The Clique of Gold

ch rare and dazzling beauty, that he could hardly retain a cry of admiration. She wa

olden, but with such a bright sheen, that at every motion sparks seemed to start from its dark masses. Her large, soft eyes were overshad

of merry youth, displaying now and then two rows

elf, "the wretched creature whose

y head, adorned with an absurd bunch of feathers. Her eyes flashed indignation;

gure, a bald, shining head, two dark, deep-sunk eyes, a hooked nose, and a pair of im

g girl, the stern old woman, and the placid old man in the ba

he not merely repeat the atrocio

fell. Many left the house; others simply rose to look around; but Maxime and Daniel remained in their seats. Their whole attention was concentrated upon Miss Brandon's box, when they saw the door open, and a gentleman enter, who, at the distance at which they sat, looked like a very young man.

ndry!" said Dan

and, as he turned round, he found it w

it not? The happy l

so. I have t

the reasons for his silence, when M

, Daniel;

over her, gesticulating violently, and laughing till he showed every one of the long yellow teeth which were left him. He was evidently on

was ringing, and the curt

aniel to M. de Brev

ather was playing. But he entertained no longer any doubts; he had clearly see

rescue the count from the wil

pped up in a huge cloak, coming towards them, and behind him a servant with a whole armful of magnificent roses. It was Count Vil

? Where on earth

the th

crime against the majesty of Mozart. Come, go ba

se to Daniel, and

opportunity I w

ge landau, open in spite of the cold weather, but guarded by three servants in gorgeous livery. When they saw the count, they a

hese roses in

lars for such bouquets. He thought the joke was carried too far. However, the count insisted. The roses wer

n, and now gave wings to his steps. He ran up the steps of the great porch of the opera-house, and in a few moments he was once more

Daniel Champcey, one of our mo

nd then solemnly to Mrs. Bria

nt," said Miss Sarah, "that your

g to Daniel,

ave long sinc

M

are one of the most frequent visit

h a kind of malicious si

f he attributed your frequent visits exclusively to his o

This reproof, so far from checking Miss Sarah's merriment, only seemed to in

to his daughter, I think I may safely speak of them. It would be such an e

s not allowed the time to reflect. The piece was coming to an end; Miss Brandon was drawing a fur cloak over her shoulders, and left on the count's arm; while he had to escort Mrs. Brian, being closely followed b

at? What is

rward, looking vi

es," he said, "and I

es, and showed them to her. But immediately

y everywhere that I make you commit all kinds of follies. What a glorious thing

unt's face showed deep disappointment, she said in a ton

elcome if you had brought m

orn had gotten in; and it was now the count's turn. At the moment when the se

ount will give you my address, and tell you my reception-days. I must

ok Miss Brandon and Count Ville-Handry away was already at some distance

ours, and breaking suddenly in upon so calm and quiet a life, overwhelmed him

a glorious vision from on high, was only too real; and there, on the muddy pavement, a hand

ose street-dramas which read so strikingly in the local columns of our papers. They were disappointed, however. N

hat very evening, if possible, what he had found o

orrow," he sa

At first he had imagined he should only have to do with one of those common intriguantes who want to secure themselves a quiet old age, and clumsily spread their nets to catch an old or a young

ltogether, or, at worst, are only compromised far enough to give additional zest and an air of mystery to their relations. How c

which she seemed already to have in her hands, Heaven knows by what means? She e

Daniel, "send me

in vain did he torture his

d his eyes, and feeling utterly overcome by sleeplessness and fatigue, he was just about to get up, when some one knocked at his door. He rose hastily, pu

el

"I think the wisest plan

u are in great ha

That woman has beauty enough to drive an

y all about his love for Miss Ville-Handry, the hopes he had been encou

ery thing in the world to prevent her father's marriage with Miss Brandon; she will struggle to the bitter end. Ought I, or ought I not, to help her? Certainly. Can we succeed? No! But

o show his feelings, he was evidently

now what to do. All the more reason, then, that you should listen to the calm

s invit

o not hesitate

at

e all attention to Mrs. Brian; and you will try to win over the Hon. T

ay I do not unde

all, hang on a single thread? and that nothing is wanting in order to cut that thread but an opportunity? A

seem to be conv

talk to me abou

nly she

can

,-but smile, or run away; at

servant, who came in, holding

a carriage, who wants to know if he woul

he gentlem

Handry. Here

"run down and ask him,

standing, with his hat on, near the

runnin

hy

to introduce me to him; he might remember my name; and, if he w

at the same moment the outer

he count! I

room, pushed him in, and shut the door. It was