's poor old shrivelled
beau, or some other Roderigo pray ?" interrupt-
ed Rosa, laughing.
"Aye! aye! aye! aye!" said the Contessa, " the
same, we shall all of us be shrivelled in time;
even this blooming little bird, Clara, who now
CLARA GAZUL. 91
presumes to despise the first toucher of my vir-
gin heart. Aye! aye! laugh and giggle if you
will, but there was not in all Naples so graceful
a couple, or one who danced a minuet or gavotte
half so well, as dear Roderigo and myself."
"Nephew St. Betise, send me a glass of that
muscado wine, at your elbow, and let us drink
to his health and longevity. I was never unfaith-
ful to him but once."
"Hush! hush", said the Cardinal, half seriously.
" I earnestly implore you to consider, dear Con-
tessa, these two very young ladies," alluding to
Laura and myself, " consider the sacred trust re-
posed in me. I am ready," continued the Cardi-
nal, smiling gracefully," to wave all claim to such
deference and respect as may be due to my red
hat, and episcopal dignity: but I implore you good
Contessa Diablo, consider my protegees ; con-
sider the Marchesa St. Betise my lovely timid
niece."
" Bah ! bah ! bah ! about your timid niece," re-
plied the old lady, shrugging up her shoulders,
92 CLARA GAZUL.
and regarding the young Marchesa with a gro-
tesque expression of irony.
The young Marchesa fixed her modest eyes on
the table cloth, and was silent
" Well, then," said the pol ta Cardinal, in his
zeal to preserve decorum, without losing sight of
hospitality, M desist from this light discourse dear
Contesa, for my sake, who am bound by my sacred
vow, yet am, alas, but a man, in the presence of
some of the fairest and noblest dames in Naples."
" The Cardinal is complaining to me ladies,"
said the Contessa, whose noddle was beginning to
warm with the juice of the Tuscan grape — " the
pious Cardinal has been complaining to me that
his manhood sutlers somewhat in our fair pre-
sence."
This remark caused a tear to tremble in the
bright eye of the Marchesa ; Laura and I smiled
on each other, without quite undersanding it.
The Marquis de St. Betise, in pity to his timid
wife, changed the conversation to that eternal
theme of his music, and the Signor Tantini.
CLARA C.AZL'L. 93
Methought the Cardinal, though polite to all
his guests, was more than usually attentive to his
young ward, who appeared delighted when he
addressed her.
After dinner, a magnificent suite of rooms were
thrown open, and the arrival of the celebrated
Tantini put the Marquis St. Be tise, into an ex-
tacy of delight. Tantini's handsome melancholy
countenance, inspired the beholders with pity, be-
cause of the degrading sacrifice which had been
inflicted on him in his youth, for the improvement
of his voice, according to the fashion of Italy.
At the entreaty of the Marquis I sang a duet
with Tantini from a popular opera, and was ap-
plauded more than ever I was in Spain. Rosa
sang very pleasantly, the old Contessa gave us her
song too, the chorus of which was something
about her regrets for the time gone bye, her round
arm, and swelling bosom.
The Marchesa laid her little hand upon her
aunt's lip.
" Enough! enough! dear Contessa," said she
94 CLARA. BAZUL.
beseechingly — " Dans ma jeunesse j'ai fait comme
ma grande tante, et toi, tu peux faire comme
moi,"* replied the old lady, in her niece's ear.
"Chan tons! Chantons!" said the Marquis de
St. Betise.
Laura and myself retired early to rest
Rosa departed for Lyons shortly after I had
taken up my abode with the lady Poco-puranti,
accompanied by my nurse Agnes.
The kind creature seeing herself about to be
separated from me for the first time in her life,
was greatly distressed, but I knew she loved her
husband Albert too dearly to part with him
without deep regret, I therefore insisted, and took
leave of her with a heavy heart
The lady Poco-puranti ever treated me wit
kindness. They lived in a style of princely mag-
nificence, and were visited by the best society in
Naples.
When I had been with them about three
* In my youth I did as my great aunt did before me, and you
rav nirre cpu do a« T do. — Rn.
CLARA QAZUL. 9>
months, I was struck with the change in Laura's
manner and appearance. She became subject to
violent nausea of the stomach, her eyes were con-
tinually red and swollen, her appetite fell off, yet
her en-bon-point increased. It was, in fact, im-
possible for me to drive away certain suspicions
injurious to her character.
The subject was too delicate to question Laura
about, whose reserve towards me became almost
haughty, the moment she observed curious anxie-
ty in my countenance. Of ancient descent, Laura
was proud and high minded.
I hoped I was mistaken, for she never left the
palace, or was for an instant alone. With whom,
therefore, could she have formed any criminal in-
tercourse.
<K> (LARA UAZL'L
CHAP. X.
A BLUNDER— A HANDSOME PAGE IN LOVE.
As I sat musing on this subject, the Signora Po-
co-puranti's little fancifully equipped page, tap-
ped at my door, and was desired to enter. He
bowed gracefully, and begged leave to present
me with a bouquet which he had just gathered.
" Signora," said he to me, " I heard you say yester-
day, that you were fond of flowers, particularly
the heliotrope, and I have fancied they might be
acceptable."
The boy's voice was sweet and plaintive, and
there was an expression of melancholy in his
handsome face, which rendered it interesting be-
yond description.
Eugenio's, for such was the page's name,
countenance was congenial with his native sky :
CLARA GAZL'L. J)$
it's softness formed a touching contrast to that
characteristic ardor which beams passion from
the bright eyes of a Spaniard.
If ever I read love in the eves ofmcrtal, this
boy was in love. Here then was the mystery
unravelled! here was Laura's excuse ; for who
could be altogether indifferent to the tender
pleadings of such a lovely countenance. 1
These ideas passed rapidly through my brain,
and before Eugenio had placed his sweet offering
in the rich vases that ornamented a curious mar-
ble slab, which stood between my window, I had
acknowledged his gallantry with sincere thanks.
Eugenio, said I, you are, I am told, a great
botanist.
" One must study something," he replied, with
a gentle sigh.
Are your parents living Eugenio:
" Have you not heard Miss Clara that I was
found in a basket, fastened to the gates of this pa-
lace, fifteen years ago, for this is my birth day."
Vol. I. o
£8 CI.AIU UAZUL.
Poor Eugenio! and what are your future
plans?
u My future plans ?" said the youth, fixing his
soft dark blue eyes intensely on my face, and then
dropping their black fringes towards the earth
There was something in his ardent glance
that tinged my cheek with crimson.
" I have formed no projects or plans for the fu-
ture latterly," said Eugenio, " for my mind has
been occupied by desires and visions of happiness,
which may never be gratified."
And yet Eugenio, said I, smiling, were one to
judge of the state of your mind and heart, by
your dress, one would suppose you the gayest of
the gay. What desponding youth ever sported
such gay colours? That blue vest how becom-
ingly is it fastened ; those cambric sleeves, how
white and delicately plaited; that sash so elegantly
tied, and those dark curls how fragrant with per-
fume ! Is this the livery of despair Eugenio ?
" I will stand here no longer to be laughed at,"
retorted the handsome page archly, while seating
CLAIIA GAZUL. 9V
himself in a chair, which stood close to mine ....
yet did Eugenio possess more modesty than pages
in general, although not enough to believe that
theie were many of the other sex who could look
on him with aversion, or be uncharitably severe
on his faults.
" It is the wish of the Lady Poco-puranti, that
I dress with taste and elegance," said the page, as
soon as he had seated himself.
But, Eugenio, I replieJ, you were not always
so much inclined to obedience as now, I have been
told you are in love, that is the truth of it ;
I can read it in the soft expression of your eyes —
I hear it in the melancholy tones of your lute —
you tremble, Eugenio, I have guessed right, and
you are too handsome to love in vain.
My words seemed to produce a strange effect
on the youth, who blushing deeply, stammered
ojt in great confusion, "I dare not hope j
am I ought to be very grateful, if
b t real love is ti . id, | articularly in extreme
youth, and you are so young .... you . . ."
100 CLARA (JAZUL.
True, I am not much older than yourself, but
I have seen more of the world, and can read your
heart, Eugenio. — Your love was irresistible in the
heart of the unfortunate lovely girl, whose affec-
tions you have seduced.
" You astonish me, Miss Clara! No doubt, as
you say, you are but too lovely, but with regard
to my having seduced your affections — I declare,
I "
My affections ! ! — What are ycu talking about,
Eugenio ? What can you mean ?
" And is it possible, Clara," said the page,
growing bold by an effort, aided by a glance at the
large mirror, which reflected at full length his
very graceful person; "can it be possible you do
not read my heart? and can you suspect me of
loving aother?"
The boy fixed his bright blue eyes tenderly on
my face.
What, do you really mean to say you are in love
with me pretty Eugenio? I asked, blushing and
laughing.
CLARA (,AZJL. 101
M My height is five feet eight," said the youth,
with something of indignation, " and young as I
am, there will never be a period of my existence
when I shall love with the same ardour and pu-
rity" . . . . " Clara," he continued, " I intreat you
do not vex me ; I would sacrifice a thousand times
my life for you ; I have said my prayers to you,
I have loved you as my divinity from the first
hour that I beheld you ; both of us are deprived
of our parents, let us love, and never forsake
each other."
Eugenio, I replied, I have no heart to bestow.
The page's sunny face was now bathed in tears
which he hastily brushed away with one of his
bright curls, " You despise the poor page then,
said he, proudly ; yet is there good blood in my
veins ; my father is a great man, I will not dis-
grace his name or high courage."
You know your father then, Eugenio.
" By name, as I am informed by my mother
you would not ask me to betray my parent's,
•ectets," continued Eugenio.
102 CLARA GAZUL.
No ! indeed, dear Eugenio, I replied — I would
be as a kind sister to you and love you as my bro-
ther.
" But you love another, Clara I"
One, Eugenio to whom I can never be unit-
ed, and whom I may never see again. I then
related to the amiable boy, the whole history of
my life. To my great astonishment Eugenio as-
sured me he knew Ligonia, whose self-devotion to
the cause he undertook, and brilliant qualities he
spoke of with enthusiastic admiration. We will
be the very iriends all our lives, said I, hold-
ing out my hand to the page, who covered it
with ardent kisses.
Some one tapped at the door.
CLARA GA/L'L. 103
CHAP. XI.
PRIVATE THEATRICALS — AN ELOPEMENT.
It was the Marchesa de St. Bt-tise ; her modest
eyes glanced on the page with shy, but unequi-
vocal admiration.
Her ladyship brought me a ticket for a mag-
nificent masked ball, which she proposed giving
the following month, in honor ot her husband's
birth day. " Come down stairs and obtain the
permission of the lady Poco-puranti, for yourself
and Laura," said the Marchesa.
The Marchioness proposed getting up the per-
formance of that classical piece Telemaehus, in
which figured, according to the Italian composi-
tion, Cupid, Psyche, Bacchus, all the Graces.
Muses, Furies, &c. &c. The piece had already
been ably performed at the private theatr-
Vol. I o 4
104 CLARA GAZUL.
their palazzo, which was beautifully decorated
and adorned ; since which, Psyche was in a de-
cline, Cupid had taken a trip to England, Bacchus
to the Paysde Vaud, and the Muses were scattered
all over France, jostling each other in every town.
In fact, in Paris they had turned out such com-
mon women, that no one cared to patronize them,
and Mentor was dead and buried.
To be brief the old company was dispersed,
and the Marchesa expressed her anxiety to form
a new one. The young Prince Orazio, whose
beauty and talents rang through Naples, had un-
dertaken the part of Telemachus, as the Marchesa
informed us, whilst her ladyship chose that of the
nymph kucharis. I was intreated to play Ca-
lypso, and the characters were all cast and ar-
ranged by the following evening.
