Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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The Modern Knight. Whose is no Hore the stately tread. Tho gravely courteous mien, Th* linke* mull and helmet head, ?fte blade ot Syrian sheen ; Who walks the ways of common men, In hurrying haunts of trude. His arms, the ledger and the pen, The ploughshare and the spade. Whose splendor is no more the sun Of court?, the pron* array, In spars or knighthood wildly won lu some tierce foagbt array ; Whose dress, as sober to the ?lance is autumn's brewn leaf, hies Unnoticed, on each breeze ol chance, Or wind of enterprise. Wn? coolly scans his fellew-men With philosophic eye ; Converses calmly, knowing when To smile, or when to sigh. Xor tilts at wind-mills-saves his breath To name them with a sneer : MacGregor, on his native heath, Frem him had nought to rear. Who rides ne more through forest dim, With half-drawn sword, aad prayer Upon his Ups, or holy hymn. To gnard from ?vii there. Who steps with dainty foot-fall, down The church's throng-haed aisle, And views the emblemed cross aad crown Witt self-snnlcient smile. Whose chivalry to all the weak 4 Is proofless-who can cheat The widew and the orphai meek, And all their woes complete ; Whose highest alai is self, whose laugh Greets wrong, who mocks at right, Who bows befere the gelden calf Is this the modern knight? Ah ! ne. Who loves not his own age. With aU its faults of kind. May rank as hermit learn'd or sage, Bat leaves all love behind : Kornau ma? hearts, since Adam, beat with pulses still the same, And ?hange, which time most ever meet, Is half-a change of same. And loyal truth, pure knighthood's best, A bright twluned star, still lies Reflected from thc earaest depths Of some clear human eyes ; What though the jesting cynic lurk Upon the ton jue ; words can Bot chubenge jest, when noble work Proclaims the cynic, man. And hoaor, chivalrv, live yet, Deny lt, ye who may ; Your cheeks with passioned tears still wet, In memory of a day, i When woke the loud, stern trump of wars, And gi? wed each latent spark, Of knighthood, till a Meld ?r stars Blazed o'er his scutcheon dark. Ay, chivalry ls living yet, Nor all laid 'neath the sod, With lives, (a country's long regret,) T? country gives and Ged ; Not less showed forth Ita lofty power, Not leas Its pride ef will, That hardest lesson of the hour, To loller and he still. So dating In war's fierce melee, S? patient and so strang, To bear reverse, what minstrel's lay, What poet's sweetest sang Can tell of Cour de Lions more, Or hymn Crusaders' story f Pass by the vaunted days of yore, Prom glory unto glory t Ia ll'e's great tournament, the knights Wage kiidly contest ever, Not dim In distance, ail the lights Of chivalric endeavor; Whoever doubts n?w take good heed, Or keep his vizor do wa, F?r donbt ls doubt's deserved meed. As trust ls honor's crown. [LATIENNB. THE SCENE-PALNTEB'S WIFE. A TALE. BT M. E. BRADDON. Author of "Lady Audley's Secret,'' 4c. " You wouldn't think lt, to look at her now, sir," said the old clown, as he shook the ashes out ef his blackened clay, "but madam was once as handsome a woman as you'd see for many a long day. It was an accident that spoilt her beauty." The speaker was attached to a little eques? trian company with which I had fallen in dur? ing a summer day's pedestrianism in Warwick? shire. The troupe nad halted at a roadside inn, where I was dawdling over my simple mid-day meal, and by the time I had smoked my cigar in his companionship, the clown'and I were upon a footing of perfect friendli? ness. I had been not a little struck by the woman of whom he spoke. She was tall and slim, and bad something ol a foreitrn look, as I thought. Her face was chiefly remarkable for the painful impre si?n which it gave to a strau fer. It was the face of a woman who had un ergoue some great terror. The sickly pallor of the skin was made conspicuous by the hec flfc brightness ot the large black eyes, and on one cheek there was a scar-the mark of some deadly hurt inflicted long ago. My new friend and I had strolled a little way fr jul the inn, where the rest of the company were still occupied with their frugal dinner. A stretch of sunny common lay belore us. and seemed to invito a ramble. The clown Ailed his pipe, and walked on meditatively. I took out another cigar. " Was it a fall trom horseback that gave her that scar r* I asked. M A fan from horseback ! Madame Delavan ti ! No.^ir, that seam on her cheek was made by the claws of a tiger. It's rather a curious sort of story, and I don't mind telling lt. if you'd like to hear it ; but for the Lord's sake don't let her know I've been talking of her. If you should happen to scrape acquaintance with her when yon go back to the inn." ; -Has she such a dislike of being talked about ?" 411 rather think she has. You see she's not quite right in the upper story, poor soul ; but .?she rides beautifully, and doesn't know what fear means. You'd scarcely believe how hand? some she looks at night when she's dressed for the ring. Her face lights np almost as well as it used to do ten years ago, before 6he bad thc accident Ah. she was handsome in those days, and used to be run after by all the gen? tlemen like mad. But she never was a bad lot, never-wild and self-willed, but nevera wicked woman, as I'll stake my life. I've been ' her friend through thick and thin, when she . needed a friend, and I've understood her bet? ter than others. She was only twelve years old when she came to us with her father, a noted lion-tamer. He was a man that drank hard now and then, and was very severe with her at such times ; but she always had a brave spirit, and I never knew ber to quail before bim or before the beasts. She used to take her share in all the old man's performances, and when he died, and the lions were sold off, our proprietor kept a tiger for her to perform with. He was the cleverest of all the animals, but a queer tem? per, and lt needed a spirit like Caroline Dela vantfs to face him. She rode in thc circus as well as performing with the tiger, and she was altogether the most valuable member of the company, and was very well paid for her work. She was eighteen when her lather died, and within a year of his death she married Joseph Wavlie, our scene-painter. I was rather surprised at this marriage, for I fancied -Caroline might have done better. Joe was thirty-five if he was a day-a pale, sandy haired fellow, not much to look at. and by rio means a genius. But he was awfully fond of Caroline. He had followed her about like a dog ever since she came among us, and I ^thought she married bim more out of pity than love. I told her so one day, but she only laughed, and said, " He's too good for me, Mr. Waters, that's the truth. I don't deserve to bc loved as he loves me." The newly married couple did indeed seem to be very happy together, lt was a treat to see Joe stand at thc wing and watch his wife through her performances, ready to put a shawl over her pretty white shoulders when she had dene, or to throw himself between her and the tiger in case of mischief. She treated him lu a pretty, patronizing sort ol'way, as If he had been ever so much younger than her instead ol twelve years her senior. She used to stau J upon tiptoe and kiss him before all the company, sometimes at rehearsals, much to his delight. He worked like a slave in ihe bone of Improving his position as he improved in his art, and he thought nothing too good for his beautiful young wife. They had very comfortable lodgings about half a' mile from the manufacturing town where we were sta? tioned for the winter months, and lived as well as simple folks need live. Our manager was proprietor of a second theatre, at a seaport town, filly miles away from the place white we were stationed ; and when pantomime time was coining on. poor Joseph Waylie was ordered off to paint the scenery for this other theatre, much to his grief, as his work was lUiely to