A SAD STORY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2116, 30 January 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

A SAD STORY.

A writer in London Figaro says : — "When I was at Brussels a few weeks ago, on ono of my excursions to the neighbourhood of LachcD, I drove by the chateau where the ill-starred widow of the ill-fated Emperor Maximilian is passing her ruined life. I met with a Belgian, who told me much about this victim of Napoleon's insane Mexican expedition. Though still out of her mind, her mental condition has much improved since the shock caused by her dress catching fire some year or two since. She is now comparatively cheerful ; though the danger of a return of suicidal tendencies has to be carefully guarded against. It is only by exceptional acts that she reveals her sad condition. Thus, one of her peculiarities is the ever-present wish, when walking in the beautiful grounds of the house which her sister the Queen of Belgium has placed at her disposal, to search and pick up things from the ground. Sho derives so much pleasure from this innocent pin suit that her attendants purposely scatter about things on the paths she generally chooses for her walks. She is particularly fond, it is noticed, of picking up scraps of dead wood and small withered branches of trees, which, on returning to her apartments, she arranges with marvellous taste in original forms. She often paints, too, and there is not tlio slightest trace of hallucination in the landscapes she produces. Another occupation in which she finds much pleasure is in preparing the daily menu for her table. She insists invariably in having two kinds of soup served. It is sad to learn, however, that of her complete recovery there is no chance. She may live for very many years, but the doctors— aud she has had the best advice Europe can afford — hold out no hope of her mind ever being restored to its normal condition."

What word is it of five lottors, of which two being removed, only one will remain ? — St-one.