St. Roche.: A Romance, From the German. V. 1

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1847 Excerpt: ... diately arose; it was time to break up their conference. It would be difficult for us to describe the feelings of Lionel, when directly afterwards he found himself alone in his apartments, for they were but faintly indicated in his own mind, where too many had been excited for it to be yet discernible which would prevail. It cannot be denied that the times were eminently favourable to the plans of this ambitious woman. The glory of France, and, consequently, the pride of her children, had reached their highest pitch; and this feeling, which animated the whole nation, made each individual glory in the name of Frenchman. The peace of Aix-la-Chapellehadjust been concluded. Louis's brow was crowned with the laurels of two glorious campaigns, which had drawn upon him the eye3 of all Europe. His unexampled success made it a matter of small moment to restore, at the conclusion of the peace, a portion of his conquests, which seemed to threaten the existence of the balance of power in Europe. Nor did these concessions produce an unfavourable impression upon the nation, conscious of the superiority of a position which enabled it, as it were, to give alms to the rest of Europe, to grant or retain possession at its pleasure; and the renown of generosity and moderation added a fresh lustre to the glory of the young king. The personal qualifications of Louis served to heighten the estimation in which he was held, and his was that unbounded pride which forbids the existence of vanity. He was, in truth, a great man, as much owing to the circumstances of the times as to his noble nature, which rendered him worthy of them. At this brilliant period, and to this idolised monarch, was Lionel now about to be presented. The celebration of the young count's majority was over, and ...