keep bini a month or six weeks away from bis wife. Ii was th*r first parting, and the husband felt it deeplv. He left Caroline to the care of an oM V. woman who took thc money, and who ] fessed a very warm attachment for Mrs. \\ lie, or Madame D?lavant i, as she was callei thc bills. Joseph had not been gone much more tl a week, when I began to take notice o young officer who was in front every even! and who watched Caroline's performance v evident admiration. I saw him one nigh verv close conversation with Mrs. Mnggiel the money-taker, and was no! ovcr-pleaset hear Madame D?lavant i's name incut ionei the course of their conversation. On the n night 1 found him loitering about at the sta door. Ile was a very handsome man, au could not avoid taking notice of him. Un quinr, 1 found that Illa name was Jocelyn, t that he was a captain in the regiment then ! tioned in the town. He was the only son c wealthymantifacturer, I was told, andi plenty bf money to throw about. I had finished my performance earlier tl usual one night soon alter this, and was Wi ing for a friend at the stage-door, when Capt; Jocelyn came up thc dark b<--slreet, smoki his cigar, and evidently waiting for some 01 I fell back inte the shadow of the door, a waited, feeling pretty sure that he was on t watch for Caroline. I was right. She cai out presently and joined him, putting lier ha under his arm, as if it were quite a usual thi for him to be her escort. I followed thora a little distance as they walked off, and wait till I saw Joe's wife safe within her own dd The captain detained her on the doorstep tai ing for a few minutes, and would fain ha kept her there Conger, but she dis missed h with that pretty imperious way sh; had wi all of us at times. Now, as a very old friend of Caroline's, wasn't going to star. 1 this sort of thing : s( taxed her with il plainly next day, and tc her no good could come ot any aequainlan between her and Captain Jocelyn. "And no hann need come of it cither, j> sillv old fellow," she said. " I've been used that sort of attention nil my life. There'd not inge but tile must innocent flirtation belwei us." , . " What would Joe think of such an innocc flirtation, Caroline !" I asked. "Joe must learn to put up with such things she answered. " as long as I do my duty him. I can't live without excitement, and a miration, and that sort of thing. Joe ought know that as well as I do.'' "I should have thought the tiger and tl horses would have given you enough excit ment, Caroline,'" I 'said, "without numil Into worse danger-; than the risk of your life " But they dou't give me half enough excit ment," she answered ; and then she took 01 a little watch in a jewelled case, and looked i it, and then at me, in a liait boastful, half-au: ious way. " Why, what a pretty watch, Carry !" .said " Is that a present from Joe ?" "As if you didn't know better than that she said. * " Country scene-painters can't affor to buy diamond watches for their wives, M; Waters." I tried to lecture her, but she laughed off m reproaches ; and I saw her that night with bracelet on her arm which 1 knew must b another gift from the captain. He was in stage-box, and threw her a bouquet of choic flowers after her scene with the tiger. It wa the prettiest sight in the world to see her pici up the flowers ?ind offer them to the grim look ing animal to smell, and '.hen snatch then away with a laugh, aud i dire, curtseying t the audience, and gland g coquettishly tc wards the box where her dniirer sat applaud lng her. Three weeks went by like this, the captan In front every night. I kept a close watel upon the pair, tor 1 thought that, however sin might carry on her flirtation. Joe's wife wa true at heart, and would not do him any de .?berate wrong. She was very young um rory wilful, but I landed my influence wouk ;o a long way willi her in any desperate emergency. So I kept an eye upon her an( ioradmirer, and there was rarely anight I lid not see the captain's back turned uj>on Mrs (Taylie's lodgings before I went home to m.\ nipper. Joe was not expected home for auotliei ivcek, and thc regiment was to leave town in i couple ol days. Caroline told mc this OIK norning with ?vident pleasure, and I was )verjoyed to And she did not really care for L'aptain Jocelyn. " Not a bit, you silly old man," she Raid ; " I ike his admiration, and like his presents, but [ know there's no one in the world worth Joe. "m very g'ad the regiment will be gone when (oe comes back. I shall have hud my bit of un, you know, and i shall tell Joe all ubout it; ind as Captain Jocelyn will have gone to the >ther end of the world, he can't object to thc iresents-tributes offered to my genius, as tile :aptain says in Iiis notes."' 1 felt by no means sure that Joseph Waylie vould consent to his wife's retaining these tri mtes, and I told her as much. "0, nonsense," she said ; 141 can do what I ike with Joe. He'll DO quite satisfied when ie sees Captain Jocelyn's respectful letters. I ?ouldn't part with my tarling little watch for he world."' When I went to the theare next night, I bund the captain standing talking to Caroline ust outside the stage door. He seemed very ?arnest, and was begging her to do something ivhlch she said was Impossible. It was his last light lu the town, you see, and 1 have very Ittle doubt that he was asking her to run away ?.Ith him-foi 1 believe the man was over head md ears in love with her-and that she was putting him off in her laughing coquettish ft'ay. u I won't take your answer now." he said rery seriously. " 1 shall wait for you at the loor to-night. You can't mean to break my aeart, Caroliue ; the answer must be yes." She broke away from him hurriedly. "Hark,'' she said, " there's the overture ; and lu half in hour I must be upon the stage."' I passed the captain in the dark passage, and a few paces further on passed some one else, whose face I could not see, but whose ?hort hurried breathing sounded like that of a person who had been running. We brushed against one another as we passed, but the man look no notice ol' me. Halfan hour afterwards I was lounging in a corner of the ring while Caroline went through her performances with the tiger. Captain Jocelyn was in his usual place, with a bouquet in his hand. It was New Year's night, and thc house was very full. I had been looking all round for sumo time, when I was startled by thc sight of a lace in the pit. It was Joseph Wayllc's face, osby pale anil fixed as death-a face that meant mischief. "He luis heard something against his wife," I thought, "i'll run round to him directly I can get out of the ring, and make matters square. Some confounded scandal-monger has got hold of him, and hits been poisoning his mind about Caroline ami thc captain." I knew lhere hud been u good deal of talk in the theatre about the two-ulk which I had done my best to put down. Captain Jocelyn threw his bouquet, which was received with a coquettish smile and a bright upward glance that seemed to express profound delight. 