they can command at all hours, is their highest enjoy ment; for this they leave their gilded salons and boudoirs à la Parisienne; and like a sailor tumble in at all hours, clothes and all, and sleep away. And it is no unusual thing when you make your morning calls, for the Prince or Princess to appear in a not over clean dressing gown, all tumbled and frowsy from the casual nap. Good-natured and profuse they certainly are; but without discernment or principle. Cards and gambling of every sort are the daily and nightly solace of the men in their waking hours; picking gold lace to shreds, and other such trifles, the usual occupation of the ladies, who, moreover, are devout, pay great attention to dreams, and make pious vows in consequence of those visions, In dress they imitate the French, but without the absorbing interest which a Parisian only can feel on that most interesting point; but they make up in richness what they want in natural taste, or acquired art. It is no unusual thing to see an elderly Russian lady, at no time of her life very handsome,-bosom and shoulders bare much rouged-quantities of false hairwearing three expensive necklaces of diamonds and coloured stones at one time. I have not the least doubt that it was this love of profuse finery that made my simple charms overlooked, and caused me, upon our return to Petersburg, to be presented to a German singer, who was on an experimental visit to the modern Russian capital; but having nothing to recommend her to notice but beauty, talent and virtue, and not choosing to barter these for higher patronage and wealthier protection, declined a permanent engagement at the theatre, to the great annoyance of the starred and crachated director, and shortly afterwards we set out together to Berlin. Our residence here was delightful :-it is true, the city had not attained that magnificence for which it has since been celebrated under the influence of the beloved Crown Prince, who now, as king, is doubly endeared to his subjects by his numerous acts of enlightened policy, liberality and munificence; but there was already diffused among the people a taste for literature and the arts, an amenity to strangers, and a superiority of manners, which rendered them the first state in Germany. My mistress and myself were much admired, courted and caressed; patterns were taken of my still blooming flowers for works of every description, and I felt once more in my proper element, among a tasteful people. With many affecting testimonies of respect and regard, my mistress at length took leave of the warm-hearted Prussians, having made various other engagements in the north of Germany, in all of which her success was most brilliant, and her friends and admirers numerous. But unfortunately, during one of our journeys, the carriage broke down, and the poor lady received several severe bruises, which, together with the fright, occasioned her to remain several weeks at the house of a medical gentleman whither she was conveyed after the accident. This doctor was a most excellent and pleasant man, as well as skilful in the healing art. His family consisted of three charming daughters, who were unremitting in their attentions to my sick mistress-one of them excepted, who, from her languid and pallid appearance, seemed in delicate health, and generally moped listlessly in the window-seat, dressed in a loose white wrapper; whereas the other two were trim and smart in the newest fashions. But I shortly discovered she was not the doctor's daughter, though treated with the tenderness of one; but a patient confided to his care, whom misfortune had rendered weak of intellect, though ever sweet and docile in manner. At length my mistress departed from the doctor's house, leaving a lasting impression of her talent and amiability, and shortly after she accepted an engagement for the London spring season. I must avow I had a great desire to become acquainted with England and English people, having heard such contradictory accounts of this nationsome representing the country as a fertile paradise, and its inhabitants miracles of freedom, honesty and ability; whilst others abased it as a foggy, dirty little island, its people full of assumption, commercial knavery and prejudice. turn. The first aspect of its overgrown metropolis, is, I must confess, not prepossessing ;-narrow lanes and streets, mean little houses, and a dingy, smoky atmosphere; the people unpicturesque, gloomy, and taciSuch were my first impressions; but when I made use of my philosophy, and overcame appearances, I could not but feel that the character of the people had an earnestness, a fortitude, and a perseverance, which rendered them capable of great things, if great men governed. My gentle mistress was soon after removed by marriage with a German Baron: they had long loved each other, but he was poor, though titled; and until she had made a handsome fortune, their union was not deemed prudent. I was much amused at his family's disdain of a singer wedding their kinsman, whilst at the same time its members were eagerly seeking after court service; and thought it no disgrace to take the people's money for sinecures which called for neither talent or time on their parts. My mistress's happiness seemed complete: her husband was a man of honour and goodness, and her amiability and talent drew around them friends renowned for virtue and ability. It was a pleasure and an advantage to be invited to these parties, which became celebrated throughout Germany; but I was shortly doomed to wander from this happy home; for my mistress, who never forgot her own early struggles in the profession, judiciously patronized all young artistes who had talent and good conduct, and presented me, with most of her stage jewels, to a young German, who was proceeding to Trieste, where she had an autumnal engagement at the theatre. One morning my mistress was tumbling over her wardrobe, in search of some costume for a masquerade which was given that evening, when the young Countess Beatrice entered; their conversation naturally turned upon the evening's festivity, and the characters they intended to assume. My mistress was divided between the costume of a nun and of an old dame, for which latter she produced me as an excellent portion of an antiquated lady's toilet. The Countess was charmed with my appearance, and begged she would yield the dress and character to her, although she had previously selected a peasant's dress, and this being at length agreed upon, I was carried away in triumph to the hotel where the Countess, with her father and mother, was staying. Notwith standing the affront that was intended to be put upon me, I never shone to more advantage; my fair ravisher was young and pretty, and my cerulean hue and rosy flowers became her admirably. It is true, a huge cushion, and false toupee of powdered hair, with pyramids of flowers on the top of that, disguised her head; but her taper waist, rounded arm, and easy movement, betrayed her to be young, graceful, and lightfooted. I had not been long in discovering that the family were not quite agreed upon some points. The mamma jested upon poor officers and marriages for