the top is smaller still. The corsages of these Charles X. must have perished, at least the dresses have a drapery laid on in regular plaits majority of them, for they had no other means round the top, it forms in a slight degree a of support. A ball dress affords great variety, point in the centre of the bosom, and is orna-both of splendid and simple costumes. I shall mented with a rosette. The sleeves are cite among the former, those of white crape usually of the double bouillion surmounted trimmed with wreaths of velvet flowers; the by a rosette, but I have also seen some short heart of each flower formed by a diamond. tight sleeves terminated by a single bouillion, Some dresses, still more superb, were comlooped high over the bend of the arm by a posed of white tulle over white satin; there were two tulle skirts; the upper one made en rosette. beautiful. Coiffures in full dress are so various that I tunique, with the corners rounded, was encircan scarcely tell you what is most fashionable. cled with a wreath of velvet oak leaves, of Turbans are in great vogue, particularly different shades of green; acorns, composed those of white or groseille velvet, with a partly of green chenille, which had the appearfoundation of gold net; chefs do'r interming-ance of moss, and partly of very small dialed in the folds, and a rich bullion fringe monds, were strewed irregularly among the trimming the end of velvet that falls upon the foliage; I need hardly say the effect was neck. Several are also composed of guipure, Double skirts of tulle, raised by boquets of ornamented with the point of the same floating at each side, and retained as high as the flowers, were very numerous; so, also, were temples by jewelled ornaments or flowers. robes, both of crape and tulle, with three halfVelvet or velours epingle toquets, are also wreaths of pinks or roses, disposed in halfvery fashionable, the favourite colors are ruby of the front skirt, at one distance from each circles; they were placed on the lower part blue and pink. Some of the most novel have the front arranged en aureole by folds which the two others, rose above the knee. A simple other; and the third, which was smaller than entirely encircle it, a large sprig of flowers, style of trimming, but one that was much composed either of diamonds, pearls, or fancy admired, both for white and pale blue robesjewellery is placed high on one side, and tuniques, was composed of wreaths of red droops over on the ringlets, or bands of the roses placed at regular distances round the front hair, on the other. robe. The most Before I speak to you of our ball dresses I Head dresses of hair are, as usual, the most must cite one of the most elegant robes I have numerous in ball dresses. There is little ever seen. It is indeed worthy of your love- actual change in the arrangement of the hair, ly young Sovereign for whom I find it has but ringlets continue in a majority; they are, been ordered. It is composed of crape, her I think, more luxuriant than ever. favorite color; Victoria blue over satin to novel ornament for these coiffures is the coucorrespond. The corsage is draped in soft ronne druidique; it is a wreath of leaves of folds round the top; they are retained on the dark green velvet, interspersed with gold shoulders, and in the centre of the bosom by berries of the smallest size. The ornaments flowers formed of colored gems, the one on employed to loop the draperies of the corsage, each shoulder being smaller than the one on and also to raise the skirt, if it is raised on the bosom. A superb bouquet composed of one side, generally correspond. Velvet flowvelvet flowers of various hues, looped the ers, with diamond hearts, are also very much skirt nearly as high as the ceinture on the employed to decorate the hair; so are banleft side, it was raised a little, but very little deaux of pearls or diamonds, terminated at on the right side, by a flower composed of each side near the knot of hair behind, by a colored gems of a larger size than those that flower. Coral, which until very lately had adorned the corsage. gone quite out of fashion, and has been at any There are more balls this season than in time considered only as an article of undress any preceding one that I remember, and we jewellery, is now employed for ball headdance the more gaily when we do it in the dresses, several of which are decorated gold cause of humanity. Thus, the balls that have filagree combs and gold ferronieres, the latter been given for the poor of the different arron- terminated at each side by sprigs of coral dissements of Paris, were numerously and foliage of a very small kind, drooping over the brilliantly attended, and there is every reason hair. I must observe to you, ma chere, that to believe that the remaining ones will be where coral decorates the coiffure, sprigs comequally so. That for the pensioners of the posed of it generally ornament the robe. ancient civil list was also this year more brilliant and productive than ever. In truth, but Let it ever be remembered, by all classes of for this annual ball, the poor pensioners of men, that honesty is the best policy. TO THE PATRONS OF THE VISITER. the numerous calls for a continuance of the It will be perceived by the first page, that patterns, has determined us to publish it in this work, addressed to those who are the the " VISITER" has changed owners, the sub-most refined and "better half" of society. scriber having purchased the right of the work Merchants from the south and west have paid from its late publisher, WILLIAM B. ROGERS. from two to five dollars for patterns, without It is not our intention, at this time, to say explanations; while here you have them and other valuable plates and reading matter for much of the course we intend to pursue; we one dollar and twenty-five cents. How often would, however, simply state, that it is our you may look for them, we are unable yet to intention to issue