When the Marchesa had taken her leave of us,
after appointing an early day for our first rehear-
sal at her palazzo, the Signora Poco-puranti called
me into her closet, and related to me with tears in
her eyes, her suspicions as to Laura's state of
(LARA GAZUL. 105
health, which exactly corresponded with my
own. <w
She implored me to speak to Laura on the
subject, remarking, that the poor girl would be
more inclined to open her mind to a companion of
her own age.
I replied, that I had already vainly endeavour-
ed to draw Laura into conversation, which might
lead to the subject of her altered health and ap-
pearance.
"After all," said the good Signora, u we may be
mistaken ; how is it possible that this child can
be pregnant ? Who does she see ? Has she been
once absent alone, or shown the slightest pre-
ference towards any one of our male visitors :
were it possible to suspect the page Eugenio of so
dishonorable a crime, I would spurn him from
my presence ; but it cannot be, Eugenio's heart
is pure, his mind is noble, and he is always oc-
cupied in deep study."
I assured the Lady Poco-puranti of my belief
Vcfe. I. p
106 CLARA GAZUL.
that her page was innocent of any crime against
the peace and honor of her ward, and I promised
to make one more attempt to induce that young
lady to open her heart to me.
Vain, however, were all my efforts for that
purpose. Laura confessed that something had
destroyed her peace, and she thought change of
scene would be of service to her ; she had, there-
fore, she said, written to her brother to entreat
him to take her to his house at Florence ; but she
begged me not to question her on the subject
of her grief, as she had determined to conceal the
cause of it for ever in her own breast. Do not,
continued Laura, touch upon this subject again.
Lauras face was bathed in tears, and her poor
heart seemed heavily oppressed. Sincerely did I
sympathise in her suffering, and pressing her in
my arms, I mingled my tears with hers.
The Signora Poco-puranti, on learning the
result of our conversation, rejoiced that her in-
teresting ward would soon be under the protec-
tion of her brother who was the friend and com-
CLARA fiAZUL. 10?
panion of the Castilian nobleman to whom Laura
was betrothed.
On the day fixed by the Marchesa St. Betise
for our first rehearsal, poor Laura refused to ac-
company us, on the plea of head-ache.
At this rehearsal I met for the first time the
handsome and youthful Prince Orazio, of whom
I had heard such frequent and favorable mention.
His Highness having been invited by the Mar-
chesa to take the part of Telemachus, was charm-
ed with the proposal, and evinced much talent
in the course of this rehearsal; I was also sur-
prised to observe, how ably the Marchesa St.
Betise performed her part ; hitherto she had not
evinced any extraordinary talent in conversation,
yet she seemed now to possess qualities to make a
finished actress ; above all, she could throw what
expression she pleased into her beautiful features,
and was particularly happy in her delineation
of the tender passion displayed by the nymph
Eucharis for Telemachus. With what ardent
108 CLARA GAZUL.
glances of love did she regard the young Prince!
How sweet and tremulous were the tones of her
voice when kneeling before the altar of love, she
vowed eternal truth to her lover.
And then to see the fire that glowed in the eyes
of young Orazio ! How he lingered in her em-
brace ! How his eloquent blood mounted to his
cheek when his arm clasped the delicate yielding
waist of the lovely Marchesa.
Surely, me thought, these are the best actors
in Naples; it is nature itself ! who would not be
carried away by this illusion? who would not
fancy them two real lovers glowing with mutual
passionate desires ?
Every body was delighted; but the loudest
applause issued from the lips of the good Marquis
St Betise, who declared to me in French " que sa
femme jouoit avec le beau jeune Prince comme
un ange!*"
The audience assembled to witness this re-
* That his wife played with the handsome young Prince like an
angel.
CLARA GAZUL. 109
hearsal, did me the honor to say many flattering
things of my performance of Calypso.
We dined at the Palazzo of the Marquis St.
Betise, and it was late in the evening when we re-
turned home delighted with our kind hosts.
We found the domestics of the palace of Poco-
puranti in the greatest confusion and consterna-
tion. Miss Laura was no w here to be found ; a
letter was lying upon- her dressing-table, sealed
and directed to the Lady Poco-puranti ; hastily
tearing it open she read as follows—
" I humbly thank you my dear Lady for the
" kind attention you have ever shewn towards
" me, although Jt has been my heaviest misfortune
*' to have ever entered your doors.
"Feelings, I am not at liberty to describe, ren-
" dered the idea of taking a formal leave of your-
" self and brother, so truly painful to me that I en-
" treat permission to be allowed to substitute the
"expression in writing of my sincere prayers for
" the happiness of you all.
HO CLARA fiAZUL.
" My affectionate attendant Esterre will accom-
" pany me to the spot, where I shall await my bro-
" ther's arrival, by his own appointment I beg
" my dear friend Clara's acceptance of the en-
" closed ring, which she will, I hope, preserve in
" memory of one who loves her sincerely,
" Farewell, may God bless you all,
"Laura."
L LA At A GAZL'L. 11 J
CHAP. XII.
A MASQUERADE.
The news being thus confirmed of Laura's
elopement, the Cardinal seemed greatly moved,
and actually was seen to shed tears.
It was the general opinion that she had fled
with her seducer, but no one could guess who
that seducer could be. Eugenio, the page, ex-
pressed his unfeigned regret so uaturally, that it
was impossible to suspect him, at the tender age
of fifteen, of such deep deception.
The Cardinal wrote to Laura's brother at
Florence, to express his deep regret at what had
occurred. Couriers were dispatched right and
left, but none overtook Laura. At length the
feelings of the Cardinal's family were much re-
11-2 CLARA GAZUL.
lieved by the receipt of the following letter from
Laura's brother.
" The Count de L F has the honor to
11 inform his Eminence, the Cardinal Poco-puranti,
" that his sister, the Signora Laura, is under his
" immediate protection, also that the Cardinal's fa-
" mily have laboured under the mostextraordina-
" ry mistake as to their ungrounded suspicions
" touching the honor and character of his sister,
u who has entirely recovered from her late indis-
" position.
" The Count de L F ."
Neither the Cardinal or his sister appeared to
place implicit faith in this assurance of Laura's
brother, touching the innocence of his sister. Ap-
pearances were too strikingly evident against that
unfortunate young lady, who had endeared her-
self to all the members of the Cardinal's family,
by the sweetness of her disposition.
Having been engaged by the lady Poco puranti
as companion to her ward, I now proposed
CLARA GAZUL. 113
seeking a new situation, but the kind lady en-
treated me to continue with her, until she had in
some degree recovered the shock of the late
elopement.
Our frequent rehearsals, however, had not
been interrupted by poor Laura's misfortunes,
and on the night appointed for the masquerade,
the streets of Naples were, at an early hour, al-
most blocked up by strings of elegant equipages
filled with masked characters, some grotesque,
others sentimental.
The Italians are the only people in the world
for masquerading. The beautiful gardens belong-
ing to the noble palace of St. Betise were illumi-
nated with millions of variegated lamps ; groups
of musicians wandered up and down the groves,
and among the trees were heard the sounds of
various instruments as they moved along, flutes,
cymbals, clarionettes, tambourines, &c. Sec.
The Marquis, who superintended all the bands,
was in his glory, running here and there count-
Vol. I. Q
114 £f,ARA GAZUL.
nag and beating time every where. There was
Euterpe personified by the gay Marquise de la
Croix, of whom it will be remembered the little
repasseuse related an anecdote. She presided
over a group of lovely nymphs, who were to exe-
cute on twelve harps the Marquis of St. Betise s
new composition, which had cost him three years
labour.
It was late in the evening when a set of bells
rang merrily to summon all this gay assembly to
the theatre, to witness our performance of Tele-
machus. Instead of an overture, such as is usual-
ly performed previous to an opera, the rising of
the curtain discovered the twelve lovely nymphs
with Euterpe as their leader, who ably struck the
chords of their well strung harps to do honor to
the laborious composition of their noble host.
The music had no sooner ceased than the rich
scene represented the shipwreck of Telemachus
and Mentor. The youn^ and graceful Prince
Orazio, who played this hero, wore a most splen-
did dress, and charmed the whole of the audience
CLARA GAZUL. 115
by his beauty and excellent performance. Never
yet had I 8een such acting! so true to nature, so
impassioned !
The Prince's enthusiasm was for the moment
sympathetic. I felt the passion of love in my
very soul, and as Calypso, I had reason to believe
I did not disgrace my mother's celebrity as an
actress. The piece concluded amidst the loud
plaudits of the well-disposed assembly.
Then commenced the merry mazy dance. The
variegated tints of many thousand lamps — the
sweet flowers that perfumed the air — the groups
of lovely females — their chaste and classical
costumes— the harmonious sound of many
harps — the gentle breezes that just caused the
leaves of the tall orange trees to tremble and waft
their fragrance around, softly fanning lovers
cheeks, and echoing back their sighs of passion,
in murmurs softer still -all stole upon the de~
lighted senses like enchantment.
The Marquis de St. Betise, was seen every
where, the most officious and polite of hosts ;
116 CLARA GAZUL.
while the Marchesa reclined her delicate frame
on a mossy bank, surrounded by her female at-
tendants, whose nymph -like attire of snowy
white, formed a pleasing contrast to the rich glit-
tering robe of azure blue, worn by our fair hos-
tess, w hose pleasure or caprice it was to employ
them thus publicly, to display the extraordinary
luxuriance and profusion of her shining tresses,
which they wetted with sweet essence out of
curious vases, and laid in fantastic ringlets about
her head and neck.
The bank where this beautiful group of females
reposed, was artificially arranged in the most
picturesque wild style, and was lighted with
still bluish lamps, which emitted a soft twy-light.
The page and myself proceeded along this
bank in a winding direction by a gradual [ascent
and arrived at a hermit's cell. It was dimly light-
ed by a lamp made out of a human scull. Here
sat an anchorite, whose beard was as white as
as snow. His simple garb of dark iron grey,
was fastened round his waist by a leathern
CLARA OAZUL. 117
belt. He wore sandals on his feet, and the upper
part of his face was concealed by a cowl. He
sat leaning on his hand, apparently in deep
thought ; a large volume lay open on a rude table
before him, but he seemed to disregard it.
Some high spirited young ladies who represent-
ed flower girls, came gambling and laughing to-
wards the venerable man, and in burlesque
merriment, made their ottering of flowers on their
knees, while praying for his blessing.
The hermit waved his hand impatiently, as if to
engage them to depart without uttering a single
word.
" Oh! you hard hearted hermit,'* said the elder
flower girl, " how came such an anchorite with
this pretty white hand," saying which, she seized
hold of the hermit's tight hand, and pushing aside
the sleeve of his gown, exhibited for an instant,
a very model of hands, moulded in Nature's finest
proportions.
He of the white beard, having snatched away
his hand, darted out of the cell, with the swift-
118 CLARA GAZUL.
ness of the rein deer, rather than the tottering of
age and infirmity, and had reached the busy buz-
zing throng of masks in a second.
"Pursue him! pursue him! let him have no
rest," exclaimed the merry flower girls, hurry-
ing onwards, towards the spot from whence he
disappeared, while the Page and myself tired of
the dumb hermit, proceeded in a contrary direc-
tion towards the centre of the vast gardens.
" Eugenio! Eugenio," whispered a soft trem-
bling voice close behind us ; " dear Eugenio ! let
me speak a word with you in private."
" Most willingly, Madame," replied the page,
«' but . . . ." and he paused, making signs to the
lady that I was under his protection.
