WE are quite convinced of the sincerity of Nicholas in making the avowal, that no one desired the piece of the world more than he did-the piece of the world alluded to being, no doubt, Turkey. WHEN will the Emperor of Russia sleep in

Knight can be played to either square England? When he takes a nap here. Echo says om one to eight.

It is to be presumed that, when military men talk of attacking the enemy in flank, it means nothing Secretaries and other officers, or members of Chess more nor less than touching them under the ribs. Clubs in the United States and British North America, are requested to put us in possession of such information as will bad for the temper---even Port Wine gets crustier GET UP.-Stopping in bed too long is decidedly the longer it has been lying down.

OUR TETE-A-TETE. went mad about Grisi and Mario, for they always flights. Hicks is steadily working in his studio sung together; and at the present hour, they stand He has just completed a crayon head of Parke God in the position of having ascended, hand in hand, win, for Putnam's Monthly, which is surpassingly TH HERE is little stirring in town now. Artists, to the summit of fame. A double miracle was good. Far beyond that affected lackadaisical porauthors, actors, editors, and idlers are all in effected by this liason. Grisi transformed the Marquis trait of Curtis, which Mr. Lawrence, "the great the country-or, at least, at those hybrid places, of Candia into Mario the singer, and Mario the singer English artist," contributed to the July number. like Newport and Saratoga, that represent the coun- changed Grisi the coquette into Grisi the constant Though Lawrence came over here, puffed by try. Bayard Taylor is staying on his family-place woman. Signor Grisi is still alive, however, and I Thackaray, Carlisle, and others, it took but a little in Pennsylvania, taking a turn at farm-life, as a believe that his sposa has to allow him six thousand while to prove that we had a native artist who could sort of contrast to the desert. His book on the francs per annum. Quite enough, as every one surpass him on his own ground. White Nile will shortly be published by Putnam, knows, to keep an Italian husband in good humor. and the illustrations by himself are charmingly I do not think, however, that the unhappy indidone. His volume of eastern poems-far more viduals who have taken the responsibility of introoriental in coloring than Thomas Moore's attar-of-ducing this great soprano and wonderful tenor to roses-and-essence-of-cinnamon verses-will shortly an American public, will make a fortune by the emerge from Messrs. Ticknor, Reed, and Field's speculation. The terms on which they have conprinting-press. I have no doubt of their success. | sented to be exhibited are so enormous (and they I had the pleasure of reading some of the poems in can afford to make any terms, because they are proof, and some in manuscript, and they struck me immensely wealthy), that I doubt much if there is as immeasurably superior to anything that Taylor any margin left for the impressario and the capitalist. has yet done. I don't care a rush, however. I have no money invested in the transaction, and as long as I get good singing, have no uneasiness about who pays the piper. I anticipate, however, many lively emeutes. Much as we have suffered from the whims of tenors-Salvi, to wit--we fear that Signor Mario will put our patience still more to the test. He is a perfect spoilt child. I have seen him in London sing an entire opera through, as if he was in his own SEPTEMBER IN THE COUNTRY. room, yawning visibly in the faces of the audience, and never ready after his turn came to appear on the stage. I hope, however, that his ambition to conquer a new field, will induce him to be a little

THE town is just now ringing with the names of Grisi and Mario. No wonder. Such a gifted pair of vocalists never before trod the shores of America. Poor Salvi will have to stay in Mexico, I fear, after the great London tenor has finished his engagement here. His weak, aged voice, his conventional acting, his bald head, and lustreless eyes, would make but a bad show on the stage after the Italian beauty and exquisite singing of Signor Mario. Besides, a cable not a thread-of romance is woven in with Mario's destiny. Some sixteen years ago, the young Marquis of Candia came over to London. He had a quarrel with his father, and thought that absence was the best way to reconcile the stern

way

more anxious to please his American audiences.

