Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1853-05-25
Ibc Dailp birsiniau.
Anecdo.c of,hc French Spy system.


Parision society of the day, than that of tho
Countess B. Her house, at the period of
which we speak. was the rendezvous of oil
the celebrities Of the tme-marsh of France, |
statesmen. artists, men of letters. alike crowd
ed TO her saloons. The Baron M, YVES one
of her most frequent guests. and had the re-
putation of being as witty and amusing per
son as could be met with in consequence his
company was very generally sought. even by
the highest circles, in which though but lit.
tle wns known OF his family or conncctions,h he
had found means To obtain an excellent foot. |
ing.
One evening, in the winter OF 1905, a bril-.
liant party was assembled in the gay saloons
OF the Countess B., when gentleman. well
known to all arrived in breatbless hastc, and
apparently much excited. He made his way
as quickly as possible 10 the Countess. and all
crowded round TO hear what great piece of
intelligence he had TO communicate.
1--WE are all, think" no said, "wel ac-
quain,eJ with Baron M. who is so constant
a visitor here. | regret to say that ! have
just learned, in the most positive manner, tha,
he is undoubtedly spy; he has, in fact. been
seen to enter and leave The cabinet of Monsieur
Fouche"
The assembled guests were thunderstruck at
this unexpected announcement, each one en-
deavorng to recollect what indiscreet express
sion might have passed his lips in the presence
of the treachcrous baron and all, naturally
enough feeling extremely uneasy at tho posi-
bility of being called upon to answer for some
long forgotten word, spoken, as they thought
III the security of private society. The host
ess, of course was most indignant at the insult
which had been put upon her, and could hard.
Ia, holn fha 81.
However, something must be done; the
baron was momentarily expected and unlcss
he were able to clear himself from this serious
imputa,ion, hr must be at once expelled from
society. After some discussion. therefore il
was decided that, upon the arrival of Baron
NJ the countess should request few min
utes, private conversation with him that she
should take him into another room, and hav
ing told him Of what he was accused, should
ask if he had any explanation to offer, as 9th
erwi,e she should be obliged to signify TO him,
that he must discontinue his visits.
In tho midst Of the nvectives which were
poured forth on the head of the unfortunate
baron, that worthy made his appearance. In
medi i,tcIy all was silent; and though he advan
ced 10 greet his friends with his customary ca
~ ASSURANCE he evidently saw that all was
mol right, as his most intimate associates Of yes
terday avoided speaking 10 him. or, at most,
gave him the slightest possible salu'ation.
Not beng, however, very easily abashed,
| Baron NJ proceeded, as usual to mike his
| bow to the hostess, who at once, as had been
| agreed, said to him; monsieur lc Baron. may
| | request the favor Of few words with you in
| private r
Certainly Madame" replied tho baron, Of
ferng his arm. which he declined to take, and
f,rthwith led the way to an ante. chamber.
The countess, feeling naturally very ner-
vous, at the part she had to perform, at length
said, with some hesitaton 81 know not wheh
er you are aware Monsieur le Baron, Of the SO.
| rous accusation which hangs over you; and
| which, unless you can remove or explain salts
| factorly, must forever close my doors against
| you" The Baron was all attention, the
| countess continued: IL have been informed,
upon what appears to be undoubtrd authority,
that you are in tho pay OF Monsieur Fouchee-
that you are in short a spy
"Oh," replied the baron, "s that all 7 Twill
not attempt to deny it; nothing can be more
true; / am spy"
"And how" exclaimed the lady, "have you
dared to insult mo and my guests, by presum-
ing to present Yourself night after night at my
house, in such an unworthy manner r.
GOODNESS, " that / arm in the pay Of Fouchee;
that | am a spy, and in this capacity, upon
some subjects am tolerably well informed, IN
which Madame la Countesse, will give you
proof. On the last pay day at Monsieur
|. Fouchee's you received your pay. for the in
formation you had brought him, Immediately
after | had received mine"
"What p cried the countess; "darc you in
sinuate anything so Infamous | will have
you turned out ofthe house instantly"
"Softy, madame answered the baron;
"that am spy, have not attempted to de.
ny; that You are likewise spy, | have long
known, nd can readily prove. We are in the
same boat-we sink or swim together; if you
proceed to denounce me- shall also denounce
you; and there 10 an end to both of US. II you
uphold me, will uphold you, and we shall go
on as before"
WELL" said the lady considerably embar
rassed at finding that her secret was known.
"what is to be done am in most difficult
position"