Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1841-02-11
THE DINNERS OF RIcnELIEu.


had such tyrannic sway in the legislative
concerns OF France, an old military Of.
hcer, who resided upon small estate ia
Normandy, had occasion to visit Paris on
on some private business. He had been
some days in the capital, when on return
ing to his hotel one evening, he found on
his table note addressed to himself in
the hand writing Of the Cardinal, which
proved TO be nothing less than an invita-.
ton to dine at the Chateau dc RueI the
next day. So great an honour was as
surprising as it was unexpected. He, how
ever, attributed this high distinction to
some friend at court. and set out in time
to arrive at the hour appointed. The old
soldier commenced his journey on foot,
and having assembled the hill Of Neuily,
he perceived cabriolet approaching.
davng some doubt whether he had taken
the right road, he inquired Of the occu-
pant Of the vehicle his way to Ruel.
"To Ruel J" answered the stranger,
If you will acceptof seat in my chase,
| will be happy to drive you thither. That
is my destination also"
With many thanks for this politencss,
our officer entered the cabrioet, and be.
gun to converse freely with his new com.
panion.
81 am going to dine with the Cardinal"
said the latter.
"Mon Dieu !" exclaimed the veteran.
GLOW very singular am about to do the
very same thing; yet | am at loss 10
know how deserve so high an honour,
for never to my knowledge, have | served
his highness in any way; neither have
been introduced to him.
Glow y exclaimed the driver of the
cabrolet, with surprse--and then chang.
! ing his manner, he said slowly and sorrow.
fully, "You have never seen the Cardinal,
und you and are 10 dine with him to-day !;
| pity YOU"
'Good heavens! what has made you
change your countenance u
"Cali up every circumstance from the
recesses ofyour memory" said the s,ran
ger, with great esrnestness. | conlure
you 10 recollect yourself Have you
never directly or indirectly had Commune
cation personally, or otherwise, with the
prime minister"
Indeed, never to my knowledge"
CRY again, implore you," continu.
ed the gentleman, with increased anxiety.
Chat circumstance is Of the greatest i'm.
portance to you, although you may not
believe it,"
"Sir, you alarm me-" calculated the vet
eran.
"Not unnecessarily, can assure you.
| 40
never alluded 10 the Cardinal in any pub
lie way 7"
= "Not that | can remember"
/ go, beg pardon. Yes had forgot
ten. When at court, some time since, |
j published few roems-Among them was
an eplgram not very fattering TO his high.
ness"
81 thought so. Listen to the fatal lot
d that awaits you. The Cardinal has dis
covered in you an enemy. His ven
q geance is terrible. He never invites me
i but when some horrid crime is to be per-
$ formed. You are the victim to dav.
+ "Horrible !" exclaimed the old officer.
. How may believe you1"
4 81 am the best authority for what you
h have just learned" In me you behold
a "Whom ?"
4 "The executioner. | feel happy in
warning you-in saving at least one VIC
d tim from premature death"
g GLOW can | reward you p said the
. veteran.
"Only by keeping the secret Of my bav.
= ing saved your life. and not forgetting me.
s Fly. Leave Paris with all speed"
The officer lost no time in descending
frem his cab, and making the best of his
way 20 Paris, from whence he set out on
r the same evening on the route to his resi-
i dence in Normandy; and i was not long
II after he had the double satisfaction oil
. learning the death of Ricbeieu, and ex.
e pressing his gratitude to his friend the exc
l. cutoner.
i; This, then, is the history Of the snug
e dinners at Ruel. They were always tete.
e a.tete parties, consisting or only three
: guests-the Cardinal, the executoner,
and the victim. The cheer was capital
, rare dishes and excellent wines, which
were enhanced by the atf,biIity and bon.
honlniie OF the host. After dinner his ex
celency would propose an adjournment to
a neighboriug apartment. He entered rst
then the executicner, and lastly the VIC.
tim, who was instantly precipilated into a
vault, under the floor which was raised by
the executloner, by means Of spring.
This was quickly closed, and The 'fnisher
of the law returned home, while the Car.
dinal retired to enjoy his dessert.