Or London gossip I am rather bare. Nothing seems to be going on over the water. It is whispered that Carlisle, the Latter-Day Prophet, is going to pay us a visit. What a number of "shams" he will discover among us! What an awful volume of compound words and ferocious diatribes will he publish when he gets back! That old white hat of his will quiver with indignation when its wearer beholds our municipal corruption, and our Irish politicians. Those honorable gentlemen, Messrs. Mitchel and Meagher, will cause unutterable fury to the author of "Sartor Resartus," when he beholds them assuming a political position among us; and he will be for "squelching" the whole brood into "bottomless pits of inconceivable annihilation !" P. BODDY.

WHY
try, the moment cool weather begins to step into the

HY is it that people are in such haste to leave
their nooks and hiding places in the coun-

relief of the sultry old dog-days? Men who can as MISS MATILDA HERON, the actress, is about to well keep their families in the sweet rural retirevisit New York experimentally. I hear that she ments they have chosen, for at least a month or six is very attractive, and displays wonderful dra-weeks longer, pack up all their domestic duds as matic ability. She has been starring it with immense success in California, and has probably imbibed some of the wild fire of those wild regions. Miss Heron is clever, I am sure she is wanted; for, to my mind, there is not a single actress of the first class parts in New York, who is worth going to

see.

66

If

ALVA," the immortal Alva of the "Albion,"
is out of town, doubtless enjoying the society of

"the fairest of her sex," to whom he so often
alludes. May his shadow never be shortened,
and may he return in due season to glad us with
his sprightly critiques.

parent to his numerous escapades. Young, hand-
some, nobly born, and possessing a divine tenor
voice, the young marquis instantly became the
rage. At the English court he was a lion; at the
exclusive Almack's a dozen "ladies Mary" and
“ladies Alice” sighed for the pleasure of a waltz
with the elegant Sicilian. His misfortunes, his
love affairs-the history of which all London was
familiar with-invested him with a picturesque
atmosphere that, combined with his own personal
attractions, elevated him to the very pinnacle of
fashion. For a couple of years Mario danced and
flirted, and dinnered, and drawing-roomed his
through the restless tide of London society, until
one fatal night he went to the opera, and beheld
Madame Grisi, already famous for having had innu- THE Howadji is at Newport. The elaborate
merable lovers, and been the cause of a duel history of that watering-place, published in the
between Lord Castlereagh and her husband, Signor August number of Harper, is from his pen, and,
Grisi. This intellectual artist, this divine singer, we think, betrays more industry than ability.
this indomitable coquette, achieved a conquest over Curtis is trying to be too versatile. He should
the Marquis of Candia's heart that none of the noble neither write poetry or history, but stick to those
English ladies had been able to succeed in accom- charming essays, of which "My Chateaux," and
plishing. That single night rendered him a mad" Sea-From Shore," are specimens. He is, never-
lover. He was introduced. His boyish beauty, theless, at present engaged on a life of Mehemet
his exquisite voice, charmed the stage coquette, Ali.
and-in short, he became her lover. A short time
after, the Marquis of Candia disappeared from the
world, and Signor Mario appeared on the stage.
Under Grisi's tuition, the young Sicilian nobleman
perfected his divine voice, and acquired a know-
ledge of dramatic art. Whatever his former con-
quests as a man of fashion may have been, his
triumphs as an artist surpassed them. The world

soon as the nights grow a little chill, or the katydids begin to croak, and rush back to town in the same red-hot haste with which they rushed out. If they did but know what they lose by the opera

tion!

They are content to gasp and swelter under country trees and in green shadows, all through the burning heats of the solstice,—but at the very time when Nature is making grand preparations to put on her robes of glory, when the great woods are staining the high windows of their cathedrals with colors more brilliantly beautiful than any known among even Tyrian dyes, when the air is soft and genial, and the sunlight falls so genially, coming through the veil of the regular Autumnal haze,just at this glorious time it is that men who ostentatiously pretend a love of nature, drag themselves and their families back to the limited life of streets and areas, losing the sights and the sounds that through the whole rolling year are most glorious and gladdening to the soul.