«.« Present me to Miss Clara," said the mask,
who wore a rich purple mantle.
" The Countess de Polignac, my best friend,"
said the page, presenting me.
The mask held out her hand— mutual compli-
ments having passed, we bent our steps to a retired
spot, when the Countess having unmasked for an
CLARA GAZTJL. 119
instant, and discovered a countenance of com-
manding beauty, spoke to me as follows :
•' Though you now see my face for the first
time, I have heard much about you from the
lady Poco-puranti, as well as from her protege^
the young Eugenio ; and I am so prepossessed
in your favor, as to have determined to open my
heart to you, urged as I am by peculiar circum-
stances. Will you accept of my friendship, Miss
Clara, and may I expect to enjoy your society
to-morrow," said the lady, presenting me with
her card, adding, " that she would take upon her-
self to answer that the lady Poco-puranii, would
not oppose her wishes."
I replied, that in that case, her ladyship might
expect me at an early hour.
" Farewell then, till to-morrow," said the
Countess, and having pressed the hand of Eugenio
with tender warmth, she left us.
My remarks on the subject of this lady's invita-
tion were interrupted by the crowd assembled
round a merry pedler, who was exposing his
120 CLARA GAZUL.
ware, and extolling the perfection of his drugs
and charms of various sorts By his side stood a
young gipsy girl, whose graceful form and bright
dark eyes, attracted general admiration.
Maids, wives, and w T ido<vs, and many, no
doubt, of a fourth class, which belong to neither
of the three, crowded about the young gipsy, and
eagerly presented their palms for her inspection.
With timid but arch humour, the gipsy answered,
teased, and vexed them in turn, by the varied in-
terpretation of the lines in their hands.
When I put mine forward, she fixed her eyes
on me with a singular expression of curiosity ;
but my disguise which was that of a Spanish
nun w f -s complete, and my close wax mask
defied the most penetrating observer. At length
the gipsy turned her eyes on my hand, but paus-
ed again, as if some doubt remained that she
desired to satisfy.
Do you know me pretty gipsy? I asked,
disguising my voice.
The gipsy shook her head significantly, when
CLARA GAZUL. 121
having studied my palm for a few moments —
" Heavens defend us," said she," what a chequered
scene is here unfolded! what viscissitudes of grief
and joy, and anguish! .... and the worst pang
your heart will know shall be inflicted by a fe-
male — I see a scaffold ! .... a dungeon ! a
ring ! prosperity for yourself and destruc-
tion to him you love !"
Enough, enough, said I, shuddering, for the
gipsy's voice sounded in my ear like that of my
evil genius. Me thought I had somewhere heard
such sounds before, yet where or when I knew
not — Snatching away my hand, I turned towards
her companion and protector the pedlar, who was
delighting the page Eugenio with his merry dis-
course.
" Come and buy ; my pretty maidens, come and
buy" said he. — " Here is love powder for your
sweethearts pretty maidens, the true ruby tint for
your lips, and top-knots for your bonny hair! here's
Doctor Gascony's book of dreams, and old Dame
Vol. I. r
12-2 CLARA GAZUL.
Ventre-bleu's, the wise woman's receipt for twins,
printed on large letters, and not a hard word in all
the book ! here are garters that have a charm
against being crossed in love ! come buy my lads,
buy. Here's a liqueur to try the faith of your
mistresses, come buy it and try it! 'twill sweeten
your cotfee and cheer up your spirits — 'twill float
if they're virgins, else 'twill sink to the bottom
like lead."
Eugenio and myself now endeavoured to retire
from the crowd that w T as increasing about the
pedlar and his protejee the gipsy ; turning myself
round for the purpose of effecting my escape, I
came in close contact with the silent hermit, who
contrived to give my hand a gentle pressure un-
observed by any one.
" This dumb hermit has been watching us for
some time" said Eugenio— M father will you pur-
chase this rosary" called out the pedlar to the an-
chorite, who shook his head.
" Our reverend brother was born dumb," ob-
CLARA GAZUt. 125
served a young friar who passed near us at that
instant.
"Not he! not he! said the gipsy," siezing hold
of his hand, as he was hurrying past her, " not
he indeed ! "
The hermit snatched away his hand, but not
before the gipsy had thrown a hasty glance on the
lines that marked it
" Thou do' st well to conceal the delineation of
thy crimes from my penetration," observed the
gipsy with a tone of biting asperity, 7 such as she
had not hitherto used.
I thought the hermit's whole frame shuddered,
but it might have been fancy. In a second of
time, he had forced hi9 way through the crowd,
and was out of sight.
The pedlar rebuked the gipsy for her harsh-
ness, but she only placed her finger on her lips
significantly, and muttered some unintelligible
sounds, like one spell-bound.
Suddenly the hermit again rushed into her pre-
sence, and presenting his hand to the sybil, in a
124 CLARA GAZUL.
faint disguised voice, said, " I would know what
observations your kindness or your malice is
disposed to make as to the lines of my hand,
which you profess to interpret ."
"Father," said the gipsy in a tremulous voice
the tone of which again struck me, as familiar to
my ear, " father, neither our antipathies or our
predelictions are to be accounted for, or com-
manded. The touch of your hand, is like the
glance of the basilisk in it's effects upon my shud-
dering senses, and I know not why! ... . Away
with you I entreat you I will not again touch
your palm."
The hermit sighed audibly ; — 'twas the sigh of
hopeless despair, and he then vanished.
The pedlar looked on the scene with an appear-
ance of anxious curiosity, and hastened to lead
his protejee towards a seat where he could con-
verse with her in private.
We were shortly afterwards joined by the
merry Countess of Diablo, who was accompanied
CLARA GAZUL. 12 3
by her old friend and ci-devant lover the anti-
quated but amorous Count Roderigo.
Both were unmasked, the lady wore a rich
dress of green and point lace, made after the fa-
shion of her youth.
The Countess pressed me in her arms and pro-
fessed much joy at seeing me. Her nephew, the
Marquis de St. Betise had described my dress to
her, and she wished me to witness her minuet, with
Count Roderigo. " This" continued the old lady,
" is the very same dress I wore fifty years ago at
the famous Regent's ball, where I danced the
minuet de la cour with the then fascinating Rode-
rigo;" the said fascinating object, who by the bye
was at this period of time the very image of a
baboon, bowed low for the compliment.
"I will go in quest of a fiddler, and if I can't
find one, I'll fetch my own flute," said the delight-
ed page.
In another second he dragged an unwilling
member of the nearest band, fiddle and all to-
wards us, who having scraped his instrument into
126 CLARA GAZUL.
tune, struck up the minuet. Roderigo and the
Countess's dance excited bursts of laughter from
the crowd that soon gathered around them. It
was in fact the most grotesque exhibition that
could be imagined, and the good-tempered Coun-
tess delighted in the merriment she occasioned.
"Ah! ah! ah! those were happy days Rode-
rigo," said she, when the dance was ended,
" those were delicious days, when the pressure of
your hand made my heart dance ; . . . . but ob-
serve," she continued, " the young Prince Ora-
zio there in coversation with my niece."
The Prince still wore the costume of Tele-
machus; the Marchesa St. Betise seemed to hang
on his words with delight, as they retired together
under a thick orange grove.
The Countess Diablo having recommended the
Page to go about his business or pleasure, with
Roderigo, invited me to accompany her. As she
led the way towards the spot to which the Prince
and his companion had retired, I would have re*
CLARA GAZUL. 127
monstrated on the indelicacy of our listening to,
or interrupting private conversation.
"Bah! bah ! bah! said the old lady," dragging
me along, " what do we come to the masquerade
for? — not to be straight laced, but to enjoy our-
selves. I know that sly niece of mine; I saw the
melting softness of her eyes when she addressed
that sweet boy How delicate are his blushes !
how ardent the fire that flashes from his eyes!
How interesting his youthful modesty .... Oh !
ma foi ! were I but twenty, only twenty years
younger! ! . . pretty doves ! ! . . Would not one
say they were made by Nature for each other's
happiness? but hush! we are approaching.''
I would have spoken ; .... I wanted to retire
but the old lady held me in a grasp, which age
had not yet rendered feeble, and placed her other
hand on my lips.
"Softly then," she whispered "we are her
friends. . . . hush ! hush! the very life and spirit of
a masked ball would be destroyed but for a little
intrigue." In another second we approached as
128 CLARA GAZUL
near as to hear the sound 'of their voices, while
a large tree, completely concealed our persons.
The Marchesa spoke in a soft thrilling voice of
the fatigue she had encountered, of her delicate
health, of the music, of any thing but love. The
Prince paid her the homage that a slave pays to
a divinity.
Scarcely fifteen years of age, bred and educated
in the strictest moral feelings, his blood now
warmed with the wildest desires, probably for
the first time. He seemed afraid to breath or
sigh, or utter a word, lest the noble and pure
Marchesa should guess at what was passing in
his heart. Perhaps a bolder lover might have
presumed to hope from the unusual softness of
the fair lady's tones, that some degree either of
favor or of pity had been granted towards him,
even had he so far transgressed as to have hinted
at these ardent feelings, with w 7 hich she had evi-
dently inspired him. But the Marchesa's lovely
lips breathed only the purest sentiments of virtue.
Her rich mantle of blue velvet had been thrown
CLARA GA/.'JL. 129
aside. M The night air, at this late hour, grows
chilly to a Spanish constitution," said my fair
country woman, languidly attempting with her
little hands to draw the cloak about her, as we
could imperfectly observe from our hiding place.
The young Prince assisted her.
" Are not my hands cold," she inquired in ten-
der accents. The touch of her hand which she
presented, seemed to produce the effect of magic
on the young novice, whose voice became tremu-
lous from agitation 1 believe he ventured to
press it to his lips — There w^as a pause
" Lady ! Marchesa," said he at length
"Havel otf ended that you are silent? Did
you not allow me the honour of pressing your
hand, and could it be resigned e're it had been
pressed by my lips, without a deviation from
that chivalric gallantry, which your ladyship's
presence must naturally inspire? .... Still silent
lady ? Then am I indeed wretched, for you are
offended ! '
Vol. I. s
1.'30 CLARA GAZUL.
" And for what, dear Prince," asked the Mar-
chesa laughing, " why should I be offended with
one so truly amiable ?
"Ha! Ha! Ha!" bawled out the Countess
Diablo, advancing from our place of concealment
and dragging me after her. We have caught the
pretty doves. Oh ! the silly things, how must
you suffer! How hard hearted is virtue! What
w r ould you give to be free from her restraint at this
moment ? Pretty youth ! — modest boy ! — which
of our sex could long resist you?" said the pro-
fligate old lady, parting the rich profusion of the
Prince's glossy waving hair.
The Marchesa with soft, but dignified compo-
sure, observed with a smile, " that Madame, the
Countess, her noble aunt, was privileged to say in
all societies just what came into her fanciful head,
without regard to time, or place, or truth.
Chanson ! Chanson!"* said the old lady, " you
were made for each other, and I defy you to re-
* Nonsense, Nonsense.— Ed.
CLARA GAZUL. 131
sist your destiny ; hold out as long as you will, I
know where it must end.
The Marchesa now began to look seriously
offended, a tear trembled in her eye. " How
have I deserved this, what have I said that could
deserve such scandal ?" she asked with simplicity,
either real or very well acted.
The young Prince who was evidently under
the influence of a new passion, which in its first
stage was of that pure and ardent kind that re-
sembles idolatry, appeared to suffer tortures, and
dropping on his knees, he seized the Countess
Diablo, by the hand and looked in her face so be-
seechingly, that the old lady's heart softened.
" I will not vex you, lovely boy ! arise dear
child and play the fool as much as you please
with your exaggerated sentiments; I could not
have resisted you in youth, neither can I now."