the work punctually on or say; perhaps quarterly or oftener, if you are about the first of each month, to make it as punctual. We do not expect to appropriate a interesting as possible, and emphatically to cent of profit. We are determined that you render it the cheapest periodical in the world. shall receive a respectable work, and should you be disappointed, the fault shall not rest Subscribers have, no doubt, been anxiously with us. It is in your power to appropriate expecting this number of the "VISITER." the means. Will each of you manifest an Your patience has been tried and may have interest in its prosperity? Where is the influbecome exhausted, about to assign the work ence so limited, the spirit so indifferent, as a place among the things that have been If "Like the snow fall in the river, A moment white, then melts for ever." not to recommend its merits, and ask successfully for an examination of its numbers? To the ladies, whose social natures often bring them into each other's society, where the benevolent affections receive renewed imany of you have come to such conclusion, pulse, where converse on fashion occupies a may you be agreeably disappointed in the portion of their criticisms, where they are reception of this number; may you ever hope visiters, we would say—please remember the for its continuance, as the present publisher" VISITER;" and should you favor our address, we shall bestow our hearty thanks. looks forward to its prosperity. Gentlemen, you who are searching for vaThe changes that have been made in the riety, let a " VISITER" add something to your work and with its publishers, require a few store. We will send you some beautiful remarks from us on that subject. It has been ladies, richly and fashionably attired; their issued semi-monthly, without an ornamental ruby lips and rosy cheeks shall please your eye, and this is about as much as bachelors Fashion plate; it now appears with two plates may expect. The ladies shall not always be of the fashions. It has been published appa- sent off in a stage coach unattended. We will rently, "that it should be the cheapest publi- find them some attentive fine gentleman to cation in the world." To accomplish this it excite the animating smile, the glowing tint, must be made useful, in stimulating the best and the sparkling eyes, which give such irrefeelings of our moral natures-in promoting sistible charms, and kindle a flame that would the activity and strength of intellect-in assisting to render its readers better and happier, The remarks we have offered, we hope are at the same time to stimnlate them to exert sufficient to introduce us to our patrons; may their means and influence to soften down the our acquaintance continue so long as our cares of others. If the wounded spirit finds mutual happiness may be promoted. here a balm for its cure-if the sad find something here to cause them to rejoice—if assumed The CHAPEAU or HAT may be seen on the gaiety is tempered into happy cheerfulness-plate of Patterns. A description of a Chaif knowledge is sought after and here obtained peau may be seen in the letter from the "La -if such objects are attained, then this work Belle Assemblee." A further description will must be useful; and being beneficial, it cannot be given in the next number. be the dearest. thaw, if not evaporate, the coldest iceberg from the frozen north. C The "OLD BACHELOR," we recommend to A new feature in this work, appears in the the Fair. form of the Pattern plate. This has never been published in any work for the benefit of The contributors to this number must feel the ladies, except once in the "A-LA-MODE," gratified that they have received such full published by the subscriber. Since that time, justice from the printer. AND PARLOUR COMPANION. Terms--$1.25 per annum, five copies for five dollars, payable in all cases in advance. Publication office, VOL. SIX-NO. FOUR. FOR THE VISITER. APRIL, 1840. ignorant of the matter. I desired her to in THE HIDDEN CASKET. quire; and bade her bring me the keys of PART VI. those chambers immediately. I walked in the corridor awaiting her reOn my arrival at Montenville, I immediate- turn. La Porte ascended the stairs, and met ly repaired to the apartment that contained me in the corridor. He bowed, and looked the secreted papers I was anxious to possess. as if he wished to be questioned; but I sufferWhilst in the act of their destruction, I was ed him to pass on: he saw the seal had been surprised by the hasty footsteps of La Porte broken. Theresa returned immediately, acin the hall. His firm and impatient step companied by Basil, whose countenance evinwrang through the vacant mansion, which ced pleasure when he saw me: I threw into gave me time to slide the bolt that should pre- mine as much harshness as I found it possible vent his entrance, if his object was to search to assume. this my father's private apartment. La Porte soon came up to the door, and tried and found it fast. He was silent for a time as if disappointed, or meditating on the means of forcing the lock. A push, followed by his heavy heels, indicated his great endeavors and anxiety to enter. The noise brought the old faithful servant Basil near. He had been watching the movements of La Porte, and concluded, from his stealthy actions, that he intended no good. "Was it you, Basil," said I, "who set a seal on the door of this chamber?" He acknowledged it was, and was going to enter into a long explanation of his motives; but seeing La Porte advancing to put in his defence, I coldly said, that I had not then leisure to listen to details-that as I considered myself mistress of that house in the absence of my father, I should suffer none of the apartments to be shut from my inspection, and had therefore broken the seal. La Porte being frustrated in his designs, Basil approached with the key, whilst La sullenly left the hall to the more quiet posses-Porte stood waiting with an air of