We beg our friends, especially those who can as well prolong their stay, to extend their family furOUR painters are all away, or I would tell you lough in the country as much as they feel able; for something about them. But, alas! I cannot in the midst of the pomp and show of the grand follow them to their rural haunts, though it would Autumnal coronation of Nature, they will drink glad me exceedingly to be able to wander with in pictures imperceptibly into their souls, that Kensett and Darley, Stillman and Durand, through will make them more exalted beings each time pleasant country meadows, or over the Catskill hills. they are recalled during the remainder of their Fate, however, ordains it otherwise, and I am lives. Try it once, dear reader. We won't ask chained to the desk, and can only chronicle their you a second time.

4

CHAPTER IX. THE SIEGE OF ROUEN.

was on the 30th of September, 1562, just as the works of the fortifications of the banks of the Seine were completed, under the direction of Montgommeri, that some Protestant peasants came rushing into the gates, and announced with terror the near approach of the enemy.

indicated, which was precisely in front of the most back, leaving a large number of their men on the
powerful part of the enemy's army, and there was field of battle. King Anthony of Navarre also was
every reason to expect that the storm of the garri-wounded, and although, at the first examination, the
son would commence in this quarter. The en- physicians thought slightly of the injury, the wound
campment had been completed with extraordinary after a few days assumed an unfavorable appear-
celerity. Catherine, with her sons, Charles IX. and ance, and he closed his inglorious career without
his younger brother Henry, with St. André and the regret of a single being.
Anthony of Navarre, had accompanied the army on
After the King of Navarre's death, the siege of
its March; Francis of Guise remaining at Paris Rouen became more fierce. Montmorency, although
with another detachment, expecting the approach an old man, was indomitable in his bravery.
of Condé and Coligny. It was still early morning Trenches were opened, mines sprung, and the artil-
when Tavannes, with his eyes bound, entered the lery committed fearful ravages on the walls of the
gate, and demanded an audience with the com- fine old city. With every hour the peril of the
mander. He was accordingly led before Maugiron, besieged increased, and starvation threatened them
who dispatched Gui for instructions from Mont- with destruction. Sickness prevailed among the
gommeri.
garrison, and the fate of Rouen seemed sealed.
Anxiously were the eyes of the brave leaders
strained in the direction of Orleans, from which
place they had been led to expect relief, but in vain,
when at length the Constable Montmorency gave
orders for a general assault. On the evening, how-
ever, before the catastrophe, as Gui, overpowered
with fatigue and anxiety, was sleeping in his cham-
ber, one of his servants entered. It went sadly
against the poor man's heart to awake his master,
for he bore evidence of needing the rest which he
was now enjoying; but the case was urgent. A
stranger had given him a billet with the entreaty,
amounting to command, to deliver it into Gui's own
hand.

"I place the answer in your hands," said he with a smile. "You will not hesitate, I am assured."

Montgommeri immediately dispatched Gui and Maugiron to the most vulnerable parts of the city, giving orders to provide for its more complete defence; and after strict attention to this duty, the officers returned and took their station by the side of Montgommeri, in order more closely to observe "Tell the Constable, the Queen, and the King," the movements and progress of the foe. The sus- said Maugiron, after listening to this message, pense was of short duration; for soon the faint" that we are true, loyal subjects; but never will sound of military music broke in on the ears of the listeners, and in the shadowy distance floating banners and glittering armor were seen.

A solemn stillness rested on the besieged city, and an anxiety and seriousness was on every countenance, which, although far removed from an expression of wavering or despair, betokened a conviction that the struggle which was at hand would be fierce and bloody. The authorities of the town were at Montgommeri's side, as well as the brave and valiant preacher of the Protestant faith, Augustine Marlorat. The walls were covered with men, and the commander's eye never wandered from the preparations of the enemy below, whilst his brow was smoother and his countenance at rest as he talked in an encouraging tone to those around him. Evening shades had fallen before the army had completed their encampment; and weary of the continued watch, many a beating and expectant heart withdrew for repose.

At the Hotel de Ville, where Montgommeri and his officers had taken up their quarters, they received a deputation from the burgesses and corporation of the town, who came with the offer of their hearty assistance in the defence of the garrison.

The help was welcome, and it was the work of but a brief space to enrol and arm the citizen soldiers, to nominate their leaders, and to appoint them their position.

