Staunton Spectator, And General Advertiser

MISCELLANY.

ROMANTIC STORY: THE FORCE OF LOVE.

An anecdote has recently been circulated in the Faubourg St. Germain, which though romantic, is not the less authentic. Two families, well known in the aristocratic world, and bearing the names of S—y and M—l, were separated not only by political hatred, but also by private interests—a lawsuit of great moment pending between them. They detested one another cordially, in a style, indeed, worthy of the Montagues and Capulets.

M. de S—y, jr. a young Master of Requests in the Council of State, chanced to meet Mme. de M—l in a drawing room, without knowing her. He thought her a charming young widow, (for she was a widow,) paid her assiduous attention, and followed her every where. Mme. de M—l, who had observed his assiduity, responded to it in such a manner as not to deprive him of all hope. A very witty woman, well aware of the enmity existing between the two families, had amused herself by protracting the mutual error of two foes who adored one another. She had contrived to give the youth a fictitious name with the Juliet, and the young widow had also been introduced under a false one to the Romeo of the Council of State. All was proceeding in the most prosperous manner; the lovers met, adored one another, and swore eternal attachment, always at the house of the lady who enjoyed the intrigue. One day, however, the truth came out, when M. de S—y and Mme. de M—l discovered that they were bitter enemies. What was to be done? The young gentleman would willingly have made the first advances towards the reconciliation, but he dreaded a repulse.—The handsome widow, on the other hand, felt much more affection than hostility in her heart, but could only wait for the overtures of a beloved foe. Neither being willing to make the first advances, the intercourse was suspended, and ennui and melancholy prevailed on both sides. In a short time, however, the youth's love seemed to have vanished, and made room for the old hereditary hatred. M. de S—y gave his whole attention to the lawsuit pending between the families. After the most desperate efforts, he won it and thereby ruined M. de M—l. The handsome widow, still less concerned about the loss of her fortune than hurt at the conduct of her late worshipper, was preparing to quit Paris, and retire into the family of her husband, when M. de S—y, waited on her, to her great astonishment, and, demanding her hand, assured her that he had gained possession of her property only that he might be able to restore it to her. The marriage took place eight days ago, at the church of St. Aquin. This story may seem improbable, but we can vouch for its truth. Had it not been a fact, we should have given it a less commonplace denouement. Surely, after this, the age of chivalry cannot quite have gone by.—French paper.