love, and bounced out of the room, having previously given her daughter strict injunctions to make herself amiable to the rich Marquis that evening. Beatrice sighed when she had departed, and wished she had some kind friend who could whisper in the ear of Ferdinand her change of dress. "Depend upon me, my lady; I'll run all the way to oblige you," said the abigail. "No, don't, dear Lolotte, I would not expose you to mamma's anger on any account; but you may take my yellow satin gown and cardinal for your goodwill." On our first entering the crowded staircase of the Palazzo G, my ample folds were furtively pressed by a handsome young man, who whispered, "Bella, bellozza, mia cara,' whilst with the exception of a blush, my young Countess looked as demure as a nun. On we struggled to the crowded rooms, where we were met by a brilliant cavalier, who, at a sign from mamma, joined our party. He drew them to a small room which was nearly empty, and exclaimed in a quavering, cracked voice, "Why is not Beatrice here? I have prepared a carriage and four of the swiftest horses to carry her off to Lindau; they are waiting for us near the theatre." My dear Marquis, what are you saying?" exclaimed papa and mamma in a breath; "this is Beatrice, disguised like her grandmother in the picture in the blue room;-you must remember it. Don't you think it resembles,-ha, ha, ha! what are you thinking about not to know Beatrice ?-well, how droll!" Thus rattled on the old couple, to cover their friend's mistake, for I no longer doubted this was the suitor approved by them. But what could he mean by a carriage in waiting to carry her off? The Countess quickly guessed his meaning, though she made no comment, but resolved in her mind to avail herself of this scheme to outwit them all. With this view, she affected to listen to her old suitor's addresses with a complaisance she had hitherto refused, which charmed her parents so greatly that they no longer lingered near their treasure, but chuckled between themselves at the near prospect of her being run off with to be made a marchionessbut the cunning Beatrice had no sooner got out of their sight, than involving herself and her old beau in the thickest of the crowd, she gave his arm the slip, and hurried down into the illuminated gardens, followed by Ferdinand. At first he would have reproached her for her civility to his rival; but she laughingly told him, she had no time for explanations; all her fear was lest she should be carried off against her inclinations, and begged he would accompany her home for safety. A few words informed him of the Marquis's plan, which he no sooner learned than he pressed her to avail herself of the opportunity, and fly with him. Against this she warmly protested; but I know not how it was, on their road home his arguments were so persuasive, and her fear so great of becoming the wife of the old Marquis, that, as she passed the equipage in waiting, she stepped in, and he followed. The windows were drawn up, and Ferdinand giving the word to speed for Padua, they were off like lightning for that city. Fearing to be overtaken, they pursued their way all night, and did not make any long stay till they reached Verona. Here my pretty, wild Countess exchanged me with the servant of the inn for a stuff gown and cap, and in this humble garb became the wife of the man she loved, leaving the old Marquis and her parents to wonder and grieve over her flight; and in time hoping to be reconciled to her family, and receiving her wedding portion, which was liberal, and would much amend the fortunes of her husband. : From this period my fate was most various and humiliating the chambermaid disposed of me to a Jew, who sold me to a dancer, who disposed of me again to an old clothes-shop; and thus was I bandied about from huckster to huckster, my beauties and refinements unappreciated and neglected, till at length my better star prevailed, and I was purchased from a celebrated curiosity-shop in Milan, by Clara Novello, who is likely to be my last proprietor, as she has a just appreciation of my superlative excellences, and is well aware that my beauty enhances her own. It was at last week's party that we had the honour of making your Highness's acquaintance, from whence arose our daily intimacy which has drawn from me these confidential details ;-for to none less than a Princess could I have condescended to weave this delicate tissue of romance and secret history. In the perfumed atmosphere of a palace I feel myself completely at home;-my colours revive and bloom afresh-my whole texture is elastic and rustling with thrilling pleasure, as in days of former conquest and triumph, when sighs of envy from the women, and of love from the men, announced my approach, "trembling, and conscious of the rich brocade." Henceforth I shall repose in luxurious leisure, occasionally visiting refined and elegant society, and indulging the pleasant reflection, that "In these slight thoughts the loves and graces shine, Who, without flattery, pleased the fair and great; [This little history, written on the most delicatetinted perfumed paper, was inclosed with the brocade petticoat, when returned by the amiable Princess * * * to Clara Novello, of whom she had borrowed it for a carnival frolic. MRS. VINCENT NOVELLO.] HAVING, Sometimes, in the course of our perambulations about London, been asked. the way to the British Museum, we may perhaps be excused for stating, that it is situated in Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury; especially as no less a personage than William Cobbett is said to have declared that he did not know where it was. Under favour of Cobbett's ghost, this assertion did him no credit. Utilitarianism is the creed of creeds, but we have other requirements than those of the back and the stomach. We must, indeed, have bread, beef, and beer, fire and clothing; but we have heads and hearts as well as hides and paunches; moral and intellectual as well as physical wants; and these are inseparable from humanity. VOL. II. One of these indispensables is recreation. The mechanic requires it no less than the minister of state. Skittles after work, and shooting in the vacation, come to the same thing. The opera and the pot house are frequented from like causes, in spite of the contrariety of their atmospheres-notwithstanding the difference between pipes and rose water. A continual concentration of the faculties upon one train of ideas is a frequent origin of insanity; against which, perhaps, the feelings of exhaustion, weariness, and hebetude, consequent on their being overworked, are premonitory. To a healthy state of the public mind, therefore, public amusements are essential. They must, too, be gratuitous, or at least cheap; for plays and concerts are beyond the means of the majority, and gin is within those of most people. Discomfort and uneasiness make men mischievous. Hence is evident the policy, to say no more, of admitting the people freely to institutions, exhibitions, parks, pleasure-grounds, and other such places of diversion. The Cæsars were wise in their generation, when they treated the Roman populace to shows and spectacles. There is a disease |