1 knew that this was mere stage-play ; but how must it have looked to the Jealous man, glaring willi fixed eyes from lils place at the back ol' tho pit ! I turned to look at him as the curtain fell upon the stage, but he was gone. He was going round to speak to his wife, no doubt. I left the ring Immediately, and went to prepare her for the Interview, and, if needful, to stand between her and ber husband's anger. I found her ut the wing, trifling with her bou? quet in an absent way. "Have you seen Joe ?"' I asked. "No,"' she answered, -He hasn't como back, has he ? I didn't expect him for a week." "I know, my dear ; but he was in front just now, looking as pale as a ghost. I'm afraid some one luis been talking to him about von." She looked rather frightened when I" said this. "They can't say any ??arm of me. if they speak the truth," she said. "I wonder Joe didn't come straight to me though, instead of going to the front of thc house." We were both wanted in thc ring. I helped Caroline through her equestrian performance, and saw that she was a little nervous ami anxious about Joe's return. She diu Dot favor the captain with many more smiles that even? ing, and she told me tu be ready for lu >t the stage door ten minutes before!lie perf ince WOS over. "I want to give Captain Jocelyn the p." she said ; "but 1 daresay Joe will 'come tc mc before I'm ready." Joe did not uppear. however, and she weat home with me. I met thc captain on my way buck, and he asked me if 1 had been seeing Mrs. Waylie home. I told him yes, and thal her husband had come ho ne. "Joe had not arrived at the lodgings, however, when ('ani? line went in. and I returned io the theatre to look for him. The stage door was slim when I went back ; so I supposed that Joe had gone home by another way, ur was out drinking. I went t<> ??ed that night very uneasy in my mind about Caroline anti her husband. There was m carly rehearsal of a now int-r lude next morning, and Caroline came intu the theatre live minutes after I got there. Sile looked pale and ill. Her husband had not been home. "I think it must have been a mistake of yours abonl Joe," she said to me. "I don't think it could have bee'a him von saw in the v'.i last night." i lili ^ "I saw him as Barely as I see you at this mo? ment, my dear," I answered. "There's no possibility of a mistake. .loo came back last night, and Joe was in the pit while you were on with the tiger." This lime site looked really frightened, she put her hand to ber heart suddenly, aiul began to tremble. '.Why didn't he come home to mc J" she cried, "and where did he hide hiinscll los! night r .Tin afraid bc must have gone out cpon tho drink, my dear." "Joe never drinks," she-?i tswered. While she stood looking at me willi that pale scared face, one of our young men can: .' run? ning towards us. "You're wanted, Waters,'* lie said shortly. "Where ?" "Upstairs In thc painting room.'1 "Joe's room !" t ried Caroline. "Then he has come back. I'll go with you." She was following meas I crossed thc Stage, but the young man tried lo stop her. '.You'd better nol conic just yet, Mrs. Way lie." he said in a hurried way that wa< strange to him. "It's only Waters that's wanted on a matter of business." And then, as Caroline followed close upon us.he took hold ol my arm and whispered, ''Don't UM ITT come." I tried to keep her back, bul it was no use. "I know ifs my husband who wants you," she said. "They've been making mischief about tue. You shan't keep me away from him." We were on the narrow stau - leading to the painiiutr room by thia ti::::1. I couldn't keep Caroline olf. She pushed past both td' us, and ran into the room beforowu could stop her. "Serve her right," muttered my companion. "It's all her doing." I heard her scream a< I c?tiie to the door. There was a little crowd itt thc painting room lound a quiet Agu re lying on a bench, and there wa.> a ghastly |>ool of blood upou thu lloor. Joseph \Vayllc lind cul bis throat "He must bare done it lost night,'1 said the manager. "Th . -.' a letter for his wife on thc table yond"- ts t ..? you. Mrs. Wayllc A bad business, [sn t it ! I'o?r Joseph V Caroline knell down by the side of the bench and stopped there on lier knee.-, as still as death, lill the room was clear of ali bul me. "Thev think I deserve this. Waters," she said, lilting her while face from tin- dead man's shoulder, where fdic had bidden it ; "but I meant no hann. Give me the le!ter." "You'd better wait a bit. my dear." I said. "No, no ; give it me a: once, please." I gave her the letter. It was very short The scene painter had come back to the thea? tre In time to hear some portion of thal Inter? view between Captain Jocelyn ?iud his wile. He evidently had believed her much more guil? ty than Bbc was. "I think you must know how I loved you, Caroline," he wrote ; "1 can't face life with the knowledge ?hatyou've been false lo nie." Of course there was au Inquest. We worxod it 60 that the Jury gave a verdict of temporary insanity, and poor Joe was bnried decently in the cemetery outside the town. Caroline sold the watch and thc bracelet Hutt Captain Joce? lyn had given her. In order to pay for her hus? band's funeral. She was very quiet, and went on with the performances as usual a week after Joe s death, but I could see a great change in her. The rest of the company were very hard . upon her. as I thought, blaming her for her I husband's sleuth, and she was under a cloud, ; as it were ; but she looked as handsome ?ts 1 ever, and went through all her performances J in her old daring way. I'm sure, though, ' that she grieved sincerely lor Joes death, : and that she had never meant to th) him 1 wrong. We travelled all through (hcncxl summer, 1 and late in November went back to Homer- ' sleigh. Caroline had seemed happier while ' we were away, 1 thought and when we were ? going back, she confessed as much to mr. ? "Uvegot a kind ol' dread ol' Beclngthal place again, she said ; "i'm always dreaming ' id' the painting room ?ts it looked that .latin.try ' morning with the cold light streaming in upon I that dreadful llgnre on the bench. The room's | scarcely been out ol' my dreams one night since I've been away irom Ilomcrslcigh : and < now I dread going back as If- us If bc was shut up lhere." ' The room was not a particularly convenient one. and had been used for lumber after Joe's ? death. The mau who came after him didn't t .are to paint there by himself all <!.iy lonu. imthe amt morning of our return, Caroline < went up und looked in al the dusty heap of I lisused stage furniture and broken properties. ' I met her coming away from thu room. < "(), Mr. Waters." she said lo me with real f reeling. "if he bad only wailed to hear me i <peak for myself! They all think I deserved 1 ivhat happened,and perhaps I did. as far as i! iras a punishment for my frivolity* bu; Joe < lidu't deserve such a fate. 1 know it was their a malicious talk that did the mischief." c I fancied after this thal lier looks changed for the worse, and that she hail a kind ol' n-rv- ; >U8 way in going through her equestrian per- t formalices, as if there was u fever upon her. I i Couldn't Judge so well how she went through the tiger act, as I was never on the stage with 1 her, bul the brute seemed as submissive a-> i L'ver. On Hie brat day ol the year she asked i ?ur manager to let her off for the next night. . "Ifs the anniversary of my husband's death," I she said. 1 "I didn't know you were s<> precious fond of < him." he answered with a sneer. "No, Mrs. < Waylie. we can't afford to dispense with your t services to-morrow night. The tiger act is I one of our strong features willi the gallery, I and I expect u tull house for New Year's 1 night." < She begged hin: very hard to let her off. but I it was im use. There was no rehearsal on ? New Year's morning, and she went lo the lit- .' tie cemetery .where Joe was buried, a three mill's' wal!; in the cold and rain, lu the even- | lng, when she came lo the wing her ryes were blighter than usual, and she shivered a good ' deal, more than 1 liked to see. "1 think I must have caught cold in the cemetery to-day," she said to me when 1 no- 1 ticed this. "1 wish 1 could have kept this night sacred-this one night-to my husband's : memory. Ile has been Tn my mind su mucli to-day." She went on, and I stood al the wing watch? ing her. The audience applauded vociferously, I hui she did not make her accustomed curtsey; ] and sile went about her work in a listless way j that wa- very different from her usual spirited manner. Thc animal scented to know this, and when she h.id go', about halt-way through ? lier tricks with lum, he began to respond to her word ul command ?ti a sulky unwilling manner timi I didn't like. This nm ie ber angry and she used lier light whip more freely tliau usual. One id' the tiger's concluding tricks way a leap through a garland ol' bowers which Caro? line held for him. She was kneeling in the centre of thc stage with this garland inlier hands, ready for the animal's spring, when lier eyes wandered lo thu flout of Ibu house, and she rose suddenly with a shrill scream, and her arms outstretched wildly. Whether the sulky brute thought thal she was guhig lo strike him or not. I don't know ; but he sprang savagely ut her as she rose, and in the next moment she wa? lying on the ground helpless, and the audience screaming with terror. 