The Prince, in the ardor of his youthful enthu-
siasm, covered the old lady's hand with kisses.
For my part, I seized the first opportunity to
apologize for my intrusion.
132 CLARA GAZUL.
V Enough, Rnough," said the Countess, inter
rupting me, and turning to her niece, " I tell you
niece, this child is free from blame, 'twas all my
doing."
" I am not afraid of being surprised," said the
Marchesa, smiling and presenting her hand to me,
with dignified politeness. " Miss Clara is not un-
acquainted with the comic humour of my aunt."
While conversing amicably; we advanced to-
wards a more public part of the gardens: the first
acquaintance we met was the Marchesa's uncle,
the Cardinal Poco-puranti. He was masked and
wore the red hat and full cardinal's costume ; he
appeared in high spirits, and expressed himself
delighted with the variety he had witnessed du-
ring the evening. In the course of our conversa-
tion, his Eminence mentioned two new acquain-
tances, which he had just made, and called our
attention to two masks in dark green dominos
who stood at a short distance conversing together.
" They are men of vast erudition," said the
Cardinal, "in short," so he went on, "I have
CLARA UAZUL. 133
seldom been more charmed with the conversation
of any individual than with that of the elder. They
have both been great travellers and were lately in
Africa; I could not resist the fascination of their
discourse, and I have invited these strangers to
dine with me to-morrow. " We can accept your
invitation," replied the elder stranger, " but on
one condition, namely, that you do not require us
to unmask ; we travel in strict incognito, and we
are under a vow, the most solemn to conceal our
existence, during the next two months, at the end
of which period, if you will allow us the honor of
your acquaintance, we will remove our masks and
fully satisfy you as to who and what we are. It
now remains for you to choose whether you will
admit us to your table to-morrow under all these
mysterious circumstances, or frankly refuse us
that pleasure, until we can prove ourselves wor-
thy of your confidence, in which latter case we
shall journey forward to night."
I assured them, that though it would be the
first time I had dined with masked gentlemen at
134 CLARA GAZUL.
my own table, yet it being the season of the Car-
nival I had no objection, and should feel proud of
the company of such enlightened men, even
though they refused to shew their faces."
The Countess Diablo was violent in her excla-
mations against receiving strange men, who dared
not shew their faces, adding that her dear nephew
was wont to be more cautious : that in fact, the
green dominos must be fairies, who had bewitch-
ed him, or for all she knew, they might be two
robbers.
The Cardinal replied that they were the most
high bred men he had met with in Naples, that it
was impossible to converse with them and mis-
take them for thieves.
Bigots they might be, who might have made a
silly vow, but the idea of their being robbers was
absurd, he should take them for men of even re-
gal rank from the suavity and dignity of their
»
manners.
" In spite of all you can say nephew," said the
CLARA GAZL'L. 135
persevering Countess Diablo, " I hope you will
invite a friend to meet them, and be well armed."
"Bah! I fear no one," said the Cardinal,
"much less these elegant intelligent strangers,
whose genius and merits alone induced me to
press them to dine with me. They are coming
towards us."
In another instant the green dominos joined us,
and the Cardinal having presented them, the
conversation took a general turn.
I soon ceased to be surprised at the favorable
impression their discourse had made on the Car-
dinal, for two reasons; first, because they con-
versed with infinite grace and talent, and lastly,
because I never heard a man more delicately-
flattered, and put in good humour with himself,
than the Cardinal by the elder incognito.
An age could not have made him better ac-
quainted and more competent to administer to
Poco-puranti's foibles. There seemed to exist a
degree of sympathy in their tastes and feelings,
in their manner of seeing things which rendered
136 CLARA GAZUL.
natural and simple, what else, had been mere ful-
some flattery, such as his Eminence had too good
sense to have admired.
The same happy medium between the excess
of rigid sanctity, and the ease of worldly profli-
gacy seemed to exist in the minds of all three
gentlemen; the same tact and lively turn of
thought.
Half an hour passed quickly in this pleasing
society, when the Cardinal and his friends saluted
and left us.
As we strolled along, the Countess Diablo
nodded and chatted with almost every mask she
met In the thickest of the crowd I know not
how it happened, but I suddenly lost sight of her
Ladyship. Vexed and ashamed at finding my-
self alone among such a vast concourse of fashio-
nable persons, I hastened down a long avenue of
orange shrubs, searching eagerly for some of my
acquaintances
I heard steps close behind me Turning
mv head round. I saw the silent hermit who ad-
CLARA GAZUL. 137
vanced, and in a voice never to be forgotten by
me, asked me if I knew him. It was Ligonia' s
voice, and its tones thrilled on my heart.
You here, dear Ligonia! — dear Sir, said I, cor-
recting myself in accents tremulous from delight?
" Hush," replied Ligonia, for it was indeed him-
self, leading me gently to a more retired spot*
" Particular business of a very private nature call-
ed me suddenly to this country ; passing through
Naples this morning on my road to a distant part of
Italy, I waited on my particular acquaintance the
Countess of Polignac. It was from her I learnt
your residence with the Cardinal Poco-puranti,
and also that you would be at this masked ball to
night, in the dress of a Spanish nun. Though I
have long turned my back on the gaieties of the
world, yet I could not resist availing myself of
the only opportunity I might have of enquiring
after your welfare, since I must be journeying
onwards before to-morrow night."
So soon Ligonia? 1 exclaimed, an i may I not
speak to you now, and will you not unmask ?
Vol. I. t
138 CLARA GAZUL.
nay then, you must not, you cannot reproach me
justly with boldness, for my heart is honest.
But little can I know of the forms of etiquette, or
of the rules set down for female propriety. I am
told they are arbitrary, and I guess that in some
degree, the manner often passes for the matter; be
that as it may, there are surely exceptions to every
rule of conduct. I see my protector from insult,
my best, my only friend a prey to despair ;
my heart glows with the most ardent desire to
sooth, to comfort, and console him, whose amia-
ble character is appreciated by all. Alas! the
power I fear is denied me, but my heart is too
full, and it would burst were I to be silent.
Ligonia! I repeat mine is an honest heart, and
every thought, and every wish towards you, is
pure as your own mind.
" A'o more of this Clara! — You distress me,"
said Ligonia.
Nay then, I exclaimed in a tremulous voice,
this is harshness, and you are unkind to trifle
with a poor friendless girl, giving her the most
CLARA (iAZUL. 139
touching proofs of disinterested kindness, yet
would have her return them with cold ingrati-
tude. Oh 1 how have I thought of you, and
prayed for you, and how eloquent I have fancied
I could plead to you! what projects have I not
formed to restore you to tranquillity 1 how san-
guine have been my dreams! In some of
them me thought you smiled, and were pleased
with my devotion to you! I have watched for
you in the twilight of the evening, I have sang to
you while you enjoyed the delicate repast my
own hands had prepared for you Sometimes I
have stood amidst the thickest of the battle, stout
of heart and able and willing to administer to
your distresses, or your wounds, bodily or mental.
I was your companion in sorrow, and in health —
Your head has rested on my bosom, and I have
watched your sweet sleep with pleasure untold,
when I have fancied it refreshing. Alas! alas!
that all this should have passed but in my dreams !
"And who does more than dream of happi-
140 CLARA (iAZUL.
ness Clara ?" asked Ligonia in a softened voice
expressive of the deepest melancholy.
Let us awake then Ligonia to stern truth, let
us dream no more! thy heart is chilled!
thou art cold as marble so then, will I be —
you shall not hear my voice — I will be no offici-
cious hand-maid to vex you with misplaced ten-
derness Live if thou wilt in solitude!
eternal solitude, but place me where the sound of
thy foot-step shall cheer my heart and inspire me
with courage Nay ! I will not listen to you,
I read the omnious wave of your hand!
speak not! Pause dear Ligonia e're you turn
away from the prayer of poor Clara, who is
friendless and lives but in this hope! turn
not from the child of your bounty, who asks of
Heaven but to live in the same atmosphere with
you, who breathes no prayers but for your re
pose, and whose prospects are all a blank if you
forsake her. Think you I could thus plead but for
that secret voice which whispers to me, I could
comfort your affliction and deserve your esteem ?
< LARA GAZUL. 141
My friend! my noble, kind, and generous
benefactor, continued I, throwing myself on my
knees, and bending'my face over his hand to hide
my~tears,.' pray, oh ! pray take me with you, our
tears shall mingle and so lose half their bitterness.
I shall soon grow older and wiser, and I will learn
to deserve your friendship. My heart shall be
schooled by yours, and every thing, I hope, or
wish, or pray for shall be comprized in these four
simple words, "thy will be done."
Ligonia drew aside his mask, raised me in his
arms, and hid my face in his bosom.
IT WAS THE SWEETEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE.
The spot where we stood was completely sha-
ded from observations by tall trees. —
"I am not of stone Clara," said Ligonia, ten-
derly kissing my cheek. — " I am a man, yet lia-
ble to the passions and feelings of my sex, but I
have forsworn them. There is in my memory that
which forbids me to wish for rest until I shall
find it in the tomb ! — I would you could read
my heart, none know the anguish that is buried
13*2 CLARA GAZUL.
here," said he touching his breast. — " Me-thinks
you who can love one so wretched and absorbed
in his own misery ought to know him. — I can
confide in you, and I am inclined to place my life
in your hands yet, 'twere folly surely at
your tender age to shock you with a tale of
horror 'twere madness so the world
would call it, to confide the most important se-
cret on which existence hangs, to the keeping of
an infant."
Tell me nothing! — I will hear no secret of
import to you until I am older, and yet more sure
of my own prudence. — Enough of happiness is
mine at this instant; I would not frighten away
your disposition to be kind to my wishes, by ask-
ing too much. Sulficient for the delightful mo-
ment is my waking present sense, that tells me
all is not illusion and that I have been held in re-
ality of tenderness to your heart.
"A dream! all a dream of unreal joy! The
mere fever of the brain ! — Thou wouldst shrink in
C LA It A CJ/*ZUL. 143
horror from my embrace, were you awake Clara,"
said Ligonia, distractedly turning from me.
You frighten me Ligonia, said I, hastening after
him and seizing hold of his gown with my tremb-
ling hands. Have pity on me ! Hint not at things
too horrible for me to imagine, or I shall lose my
senses Talk not to me with that countenance*
so sweet, so sad, yet so noble, that the recollec-
tion ever makes my heart thrill with tenderness.
Hint not to me I beseech you of such crimes as
could make me turn from you in horror. Sit near
me Ligonia, and I will try to sooth this phantom
of your feverish imagination.
Ligonia' s hand which I ventured to press, was
chill and clammy, he did not withdraw it, but
sighed heavily as he seated himself by my side.
Surely, Ligonia, said I, Heaven's wrath for the
heaviest crimes are appeased by man's sincere
repentance, and justice is rendered to offended
society by a life of sacrifice to our fellow crea-
ture's happiness. Why then do you talk of de-
spair? Some pass their lives in the commission
144 CLARA GAZUL.
of petty vices and selfish sins ; others there are
of nobler character possessed of great virtues,
who have at some fatal moment committed a
crime ! a single crime ! in lieu of a host of endless
vices: Yet the sincere repentance the contri-
tion of either will find rest here and hereafter.
How has my heart glowed with pleasure when I
heard of the sacrifices you have made for the re-
lief and comfort of the distressed soldiers under
your command. Dear Ligonia, T would share your
fate here and hereafter ; fearlessly would I share
it, for I believe you capable of all good and noble
actions.
