The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1867-03-14

were inexhaustible themes for admira'
ton to Morellet.
Such in society was the man who had
contributed so much to the elevation Of
his country to free and Independent
state, and whom mankind has to thank
for one Of the most important discove-
ries of his time.
One morning contrary to his usual
custom, Franklin left his apartment at
very early hour, and summoned the
young man who oficiated as valet and
general servant, by his usual appellative
OF "Dick Dick | am going to Auteuil,
get thee ready to come with me-"
Dick a born American, had served
with some distinction in the War of In
dependence under Washington. On
the reduction of the army, he lett his
immediate service about the person of
that General to take service with Ben
jamin Franklin, to whom he became
greatly attached Richard, or Dick, as
he was familiarity called by Franklin,
was no servant of the common order.
Trusty, and devoted from impulse and
from principle, he was as good chris
tian from faith as he was American by
birth and feeling. He accompanied his
master everywhere, and when not max.
ing the necessary preparations for Frank
Inns Philosophical experiments, or en-
gagged in other immediate duties, he
was diligent reader of his Bible. Like
most young men of genial tone Of
feeling, when conscious of the genuine
rectitude of their principles, he was
somewhat of an enthusiastic, and never
more so than when the opportunity pre-
scented itself to speak Of the land Of his
birth, or when the merits of his master,
were the subject Of disc ourse.
Iu his spare moments he was fond of
enliChtening the minds of the other SER
wants on the effect Of electricity, or of
explaining to the simple peasants of
Auteuil the great advantages of the
lightning conductor, invented by his
master, Benjamin Franklin.
No sooner was Richard called, than
he made his appearance, and almost In
less time than it took his master to COM
municate his intention, the gold'headed
cane, hat and gloves of the philosopher
were handed to him, and without further
delay, master and man were upon their
way to Auteuil.
Under the already growing rays of
mid June morning sun, that had begun
somewhat to embrown the meadows, and
lit up copse, cornfeld and vineyard with
dazzling food of summer light, the
travellers found the heat even at that
hour oppressive, and quitting the high
road the paved chduSSec of which re-
hectcd oppressiyely both the light and
heat, pursued their way by side paths
now become familiar to them, where
they were screened, and frequent and
agreeable intervals by the friendly shade
of trees. The philosopher walking SLOW
) ly in front, evinced by nothing in his
manner how much he was in reality
concerned to reach the end of his jour
ney with more expedition, while his SER
want behind could scarcely suppress a
feeling of impatience at the slowness
OF his masters pace.
} Franklin found Madame Helvetius in
, her sale de reception, which looked out
r upon the beautiful garden Of her house,
from which close, and Up to the very
sill of the window, near which she had
, been seated, the. thick foliage of lime
t tree spread its cool and refreshing ver-
t duro,
. $50 early a visitor, my worthy DR.,
, Franklin !" said the charming hostess,
. as she lose to receive him. 81 hope it
4 may be no unpleasant Intelligence that
{ you have to impart to me, and which
/ has set you astir at so unusual an hour p
"Not in the least, Madame Helveti-
, u.s." replied Franklin. "l am come
E thus early to relate to you a circumstance
j that occurred to me last night"
D "Ah! then, my dear friend, how
charming it is of you. You are come
to relate to me some pleasant little sto-
= ry"
t Well, you shall judge for yourself
5 dear Madame. You will perhaps recol
lect our conversation Of last evening
and how l endeavored by the most co,
f gent arguments to make you sensible
/ that you ought no longer to lead thus q
0 single life, but should marry again Z"
e 20 heavens my dear friend, why re-
e vert to such a subject! Let us rather
i speak on some other"
" Is it then possible, Madame Helve
: thus, that you have not perceived the re-
e greet feel in regard to the strange per-
y sistence with which you still persevere
!. in your truth towards your deceased hus
y band, which is not only without any rea
o sonable ground of excuse, but perfectly
!, futile 2"
: "AU another time we will talk of thai
+ at another time, dear friend !" inter,
It posed Madame Helvetius, with stimuli
e taneous motion of her hand toward,
It Franklin's white head, as though She
t. would have smoothed down his grey