1 rushed upon the staL'e with hulf-u-du/.cii others, nnd we hud tho brute muzzled ami roped in a few breathless moments, but not before he had toni Ci roi i lie's cheek and shoulder with his claws. She was insensible when we carried her olf the Binge, and she TO confined to bur bed ihm- months after ibe accident with brain fever. When she came tynong us again, she hail lost every vestige of color, and her face bad that set look which you mus) have observed just now. "The flight of her encounter with the tiger gave her that look." 1 said ; "I don't much wonder at it." "Nol a bit td' il." answered the clown. "That's the curious part of the story. ?She didn't think anything of her skirmish with the tiger, though it quite spoilt brr beauty. What frightened lier was Hie sight ol' her husband silting In the pit ns ho had sat there a year before, on the night of his death, of course you'll say it was a delusion, mid so say I. Cul she declares she saw him sitting amongst the crowd -amongst them, and yet ma une of them, somehow, with a sort of ghastly light upon his tat e that marked him mit from thu rust ll was the sight of him th u made her drop her garland and give that scream and rust! that frightened lilt' tiger. You see she had been brooding upon his death for a lon" time, und no doubt .-he conjured up liisimuge out of her own brain, as it were. She's never been quite the same since thal Ici er : bul she has plenty of pluck, and there's scarcely any? thing she can't do now with Baber thu tiger, and I lld uk she's fonder of him than of any human creature, lu spite of (he scar on ber cheek." -Indiana, willi delicate gallantry, does not provide for thc imprisonment ol' a lady who may be fined for any offence, and gives no other m"ans of recovering th.? mulct ir thc person upon whom it is Imposed does not see flt to pay it. -A Cincinnati paper tells a story of a female who absconded, and concludes the account with this statement, which ls uncomplimentary to the detectives : "When ? was trusted to lb? detectives, it cam.- also io our reporter's euri.? A NARROW ESCAPE. What a perfect model of a young man that one must be who can say with truth. "I have novar done a foolish thing !" I feel no tear ot having my wont doubted when I say that in my time I have done a good many, one of which nearly resulted in my being prevented trom ever relating tho following story: Paris, OS Albert Smith used lo say. Is a "rai her jolly place-ral her funny.'' but i't has its serious side.' There are grand Rues and ma? jestic Boulevards; but there are also tho wretched alleys and cnls-d'-xac; the noble palaces and the ruinous crowded houses, each a perfect warren: Hie acts in the sunshine of broad day. and itu: deeds of darkness. "Take caro of yourself," was the last laugh? ing address of my friends, as I look my ticket at London Bridge Station-an address us laughingly replicato: and that same evening, willi a companion. I was strolling down the Boulevard des Italiens, smoking a cigar and enjoving the novel sights around; the news vender's kiosk; the tall, white stone houses, with their bright Venetian shutters; the hand? some shops, with their costly contents; the gay throng ol' promenaders; thc numberless little marbie top tables, and thc cool way In which people sat out ol' doors to sip their caf? noire, (nu sucrer, or pin de Bordeaux, Here was a couple playing dominoes; there a quartette, evidently tradesfolk, with a moderator-lamp, seated id a table outside their shop dooi\ happily engaged in a Fren .li version of short whist. Now the pointed-moustached, tight-coated, cocked-hatted sergeant de ville, with his long thin sword, would take" one's attention; now one of the many sliabby uniformed, but active, cat-like, sun-browned soldiers, one and all carri ing their arms. Then ihe white cap OT a sister of mercy, or the starched plaits of a bonne, would diversify the throng. Everywhere there was something new to lake thc attention, while not the least evident was thc love of our neighbors for dis? play, as shown iu gilded railings, bright hues, and above all in Howers clustering round so many windows. Ko gas-flaming, heavy-look? ing public houses hore, but elegant marble ?md velvet lurnished caf?s resplendent with mir? rors, white and gold, and overlooked by a pre? siding deity In tho shape of a dn.'te de. camp, toil', throned amidst fruit, flowers and wine, codee urns and confectionery, herself a very model of the latest Paris fashions. I slept thu! night ina confusion of ideas, strangest ol which was a belief that Paris was asort of a fairy-land, where all was perfect] and I woke the next morning toa capiiul hotel brc.ikfitst of long bread, eaf?-au-lait, oufs frais. and a string band, recalling home, outside the window with the strains of thc "Lancer's Quadrilles." Then came a round of sight-see? ing-cathedral, church, picture gallery, bridge, fountain, palace, opera, theatre, and review. We lunched and dined a la Francaise, and pretended to like the French potage and their wines. We plavcd billiards at the cafes, smok? ed ba l cigars."made ourselves ill. tired our? selves out, and all the while avowed that wc were in the very height af enjoyment. At the end of ? fortnight, Paris did not. seem half so bright a place; and certainly, no better than London. One dav I spent upon a sofa leading the Times and Calignanl; and that >arne evening uv companion actually hinted ,? Its being almost time to think of going back home. Bul at the table d'h?te we encountered i young fellow-countryman who put us through a sort of catechism, upon our saying that wo were about tired of the pla.o, ending t?y telling us that wc had seen untiling yet. ind promising to initiale us into a little inure >f Parisian lite and manners. Wc assented to his acting as guide; and lie jcrtalnly did Initiate US-or rather, gave US a L-Sson-In Parisian life and manners-one of which proved quite sufficient to satisfy me; ind two days after 1 was congratulating uiy *eir upon being safely at home. It was about Ki o'clock at night that, after ?.?'ending an hour or two amid thc cafe ch'tn ants In thc Champs Elysees, our new friend ed us up and down several streets, till ho mused al what seemed to bc a private house. ..Von ought not to go back." lie .-aid, "willi iiil seeing a /ambling house." ..(lilli don't know." I said, hesitating: "I lon'l much care for that." . ..Von need not either of you play." was the .eply. "We'll Just go in for half an hour, and lied have a look ul something else." And then wc entered a well lit passage, a loor closed behind us. shutting us in like- Hies ii a trap, and a well-dressed waiter ushered us nto a brilliantly lighted salon, wherein were ?ollectcd some twenty well-dressed men. teated and standing round a centre table cov >rcd with a green cloth, while another waiter rinded round coffee, ices and champagne. ..Don't refuse thc refreshments," whispered mr guide. "It would look strange. They are ill free-found by the proprietor, who re :ou|)8 himself out of his visitors' ]c?ses." A nodded, and partook of some champagne, is did my companions; when, eager to sec ail hat was golug on, we walked up to the rouge .l-noir table, ami looked on. I he stakes were not very high, because it vas so early In the evening, so our guide said; nen winning and losing various small sums vith utmost nonchalance, in effect, thc game teemed then tame and uninteresting, and lioroughly wanting in that excitement ol vhich I had so orten read. There were 1 lie ?rici of croupier and tailleur, and the