Graham's Magazine, Vol. XL, No. 2, February 1852Various
General
Graham's Magazine, Vol. XL, No. 2, February 1852
Various
Literature -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals
Oh what actors every body in Paris became at that period! Some were so
by nature; for very nearly one half of the world is always acting a
part. Others did it because it was the tone of the day; and these formed
the heroic or tragic band, who did every thing with Roman dignity and
firmness, and carried the farce of representation into the very last act
of the tragedy. Others were driven to act parts which did not belong to
them, by the perils or necessities of their situation; and amongst
these, was Madame de Salins, who, dressed somewhat in the _mode
paysanne_, was out frequently, went boldly to police offices, and to
military authorities, inquiring diligently after her husband, John
Bonfin, and demanded intelligence regarding the state and condition of a
man who had never existed. A change in the direction of civic affairs,
and the decapitation of two or three gentlemen, who had watched her
diligently while in her lodging near the Place du Petit Chatelet, had
now set her comparatively free, and she used her powers of persuasion,
and her liberty, so well, that she obtained letters of recommendation to
the medical officers of the armies of Dumouriez and Kellerman, with a
satisfactory pass for herself, and her father, with two children. Upon
what pretence she made her traveling party so large, I do not know; but
she certainly carried her point. She was out more than once at night,
too, and I remarked that Mariette was now sent daily to the house of
Doctor L——, to bring the bottles of medicine which were still required
by Father Bonneville—a task, which I always previously fulfilled.
As the distance was considerable, and the way somewhat intricate, I was
permitted to accompany and guide my little companion, as far as the
street leading into the Place du Chatelet, but was directed to go no
farther, and wait there for her return. I had learned by this time to
ask no questions, but I could not help thinking that Mariette often
stayed a long time.
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