" Clara, the sweet tones of your voice have
magic in them to blunt the keenness of my sor-
row ; your beauty is so bright, your warmth of
heart so genuine, your firmness so touching,
that all will live in my recollection. Your love
I cannot return, for my heart is seared with
sorrow ; yet I would fain express to you my
deep sense of your kindness, my gratidude,
my "
CLARA GAZUL. 145
Then go not hence, my dearest friend, go not
away from me for ever.
" Alas !" sighed Ligonia, and paused
Oh! not to-morrow, I exclaimed. Fleeting
and transitory are our moments of happiness ; ab-
ridge not mine, the last I may know on earth ;
the purest I have yet experienced. Stay yet to
look with me on one more revolving moon ! See
she smiles on my prayers, and as I plead, that
dark cloud is passing away, leaving her beams
bright as my hopes. — You will stay, Ligonia ?
I pressed his hand between mine, and looked
eagerly in his face.
" Clara, it were madness !"
Nay, this is cruel, said I, let each day bear it's
burthen, grant me only this little respite Oh!
strange being to fly from my presence as though I
-were contagious poison.
" Be it as thou wilt then, Clara/' said Ligonia,
with an effort to drive away painful reflections.
My happiness was now perfect, delightful
state of extreme youth when the buoyant spirit
Vol. I. u
146 CLARA GAZUL.
lives but in the present moment of fairy hopes
and visions of bliss, which pass away with the
hour.
" Heaven bless thee, and farewell!" said Li-
gonia, " you are to visit the Countess Polignac
to-morrow, and there I will meet you — yet Clara,
where is thy prudence thus to throw thyself upon
the honor of a stranger. Consider the temptation
you throw in his way: what if he should be unde-
serving of the trust you repose in him! Should
passion yet exist in his breast stronger than his
discretion, would you forgive him?"
Farewell Ligonia, I whispered in a voice tre-
mulous with happiness, Clara confides in you,
she is yours and you will not offend her, for your
heart is kind and she trusts you.
"But," retorted Ligonia, "if the charm with
magic force were to drown for an instant the
voice of honor and remorse?"
Ligonia, I answered, I dread no harm when
you are near me, nor have I in those moments
CLARA GAZUL. 147
room in my heart tor ought but happiness, sweet
as my brightest dreams e'er pictured.
" Sleep then secure in thy innocent love, for a
grateful but wretched man," said Ligonia, when
having once more pressed me to his heart we se-
parated hastily, at the approach of the merry
pedlar and gipsy who passed me at that moment.
"Oh! you sly hermit! you hoary sinner," ex-
claimed the pedlar in lively accents. "Go hide
thee in thy den false hermit," the gipsy called out
as Ligonia was departing.
And whence this unusual severity towards an
individual who is received by our host? I asked,
Me thinks young gipsy, thy satire has in it, more
of harshness, than point or aptness.
* " Maiden, thou speaketh after thy light which
is darkness," she replied : "I am a soothsayer, and
I warn thee, there is blood upon the hermit's
hands, I read them but now, and me thinks thv-
self stood by when the guilty man trembled be-
fore my w isdom."
Gipsy, thy voice sounds in my ear, like the
148 CLARA GAZUL.
croaking of some ominous bird of ill promise.
I'll tarry no longer near thy spell; I'll away from
thee, dingy sorceress, black witch whom I begin
to hate in sober earnest.
" Surely I know that voice," said the pedlar,
adding "your tones grow more familiar tome,
you are certainly the young lady we have been
all the evening in search of you are Miss
Clara—
And you Sir are ?
" Your old friend Doctor Lambert," unmask-
ing as he spoke.
I expressed my joy at this unexpected meet-
ing.
Mutual congratulations having passed, the
Doctor addressed me to this effect. "I hope
when my young patient unmasks you will re-
ceive her with open arms ;" here the young gipsy
suffered her mask to be loosened, and Mademoi-
selle St. Sauveur offered me her hand.
Without accepting it, I coldly expressed my
hopes that I saw her in good health.
CLARA GAZUL. 140
The Doctor briefly gave me the following ac-
count of himself; " On his arrival in London he
had immediately placed his patient under the care
of Doctor Willis ; change of scene and the skill
of this most eminent physician, had proved all
powerful in restoring Mademoiselle St. Sauveur
to health, who was entirely cured of her former
dreadful malady. Her lungs, however, being de-
licate, a journey to Italy was deemed advisable,
they were, therefore, on their road towards the
residence of a female relation of the Doctor's, who
had married a Florentine, and resided ten leagues
from Naples. They had called at the Cardinal's
and there learn't that I was at the masquerade ;
had therefore, by means of all powerful gold pro-
cured tickets and disguises desiring to shake hands
with me, as they passed through Naples, which
place they proposed leaving as soon as the fete
was over."
I endeavoured to reason away the disgust and
coldness I felt towards poor Mademoiselle St.
Sauveu , for having attempted to destroy Ligonia
loO CLARA OAZUL
I fear I was not very successful, and my manner
seemed to offend Doctor Lambert, but the young
lady, on taking her leave, proposed writing to me
from the country, and most cordial iy shook me
by the hand.
I wanted to forgive her but could not ; she had
appeared before me in such an unpropitions mo-
ment, when my heart was glowing with love to-
wards him whose life she had attempted to des-
troy, and my mind w r as doubl} hardened against
her, by that instinctive and unaccountable seve-
rity which even in her present sane state of intel-
lect, she had a second time evinced towards Ligo-
nia.
A loud merry peal of bells now summoned all
the gay masks to a sumptuous supper, served in a
suite of apartments fitted up with regal magnifi-
cence. I will not attempt to describe this feast of-
made dishes, and flow of bowls, my head was
giddy with anticipation of expected happiness in
the society of Ligonia.
On my entrance, I remember noticing the
CLARA GAZUL. lJl
twelve minstrels wlio sat tuning their harps at
the bottom of the room. I can never forget the
beauty of our fair hostess which seemed too bright
for earth, and her spangled robe of azure blue, the
many glittering diamonds in her hair, her soft
smile, her languid delicacy, her fairy hands and
feet, and her rosy little slipper just visible on the
rich carpet, I remember too that the young prince
Orazio was seated by her side, and their looks
of burning intelligence, their blushes, their whis-
pers soft as the air of their native skies, and then
the Marquis St. Betise ! 1 ! How rapt was he in
the sweets of harmony ! ! !
My eager eyes vainly sought the hermit, but
the Cardinal! me thinks I see him now in his red
hat and other episcopal dignities, lending a willing
left or right ear to his graceful flatterers, the two
green dominos, his bright eye? sparkling like the
wine in his goblet, nor do I forget Eugenio, the
handsome page, or his white and silver costume,
which made him look so bland and fair, or the
1.3 2 CLARA GAZUL.
love that spoke in his pensive eyes, for my heart
was all made up of passion.
A touch of melancholy was mixed with my
happy sensations on that evening, when visions
of bliss flitted across my brain. Pity, the most
intense for Ligonia, was mingled with the bright
hope that I could soften his sorrow.
Covering my eyes with my hand, in order to
shut out all these objects, I indulged for an instant
in luxurious recollection.
These sweet reflections were interrupted by the
gentle voice of the page Eugenio, who whispered
in my ear, en passant " Clara the hermit is known
to me, may you be happy to the extent of your
most sanguine wishes ; I told you I would never
encourage jealousy ; good night dear Clara! May
he whom you love, deserve you " ^^
I was about to answer the page with affec-
tionate tenderness, but he had vanished. It was
past six in the morning when the party broke
up, I then threw myself on my couch, quite ex-
hausted, to dream of Ligonia.
C L \ ha (; A/.r L. 153
CHAP. XIII.
CONTAINING THE CONFESSIONS OF EUGENIO'S MO-
THER — A SCENE WITH THE GREATEST MAN OF HIS
AGE. — A LOVE SCENE — A PARTING.
The Countess of Polignac received me with the
warmest expressions ot friendship, and invited me
to her boudoir, where an elegant breakfast was
prepared for us. Having partaken of it together,
the Countess briefly related to me what I will en-
deavour a6 nearly as possible to put down in her
own words : — " My real name it will be neces-
sary to conceal under that of my relative's, the
Count of Polignac : I was bred in the Protestant
faith, my husband was many years in the service
of the French Republic. I had the honour to be
engaged in the year 1799, as first lady of the bed-
V r OL. I. X
154 CLARA GAZUL.
chamber, to Josephine, the wife of Bonaparte.
Young, analsingularly romantic, I admired and
looked up to the then first Consul as to a being
superior to all the world. On his part he ever
treated me with marked and flattering attention.
Allow me to pass briefly over the subject of
my disgrace.
" Neglected by my husband, and fascinated by
the glory that surrounded Napoleon, in a fatal
moment, I lost sight of honor, and the respect
due to myself.
But I soon repented of my crime. The first
Consul's temper was uncertain, and he often trea-
ted me with harsh neglect. Stung to the quick by
his careless indifference, I resolved to conceal from
him my pregnancy, for which purpose I begged
permission to resign my situation, pleaded ill
health as my excuse for quitting the Count, and
retiring to an estate I possessed near Naples,
My husband was absent on a secret mission,
and not expected to return for many months.
The kind Josephine parted from me with
CLARA GAZUL. 155
regret. A dear respected aunt who accompanied
me to Naples, advised me to conceal my real
name under the one I now bear.
"The Lady Poco-puranti and myself were edu-
cated together; I flew to my old school-fellow,
and having. laid open my heart and explained to
her my unfortunate situation, I implored her on
my knees to take charge of my unfortunate infant,
as soon as it should be born, and so save me from
disgrace, and the indignation of my justly offend-
ed husband.
"After consulting her brother, the Cardinal, it
was agreed that my poor infant should be placed
in a basket and slung to the gates of their Cas-
tello, when they promised to adopt it.
" Three months after my arrival at Naples, and
in this very house, my son Eugenio first saw the
light.
" You are surprised, Miss Clara, but judge me
not too severely. You know not the wiles of a
court, or half the temptation I had to err !
150 CLAKA GAZUL.
" Let me hasten to conclude a story which is
painful to me to relate.
" A wet nurse was provided secretly, and all
necessary preparations being made, for the safety
and preservation of my infant's health, the kind
Countess received him from her gates, and im-
mediately explained to her household that since
providence had thrown this poor deserted inno-
cent on her mercy, she had resolved to adopt it,
as her own.
M V r ainly should I attempt to do justice to the
indefatigable kindness' which the lady Poco-pu-
ranti has ever evinced, towards my poor boy,
whom by her means, I have been permitted to
press daily in my arms. The first three years of
his existence, was passed by me in retirement,
never interrupted, save by the occasional visit of
the Cardinal and his sister. The beauty of my
child was the theme of all who saw him, and his
lively temper, made him a favorite with every
one.
About this time I received a letter from my
CLARA GAZLL. Io7
husband, announcing his approaching return,
and inviting me to meet him at Paris.
Trembling between shame and dread of his
presence, I hastened to obey his summons, and
ha \ mg taken a tender leave of my child and his
kind guardians, I arrived in the French capital a
Tew weeks before my husband.
" He was much changed, and I thought he ob-
served me with doubt and suspicion. He often ques-
tioned me as to my motive for quitting the ser-
vice of Josephine, and while making these enqui-
ries, he would fix his eyes on my face, as though
he would have penetrated my most secret
thoughts. A thousand times I was on the pointy
of throwing myself at his feet, and confessing my
crime, but shame, and fear of his violence, tied
my tongue.
" 1 passed about five years in Paris, and its en-
virons, consumed with melancholy, deprived of
the presence of my beloved child, and feeling my-
self an object of distrust and suspicion to a jea-
lous husband. My chief consolation, during that
158
CLARA GAZUL.
period, was the letters I received from my friend
the Lady Poco-puranti, bringing me accounts of
the progress of my dear child in every branch
of his education, of his strength and beauty, his
taste for study, his passion for reading, and thirst
for general information.