faint Mick and chink of franc and five-franc pieces ts they were raked together; but there was no loree aspect, no knit brows, or sweat-bedewed 'orehead: all was calm and gentlemanly; and 1 ,va> wondering how long it would be ere my .onipanions were ready to go, when our new Vieiul took a live-franc piece out ol his pocket, Itakcd il. and saw it melt away. Another .hared its fate, and another, and another. "Always my link!" he stid, coolly, as he lurned to" me. " Lost a louis ; that's as far as I shall go. Ah ! the disease has proved Infec? tious ; I see your friend has taken it." I turned, willi surprise, at his words ; for I had nut missed my cid schoolfellow, Hivers-a quiet, steady, thoughtful man, whom I should have thought the last to have slakedu shilling at a game ol' chance ; but. sure enough, there he was, placing his money Ilivt on one color, then on the oilier ; and, as I drew near to his elbow, it seemed always changing al the right time : for he invariably won. If I had before found the proceedings tame, they were now most exciting; thc game seem? ed entirely different since my friend bad com? menced playing, and 1 watched each stake, and listened to euch cry of44 Rouge,"or "Noir," with an eagerness thal I couldo?ly have pitied in another. It almost seemed as though my friend s suc? cess had been the signal foran increasing thirst for Hie game, lor the stakes gradually grew higher; gold began to make its appear? ance, bright and yellow, among the sil? ver: inen who had been smoking, drinking and Chatting about the room door, asl had done, drew nearer lo the table, towatcli the proceed? ings; the murmur of i on versal lon ceased, ami play seemed now fully the order of the night. Wo li.ul been i;. the gambling house now nulle an hour and a hall, when, after impa? tiently hinting several Hines that il was quite time to be gone, our friend, who had brought us there, draw Rivers from thu table, saying, "Von have won enough now-take my advice and come away;" but Rivers only shook bim oil", willi a half 1 High, and returned lo the table after hostil) swallowing a glass of chant pagnc. Meanwhile, our guide to the mysteries of Paris turned to me. "Von had better bring him away now," lie said; "perhaps you have more influence over him. 1 don't consider this the safest of places." l'eeling uneasy, I turned to Rivers, ami whispered to him that it was time to go, bm only to get for an answer an Impatient shrug. (?ur friend stayed some little time longer, ami tlieu. unperceived by me. lie left thc room, for the feeling ol' interest in my friend Rivers1 play had now grown most intense. since lie was still winning, ami it was os much asl could do t<i keep from placing a small stake upon Hie table myself; for several times over J hud seen him place money in bis pocket, and he hail, besides, a goodly heap on the table before him. At last I grew as deeply Intent upon the game as was Rivers himself, ami watched each venture and it? result with an excitement univ lobe explained by the engrossing nature (if the play. Por quito an hour my friend went on win? ning, men ceasing their own ventures to walch those of their more fortunate competitors; and now il was thal I could see greed, avarice, cunning, a host of evil passions, Quabing from tiie eyes around, us Rivers' heap of mouey grew larger and larger. The lido of Rivers' success turned at last, ami as I watched him I saw his brow knit tighter and tighter, as with Inconceivable rapidity his pile of money melted away, almost without a single renovating coup. Then tlrsl one pocket was applied to ami then another un. with a laugh full of disappointment and annoyance, he turned from Hie lable, walked up to the buffet, and tossed down a tumbler of wine. It required almost an effort to tear myself away from thc table, where lhere was au ex eited bu//, as of hungry Hies for a l> w minnies, and then gaming recommenced; bul I fol? lowed Rivers lo lin- buffet, where lu thoughtfully Btu niling. '.Ought lo luve len oil' sooner, eh t" he said; "or else nut to have begun." he mutteret!. "Bot where are yon going?' "Only back to thc table for a little while," said. "No, no; let's bc off now. I'm sick of this ! "I stayed all this while lor your pleasure," replied;' "I think you might stay a lillie whil for mine." "I can't stand it," said Rivers; "and I ar cleaned out." "What ?" I exclaimed. "You have not los any of your own money ?" "Every franc." he said, Wt te riv: "and so wil you. if you go near that cursed table." I hesitated for a few moments, but the temp tatton was too Strong' and, probably seein; thal hesitation, a waiter approached and ol fered me some wine. I could keep back ni longer; Hie low talking al tito table sccmct like whispers calling me to go and sweep up ; glittering pile of money. Mammon himscl summoned me to his worship, and f.-eli.ngcer tain that I saw tailings in my companion'! method of play, I walked up to th? table, threw down a five-franc piece and saw it rakei away. I threw another upon thc cloth, and thai also was swept away. lu a sort of Intoxication, brought OH by thc excitement, I staked two pieces this time, and tiley also disappeared. Haifa napoleon shared their late; then a napoleon: when River caught me by thc arm, it being his turn now to play the part of mentor and to whisper to Come away. ..Monsieur can play for himself, sir. Why do you interfere ?" said a swarthy individual willi a short, black beard and very close cut hair. "I'll come soon," I said, angrily. '-I can do no worse than you have done.'" Rivers shrugged his shoulders and turned away to lake another glass of champagne from the wailer, when the fierce-looking "French? man whispered to me. "Play high, monsieur; you are likely to have la bonheur. Thc tickle goddess likes not humble offerings." Turning impatiently from my would-be coun? sel lo-, whom I set down as belonging to thc proprietary, 1 again threw down a napoleon, and lost. Another-another-another. In live minutes I had come down to my last coin, and I stood for a few moment* thought? ful and pondering. Should I let that go With the others or not? Why should 1 refrain? I asked myself bitterly; my folly could bc no greater; and, almost passionately, 1 threw it down, half turning, at the same time, to leave the table, and hurry from the house. "Won. by .love !" a voice whispered at my ear; and Twas once more in funds to carry oh the warfare, or to leave, whichever I liked. I was about to pursue the latter course, when a hnlf-eontemptuoits glance from the French? man's eye turned me back, and I staked again and again; doubled my stake, and won again; again doubled and won; so that, in the course of a few minutes, I had piled up a goodly heap ol' live franc pieces before me. "(live this gentleman some wine," the Frenchman said, In a low tone to a walter, and a glass was handed to me, but, Impatient? ly motioning the man aside, I plunged, as it were, Into the overpowering excitement ef the play, winning constantly, and with a feeling os ot some wild fever thrilling through my veins. Twice over I believe that Rivers eagerly begged of me to leave, but I refused, anti played on, although at thc time there was a strange desire upon nie to leave off and to carry away my ill-gotten gains. Every stake I laid.down was successful, and In a short time I round that the greater part of the occupants of thc room were now watching my success with tis much eagerness us they had previously gazed upon my companion. once l stopped as if lo take breath, and in thc brief moments which ensued I seemed to look upon the prenable result-the glittering heap gradually melting away, and taking with it my lust shilling; and yet 1 could not restrain myself, bul played on again, still winning, with an insensate thirst for more of the wild excitement ever growing upon me. still I won; till, trembling for my gains, I began to thrust thc coins into different pock? ets, lessening the heap us much as I could, before staking the largest sum that had yet been upon the table that evening. I placed it upon Hie red, and it seemed ns if the result would never be known. In effect, there was quite a pause, and then came the announcement, "IlougegagneP lu calm, Im? pressive tones; and again I swept up the money, before a SCO rc ol' covetous lookers-on. .. lliu this once !" 