At daybreak everything was in readiness for action. After a short repose, Montgommeri returned to his post, and early on the following day he directed Maugiron and Gui to take up their position in that part of the city which lay on the opposite side of the Seine, and was connected by a bridge with the other part of the town.

66

Go, my friends," he said. "There your courage will find an ample field, and I know that you will never betray the confidence I place in you. To your hands I commit a great trust, assured that all which you, De Viole, lack in experience will be more than counterbalanced by the wisdom of Maugiron. Adieu, and God speed you in your work."

Animated with the expression of Montgommeri's confidence, they immediately departed to the place

we succumb to the power of the Guises and their
party. Only over our dead bodies, therefore, shall
they enter the gates of Rouen. Tell them to spare
further parley; we are prepared, and will not surren-
der." And coolly turning away, he said, "Let us
have a game of chess, De Viole."

At the name De Viole Tavannes started, and
seemed as though he would gladly have annihilated
the owner of it.

"You are dismissed, sir," said Maugiron, coolly seating himself at the chess-table; and immediately the officers who had conducted the Marquis into Maugiron's presence, rebound his eyes, and led him out of the garrison.

The enemy was now aroused. The Normandy peasants were pressed in large numbers into the service, and compelled to lift up their hands for the destruction of those in the town who professed the same faith with themselves; the sound of the salute and the roar of cannon were heard-all was in motion and activity.

Everything which lay in Maugiron's power was done to resist the attack which he saw would ensue. Catherine received the intimation that Rouen must be taken by storm with regret. She had hoped to win over to her party the authorities and burgesses of the town, as she believed that they only acted on the defensive from the threats or bribes of Montgommeri; but great was her astonishment when Tavannes brought the uncompromising reply from the garrison. Day after day passed on-the work of the besiegers progressed, but within the walls the sufferings of the inhabitants from famine became intense. A month had elapsed since the siege commenced. The Constable, who received orders from Guise to delay no longer, ordered the storm of the beleaguered town, and early in the gray morning he approached that part of the city where Maugiron and Gui were in command.

"What is the matter?" cried Gui, hastily arousing himself. The man presented the note, written in a firm, bold hand.

"Be on your guard; to-morrow Montmorency storms the citadel. Save your life, Viole. Rouen cannot hold you. Your only safety now is retreat."

"Throw the note into the fire," said Gui, starting up, and rushing from the chamber; but, after a moment's consideration, he returned, and inquired of the servant who it was that had brought the letter. The man, however, could only reply that it was a stranger, who, having delivered the paper, immediately disappeared.

Before night-time the plans of the Constable were ripe for execution, when hark! the thunder of the cannon rolls; the town is shaken to its foundation; a cry of wild triumph succeeded by one of deadly terror is heard; and through the noise of artillery echo the groans of the wounded and dying, whilst the bell of the gray cathedral rang throughout that night of horror and mortal woe.

"No quarter!" shouted the Catholic party. "No quarter!" returned the Huguenots. Wild and horrible was the tumult. The soldiers had broken into the town, and spread fire and destruction around. Gui and Maugiron fought bravely, swords clashed, and the contest was sharp. Driven to the Seine, it became fiercer and yet fiercer, and soon a wall of bodies surrounded them, increasing every moment in thickness. In vain they look for help from Montgommeri, or the promised detachment of the English; but in every quarter of the city the battle was raging with equal fury.

Fearful was the first shock of the artillery; but at the same moment that Tavannes' soldiers were preparing to scale the walls, Gui, with a troop of Englishmen and burgesses, rushed upon them, cutting them down with undaunted courage. The struggle was carried on with equal vigor on both At this moment an unseen hand touched them, sides, and about noon the besiegers were driven | and a hollow voice said, "Follow me."

"Our hour is come; let us await God's will here, and die honorably at our post."