" In short, the accounts that were poured into
the gratified ear of a fond mother, were such as
to make me fancy my child would turn out a
prodigy of learning and beauty.
" Possessing a large paternal inheritance in Ita-
ly, I need not say that I spared no expence in the
progress of my darling boy's education. Having
at this time attained his ninth year, it became ad-
visable that he should come to Paris, in order to
be placed in the most distinguished college to fit
him for the university. My affectionate friend,
the Lady Poco-puranti, accompanied my son to
Paris, and with the assistance of a friend, saw*
him, safely installed, and under the auspices of a
tutor, distinguished for his learning and general
merit, before she returned to Italy.
CLARA GAZUL 159
" Eugenio was now in Paris, yet was his tender
parent deprived of the pleasure of calling him her
son. What agony of mind has this restraint oc-
casioned me ! It was with difficulty my kind
aunt, who returned with me to Paris, contrived
to procure me an occasional interview with
Eugenio.
" How seldom seemed our meetings to my eager
affection ! Often have I watched for hours the
chance of beholding my child during his hours of
recreation, which were some times passed in an
orchard adjoining the college that was situated in
the neighbourhood of the capital.
* Maternal affection, at length too strong for
longer restraint, burst forth, and during a short ab-
sence which my husband made, I one day having
obtained a private interview with my darling
child, threw my arms about his neck and dis-
closed the fatal secret which was to doom him to
shame and disgrace for ever.
" My confession was made just when my son
had obtained his tenth year. The deep impression
160 CLARA GAZUL.
it produced on his young mind proved his sensi-
bility of heart, and that maturity of thought and
judgement, the knowledge of which had given
me courage to entrust him thus young with the
secret of his birth. Wounded and bitterly lamen-
ting his own situation, yet did he sooth me with
the tenderest professions of duty and filial affec-
tion. After this eclaircissement my mind grew
calmer.
■' My son's progress astonished his preceptors,
the best of his studies were directed towards ac-
quiring a profound knowledge of the laws of the
land, not with a view alone that he should one
day become great as a counsellor, but his ambition
soared higher still He would create new laws,
and become the means of high and essential
benefit and increased happiness to mankind ; a
great and eloquent legislator, a martyr to some
noble cause, that his renown might live after him,
and that children unborn might bless the name
of him who had bettered the lot of his fellow
pecies. Such were the bright, honorable, and
CLARA GAZUL. 161
and romantic dreams of Eugenio's earliest youth,
inspired by the benevolence of his heart, and that
ambitious disposition which might in a son of
Napoleon Bonaparte, be supposed an hereditary
quality.
" My son before he was twelve years of age
passed the most brilliant examination in the col-
lege of Henri IV. which had been known for
many years, and was spoken of by the professors
as a young protege of deep learning, besides hav-
ing acquired many lighter accomplishments, par-
ticularly that of music.
" The Emperor, who happened to visit that
celebrated college, a few days after my son's suc-
cessful examination had taken place, lent an at-
«
tentive ear to the praise bestowed on young Eu-
genio by various professors attached to the esta-
blishment, which was then particularly patronized
by Bonaparte himself.
"On learning that the boy was a protegS of
the Cardinal Poco-puranti, who possessed large
estates in Naples, and that he had been found at
+ Vol. I. t
162 CLARA GAZUL.
ills gate when an infant, Napoleon commanded
Eugenio to be brought before him. My child
came into the presence of his unconscious par-
ent with feelings much agitated, almost amount-
ing to dislike. The Emperor addressed him in
a voice and with a manner unusually kind. It
almost seemed as if nature spoke by instinct in
the father's heart.
"Taking the youth aside and having question-
ed him patiently as to his studies, he patted the
beautiful boy's head and told him he would be
his friend, and not lose sight of his interests,
while he continued to distinguish himself. Eu-
genio greatly surprised and much offended his
preceptors by the rude abruptness of his replies.
" I hope Sire to dispense with patronage alto-
gether," was my son's uncourteous answer.
"And why so child?" said the Emperor, half
smiling half displeased.
" Fatherless from my cradle, Sire, I have ever
felt it my duty to strive to make my way through
the world, by means of my own steady exertions
CLARA CAZUL. 163
alone, unassisted by any great man's patronage
whatever, until I have acquired the taste as well
as state of independence, and that to such an ex-
tent Sire, that me thinks I would refuse a diadem
that policy or patronage should place upon my
brow, and were not mine by birth-right."
" You grow saucy youngster," said the Em-
peror.
" May I retire Sire ?"
"Attendez done! attendez done!* Would
you like the army for a profession ?"
"No Sire!"
" What if I were to take you near my own
person ? Would you refuse to form one of my
body-guard ?"
" Sire, I will not be a soldier, unless my coun-
try should be invaded, and then I w r ould defend
her with my best blood and abilities."
* Yet I am told you are ambitious boy, and
'Stay ! slay a minute.
164 CLARA GAZUL.
the army opens a wide field for renown at this
moment," said the Emperor.
" Vanity, Sire may be satisfied with mean ad-
vantages, but my ambition soars higher than
yours. I would not stoop down to have a crown
placed on my head that never of right belonged to
it; neither would I marry for promotion, nor
care for conquests which could never benefit
mankind; nor would my conscience permit me
to slaughter my fellow-creatures oftener than my
reason should teli me, that to war with them was
inevitable, for the safety and preservation of our
citizens, and our countrymen.*'
"Thou shal't take orders, and be a priest,
boy," said the Emperor ironically.
" Not I indeed ! said Eugenio boldly, " for I
am a protestant — I hate priesthood, and the
whole system of popish infallibility, so much so,
that I cannot forgive any one who would stoop to
patronize it, believing every such man to be either
a fool, or a hypocrite."
" There are situations," said the Emperor,
CLARA GAZl'L. 165
vvitl) unusual mildness and moderation such as
astonished those about him, " there are surely si-
tuations a man may be thrown into, where, what
would else be termed hypocrisy, becomes matter
of mere common, necessar) policy — situations,
in which he naturally, and wisely embraces one
steady vast plan, in defiance of all larger or smaller
obstacles, setting at nought certain forms which
would obstruct the less expanded views of com-
mon men — II faut voir I'ensemble— II faut voir les
choses en grand — II faut voir avec mes yeux — II
faut entrer dans mes vues, mon enfant, avant
d'oser me critiquer.*"
In saying this, the Emperor playfully touched
Eugenio's cheek with his glove.
"Sire!" said my child somewhat softened to-
wards his parent at hearing himself unconsciously
called " mon enfant," " I am not prepared to prove
that hypocrisy is, under any circumstances bad
* You must look at the whole together, examine things at large,
look at things with my eves, and enter into my conceptions, my
child, before you presume to criticise me.
Vol. I. y
16Y) CLARA GAZUL.
policy, or that a government which is not found-
ed on the simple principle of truth and honour
must eventually be crushed, be it governed by
whom it may, because I am but a child, and the
arguments I could produce, would probably be
weak and unsatisfactory ; but I am old enough to
know my own mind, and I could suffer or die if it
were necessary, before my pride would allow me
to act with deception: and methinks, were I an
Emperor, I should consider that my safety, as well
as glory rested on my own real merits, and the
affections of my people."
" And are our people disaffected then, think'st
thou, pert boy ?" enquired the Emperor.
" I know not. Sire, for I never lived in the
world, but I should guess that, though we may
be fascinated for a time by a brilliant character,
our permanent respect and affection, can only rest
with him, whom principles, and pure motives of
action should command, and compel us to esteem,
even long after the fashion of his celebrity
should have died a natural death."
CLARA GAZUL. 167
w Thou wouldstmake me angry child, were it in
thy power, it should seem," said the Emperor.
" Nay Sire, I did but state my opinion of an un-
principled king, but since you are so touchy, even
on extraneous matters, I would fain retire with
your gracious permission."
" Va-t-en petit drole* " said the Emperor,
" mais ecoute thou art a singular child, and
though unpolished and rude to thy superiors I
like thy countenance and thy sharpness. Give me
thy hand."
Eugenio half pleased, half reluctant, presented
his little hand to the Emperor. Napoleon took
from his pocket a small gold snuff box, with his
likeness excellently engraved on the lid, and pre-
senting it to Eugenio, said with much cordiality,
whilst pressing the child's fingers over the box.
" Ne me raillez plus mon petit ami — Soyons bons
amis — Nous nons reverrons!"t
* Go along then you littie ruonkey, said the Emperor, but hear
nie — Ed.
f Banter me no more my little fellow, let uw be good friends —
We shall see each other again. — Ed.
168 CLARA GAZUL.
The son spoke for an instant in the heart of
the child, which warmed towards his parent, and
dropping gracefully on one knee, he pressed his
rosy lips on the Emperor's hand.
Napoleon's countenance expressed admiration
and pleasure as he gazed on the blooming boy at
his feet, whom he quickly raised, saying, " Em-
brasse moi mon enfant bien — Est ce de bon
coeur* ?"
"Mais ouilf" said Eugenio, putting his
arms about the Emperor's neck, after a moment's
pause, and giving him as unceremonious and
warm a hug as though his Majesty had been
aware of their relationship, to the astonishment of
the grave professors, and great amusement of
the Emperor, who left the college in high good
humour.
" I afterwards asked my child why he had
* Embrace me my child — Is it with all your heart ?
f Why**.. Yes!
CLARA GAZUL.
109
first received the advances of the Emperor so un-
courteously and afterwards embraced him so cor-
dially ?
" The vanity and vices of the Emperor disgust
me " said Eugenio " but I could not resist the
kind tone of my parent, the less, because it was
tendered to me voluntary when I had least right
to expect it."
" I tire you Clara," said the Countess de Polig-
nac.
Having assured her .Ladyship with truth, of the
deep interest I took in her story, she continued as
follows : — " But little more remains for me to re-
late of my melancholy adventures. My husband
accompanied Marechai Xey to Russia, and lost
his life in that disastrous campaign at the battle
fought by the Imperial armies between Ghiac and
Mojaisk in 1812.
Ligonia, who was in the Russian service, and had
fought in Prince KutusorT's army, under the aus-
pices of the old Count Drognichief, was entrusted
by the emperor Alexander with a secret mission
Vol. I. z
170 CLARA GAZUL.
to the court of the Tuilleries, and despatched to
Paris, where Napoleon had arrived soon after the
fatal passage of the Beresina.
" He brought me in person the melancholy
news of my husband's having died in his arms.
A letter from my lost husband came to hand
three days after Ligonia's first visit. In that let-
ter he spoke of Ligonia, as of one whose noble
conduct and generous forbearance in the field of
battle w T as above all praise.
Ligonia remained some weeks in Paris, and in-
terested himself in the arrangement of my affairs
with as much warmth and zeal, as though he had
been my brother. In the desponding state of my
mind, and my heart almost broken, I felt that,
but for his active kindness, I must have lost my
senses. My son loved him with his whole heart,
and respected him as the first of men ; and when
Ligonia's mission terminated, and his military
duties forced him to depart, we were as deeply
affected, as though we had known each other
all our lives.
CLARA GAZUL. 171
Such real acts of affectionate kindness did we
receive from him, that I was induced to explain
every particular of my unfortunate situation.
He promised, unasked, to cherish my poor Eu-
genio as a brother.