1 muttered to myself, pre? paring to slake the whole (d' iuy last gains; when, in a qidcl manlier, as If there was no thingal all in the announcement, thc propri? etor informed thc company that Hie play was at an end for thal evening. " Monsieur has broken thc hank." said a soft volce-ul my ear, and, turning, there stood the swarthy Frenchman. ir. I started from this man as if I had been stung; and, hastily gathering up my treasure so much that my pockets could hardly hold it I turned my attention towards leaving the place, already half emptied of Us occupants. Hut my eyes Brat sought for Rivers, who, to my great surprise, I saw lolling back upon afau ?ciul. evidently half usleep. ?.Monsieur, your friend ls tired," said the Frenchman, who seemed determined to force upon me lils society. "The sall?baa been hot, and disappointment weaned bia bruin. Mon? sieur would do well to rest too." " lu HIT country, slr," I said, turning upon him sharply, and not, I am afraid, speaking in verv pure French, " we onij take advice from our friends.'' .. Pr?cis?ment," he said, with a smile, and a shrug ol his shoulders; "il is as a friend I offer wu my advice." Ile pushed his face close to mine, as he spoke now in a whisper. "The hour is hue ; thc streets are unsafe Twenty men, desperate with their losses, have seen you win-win mu fui. as I never saw play? er Win belore. ll would be a temptation throwing temptation lu their way-pulling bad ideas in men's minds, when they would other? wise go quietly home, ls this Just, Monsieur ? Are mine thc words ol'friend or enemy ? Take tn v advice, if it seem a friend's, and slay here ; il it seem aa enemy's, rouse your comrade, and go in peace. Ile lapped my breast wiih his Ongera, which came in contad with thc napoleons in my pock el. and smiled meaningly, hui with a leer in his eye- which troubled me, and made me tum uneasily to look at Hivers. Crossing to him. 1 shook his arm, hui only obtained a few unintelligible mutterings, though I earneslly besought him lo wake up. His arm dropped nerveless le his side, his head sank lower upon ins bosom, mid breathing stentoriously the while, he seemed to bc plunged in a deep, heavy sleep, from which liiere was no awakening him. What could 1 do! What did it mean-Hivers being so fast asleep ? Had he been plied willi wine ? or was il possible that he could have been drugged ? I half laughed at what seemed to be the ab? surdity ol' the though;, full of romance as it appeared : but the next moment a cold chill ran through meas i recalled Hie words of our friend who had brought us there,-"I don't Consider this the .safest ul'places !" What should l do run all risks and go,, or run all risks and stay ? The danger seemed e(pial on either hand ; while how could I go and leav? my companion in the hands of these peuple ? I cursed the fully that made me slay - that had brought tue to such a place ; for what, alter all, were my winnings compared with life .' How could I tell wlml would bc my fate before morning, unarmed. In a strange house, in a sinnige eily, and surrounded by people who knew tue io be in possession of a heavy sum ol' money ? lt was Impossible lo help a shudder coursing through my veins as I recalled thc Frenchman's sinister words re? garding temptation. What ifit tempted him ! Hie man ol'whom 1 felt an instinctive dread, and one evidently connected in some way with Hie establishment, for while the others had gone lie still lingered behind. .. Would Monsieur like a bed here ?" said thc croupier, smiling us hu advanced, bowing and rubbing his banda, .. Ye-, .- (id thu swarthy Frenchman, smiling in reply ; " Monsieur thinks it unsafe to pass thrungli thc streets hy night with so large a sum ; and of course Monsieur would not liku to leave il till morning In our care. All ! no ; Monsieur will stay all night, as will his friend, ls it nol so ?" I hesitated for a moment, ?ind then my decis? ion was taken. I would stay ; for I should be us sale. I thought, in a room'to myself, as being dogged I brough the dark streets, of whosu course I was almost ignorant. Ami besides, I was young and strong, uud could ru?nala oa my guard for thc rest id' the night, ll would not be so very long now until morning. .. Yes." i said, wiih ?ut effort, for my mouth fell hot and dry, and a lump seemed li> rise in my throat ; "getmea room ready, uud help my friend to ii." .. Hut wu have nu double rooms. Monsieur," said the swarthy Frenchman; "your friend shall lune a room to himself, ami he will be well by morning : he would take rather too much champagne. Hut it is light, and will .- (ion pass off. Ilere, Jean. Francois, assist this gentleman io the blue room : give Monsieur, here. Hi? yellow chamber. Hut Monsieur will md retire yet ? Ile would like a slight refresh? ment : is nut so ?" I mano no opposition to our being separated for I could not, sflur ul!, think that anything wrong would berhll Hivers, penniless and with? out jewelry ns he was: bat I steadily refused I to partake of any repast, dreading thal I might be Inveigled into takrffg something mor tent than wine-such a draught, in fact, felt sure must have been given to mr fri and asking for a chamber candlestick, I self superintended the removal of Rivers bedchamber before seeking my own; om ?p, upon the fourth door. The swarthy Frenchman, who now mad( scruple about letting it bc seen that he about to pass thc night there himself, badi farewell in the most impressive man ncr, plauding, in a whisper, my resolve, whlcl declared to be "biensa/je ::' ami then I ch my door, and stood, candle in hand and i beating heart, alone. I could hear the heavy throb, throb of heart as it seemed to force the blood thro my veins witta a power that made them tin and it was in vain that I told myself tbs was from the ascent. Such Haltering und could not be received, and I was fain to c fess that, trembling, anxious-nay, in dca fear- I was wondering whether I should the morning light. How I cursed my weakness again and ay for coming, and then for stooping to the Im gence of a weak and insatiate passion. W after all, had I stayed? Rivers would li: been quite as safe without me. But this was no time for childish murmur; against my folly. I was In a sore straight my fancy had not been magnifying the dang ami rousing myself to the emergency, I p cecded to examine thc room before securi Hie door. The task was soon performed. I had but look under the bed, and my examination v, nearly at an end. No cupboards-no pk where an enemy could be concealed-no s omi means of egress. I went to the window ami throw it open look down upon a long, dark, deserted stn at an immense distance below me, and I sin dcred as I thought of the consequence of a fi There was the usual Venetian shutters, eit her side, fastened back, and a light appear here and there In some of the houses opposi while above my head the stars peered do\ from the soft summer night's sky. Leaving the window partly open to adn thc cool, gentle breeze, I now turned my i tendon to the door, to find thar, there was lock bul no key. There was, however, a lar; bolt at the top of the door, which I slipped ? sily imo its staple ; and then, as quickly as could, moving lt only a few inches at a tim I contrived to place the head of the bed again the door, and then sat down, panting, to thin I wanted to take out thc money and to tie all np together-silver, gold and billets banque-in my handkerchief, so tint if tl worst came to the worst I might throw it fro the window ; for I was determined that should not go to those who 1 felt sure intend* to attack me. No ; they should not have it, thought, for I