Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-06-22
ANECDoTE OF THE FRENCH SPY
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Among the many families which rose in
to notice under the empire ofthe first Ma
poleon, few held a more distinguished po-
sition in the Partisan society of the day,
than that one of the Countess B..
Her house, at the period of which we
speak, was the rendezvous of all the ce-
lebrities of the time-marshals of France,
statesmen, artists, men of letters, alike
crowded to her saloons. The Baron,
was one of her most frequent guests, and
had the reputation of being as witty and
amusing parsonage as could be met
with in consequence, his company was
very generally shought, even by the high
est circles, in which, connexion, he had
found means, to obtain an excellent foot
ing.
One evening, in the winter of 1905, a
brilliant party was assembled in gay
saloon of the Countess B., when gen
tleman, well known to all, arrived in
breathless haste, and apparently much ex-
cited. He made his way as quickly as
possible to the countess, and all crowded
round to hear what great piece of intelli-
gence he had to communicate.
"We are all, think" he said, " we'll
acquainted with Baron M, who is so
constant visitor here. 1 regret to say
that 1 have just learned, in the most posi-
tive manner, that he is undoubtedly a spy;
he has, in fact, been seen to enter and
leave the cabinet of Monsieur Fouche.'
The assembled guests were thunder
struck at this expected announcement,
each one endeavoring to recollect what in
discreet expression might have passed his
ItTNS in thea of INsat tran hap f1s
| baron; and all, naturally enough feeling
extremely uneasy at the possibility of be-
ing called upon to answer for some long
forgotten words. spoken, as they thought,
in the security of private society. The
hostess, of course, was most Indignant at
the insult which had been put upon her,
and could hardly believe in the truth of
( the accusation.
However, something must be done; the
baron was momentarily expected; and un-
less ne were able to clear himself from
this serious imputation, lie must be at
once expelled from society. After some
discussion, therefore, it was decided that,
upon the arrival of Baron M-the countess
should request Il few minutes private CON
versation with him; that sine should take
him into another room, and having told
him of what he YVES accused, should ask if
he had any explanation to offer, as other
wise she should be obliged to signify tohim,
that he must discontinue his visits.
In the midst of the invectives which
were poured forth on the head of the nm
/ fortunate baron, that worthy made his ap-
pearance. Immediately all were silent !:
and though he advanced Ito greet his
friends with his customary easy assuran-
ces, he evidently saw that all was not
right, as his most intimate associates of
yesterday avoided speaking to him. or, at
most, gave him the slightest possible sal
utation.
Not being, however. very easily abash-
ed, Baron M.-proceeded, as usual to
make his bow to the hostess, who at once,
as had been agreed, said to him; g Mon
sieur lie Baron, may [ request the favor
of few words with you in private ?''
Certainly, Madame, replied the baron.
offering his arm, which she declined to
take, forthwith | d the way to an ante
chamber.
The countess, feeling naturally nervous.
at the part she had to perform, at length
said, with some hesitation: Il know not
whether You are aware, Monsieur lie Bar
on, OF the serious accusation which hangs
over you; and which, unless you can re-
move or explain satisfactorily, must for
ever close my doors against YOU" The
Baron was attention, rs the countess con-
tiuued: Il have been informed, upon what
appears to be undoubted authority, that
you are in the pay of Monsieur Fouehe-
that you are, in short, aspy."
'Oh," replied the baron, sis that all I?
will not attempt to deny it; nothing can
be more true; am spy"
'tAnd how" exclaimed the lady, +thave
you dared to insult me and my guests, by
presuming to present yourself night after
night at my house, in such an unworthy
manner"
II repeat" said the baron, with all
! possible coolness, &C that am in the pay
Fouchee; that | am spy. and act in this
capacity upon some. subjects. | am tolera-
bly, we'll informed, in which madame la
Countcsse, will give you proof. On
the last pay day at Monsieur Fouchee' S
you received your pay, for the information
you had brought him, Immediately after l
had received mine"
I s'What!' cried the countess; t' dare
you insinuate anything so famous l will
have you turned out of the house instant
ly."
"Softly, madame" answered the bar
on: that am a spy, have not attempt
ed TO deny; that you are likewisea a spy,
have long known, and can readily prove.
We are in the same boat-we sink or
swim together: if you proceedto denounce
me, shall also denounee you; and there
is an end to both ofus. Ifyou uphold me,
| will uphold you, and we shall go on as
before.'' -0lf.-.
well" said the lady. considerably en-