Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-01-22
From Chambers Journal.
The Freucn SDx Sv-tac,


Among the many families which rose into
notice under the empire Of the first Napoleon,
few held amore distinguished position in the
Partisan society of the day than 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, men of letters,
alike crowded to her saloons. The Baron
M 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 gener.
ally sought, even by the highest circles, in
which, though but little was known of his
family or connections, he had found means to
obtain an excellent footing.
One evening, in the winter Of 1905, bril-
liant party was assembled in the gay saloons
of the Countess B., when gentleman,
well known to all, arrived in breathless haste,
and apparently much excited. He made his
way as quickly as possible to the countess
and all crowded round to hear what great
piece of intelligence he had to communicate,
"We are all, think said he, "well nc
quainted with Baron M, who is SO con-
slant visitor here. l regret to say that l
have just learned IN the most positive man
ner, that he is undoubtedly spy he has, in
fact, been seen to enter and to leave the cabi-
net of Monsieur Fouche.'
The assembled guests were thunderstruck
at this unexpected announcement, each one
endeayoring to reeollect what indiscreet ex-
preston might have passed his lips in the
presence of the treacherous baron; and all,
naturally enough, feeling extremely uneasy at
the possibility of being called upon to answer
for some long.torgotten words, spoken, as
they thought in the security of private soci-
ETY.. The hostess, of course, was most indig-
toft l,ai LoI
her, and could hardly believe in the truth of
the accusion.
However, something must be done; the
baron was momentarily expected; and unless
he were able to clear himself from this serious
ilnputation, he must be at once expelled from
the society. After some discussion, therefore,
it was decided that, upon the arrival Of Baron
M, the countess should request few
minutes private conversation with him that
she should lake him into another room, and,
having told him Of what he was accused,
should ask if he had any explanation to Of
fer, as otherwise she should be obliged to sig
Nifty 10 him, that he must discontinue his VS.
its. e
In the midst Of the inyeotves which were
poured forth OH the head Ct the unfortunate
baron, that worthy made his appearance. In
mediately all was silent; and though he adj
yanced 10 greet his friends with his customary
and easy assurance 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 saluta-
ton.
Not being, however, very easily abashed,
Baron M-proceeded, as usual, to make his
bow to the hostess, who at once, as had been
agreed, said to him, ''Ionsieur lie Baron, may
request the favor of few. words with you
in private"
"Certainly, Madame, replied the Baron, Of
fering his arm, which she declined to take,
and forthwith led the-way to an ante cham
Der.
The countess feeling naturally very nervous
at the part she had to perform, at length said
with some hesitation: al know not whether
you are aware, Monsieur lie Baron, of the Sc
rious accusation which hangs over you; and
which, unless you can remove or exI lain sat
isfaetorily, must forever close my doors against
you" The baron was all attention, as the
countess continued: 81 have been informed,
upon what appears to be undoubted author
ity, that you are in the pay of Monsieur Fouche
that you are, in short, spy
"Oh," replied-the baron, "is that all will
not attempt to deny it, nothing can be more
true l an a spy
L"And how exclaimed the lady, "have
you dared to insult me and my guests, by pre-
summing to present yourself, night after night,
at my house, i'll such an unworthy manner y
81 repeat said the baron with all possible
GOODNESS, "thst l am in they pay of Fouche;
that am spy and in this capacity, upon
some subjects, am tolerably well informed,
of which, Madame Ia Countesse, 1 will give
you proof On the last payday, at Mons
Ter Pouches you received your pay, for the
information you had brought him, immediate
ly after had received mine'
6 What?' cried the countess +" dare you
insinuate anything so infamous will have
you turned out Of the house Instantly"
" Softly, madam" answered the Baron -
that am a spy 1 have not attempted to de-
ny that you are likewise a spy, have long
known, and can readily prove. We are in
the same boat-we sink or swim together; if
you proceed to denounce me, shall also de-
nounce you, and there is an end to both Of
us. II you uphold me, 1 will uphold you,
and we shall go on as before"
WE'LL" said the lady, considerably en-
barrassed at finding that her secret was
known, " what is to be dones am IN amost
difficult position
/" Not at all, madame, replied the Baron.
:" will tell you what to do; take my arm,
and we will return together to the drawing
room; where you will announce that nv ex-
plantation has been satisfactory"
The Countess, seeing there was nothing else
to be done, determined to make the best of it,
and as she advanced into the room, said, with
one OF her sweetest smiles" am delighted
to tell you that Monsieur lie Baron has been
able to give me an explanation, which, though
cannot divulge it, isin all respects perfectly
satisfactory to me, and. therefore, am sure,
it will be so to YOU
The guests were at once relieved from a
weight of anxiety, the EVENING" passed off with
the utmost hilarity, and the Baron regained
the good opinions he had lost. 1t was not
until long afterwards that the real facts of
this singular history became known.