would throw it through the op* window. But, no : I dared not take it fro my pockets ; thc clinking would, perhaps, 1 heard, and, if ray fears were baseless, woul after all, excite the cupidity of some one in tl house. Of course I did not undress, but sat. for a lor while debating as to whether I should put oi my candle-a point decided by the short pie? burning out, so that soon I sat upon the eds .1 the bed, in utter darkness, listening attei tively to every sound, and seeing. In luiagin lion, the swarthy Frenchman, stiletto armei ?lowly ascending the stairs. I had no difficulty In keeping awake, for no nerves were strained to their greatest renslo with the excitement, and a cold damp colic ted upon my forehead and lu the palms of ir hands, as at last, after several false alarms, heard a faint breathing noise apparently ju: outside thc door. Hising softly and with my heart beating a most to suffocation, I stole to the wjudov and stood once more listening, as there cam a faint, gliding, grating noise; and though could see nothing, I felt that one of the pane of the doer was so contrived that it woul slide back, and I seemed to be gazing the nc; moment upon a hand thrust through, tot laid upon lue bolt. The darkness was Intense, bat I was, I fe I right; lor there came the grating of the iroi ami the bolt was softly snot back from th staple, and thc door pressed inward aguins the bedstead. What could I do ? That I should be ram dered If I stayed lhere unarmed, 1 felt assure* and even if I could elude my assailants in lb dark, it would only be for a few minutes; for must bc hunted down at last. There was n escape. I told myself; and as the bed-tea creaked with the pressure against it. 1 knei that it must in a few minutes at most give wa sufficiently fora man to pass in, and thci would coiiuj the strugglo*for life. A stiffening groan forced itself from m breast, and a great trembling seized upon mi but even then I dbl not think to offer th money ns a ransom for my liberty; but hurrle from one end of thc room to the other, i search of a way of escape. Then I stoppe short; for there was a whispering outside, an a I bought hnd occurred to me. Could I escap by the window ? "Four stories high, and thc cruel stones b< neath ! But thc bed-clothes-could I knot them tc get her, and slide down ? A moment's rellectiou told me that thc Ide was madness* and I leaned out to listen there was any one below to whom I might af peal for help; but ali wits still and my tongo seemed to refuse its office. Almost mad wit fear, I climbed out on the window sill an looked upward. I was on tho top floor, but the parapet wa above my reach, unless-yes-tho Venetia shutters-each a very ladder-every thin bar sien to climb to safety, if Ves-if they would*bear my weight. I shuddered as at that moment I seemed t see the shutter torn from Its hinges, and wit me clinging to it, falling-falling with a fearfi crush lo the pavement beneath, and men gall ering round to gaze upon the sickening spet tUCle. Hui it was my only chance for safety; an upon thc roof i miglit travel on and on, an elude my pursuers, . If they could reach m refuge by any oilier way; for I telt assured thu they would not attempt it by my route. Bu would ihe shutter bear this weight ? I tried one with my left band, and it shoo ominously. I stepped quickly to the other an tried it. Finner, certainly; bul what a fra road lo safely ? Would it not be better to sto and encounter my enemies, who were now I the room ' II seemed Ihe lessor evil lo trust to my ac tlvlly to reach the roof; and softly placing on tool upon the wood work I reached the top c the slimier and drew myself up from the win dow sill, just as a mau leaned out and utterci an exclamation ol horror. But I could nc look down at him, no" heed Iiis warning cr, to descend, for all mi '.fight was now upo; thc shulter, supported by Its binges and th holder which kepi il back against the sion wall. 1 felt il giving way beneath me; bu luking another step I threw np ono hand, a willi a spasmodic effort I drew np my body ii what I knew to be my last struggle for life and that hand rested upon the parapet; tin next instan! my oilier hand was by its side my feet, aided mc again for an instant, am then, with a sharp crack, the shutter gave way hung to my feel lora few moment.-, when, a 1 kicked them free and clung lhere, I heard i fall, after what seemed a lifetime of horror upon the pavement below. The effect ot that crash below was almos sufficient to make me relax my hold, sc strangely did il jar upon my nefves; bul nn lingers seemed lo grow, as it were, into lin shine, ami 1 hung al the full stretch of mi muscles, motionless, for a few moments, when forcing myself by pure mental effort to think of my duty to light to the last. I bogan toilrav? myself up, rising slowly till my eliiii was npoi the parapet edge, bul "willi lib' weight of lin money seeming to drag me down; then om bund was readied forward lo get a better hold, the oilier followed, and I hardly knew how. bur in a battle of mimi, muscle lind weight, 1 Struggled up, my feet just lending a slight aie as they found a crevice between Hie slom courses, and then 1 was lying paining inila gutter, feeling that I had used every atom ol vital power in the efforts of those few minutes, Foi lunately 1er me, there could have been no means of exil by trap or door on the roof; and aller lying where I was for a few minutes. I rrawled uloug for sonic distance, going loot by tool cautiously, for fear of falling; and (lien. once more completely exhausted. I lay. so thal I should have been ai the mercy of a child. Daylight found me by an unfastened trap, through which I dared not descend: but I sat by it iill thc noise from tho street told that Pails was awakening into life once more, when, lo my trreat relief. I was able lo attract Hie notice of a woman servant, who, terribly frightened at first, was pacified by a napoleon, and consented to lead me down stairs to the Iront door; but nul without feat and trem? bling, in spile of my assurances thal I was no burglar. A lucre bore me to my hotel: and upon reaching my room, t J m> great surprise, 1 was followed liiere by Hivers, pale ami ill, and confused of intellect. He had found himself, he told me, on the Pont Neuf, and had been wandering about for hours lill tho hotel had been opened. As tu how he came there, all was blank; his last recollection was seeing me at the table in the gambling house, and then bis going and drinking al the buffet from a glass banded to him by the obsequious French? man. I was too ill to relate my own adventure, and the next morning, When somewhat better. I waa seated with my friend at breakfast, he told me that his head waa confused, as if fron some opiate; while in thc course of conversa? tion It came out that our guide to Pans had left by the early train that morning. And now what were we todo ? To place our case in the hands of the police, or to make our way hence to London the richer by nearly two thousand pound* ? For my part I felt nervous and unsafe: and Unding my friend willing, after packing my snoil in a little valise, fearing fo place it in the hands of a banker, though almost afraid of the money itself, we started for the railway station, gkid to be on the way homeward. There was a little crowding during the get? ting ot tickets, and for a moment I, hiv friend, and our luggage were separated. When we met again the valise was gone. Once more there arose the question, should we reter our case to the police, or hurry home ? Perhaps we were wise, perhaps foolish. Judge you who read. We lelt strange, un? nerved, and that even our lives were un sale, and we gladly drew breath once more at home, both feeling that with such unscrupulous and watchful enemies on the qui vive om- best plan was to be content aud thankful for a narrow escape. HOUSEKEEP I XV IX ROME. Haw Americans Live at a Cheap Rate. Anne Brewster writes from Rome to the Philadelphia Bulletin : The luxurious Americans', with their heavy, cumbersome machinery of housekeeping, have no idea of the true philosophy of that sort of business as it ls understood by the Southern European. It is all useless for otir dear country people to come to Rome and sigh after the seventeen kinds of hot bread, the delicious oysters aud terrapins, the whiskey that "never hurt anybody," and declare that there ls no? place like an American home; then return, the men to their down-town luncheon, the women to endless spiritual scufiles with Brid? get or Gretchen, Patrick or Fritz-to enormous bills for food they never eat, to all ?h.