The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-07-05
THE MURDERER'S INN.

- As soon as we were once more on high
road. could not help exclaiming, "Well, Pierre
here we are, you see, safe and sound, and not eat
en- up, as was led to suppose we should have
been. We are out Of danger no,o, presume"
s'I am not so of that, sir" was the reply Of
my companion; eve may yet have difficulties to
encounter
ridicued the idea; laughed at him for his folly.
and putting spurs to my gallant gray, desired him
to follow me.
had not cantered more than mile after ieav-
ing the forest, when, at turn of the road, came
suddenly on s'cabaret,' or roadside inn, as you
call it in this country. Itmight have been termed
an "aubrge," for it gave promise of more comfort
within than the ordinary dram shops which are to
be found in every cross road IN France. We had
been on horseback for some hours, and was not a
little pleased at the opportunity which presented
itself of rest and refreshment.
As Pierre and myself rode up to the door OF this
rural hotel, he examined the superscripton, and
exclaimed, "C'ese drole the landlord is, or rather
was, an old conrade of ours, at Mezieres, many
years ago-thers cannot be two Maxine Bourdons
in this part of the country"
We were in the act of dismounting, when bare
footed urchin beckoned US to ride round In the sta
bic yard by the side gate. We did so; and having
directed Pierre to look after the horses, Lwas on
the point of making my way to the front of the
house, when my attention was attracted by fe-
male figure, of no ordinary mould, on rude and
wooden balcony which ran round this portion of
the premises, and from which staircase, or rather
steps, communicated with the yard below, and
close to the end of this open verandah, and with
the sweetest tone imaginable said, ''Parici, mon
sieur, ,sil vous pait." In three bounds was on
the platform by her side, for petticoat had ever
irresistible attractions for me, and she led the way
to an indifferently furnished apartment, which
was given to understand was the saiie-a-manger.
Travellers ofall ages, from sixteen to sixty, in
all countries, from time immemorial, have assumed
to themselves the privilege Of teazing with cham
bermaids and female waiters-a squeeze of the
hand, kiss, and sly pinch, are the usual familiar
tiles, which, not being interdicted, very frequently
have given prescriptive right to these ramblers
to accost, thus uncermoniously, every female who
may be doomed to servitude. The lovely counte-
nance ofthe captivating handmaid before me, over
turned alImy philosophy; more beautiful crea-
ture never beheId, before or since. There was
somethingso distagee in her face, the outlines Of
which were the most perfect it is possible to con-
ceive-an expression cannot describe; but it was
irresistably winning. And to these advantages, SO
rare in one moving in SO humble sphere, were
superadded grace and foua,1e absolutely en-
chanting. In short, was eperdlm,eas aaorea,lr
at the first glance. To my surprise, she shrank
from me, and drepulsed me in SO determined, and at
the same time, SO digniied a manner, that, for a
moment. I was thrown off my guard. Recovering
from my surprise, i renewed the attack, but the
tone and manner were so decided, and the bearing
ofthis singularly beautiful girl lofty. frm,ye re-
spectful, that was annoyed with myselffor having
been such fool. There was nothing Of prudery,
or even fanger, in her demeanor, for she appear
ed to regard me with sorrow and mixture of pity.
In short, her behavior puzzled me not little
Smarting under the rebuff, Tbeleye I said to her
rather waspishly, "Wby do you repulse met !
dare say am not the first young fellow who has
fallen in love with your pretty face; and perhapsI
have do memo more than others who have frequent
ed this house. What is the matter with your You
look. unhappy"