Transcriber's Note:
1. Page scan source: http://books.google.com/books?id=g9o9AAAAYAAJ
"Alas! poor human nature!"
Chesterfield.
"There is no help for it, I must do it to-day," the Baroness Melkweysermurmured with a sigh breathed into the depths of the toilet-glass,before which, she was sitting while her maid dressed her hair. "It isnow just a week," she went on to herself, after having uttered theabove words aloud, "quite one week since Capriani entrusted the affairto me. I have met him three times, and each time was obliged to tellhim that there had been no favourable opportunity as yet. He isbeginning to take my delay ill. Come, then, courage!.... enavant!.... Truyn certainly ought to be glad to marry his daughter assoon as possible, and I cannot see why Gabrielle should make anyobjection to becoming the sister-in-law of the Duke of Larothiére. Tobe sure, most Austrians have such antediluvian ideas! Nons verrons! Iwill, as Capriani desires, see how the land lies."
She shrugged her shoulders as though shifting off all responsibilityand turning to her maid exclaimed: "mais dépêchez vous donc,Euphrosine, will you never remember how much I always have to do!"Whereupon the impatient lady, snatched from her maid the head-dresswhich she was arranging, and, quite in the style of Napoleon I.,crowned herself.
The scene lies in Paris. The short after-season which, like an echo ofthe carnival, is wont to follow Lent, that holy intermezzo crowded withcharity-bazaars, musical soirées and other elegant penitentialobservances, is rather duller than usual this year. Easter came toolate and although Figaro continues its daily record of balls androuts, Paris takes very little heed. All genuine enthusiasm for suchentertainments is lacking. Paris thinks of nothing now save the races,the last auction at the Hôtel Drouôt, the latest change of ministry,and the newest thing in stocks.
It is the beginning of May. Two weeks ago, rather later than usual,spring made its appearance--like a young king full of eagerbenevolence, and generous promises, with green banner held aloft andcrowned with sunshine--thus it swept above the earth which sullenly andreluctantly opened its weary eyes. "Awake, awake, I bring with me joy!"called spring in sweet siren tones sometimes low and wooing and anonloud and imperious. And a mysterious whisper thrilled and stirred theland, the trees stretched their black branches, the buds burst. Menfelt a pleasant languor, while their hearts beat louder.
The spring advanced quickly, working its lovely miracles--