_Cape Francois._
General Rochambeau has given Clara a proof of his attention to her
wishes at once delicate and flattering. She dined with a large party
at the Government-house, where, as usual, he was entirely devoted
to her. After dinner, he led her, followed by the company, to a
saloon, that was fitting up for a dining-room. It was ornamented with
military trophies, and on every pannel was written the name of some
distinguished chief.
On one Buonaparte, on another Frederic, on another Massena, &c.
Clara said it was very pretty, but that Washington should also have
found a place there!
A few days after, a grand ball was given, and, on entering the
ball-room, we saw, on a pannel facing the door,
Washington, Liberty, and Independence!
This merited a smile, and the general received a most gracious one. It
was new-year's eve. When the clock struck twelve, Clara, approaching
the general, took a rose from her bosom, saying, let me be the first to
wish you a happy new-year, and to offer you les etrennes.
He took the rose, passed it across his lips, and put it in his bosom.
The next morning, an officer called on her, and presented her a
pacquet in the name of the general in chief. On opening it she found a
brilliant cross, with a superb chain, accompanied by an elegant billet,
praying her acceptance of these trifles.
Take it back, she exclaimed, I gave the general a flower, and will
accept nothing of greater value.--The officer refused, and, as the eyes
of her husband expressed no disapprobation, she kept it.
We have since learned that it is customary to make at this season,
magnificent presents, and this accounts for the passiveness of St.
Louis on this occasion.
Shortly after, at a breakfast given by Madame A----, Clara appeared
with her brilliant cross: the General was there.
When they sat down to table, he offered her an apple, which she
declined accepting. Take it, said he, for on Mount Ida I would have
given it to you, and in Eden I would have taken it from you.
She replied laughing, no, no; since you attach so much value to your
apple I certainly will not accept it, for I wish equally to avoid
discord and temptation.
Her husband looked displeased, and withdrew as soon as possible.
On their return home, he told her that her flirting with the General,
if carried much farther, would probably cost her too dear. She became
serious, and I foresee the approaching destruction of all domestic
tranquillity.
Clara, proud and high spirited, will submit to no control. If her
husband reposed confidence in her she would not abuse it. But his
soul cannot raise itself to a level with that of his wife, and he will
strive in vain to reduce her to that of his own.
He has declared that she shall go to no more balls; and she has
declared as peremptorily, that she will go where she pleases. So on the
first public occasion there will be a contest for supremacy, which will
decide forever the empire of the party that conquers.
Their jarrings distress me beyond measure. I had hoped to find
tranquillity with my sister, but alas! she is herself a stranger to it.
I have no pleasure but that which the recollection of your friendship
affords, which will be dear to my heart whilst that heart is conscious
of feeling or affection.