The Nevada Democrat. [volume] (Nevada, Calif.) 1854-1863, 1857-02-04
A millionaire Reggnr.

The Paris correspondent Of the Express (Jac-
ques Bonhomme,) is responsible for the follow
ing story
1t is not long since related to you a rather
curious story of O young female rag-picker, who
turned out to be the daughter of a wealthy mer-
chant Here is the fellow to that annecdote,
and it is still marvellous, but not less true. Up
on one Of the most frequented bridges of Paris,
was every day to be seen man of sixty years
of age, clothed in rags, but in seeming good
health. This old man asked the charity of
passers-by in plaintive voice. and Us he APP
peared worthy, many o sou was thrown into his
cup. One evening lady passed near him. and
taking piece of money from her purse, put it
in the old mans hand and walked on, conscious
Of having done q kind act. Upon returning to
her own house, she discovered that instead of u
penny she had, through mistake, given the old
beggar twenty frank piece. She Immediately
returned to the bridge, but the medicant was
gone. Turning to woman, also beggar up
on the bridge, she inquired the old mans adj
dress, and learned that he lived in the Rue de
Lille The next morning she went to the house
indicated, and found 1t to be an elegant hotel.
mo doubt he lives in one of the garrets,
where he is permitted to lodge rent free. I'll
ask. Old Marcel ~ she demanded of the por-
ter.
"First story, in front, madameT'
Arrived at the rooms alluded to- the lady
felt certain there must be some mistake She
did not like to trouble the servants of prince
to ask after beggar, but finally suppressng
her emotion, and, determined to see the end of
the adventure, she rung the bell A man in
livery presented himself
"Could you show me the room of old Father
Marcel ~ asked the lady.
at is here,o answered the servant; "please
sit down and will go and call Monsieur
"There is certainly blunder somewhere"
the lady thought "but as the same names are
frequently borne by rich aud poor alike, shall
only neeu to beg pardon"
Scarcely had she seated herself upon sofa
when second domestic opened the door of a
handsome saloon, and tall, old man. wrapped
in rich morning gown, advanced and said
"Ofwhat service can be to you madameY"
''Why, sir" stammered the lady, ~ trust you
will excuse the apparent impertinence, but the
name-the address-even o striking resem-
blance-may plead for the error have made.
These are the circumstances: yesterday, In pass
ing over Point Royal, | hastily gave q Napoleon
instead of copper to a poor man, who-but
these details are useless permit me to retire"
''Remain, madame, if you please" he answer
cd, smiling; "you are not mistaken. You are
speaking to old Marcel and | recognize you as
the lady who has frequently bestowed aims up
on me. II by error you gave me twenty franc
piece, we will try to recover the coin. Pierre,
bring me yesterday receipts ?"
The hickey disappeared, and the lady was
more astonished than ever In moment Pierre
returned bearing large plate, upon which was
q pile Of small money, which the old man or
dered him to empty upon the table. Marcel
then turned over the coppers, and presently
found the gold piece.
"You are right madam" said he courteous
ly handing II to her. Here is the coin"
The lady could scarcely believe her eyes,
She received her money with blush, and bow
ed to Marcel who respectfully conducted her to
the door. She has now learned to bestow her
charitable gifts with more circumspection, and
scarcely expects repetition of her extraordin-
airy adventure. Such an occurrence, in any
other part of the world, would certainly seem
Incredible but in a wonderful city like Paris, it
is only common affair.