Without any reply, they followed their silent conductor in haste through a long secret passage, which terminated in a door. It was unlocked, and they were again in the open air; and after a considerable walk found themselves on the banks of the Seine. Their conductor now desiring them to leap into a boat which was in readiness, they pushed off, and were soon gliding down the rapid stream, leaving Rouen far behind them.

municative; but plunged deeper and deeper into the stranger, I hastened to follow you, well knowing recesses of the forest, where, at length overcome which way you would take to Orleans; but I saw with exhaustion and the exciting scenes of the past you not-I who would have died to save you. At night, they lay down to rest, and sleep soon visited the very moment I discovered traces of you. I heard their rude pillows, and wrapped them in her mantle voices on the shore-voices that I knew. One was of repose. Evening shadows fell, and the weary that of Tavannes, and he still pursues you; but soldiers had not yet awoke. When at last Gui Tavannes fears me. He has proved the truth of roused himself, he experienced a thirst so in- many of my prophecies, and when we met, I retense, that he looked round him with an instinct-lated to him that my camp lay in the forest, and that ive desire to find means of quenching it, but it was I must spend one day here. He then asked after still dark. He felt for Maugiron. The poor fellow you. Ah, my Lord Marquis,' said I, 'you are on was still asleep; and not wishing to disturb him, he the wrong scent if you seek the fugitives. See lay gently down again on the mossy couch, which there, on the right bank of the Seine, lies the boat "You have, indeed, redeemed your promise, kind had been to him like a bed of the softest down. by which they escaped and in that direction they stranger," he

"You are safe for the present," said the old man, in whom Gui recognised the mysterious "unknown" whom he had seen during his interview with Coligny.

said, "the pro

mise that you

made to me before Coligny."

The eyes of Acevedo, for he it was, rested tenderly on the young soldier.

"Shame, indeed, it would have been," he replied, "if the lives of two brave men had fallen in that unhappy strife."

He did not proceed, but continued to row vigorously onward, for in the distance they I could still perceive the flames rising from the burning city.

At a spot where the forest sloped down to the shore, he a length rested on his oar, and said,

"I can be of no further service to you, and must now leave

you to your own resources; but mind and keep Could it be imagination? He fancied he heard
hidden in the forest for to-day, and when night a breathing in his ear. Again he listened; it was
comes take the road to Orleans. Mark the position not Maugiron, for the sound came from the opposite
of Rouen, and avoid as far as possible every side.
approach to its vicinity. God be with you!"

Having landed the fugitives, he sprang into the boat, without waiting to hear their thanks, and rowed to the opposite shore, where he disappeared in the thicket.

"Poor Montgommeri," said Maugiron, after a pause," he is doubtless fallen, and a brave man he was a true hero."

must surely have fled. The sharp eyes of the fox discovered the object to which I pointed, and immediately took my counsel. They crossed over, and are even now searchfor you there. But you must away-this is is no place for you."

Gui heard the old woman with

amazement, and then eagerly awoke Maugiron, who was not, however, disposed to treat the gipsy with the same confidence as his companion, and followed Adelma rather reluctantly. Over stock and stone,' as the old storybook says, they pursued their route. Adelma's agility astonished the young men, but Maugi

ron declared his inability, both from fatigue, hunger, and thirst, to keep up with his guide any longer.

The gipsy laughed, and offered him a piece of coarse, dry bread, which, under most circumstances, "Gui de Viole," at length said a well-known Maugiron would have declared uneatable, but which, voice, art thou awake? See, I am near thee in in his present extremity, he devoured eagerly; and, the most critical hour of thy life!" refreshed by some water which the old woman "Adelma," said Gui, joyfully," thou art always brought from a spring close by, they continued their Praised be God that thou art here!" "Rise," she replied, "and awake thy companion. You must flee. The enemy is not far off." "Pursuers?" said Gui, amazed.

true.

Maugiron now asked after their deliverer, and "Even so, young man. Thinkest thou that thy Gui told all he knew, which was, nevertheless, but flight is a secret at Rouen? I was there awhile little. They were, however, too much occupied since to warn thee, but I found thee not; and learnwith the matter of their own safety to be very com- ing from one of my sons that you had fled with a

journey. Maugiron, however, was very pensive. The fate of Rouen, the death of Montgommeri, which he believed eertain, oppressed his spirits, and he communicated his fears to Gui.

"You have no cause to mourn for him," said Adelma, in her accustomed tone. Adelma was there, and witnessed the horrid slaughter whence you fled."

(To be continued.)

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