The Van Buren press., 1866-08-11
MISCELLANY.
The Extra Ticket.

w nen Jnc opera Oh the " TTOpHeJ
was first brought out in Paris, so great
was the demand for seats that tickets were
sold at most cxtravagant premium.
One night a military officer, who had just
made an unsuccessful application for a
ticket at the box-office, and was about to
fall back in despair, was dextrously light
ed OF his watch by apickpocket Detec-
ting the thief before he had time to es-
cape, he recovered the stolen time-piece
without the interposition OLA policeman.
Then taking the culprit aside, he entered
into conversation with him.
"You are an expert in your profess
ion,' said he, land ! desire now to avail
myself of your skill"
Monsieur lie Captaine may command
me to the utmost Of my Abilities" said
the sharper.
"Then 60 Immediately and relieve some
gentleman of his opera ticket, and l will
pay you one hundred francs for it. No
hesitation; be quick; the money is
ready"
1t shall be done, was the sharper's
business like answer.
In three minutes the adroit rascal re-
turned with an elegant card-case, con-
tanning four opera tickets, together with
a number of cards having the name OF
Mademoiselle Solangc Dudcvant engrav-
cd upon them.
Wretch' exclaimed the Captain
"you have been robbing a lady,"
"NO, indeed, SIR replied the thief
a." there is my unfortunate victim"
AS the sharper made this nonchalant
reply, he pointed to a young, rosy check
ed gentleman in black dress coat, black
tights, white vest with plain, fiat, gilt
buttons and white kid gloves, who was
engaged in animated conversation with a
couple Of young ladies just within the
vcstibule.
"Doltw exclaimed the Captain, " that
is lady dressed en- copalier, it is Made
moisclle Dudevant herself Return the
article immediately"
Monsieur is right said the pick
pocket. \ No one but brute would
knowingly rob a lady, especially when the
lady is the daughter of George Sand,
whom we all love so well. Excuse me,
Monsieur; rely upon it, will yet sue
ceed in procuring youa ticket"
In an instant the sharper placed him
self before Mademoiselle Dudevent with
n profound bow.
Begging madmoisellc's PARDON he
said, I" she had the misfortune to drop her
card case.'
"Thank you most kindly" replied
Mademoiselle Dudevant, taking the card
case into her hand. "Allow me to re.
ward you for returning it."
"As to that, Mademoisclle," replied
the sharper, "permit me humbly to sug
gest that you have four tickets for the
grand entertainment in your case, your
party consists of only three persons"
You then would like to have the cx-
ira ticket" asked the lady.
EXACTLY so, Mademosclle," blandly
replied the prince of sharpers.
lyon are perfectly welcome to it" re
turned Mademoiselle Dudcvant.
The sharper took the ticket to thu
young officer, who, having noticed the
manner In which it was obtained, did moi
hesitate to retain II and hand over Tho
one hundred francs.
On taking his seat in the Opera House
the Captain found himself elbow to ell
bow with Mademoiselle Dudevant, with
whom he was well acquainted. lie frank
ly explained to her the equivocal process.
by which he had procured his ticket, ant
the lady laughed at the trick of whicl
she was the unconscious victim.
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