" To conclude — shortly after the departure of
Ligonia, we were on our road journeying back to-
wards Naples, accompanied by my son's tutor,
under whose instruction he proposed entering on
a course of reading which should perfect him in
such sciences as he preferred, as well as in the
deep and profound knowledge of practical law,
which, he desired to join to elocution, of a style
that already held out the promise of obtaining
rare and brilliant superiority.
" My child's birth is still a secret to the world.
Fain would I dare to seem what I am. Shame,
ties my tongue and forbids the exposure of my dis-
grace. Eugenio, is therefore, still supposed to be
ignorant of the author of his being.
The Cardinal and his sister received my child
172 CLARA GAZUL.
and his tutor with unabated kindness, and we
have not since quitted Naples.
" Your beauty and amiable character, Clara,
made a sudden and violent impression on the heart
of my son, who from being the gayest and mer-
riest, soon after your arrival grew thoughtful, and
touched with a tender melancholy ; when having
at length ventured to lay open his young heart to
you and implore your sympathy, you with your
natural frankness informed him of your passion
for our kind friend Ligonia. You know the rest.
My son will never be the rival of Ligonia. He
would prefer death to standing in his light
u A las! my child grows pale and his tender
mother trembles for the health of her darling.
During the last few months I have been prepa-
ring my mind for our separation, and that nothing
may be wanting to form his mind and manners,
Eugenio, must travel. The moment is at hand —
the pang is past — and my child with his tutor ac-
companies his beloved friend through Italy and
afterwards to Russia.
CLARA GAZUL. 173
" Ligonia brings him an invitation from the old
Count Drognichieff, who resides near \Yilna,
where the Emperor's head quarters have been es-
tablished some time. They take their departure
by to-morrow's dawn, when unless you feel pity
for my solitude and will come to me, I shall be
disconsolate.
"Joyfully I accept your invitation, I exclaimed,
adding that I would on that evening mention to
the Lady Poco-puranti my earnest wish to leave
her house for that of the Countess of Polignac's,
since Miss Laura, for whom I had been engaged,
had departed, and my services were no longer ne-
cessary at the Cardinal's. Our conversation was
shortly afterwards interrupted by a servant who
announced the visit of Ligonia.
"How did my heart bound! How the colour
rushed to my cheek ! ! He paid, the usual com •
plimentsto me in a voice which sounded affectio-
nately tender. The Countess was never tired of
questioning him as to their route, making memo-
randums of where her darling son was to sleep*
*74 CLARA GAZUL.
or dine on the road. Ligonia informed us that
Eugenio could not escape from the eager tender-
ness of all the inhabitants at the Palazzo of Poco-
puranti. His old and first nurse sat weeping and
hugging him by turns. Not a menial that did
not tender her little humble gift of friendship to
the beautiful young page, who had been bred
amongst them, and was going to such a cold and
distant country. Eugenio's choice of presents to
his old companions was happy, offering to each
exactly what they were most likely to want.
Not a friend or even a child was forgotten by
this kind hearted youth, among those who had
regarded him with affection.
At length he contrived to disengage himself
from his earliest acquaintances, and soon after he
had joined us, his mother proposed that Ligonia
should accompany me in a walk before dinner ;
whether this tete-a-tete was planned out of regard
to my wishes, or, those of Ligonia, I could not
guess. Fain would I have believed the latter.
Love scenes,, however exquisite to those who
CLARA GAZUL. 17
Ogure in them, are to me heavy in the descrip-
tion. The feelings of enthusiasm which had, under
the mask, given me a sort of unnatural courage,
by the light of the lamps, was now changed to shy
timidity. Hanging on the arm of Ligonia, my
sensations were so exquisite, that I almost feared
even lest the sound of my voice should diminish,
or destroy the charm. We directed our steps to-
wards the bay. Ligonia spoke to me of his satis-
faction in leaving me under the protection of so
amiable a lady as the Countess de Polignac. I
eagerly enquired when and where we might have
the chance of meeting again.
" Heaven only knows," said Ligonia "perhaps
in France, perhaps in England, perhaps never!
But remember our last night's conversation Clara!
Let us banish all thought of the future and endea-
vour to enjoy the hour."
Ligonia with an art peculiarly his own, drew
out all my power of conversation; my playful re-
marks were more successful than I had dared to
hope : he became almost cheerful.
176 CLARA GAZUL.
All my sophistry, I blush to own it, was
then exerted to reconcile him to himself, yet I
felt a secret conviction, that he had committed
some heavy crime. The ardor of my affection
had made me perhaps short sighted ; be that as it
may, my love w r as increased by the mystery that
obscured the character ofLigonia. The dread of
his supposed crimes rendered my passion for him
more intense from the heartfelt pity which his re-
pentance and desponding melancholy inspired.
I tried to prove by many ingenious arguments
that to enjoy the present and to forbear idle spe-
culations, or retrospection of past crimes, was to
fulfil the order of nature. I was no saint, and
love had stifled the small still whispers of religion
in my impassioned mind ; dreary as the sandy
desarts of Arabia would be my path in life alone,
while the bare thought of such happiness as I
could enjoy with Ligonia, made my heart thrill
with rapture far too sweet and w T ild to be sub-
dued by the reason of sixteen.
Leaving the bay to the right we arrived at a
CLARA GAZCL. 177
most lovely retreat, which sheltered us from a
heavy storm by which we were unexpectedly
overtaken. — " We are alone, Clara," said Ligonia,
" no eye observes us, the present is ours, nor the
past nor the future shall trouble this moment, and
since thou woulds't have me thine, I am no ancho-
rite or marble stone to resist thy beauty so bright
and intelligent, thy love so sweet, and thy soft
and glowing blushes."
Ligonia had thrown his arm about my waist, —
the fire of passion beamed in his dark eye, my
head was sinking on his bosom, when he sudden-
ly withdrew himself from my embrace. After a
pause during which he had turned away from my
anxious gaze, "Clara,"— said he, "the atmos-
phere is clearing, let us return ; thou hast placed
thy fate in my hands, thou hast bestowed thy
young heart on a stranger, for whose safety thou
wouldst have sacrificed thy life. With me, thou
must be safe ; but tempt me no further,'nor de-
ceive thyself; thy love would lose its greatest
charm with the innocence that purifies and refines
Vol. I. a a
178 CLARA GAZUL.
it. Destroy the mystery, — lift up the veil which
ignorance throws over your desires, as yet vague
as dreams of Heaven, and w 7 e become mere com-
mon lovers, partaking with the herd of mortals of
their common appetites with the satiety that ever
follows their indulgence.
" Look up, dear Clara, droop not," added Li-
gonia, observing the shame that overspread my
cheek, with which I was almost sinking into the
earth ; " Dread no censure from Ligonia, for he
loves thee as thou art, with all thy imprudence, thy
impassioned ardor, and thy tender devotion to his
will. If ever my distracted mind will permit me to
hope for the enjoyment of one hour of domestic
comfort, Clara, thou shalt share it — thou shalt
rest in my bosom, and be my cherished wife.
Till then, I will watch over thy happiness with a
father's care." Ligonia here changed the subject
to one more general and less interesting, purposely
leading tne towards a more public promenade.
How pure were now my sensations as I listened
to Ligonia, hanging on his arm, and watching his
CLARA GAZUL. 17^
countenance, — the noblest and most expressive I
had ever beheld, yet so stiW and pale, that it seemed
to me no earthly beauty.
Ligonia's advice for my future conduct was
offered with the tender solicitude of a parent
" I have lived and suffered till I am weary of
life, and care not when I take my leave of the
rude scene," said he, " save that I would first ex-
ert every nerve to sooth and soften the misery
that the duties of my profession have thrown in
my way — but your happiness, Clara, is dear to
me. Be prudent then, as you would avoid vex-
ing the heart of an unhappy man. Let me fancy
in the dead of the night when I am reclin-
ed on a restless couch, that the beautiful eyes of
Clara Gazul, of her who loves me, are closed in
calm sweet sleep. And may be, with this convic-
tion on my mind, I may rest too, and dream of
her. In absence, cold as you suppose me, yet
will the recollection of your beauty, as I first
beheld you, so young and wild, your accents
so sweet and energetic, your bright eyes raised
ISO CLARA GAZUL.
beseechingly to heaven, your tears, and all
that luxurious hair, wbich floated in the breeze
of the evening — yet will the recollection of all
these realities and Clara Gazul's beauty, often
flit across my memory, like a gay vision sent
from heaven, to lighten my deep despair."
And you will leave me, said I with a profound
sigh.
" Why, dearest, will you vex me with re-
proaches? Trust to my honor; and be certain,
if I depart, that some imperious duty forces me
away from you, or some feelings of remorse,
which at present are not to be overcome. — Ligo-
nia tenderly pressed my arm, just at the moment
of our reaching the Palazzo of the Countess, whom
we found impatiently waiting our arrival.
Dinner was shortly afterwards served, of which
we all partook sparingly, being deeply affected
with the idea of our fast approaching separation.
The amiable Eugenio, much as he desired to see
the world, could not leave his adoring mother
without a struggle.
CLARA GAZUL. 181
Early in the evening, the Lady Poco-puranti
sent her carriage for me, when I bid a tender
farewell to Ligonia and Eugenio. Both pressed
me in their arms, and kissed my cheek. My
tears fell fast as again and again I offered my
prayers for their welfare. As Ligonia conducted
me acros the long corridors to the carriage, he
placed a small parcel in my hand — " Keep this for
my sake," he whispered — Our lips met in one long
sweet embrace — The rays of the bright moon fell
upon Ligonia' s pale features. See how cloudless she
shines on our hopes, said I. — In another instant,
I was alone in the carriage driving through the
streets of Naples towards the Cardinal's habita-
tion, as fast as his high spirited horses could bear
me away.
'82 CLARA GAZUL.
CHAP. XIV.
THE ASSASSINS— DOCTOR STACATO AND DOCTOR
AGITATO— FATHER PIETRO.
On arriving at the Cardinal's I flew to my cham-
ber and hastened to examine the parcel which
Ligonia had placed in my hand. What joy did
I experience at the sight of a most excellent like-
ness in miniature of my beloved. The picture
was set in brilliants of considerable value, and re-
presented him in the full Russian uniform, after
covering it with tender kisses, I had just time to
place it in my bosom, when some one tapped at
my door, It was the lady Poco-puranti, who
came to pass half an hour with me. On enquir-
ing for her brother I was informed that his Emi-
nence had not yet left the dining saloon, where he
entertained the two green dominos. The Lady
CLARA GAZUL. 1S3
Poco-puranti was uneasy — never knew the Cardi-
nal remain 60 late at table — could not guess what
good motive the two strangers could have for
their perseverance in masking their faces — had re-
monstrated with her brother as to the impropriety
of receiving such ambiguous characters, but all in
vain ; the Cardinal was convinced that his visitors
were noble. In short, their graceful flattery had
found the way to his heart, and they had been
carousing many hours. Their merry peals of
laughter had resounded along the hall.
The lady now changed the subject to that of the
Countess de Polignac, when I seized this opportu-
nity of begging permission to remove to that
kind lady's house on the following day. No ob-
jections were offered, the Countess was her oldest
friend and school-fellow, and she had never refus-
ed her reasonable wishes : she would often visit
us, she said, and promised to interest herself in my
welfare.
While I was endeavouring to express my gra-
titude, our ears were assailed with the dismal stif-
184 CLARA QAZUL.
fled cries of s> Help ! Murder ! Help ! Help !
Seize the assasins! Help, or I die!
Trembling, and as pale as death, the Lady Po-
co-puranti rung the bell with violence, and then
we hastened along the gallery, where we en-
countered several of the scared household running
to and fro with torches, candles, lamps, or what-
ever they could lay their hands on. — The cries
ceased. — We soon reached the saloon, it was
empty ! — On the table were some remains of the
sparkling wine which they had been drinking, and
a massive gold snuff' box had fallen on the ground.
