Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-06-29
From Chambers Journal.
The French Spy System.

Among the many families which rose in
to notice under the empire of the first Ma
poleon, few held more distinguished posi-
ton in the Partisan society of the day thai
that OF the Countess B.. Her house
at the period of which we speak, was the
rendezvous of all the celebrities of the time
marshals of France, statesmen, artIsts,mer
of letters, alike crowded to her saloofis.-
The Baron NJ was one OF her mos
frequent guests, and had the reputation o
being as witty and amusing parsonage a'
could be met with; in consequences, hi
company was very generally sought, even
by the highest circles; in which, though bu
little was known of his family or connec
tions. he had found means to obtain an ex
cellent footing. ;oos .
One evening, in the winter of 1905, a
brilliant party was assembled in the gay sa
looms of the Countess B--,when gen
leman, we'll known to all,arrived in breath
less haste, and apparently much excited
He made his way as quickly as possible te
the countess, and all crowded round tc
hear what great piece otintelhgence he ha'
to communicate.
"We are all, l think" said he, swell &C.
quainted with Baron Nj, who is sc
constantly visiter here. l regret to say
that have Just learned, in the most posi-
tive manner, that he is undoubtedly spy;
he has, in fact, been seen to enter and TO
leave the cabinet Of Monsieur Fouche." .
The assembled guests were thunderstruck
at this unexpected announcement, each
one endeavoring to recollect what indis-
Greet expression might have passed his lips
in the presence of the treacherous baron
and all, naturally enough, feeling extreme,
ly uneasy at the possibility of being called
upon to answer for some long-forgolten
words, spoken, as they thought, in the Sc.
curity of private society. The hostess OF OF
course, was most indignant at the insult
which had been put upon her, and could
hardly believe in the truth of the acc cusa-
ton. ~
However, something must be done; the
baron was momentarly expected; and un-
less he were able to clear himself from this
serious imputation, he must be at once ex-
PEELED from the society. After some dis
cussion, therefore, it was decided that, up
on the arrival of Baron M--,the coun-
tess should request few minutes private
conversation with him that she should
take him into another loom, and having
told him of what he was accused, should
ask if he had any explanation to Offer as
otherwise she should be obliged to signify
to him, that he must discontinue his visits.
In the midst of the invectives which
were poured forth on the head ofthe untor-
tunate baron, that worthy made his appear
ance. Immediately all was silent; and
though he advanced to greet his friends
with his customary easy assurance, he evi'
IDENTIFY saw that all was not right, as his
most intimate associates Of yesterday a.
voided speaking to him, or, at most, gave
him the slightest possible salutation.
Not being, however, very easily abasn' n.
ed, Baron Nj proceeded, as usual, te
make his bow to the hostess, who at once
as had been agreed, said to him, "Mon-
sleur lie Baron, may Irequest the favor o.
a few words with you in private !"
"Certainly Madame" replied the Ba
ron, offering his arm, which she declined tt
take and forthwith led the way to an ante
| chamber.
The countess feeling naturally very ner
vous at the part she had to perform, al
length said, with some hesitation: 81 know
not whether you are aware, Monsieur le
Baron, of the serious accusation which
hangs over you; and which, unless you car
remove or explain satisfactorily, must for
ever close my doors against you." The
baron was all attention, as the countess
continued: "r have been informed, upor
what appears to be undoubted authority
that you are in the pay of Monsieur Fouch'
that you are, in short, spy"
"Oh," replied the baron. sis that all
will not attempt to deny it; nothing can b
more true | am spy"
"And how" exclaimed the lady, "havt
you dared to insult me and my guests, by
presuming to present yourself, night afte
night at my house, in such an unworth.
manner?
Irepeat," said the baron with all posi-
BILE coolness, that am in the pay OF For
che; that am spy; and IN this capacity
upon some subjects, am tolerably we'll in
formed, of which, Madame la Countesse,
will give you a proof. On the last pay
. day, at Monsieur Touches, you received
your pay, for the information you hat
brought him, immediately after had re
ceived mine.'
"What!" !" cried the countess; "dare yo'
insinuate anything so Infamous will hav
you turned out of the house instantly"
"Softly, madame, y answered the baron
sthat am spy, | have not attempted t
: deny that you are likewise spy, hav
long known, and can readily prove. w
are in the same boat-we sink or swim to
gethe: if yon proceed to denounce me,
: shall also denounce you; and there is al
/ end of both of us. If you uphold me,
will uphold you, and we shall go on as be
FORE"
"Well," said the lady, considerably EN-
barrassed at finding that her secret va
known, "what is to be done am in
most difficult position"
"Not at all, madame, replied the baron
"I will tell you what to do: take my arm
and we will return together in the drawing
room, where you will announce that m.
!, explanation has been satisfactory"
The countess, seeing there was nothin
else to be done, determined to make tn
best of it. and as she advanced into tn
room, said d,with one Of her sweetest smiles
{ 81 am delighted to tell you, that Monsieu
le Baron has been able to give an explans
ton, which, though I cannot divulge it,
! in all respects perfectly satisfactory to mt
and therefore, l am sure, it will be SO
, you." The guests were at once relieve
+ from weight of anxiety the evening pas
, cd off with the utmost hilarity, and the BIZ