The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-01-10


omelet.'
sYou are the Comte de Weder, Monsieur" said
the monk, in very good French.
Yes, replied the Comte, without rellnqulshing
the fork or the eggs which he was making ready
to beat. yes, ! am the Comte de Weder in per-
son.
sThen you brought the letter of introduction |
took from the brother porter!'
Myself
sYou are welcome. Monsieur lie Comte.
The Comte bowed
Il regret very much,' continued the monk, 'that
the isolated position OF our monastery, will not al
low us to receive you in better style; but we are
poor anchortes of the mountains, and you will
pardon US, hope, if our table is not as well sup
piled as under other circumstances it would be-
'How! not well supped' The dinner in pre-
paraton, on the contrary, appears TO me to be ex-
cellent; and when shall make the omelet with
sweetmeats-'
'But, Captain demonstrated the cook.
'Give Monsieur the sweemeats, that he may
make the omeet as he Desires said the monk
The cook obeycd without making any reply.
Now, said the monk, 'there is nothing in your
way, make yourself at home, and when your omelet
is finished, come up, you will find waiting tor
you above
'lti only an affair of five minutes if the cook
will folle W my directions.
DO you hear, said the monk to the cook; 'obey
all Monsieur's commands
He ascended the STAIRS and in two minutes af.
ter, two brothers came down to assist the cook
The comte soon triumphanty finished his omelet
and went up stairs.
The superior was waiting his arrival. in the midst
ofthe community which was composed of score
of brothers, in well lighted reiectory A well
served table was set out; the Comte was astonish-
ed at the luxurious display of silver plate and at
the fineness of the table cloth and napkins. The
convent had drawn upon all its secret stores to do
honor to the guest The diapidated apartment,
however, contrasted strangely with this rich dis
play; and complete arsenal of carabines was ar
ranged arabesquely around the walls.
The Comte took in all at glance, and could not
help admlrng the religious self-denal Of the good
fathers, who, possessing such treasures as were
spread out before their eyes, were contcntcd to
live like the hermit of Mount Carmel, exposed to
the inclemency Of the weather. The superior OBJ
served his surprised air.
Monsieur le Comte,' said he, smiling, 4 once
more crave your pardon, for the bad manner and
accommodations you find here. The interior OF
our building has doubtless been represented to you
as paradise; you see how wrongfully We arejudg-
ed by the world, Monsieur lie Comte; when you
leave US hope you at least will do Us justice
MY faith! replied the Comte, Il see no fault
that can be found with the dinner-I have found
well organized pantry aud chen-if the wine
is as good
'Oh make yourself easy about that; the wine is
good.' ..l
'Ah well il the wine is good nothing more is
wanting.
4 am only afraid added the superior, that you
will think customs do not much resemble those
of monastery. For instance, we never sit down
to table without having each PAIR of pistols al
hand this is precaution We are compelled to OBJ
serve, to guard against surprises, to which we are
every moment exposed, in place as isolated a.
this; you will excuse US if, notwithstanding YOU
presence, we keep up our habits
Win these words, the superior drew from hi:
belt pair Of superb pistols, which he placed neal
his seat.
i Right, right responded the German, pistols
are the friends of the human race; have pistol
too. All! let me see your arms, well it is surpris
ing how nearly they resemble mine.
DO they indeed: replied the superior, suppress
ing smile, 'they are very fine weapons; hat
these brought from Germany-you will find the!
are OF Kukenreter's manufacture
| 'Kukenreiter's, is it possible! let me bring mine
which are with my baggage, that we may compar
them-mine are from the same shop
after dinner, Comte, after dinner. Sit oppo
site to me there. Do you remember your Bene
diciteH
q knew it once, but really, have forgotten i
now
SO much the worse said the superior, i ex
Pected you to say grace; but If you have forgotten
it we willpaSs by the ceremony
ooh, very we,' said Comte, who did not dis
tress himself much about such matters, when
good dinner was before him, I'VE will omit it,
1 And the Comte swallowed his onelet with mucl
apparent gusto, notwithstanding the omission o
the Benedicite; the good brothers following his ex
ample The superior pushed bottle towards
him.
TRY my wine, Monsieur lie Comte,' said he.
The Comte not doubling that twas choice wine
filled the little glass before him; taking it by the
stem; held it up to the light for moment and then
slipped it with all the voluptuous slowness of q
gourmet.
ltissurprising, said the Comte, after moments
pause; 4 thought knew the flavor Of every kind
of wine, but this is new TO meat least il is Made.
ira of a vintage with which am unacquainted.'
1T is Marsala, M. le Comte; wine little known