The lights were still burning but without stay-
ing to examine further, we all hurried from one
room to another, in the deepest alarm. No traces
could be discovered of the Cardinal. His tender
sister could no longer support herself from very
fright, and we led her back to her boudoir, where,
reclined on her chaise longue, she awaited the event
in almost speechless agony, exclaiming — " Oh
merciful powers ! My brother is being murdered
by these disguised ruffians, and no one will assist
him!"
CLARA GAZUL. IS)
Suspense being unsupportableto my eager im-
patient nature, after recommending the Lady
Poco-puranti to the care of her women, I hurried
down stairs towards the stable, where I procured
a lanthorn and accompanied by Eugenio's old
favorite nurse, we commenced our search over
the vast gardens of the Palazzo. We had wander-
ed for nearly ten minutes from right to left when
to the farthest extremity my foot stumbled against
something heavy.
Holding down my lanthorn to ascertain what
impeded my path, my fright and horror may be
easily imagined at beholding the body of the Car-
dinal apparently stiff and dead. The screams of
the old nurse brought all the household around
us, when it was discovered that the Cardinal still
breathed.
He had fainted from loss of blood which flowed
from a deep wound in his side, and had received
various other wounds of a less serious nature ;
that on the left side must have proved mortal but
that the Cardinal was a great padder, and the
Vol. I. b b
186 CLARA CAZUL.
assassin's dagger had a long journey in wadding to
make, before arriving at his heart of hearts, Be-
lieving no doubt, that their murderous purpose
had been effected, the ruffians had escaped.
All was confusion and dismay in the Palazzo
di Poco-puranti. The lady Poco-puranti was in a
swoon- The old butler issued his orders in such
a trembling voice while his teeth did so chatter
in his head, that nobody understood him. The
servants mounted their horses and went in search
of the delinquents, having stoutly resolved to scour
the country and bring them to justice dead or
alive. The Cardinal was placed on his bed, and
the celebrated Doctor Spilletti was sent for to
attend him forthwith.
The surgeon having probed the wound, shook
his head, and was silent; the Cardinal was still in-
sensible. There was an awful pause. Doctor
Spiletti pulled out his watch and counted his pa-
tients' pulse. " Where is the father Pietro?" said
he, at length.
"At the bottom of the garden on his knees be-
CLARA GAZUL. 18?
fore the image of our blessed Virgin" replied the
nurse,"
"And what good will he do there/' said the
Doctor half beside himself, for it was a ticklish
matter to handle a Cardinal's wounds.
The secret was this, — according to the anatomy
that Doctor Spiletti had gleaned in the course of
his practice, which was little or none, it struck him
that the wounded part ought to be cut away with-
out a moment's loss of time. He would have
made no bones about this, but have quickly hack-
ed at the wound of any other man at a venture,
trusting to providence to see him well through it,
but the red hat frightened him. A Cardinal be-
ing a sort of God, all powerful in Italy and Spain,
he would have preferred first trying the effect of
exactly such an operation on the person of any
less distinguished individual.
Father Pietro having been summoned from his
prostrate position at the feet of the Virgin, the
foot rather, for Kugenio the page had knocked off
the Virgin's left foot and broken her leg when he
188 CLARA GAZUL.
was a child and knew no better, however, Father
Pietro entered the room, the picture of lank
misery and despair. No wonder, either, for where
should the pious man hope to get such another
patron who kept such a table? such a cellar too! !
And wine in moderation encouraged zeal, of which
no one could possess too much in a religious
cause. No wonder then that Pietro had hastened
to implore the Virgin to take care of the Cardi-
nal's wounds.
"Art thou a faithful servant?" said the Doctor
to the priest ! " We live by faith " replied Pietro
crossing himself.
" I am delighted to hear you say so father, —
you wont die then, so listen to my proposal. Thy
beloved patron is in a swoon, in which state I am
reluctant to attempt any operation, — nothing ought
to be risked, no experiment ventured that might
by possibility endanger the life of a Cardinal. But
the risk is small, and as thou art a faithful and true
servant of the church, she will protectyou, — permit
me therefore to make a small incision in thy side
CLARA GAZUL. \89
that I may observe in what safest direction I can
direct my knife." The Curate's face was the co-
lour of saffron.
" Thy jokes are unseasonable, Doctor," he
stammered out.
" Jokes," exclaimed Dr. Spiletti, " Art thou
mad, to dream of jokes, when the Cardinal lies
there, and my reputation, — nay, my life is at
stake? Listen to me thou holy man; — What
flagellation hast thou inflicted on thy body for the
sake of thy soul during the last year ?"
" Alas!" said this true believer with a sigh.
" I see, I see how it is," observed the Doctor,
" thou art wofully in arrears, and must submit to
mortify thy flesh, in order to cure thy pampered
appetites, thy Lewd and greedy propensities.
"There is an English proverb about killing two
birds with one stone quite applicable to vour
case ; let me practise on thy side, to steady my
hand and nerves; the Cardinal's wound will fare
better for it, and so man will thy soul."
The saflron colour of father Pietro's couute-
Vol. I. b b 3
190 CLARA C.AZUL
nance now seemed changing to a greenish hue;
cold drops hung upon his brow, for he was a rank
coward, besides, being a true believer in the Pope,
and a fool to boot.
Twisting up his nose, like a cur coming in con«
tact with a cat, pressing his teeth into his nether
lip, and raising his ray less green eyes upwards,
he said in a faint voice, " I am ready."
" Down with you then," said the Doctor,
taking the poor besotted bigot at his word, who
being placed on a long table, with his bosom
bare, the Doctor was just about to make his
incision, when the Cardinal suddenly recovering
from his swoon, opened his languid eyes. The
first object they fell upon was the Doctor about
to inflict a wound in the breast of the prostrate
priest.
At the sight of his sharp knife, the Cardinal
found strength to seize hold of a silver candlestick,
and send it at the head of the surgeon, at the
same time crying out in a feeble voice, " Murde-
rers! ! Assassins! Will no one assist me to secure
CLARA GAZUL. 191
these murderers! help! help." At this critical
moment arrived in his state carriage Doctor Sta-
cato, and immediately after him, Doctor Agitato,
both of the King's Household. They came by
command of his Majesty, who had heard of the
assault on the Cardinal, and had consequently
dispatched them immediately.
Stacato stepped on the point of his toes, like a
man whose shoes were filled with peas. He was
a spruce dapper looking personage, whose appear-
ance reminded one of an English groom, rather
than a member of the learned college of Nea-
politan physicians, or of his Majesty's House-
hold.
Dr. Agitato was a very fine gentleman indeed,
all over ribbands and orders, and diamond pins
and garters, his hands covered with rings, and his
whole person impregnated with otto of roses. He
was rather a corpulent man, with a bright florid
complexion, white teeth, and a pair of pretty
twinkling blue eyes.
He wore an embroidered cloak, lined with real
Vol. I. b b 4
192 CLARA GAZUL.
ermine, gracefully slung over his shoulders, spite
of the heat of the climate, lest " the air should
visit him too roughly."
True, he had been an accoucheur, at the beck
and call of any woman in the straw, but then
Royal Patronage had washed all that dirt and
filth from his hands.
The doctors meeting in the corridor, saluted
each other with a show of cordiality, although
in their hearts dwelt envy, jealousy, and vast un-
charitableness.
" Your servant, Signor."— " Doctor Stacato,
your most obedient; What a calamity! To be
disturbed out of one's first nap too! I am perish-
ed ! ! and had just taken an otto of rose bath. A
case of apoplexy this, eh ? the Cardinal has no
throat. I knew what would happen."
■■ No such thing," whispered Stacato, arrang-
ing the formal tye of his stiff neckcloth ; " quite
the contrary Signor, the Cardinal has been mur-
dered, or something of that kind."
«'Ah! Ah! — Why it is a case for surgeons
< LARA GAZUL 1P3
then, Have they got Spiietti — a monstrous ass, by
the bye Only imagine their bringing me here
in a hired vehicle! pshaw! the odour of it still
remains on my cloak. I should not be surprised
to find that I had caught some diabolical Laza-
roni fever, my teeth are so dancing in my head."
By this time the two learned physicians hav-
ing traversed the corridors, arrived at the Cardi-
nal's bed chamber, just at the critical moment
when the pious Poco-puranti had sent his silver
candlestick, at the head of the surgeon.
On entering, their ears were assailed by the
cry of murder, assassins, thieves/mingled with the
deep groans of Spiietti, who had sunk into an
easy chair, and holding a handkerchief over a deep
wound in his forehead.
My faith has saved me, thought Father Pietro,
who, on the entrance of the two great men, was
gliding like a phantom out of the apartment, feel-
ing that it would be entirely out of the question
to screw his courage to the sticking place a se-
Vol. I. cc
\g4 CLARA GAZUL
cond time even though it should be by prescrip-
tion of the two great men themselves.
Agitato, with much sang froid, having made his
court-bred bow, bent his steps toward the bed,
pulling of his white kid gloves. Having placed
his forefinger for an instant on the patient's wrist,
and used the word " delirious," in Latin, to Sta-
cato, he addressed the Cardinal with infinite non
chalance. — " I am sorry to see your Eminence
indisposed ; His Majesty is all sympathy ; do me
the favor to put out your tongue."
" I am wounded, and there stands the assas-
sin," said the Cardinal faintly, while pointing to
Spiletti.
" You don't say so," replied Agitato, opening
his small twinklers as wide as they would stare,
and turning towards the discomforted Spiletti,
who, fearing to make matters worse, by a candid
confession, informed the two great men that" hav-
ing been sent for to examine a serious wound,
which the Cardinal had just received from the
dagger of some unknown assassin, that his Emi-
nence being delirious, had sent a candlestick at
CLARA GAZUL. lt)3
his head with such force as entirely disqualified
him."—" We must expect these kind of things
in the course of our professional duties," said
Stacato, but K seniores priores, bind thy linen ker-
chief, about thy brow man, and assist us to ex-
amine his Eminence's wounds."
His Eminence being exhausted, now uttered a
deep groan ; some drops were administered ; the
wound was dressed, no incision having been pre-
cribed by the two great men, after which, Sta-
cato having touched the Cardinal's pulse, pre-
scribed to let out, by means of Spiletti's lancet,
some dozen of ounces of his Eminence's blood.
Agitato refused his concurrence. His Majesty
had entrusted him with the life of the Cardinal,
and no power on earth should induce him to con-
sent to such an unnecessary expedient. Bleeding
was his abhorrence, he never attacked the vital
juices, but where he saw physical necessity ; it
was a bad system, a dirty remedy ; it was at best
but robbing Peter to pay Paul, putting back an
inflammation at the ex pence of the general consti-
Vol. I, c c 2
1£0 CLARA GAZUL.
tution. Agitato carried it with a high hand, while
Stacato was merely the King's Household physi-
cian for ordinary services.
" Well then," sighed out Stacato, " I bow to
the Signor Agitato's superior skill and judge-
ment ; but as to you Spiletti, who have received
such a heavy blow from his Eminence's candle-
stick, if you don't immediately lose eighty ounces
of what the learned Doctor calls • the vital juice,'
you will soon be a dead man."
Having prescribed quiet, a sleeping draught,
and some extract of lillies of the valley to wash
his Eminence's minor wounds, in order, as Agi-
tato learnedly observed, that they might smell
sweet, the Cardinal in a faint voice, complained
that Agitato's otto of roses would cause him to
expire ; upon which hint, vanished backwards,
bowing themselves out of doors, the two great men
followed by Spiletti.
END OF VOL. I.
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