curiosity, to sion of Basil. This watchful servant wisely see whether Basil could open the door, which determined to put a seal on the door, in order on the preceding night had so strongly resistthat La Porte should not be too familiar with his master's private apartment. When I had collected the fragments of the papers I had destroyed, I quitted the chamber and softly locking the door, returned unseen and unheard to my own apartment. The fire was not yet extinguished, and to it I committhe remains of the papers. The first beams of the sun broke into my apartment. I gazed with delight and gratitude on the rising orb! Never before had my breast been animated with a joy so unmixed, a delight so holy. ed his efforts. The door flew open, and he looked angrily at Basil, and muttered something expressive of surprise and dissatisfaction. Basil unbarred the windows. I passed through the room whilst La Porte stood in the corridor observing me. I entered a closet which contained a bookcase, and selected some books, which I gave to Theresa to carry to my apartment; then desiring Basil carelessly to lock the door, which I told him he need not take the unnecessary trouble of sealing, I went down to the breakfast-room. I rang for breakBut a new source of disquietude, though fast, and La Porte attended me. I fancied he of an inferior nature, now arose in my mind. appeared perplexed by the manner in which I had broken the seal set by Basil on the door, I had acted my part in the foregoing scene. and feared lest this circumstance might awa- Before I had quitted the breakfast parlour, ken the suspicions of La Porte. When the I was told that a stranger desired to see me." day was sufficiently advanced, I rang for The- I inquired what stranger. The servant who resa. I changed my dress, and quitting my brought the message replied, that though he apartment, walked for some time in the corri- was not very certain, he believed him to be dor. I called to Theresa, and asked her Le Sieur Tourniere, by profession a Commiswhether she knew which of the servants had sary. been so presuming as to set a seal on the door of my father's apartment. She was entirely VOL. 6.-No. 4-1. Though somewhat surprised at this visit, I waited on M. Tourniere in the parlour, into which he had been conducted. He was a As he spoke he lifted the arras, and the man of respectable appearance; there were drawers were discovered. two others with him, whose aspect was little "So far your information is exact, Sir,'' calculated to excite favourable prepossessions. said I; "but often as I have visited this chamM. Tourniere addressed me with politeness, bea, I never till this day beheld these drawers." and declared himself concerned that the duties As there were no keys produced, the locks of his office had obliged him to visit the cha- were forced. O Louisa! with what strange teau, on a business which he feared would be sensations did I behold the papers which I disagreeable to me; and was sorry to be under had deposited there a few hours before, in the the necessity of requesting me to give orders hands of the Commissary! He carried them that he might be permitted to examine the to a table, and looked over them. La Porte, apartments of Monsieur, my father. with some of the other domestics, was present La Porte, who had attended these persons at the search; and I fancied I beheld a maligto the parlour, still remained in it, under pre- nant triumph in his countenance. tence of arranging some of the furniture which had been displaced. The Commissary continued for some time to examine the papers in silence. "We have lately," continued the Commis- From the cursory view I have taken of sary, "received information, which renders these papers, Mademoiselle," said he, “I can this ceremony absolutely necessary!" not perceive that they contain a single article Struck by this intelligence, with a still which tends to criminate M. de Roubigne : on stronger sense of the danger I had so recently, the contrary, I find that they supply an eviso providentially escaped, I turned pale, and dence which, should future circumstances renshook with sudden terror. der it necessary, must operate powerfully in "You appear greatly agitated, Mademoi- his justification." selle!" said the Commissary. 66 La Porte appeared amazed and confounded Agitated, Sir!" replied I, recovering my at his intelligence; whilst Basil rubbed his spirits, "I am indeed agitated with feelings of hands, praised God, and evinced, by the deindignation and astonishment at the guilty ma- light of his countenance, the attatchment of levolence which could aim this stroke against his honest heart. 66 'It was anonymous, Mademoiselle.” the life and honour of my father. From whence The Commissary proceeded to search the came your information, Sir?" other apartments devoted to my father's use, and possessed himself of all the papers he Anonymous !" I repeated, darting a sud- could find; then departed, professing himself den glance of involuntary indignation at La perfectly satisfied. 66 66 Porte. The paleness that overspread the coun- Thus happily, dear Louisa, has your young tenance of the guilty wretch, and the emotion friend acquitted herself of this momentous that quivered in his lips, evinced that he me- commission. If I accomplished it in a satisrited and felt the accusation. factory manner, my father desired me to write Come, Sir," said I, turning to the Com- to him by Etienne, who was to return to Pamissary, with a dignity derived from the con- ris with the horses. My letter, which was to sciousness of security, "you shall be instantly be couched in the most general terms, was to gratified in the search you wish to make, and be recieved as a token of my having executed I will be witness to it. For though it is not my purpose; if I failed in it, I was not to to be supposed that my father would have write, and my father would have been at no made a person of my sex and years the confi-loss