Fairy Fingers

s garden-tools for the whole day, to play in-door domestic. Gustave, who daily doubled his r?le of coachman with that of valet, slighted his beloved horses (ho

from her years and infirmities. Elize, the cook, made far more elaborate preparations for the coming of the young viscount than she would have deemed necessary for the dinner to be given to her maste

fretted almost as heartily over that set of Sêvres porcelain which, with the addition of her grandson, would not be sufficient for the expected guests, even if Madeleine dined in her own chamber. Besides, the arrival of Maurice made that arrangement out of the question. He would certainly oppose

t Madeleine had few moments to spend in contemplation of the precious gift. She dressed rapidly, then hastened away to make the chateau bright with flowers, to complete various preparations for the toilet of her aunt, to perform numerous off

rance. After passing a fatiguing examination, he had gladly consented to act upon his father's suggestion, and devot

gate!" cried Bertha, whose quick eyes had caught sight of a coach which stopp

the front door; Bertha was on the porch before the carriage drew up; the count and counte

kissed his father, according to French custom, then turning to Bertha, clasped her extended hands and touched either chee

tinged with chestnut, while Bertha's shone with unmingled gold; but, like Bertha's, his recreant locks had a strong tendency to curl, and lay in rich clusters upon his brow, distressing him by a propensity which he deemed effeminate. His mouth was as ripely red as hers, but somewhat larger, fir

t might be designated as a noble figure; but the term owed i

oking as though you bade defiance to time;-and you, my little cousin, how much you hav

ertha, saucily. "Well, there was

with a laugh of assent, and, looking eag

nt she is in some remote corner of the chateau, mysteri

her in his letters. And has she kept you company

than ever; and lately she has commenced drawing from nature with the most wonderful ease. You should see the flowers she first creates wi

ok with his mother, and

said, "Are you and Bertha determined to spend

ng-room, the countess poi

t down and give us some account of yourself. What hav

self on the other side of her aun

gian and Traveller,-hero of the hour!-most noble representative of the house of de

themselves. Next, I have joined a debating society of young students who are preparing to become lawyers. Our meetings have afforded me infinite pleasure. At our last reunion, I undertook to plead a cause, and achieved a wonderful success. I had no idea that language would flow so readily from my lips. I was astonished at my own thoughts, and t

vulgar idea into your head? A lawyer! There is really something startling, something p

mother: it is a project which I have formed, and

ects. Let us hear your sublime pro

canted upon the advantage of embarking in the enterprise. He also confided to me, for the first time, the real state of our affairs,-in a word, the empty condition of our treasury. Why should my father occupy himself with busine

ntenance a step so humiliating! It is not to be though

y have nothing to do. It is only my name that is required; besides, America is so far off that nobody in Brittany will be aware of my connection

nstance, prove of service to me. It may help to bring me cli

y revolting!" cried the countess, warmly. "

e should happen to sta

gnore their very existence! Wh

but noticing his grandmother's knitted brow, and h

ination that forbade discussion, "Maurice

he bar, what am I to do?" ask

udly. "What have the de Gramonts d

t suit the present age of activity and progress. In our time everything that has heart and spirit feels that labor is a law of life. Some men till the earth, some cultivate the minds of their fellow-men, some guard

e phrases, a vender of words!" r

Maurice,-"one which it costs nothing, to

e who bore the name of de Gramont earned money!

ffects of the idleness of our ancestors. It is time that the n

-began hi

n, an unstinted amount of energy, and an admiration for genius; now, all these gifts-mind, heart, imagination, spirit, energy-cry out for action,-ask to vindicate their right to existence,-need to find v

you, Maurice?" asked hi

s been saved through your economy? Until lately I never knew the actual state of our finances. No

ous marriage," remarked the countess, forge

tion I experienced when I felt I could become something of myself,-that I had talents which I could employ,-that I had a future before me,-renown to win,-great deeds to achieve

of fine words,-a paid champion of the low mob. Let us hear no more of this absurd lawye

, I must have amusement, I shall run in debt, I may gamble, I may become dissipated, I may commit offences against good taste and good morals, which will degrade me in reality; and all because you have nipped a p

isk!" replied the countess,

stood before her with an air half-threatening, half-proph

commit a dishonorable action. Now, pray, go to your room

eding the hand which Bertha stretched in sympathy towards him; and