- endless perquisites of the old machine, which, like the old time family coach, ought to be broken in ?its-and expect us, " who have been there" and gone through with the whole heart-break? ing business, to agree with them. Let me give you a short sketch of life In Rome, and you will not wonder that those of our dear countrywomen who have seen and enjoyed it to perfection, pine for the "flesh? pots of Egypf." In the first place, we rent an? apartment. They are of various sizes and prices, to suit all tastes and purposes. The rooms are, with lew exceptions, OH one floor. An apart tuent for an ordinary family consist? * of a salon or drawing-room, parlor, dining room, three er more bed-rooms, a kitchen and one or two servant's rooms, and sometimes a billiard-room and ball-room. There arc few rented apartments In Rome where large dan? ces are allowed, for the buildingp arc old and insecure. A dancing-hall is only safe on the piano nobile, which, In most palaces, ls re? served for the use of the proprietor. Only carpet dances can be enjoyed, and even those, arc risky. I was at a matinee last spring In the Palazzo Odescalchl. when the ball-room was thrown open, andadance forthe youngpeople started. There were but two or three quad? rilles on the floor, and yet I saw the door hangings and curtains of the adjoining salon swav to and fro quite alarmingly. There are similar apartments to accommodate one, two or three persons. These ar--usually, suites of rooms which are rented unfurnished of proprietors, by reasons with small capital ; sometimes workit.g people, wives of petty tradesmen. They invest their little gains in furniture, divide their apartments off, and un? derlet them. Service ls supplied, and some? times meals. Many who rent these small apart? ments ot these persons have their meals sent in from a trattoria, or eating-house. If 30U have a comfortable purse, and can order your meals from N'azzarl's or Spillmann's-those de? light ful Roman restaurants-you may lind trat? toria tare palatable. Hut my advice ls to se? cure an apart ment where the pradona- as your landlady is called-will serve you with your three meals ; that is, If you are only one or two, have moderate means, and come to Rome to study and see everything. Your landlady will render you a dally account, and you will be amused with thc precision ol the items. " Filetto, eight soldi a slice"-that is, breast of turkey, which is sold in that way uncooked, and yoiiean have as many slices as your appe? tite requires. "Fegelini, ten soldi"-a deli? cious dish, made of the livers and hearts of chickens, with rico and curry sauce. Oso, ten cents, which ls the bone and meat for the dally soup, fane-bread-live cents a loaf. Butter, from three to ten cents a pat, just enough to last the day. Cream, from two to ten cents as much as you want ; and so on-every vege? table, meat, fruit, Ac, mentioned with Its price. Thus you can daily order your next day's meals according to your taste and purse. If a visitor comes In suddenly to whom yon wish to be hospitable, you can send to Mmes. Nazzarl's or Splllmann's, for one or two line dishes, and your table will be sumptuous. Then there are plenty of delicious'little potted delicacies, /wi/5 de J'oie, anchovy paste, Ac., which are extremely nice to have on hand lor emergencies, or for your own occasional dain? tiness, when the natural depravity of your stomach makes you quarrel with your padre na's paradisaical provldlngs. By managing la this way, four or Ave francs a day, (equal to eighty cents or one dollar in gold.) will give you an excellent table-three meals for one person ; while one good trattoria dinner alone, from Nazzari's or Splllmann's, costs six franca for one person ; then comes in added the ex? pense of breakfast and luncheon. The great charm of this Roman mode of life, when managed in the Roman fashion, ls that you can regulate daily, to a penny, your ex? penses ; and when you dine out, or when your dillies out-doors make lt more convenient for you lo dine ut a restaurant, your expenses are hot going on at home. Even if you have a kitchen and servants, their table is not yours: You pay them certain wages, and then allow them daily so much money for their own lood, which they spend as they please. You have no responsibility, ll ls no meanness to have a tine roast, or any nice dish set aside lor your own future use." The servants here are so ex? perienced in their science of culinary economy, also, thal they seem to know to a slice how many potatoes to cook for one person, and sc* on with every article of food. True, wealthy Americans come to Rome and bring with them home habits. The surveil? lance of house accounts has hanging around lt wretched memories of home wrestlings and griefs, so the mistresses omit this very ueees sarj duly. They order more food than is need? ed, or can be used at their own table, and think, according to the law and gospel, their own kitchen gods and goddesses taught them wi'h bitter suffering, that it ls a contemptibfe parsimony to have the cold meats kept for fur? ther use ul their own meals, and send them all into the kitchen. The Italian servants, unac? customed to this "barbaric generosity," be? come speedily demoralized, and a system of thieving begins which is endloss. Hut those of us who have small means and lil tie leisure, live differently ; we copy the na? tives, adding the willie a few liberalities of American life, and the comfort and peare of mind that results ls delightful. Everything about housekeeping in Rome can be under your own eye, and is arranged to give you the smallest amount of trouble. Wood, for exam? ple, von purchase by the charette, or load, which is a little over haifa cord, aud order lt, strange to say, at your grocer's ! To be sure, the Romans of comfortable means get their fuel in another way. from their own lands or from farmers, but the stranger will do better to go to Madame Fichelli's, on the Piazza di Spagna, or some well known shop of the kind. Thc wood is sent, nicely dried, cut small, up lo your apartment door, and stored away, sometimes In clothes presses or in th? recesses ol'an ante-chamber, and hidden very often by a beautiful curtain or piece of rich old tapes? try; for economy ol' space is also another brandi of this "great virtue tor women and vice for men," as old John Adams used to de? nne economy. Poor "ian ! What would the good old '70'" square-toes say |f he could come 10 life in these days ol' women's rights to all men's vices and " more too." Verily, "JVous avons chang? tout cela .'" -They have cart led the art of extortion ar "fains"' to a degree of perfection in Great Bri? tain. Mr. Toole, the comedian, strolled Into a fair one afternoon at Dundee, where he hap? pened to be playing, and the managers of the entertainment determined that he should add to their revenues. They a?ked him to give an exhibition ihen and there, and pressed l im sc strongly that he consented. The room wa* then emptied and a new admission fee was charged to all who entered. When Mr. Toole himself went to the door the keeper protested that he did not al all re-embie Mr. Toole, and that If he wished to see the comedian he must pay. To even such a demand the good-natured man made no refusal, but paid for the privi? lege of entering the hall to give an entertain? ment for which he received nothing.