to interpret my silence. I wrote to him dent of a treasonable correspondence, I feel to this effect : the most firm conviction that nothing will be 66 Montenville. found in his papers to gratify the malice of "I arrived here safe, dear Sir, and found his anonymous accuser. every thing in this place in the same situation We proceeded to my father's apartments, as when you quitted it; only that this wintwhere Basil had been ordered to attend with ry season seems to involve every object in its the keys. melancholy gloom, and I feel that I shall not "Is there not in this chamber," said the long be able to endure a situation so dreary. Commissary, as we entered that in which the I should indeed greatly wish to be recalled papers had been concealed, "is there not in from this exile, to which you have so precipithis chamber a representation of the sacrifice tately, and I should imagine so unnecessarily of Jeptha's daughter?" surveying the tapes- sentenced me. But I will endeavour to rely try as he spoke. "Immediately behind the on the superiority of your judgment, and configure of Jeptha, if my information be exact, are form my inclinations to whatever it may orprivate drawers, lodged in the wall, which con- dain. tain the papers I am commissioned to seek for." "If, however, it be your pleasure that I con tinue here, I hope you will not think me too | gardless of my safety, he leaves me to pine in presuming in requesting you to recal La this terrible solitude! Ah! Louisa, are the Porte. Not that I have any particular cause forms of danger with which my imagination of complaint against this man, who means, I believe, to be civil; but his mind seems tinctured with the equallizing spirit, at present so prevalent, and his manners deficient in that distant respect which should characterize the demeanor of persons in his situation in their intercourse with their superiors." peoples this gloomy retreat, substantial as they I had not the least doubt when I sent this letter by La Porte to Etienne, who was to depart for Paris early next day, that he would not suffer it to pass through his hands without inspecting the contents; and had added what related to himself with a view of persuading The iniquitous schemes of this villian are him into an opinion that I had no suspicion of now clearly revealed to my comprehension. his taking this liberty. Besides I was not My father's imprisonment and death would displeased to find an opportunity of acquaint- have thrown me more completely into his ing him with my sentiments respecting him, power. Can I forget the ferocious joy that without being obliged to condescend to any sparkled in his eyes, when he saw, in the other explanation of them. hands of the Commissary, the papers which he imagined would supply sufficient evidence for my father's future condemnation; or the sudden disappointment that succeeded to this malicious triumph, on the assurance that they would contribute to the vindication of his innocence? I wrote also to Madame Desmouliers, to whom I inclosed my letter to you; for particulars I referred her to my father, with whom I begged she would use her influence to have me immediately recalled. This packet I gave privately to Etienne. on. But I will not yield to the despair which at intervals takes possession of my mind. Surely the protecting arm of Providence will be stretched out for the preservation of a being. who seems bereft of human consolation and support. Yet, in Basil, I feel I have still a friend on whose fidelity I can place a firm reliance; but I believe the other domestics are greatly under influence of La Porte. But surely, Louisa, her influence cannot be necessary in this instance. Surely if one spark of parental duty or affection exists in his bosom, he cannot leave me in this solitude, beneath the same roof with a wretch whom he knows capable of harboring designs against his life; a villian whom I shudder but to look Sometime it may be necessary that I remain here in order to elude suspicions; but this incident which has occasioned me so much alarm and disquietude, may be ulti- This man has lately been importunate in mately the most fortunate that could possibly his attendence on me. I told him that he aphave occurred; by affording me an opportuni- peared to mistake his business, and desired ty of evincing my duty and attachment, it may that for the future I might be attended by the restore me to his lost affection, and re-estab- footman. lish that union and confidence, which since the death of my mother have been so unhappily interrupted. "Such of the footmen," he replied, "as ought to be admitted to the honor of serving me were in Paris, and that he could not enWhen roused by the the approach of danger dure to see me waited on by the clumsy to a sense of self-preservation, my father re-wretches who were here." collects he had a child whose assistance might I told him, proudly, that I was myself most avert the threatened blow, and deigned with competent to judge of the persons by whom I parental tenderness to conciliate her affection, chose to be attended; and desired him to leave and sooth the resentment which his unkind- my presence, and appear in it no more. ness had excited in a heart that yielded with I saw that he with difficulty repressed his delight to the impulses which he wishes to in- rage at this prohibition: I perceived that he spire, and would have poured its last vital was stung to the soul by my contempt, but he drop a libation at the shrine of duty. Avert- dared not reply. ed by her exertions, the storm has passed away, He said, that "as he had received from my and he no longer remembers a child, whom father the most particular directions in renot affection but necessity had recalled to his spect to me, that it was his duty, as well as his transient recollection. pleasure to attend on me in person: and as the Yes, insensible to my sufferings, and re-orders of his master had been prior to mine, |