New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-01-05

one OF noe mere
"What is her character p
She is weak, foolish woman, young
enough to he her husbands daughter. She
doesn't care for him at all, and married him
for his money"
DO you think her capable Of conspiring
against the government"
The chief burst into laugh.
Nonsense. LarOmie She has too tender
feeling for certain member of the gov
eminent to seek 10 do it any harm. No,
my friend, the only intrigues she cares to
engage in threaten more harm to her nus
bands peace of mind than to the emperor.
That evening Laromie posted himself at the
entrance of the grand opera, having learned
from MadameD' Encourt's coachman that she
would be there. At last the lady arrived
Suffering her to pass into the box he waited
patiently until the close of the performance
and then placing himselfimmediately behind
her, followed her toward her carriage. JUS
before he reached the street entrance, he
took advantage of the crowd around them
and leaning toward her said in low, dis
tinct tone:
Riuoli: foty-etght, ten; ST.; tJtythree."
She uttered slight scream, and turned
sharply around but the detective mad
drawn back among the crowd. There was
an anxious look ON her face as she turned
around. LarOmie felt convinced that he
had found the writer of the mysterious note
The next day Madame D'Encourt was in
formed that man desired to speak with
| her. She babe the domestic to show him
into the room where she was seated. His
beard was worn much heavier than was the
custom In France, and his hair was long
and inclined to curl. His forehead was
traversed by deep scar, which terminated
in the corner of his left eye. giving him a
singular and not very attractive appear
ance
You wish to see me, l believe" said
the lady as he entered.
Madame is right. have heard that she
wishes to employ confidential servant
one upon whose discretion she can always
rely" said the man calmly.
" Well?"
Il have come to solicit the place, feeling
sure that can give entire satisfaction"
you? Why, you look like brigand,"
said the lady, laughing l should never
sleep in peace with you in the house."
Nevertheless" replied the man calmly,
g." do not think madame can do better"
"What are you good for? What can you
do?"
Il can keep secret, madame. can see
that lady does not suffer too much from
suspicion on the part Of her husband, p was
the significant reply.
Madame D'Enceurt's color heightened;
she looked al the man searchingly, but he
met her gaze calmly, aud without embar-
rassment.
"What is your Names she asked alb
rupdy.
e Eustache Peloubert."
Why do you wish to enter my service?'
Why does the bright flame draw the
poor moth to it, madameH' was the cecil re-
ply.
laughing THAT shows you have tact.
But mark me-" she said sharply, don't
venture too near the fame. You may meet
with the moths fate.
The nan bowed low, with a singular
smile.
"Does madame accept me?' he asked.
Whet wages do you expect?n
II leave that to the bounty of madame'
"Then listen to me-" said the lady. Il
will take you into my service, for l think
you will suit me. l will offer you no wages;
if you please me you shall be amply re-
warded. If / don't like you will give
you nothing, and also discharge you. Does
the arrangement suit your"
Perfectly, madame. When shall COM
mence ~
To-day. You will always be in the
neighborhood of this room, unless l give
other orders, Sc that you may be within the
sound of my bell"
Madame shall be obeyed," was the re-
ply. And with a low bow the new do,
nestle passed into an adjoining room,
leaving Madame D'Encourt to ponder over
the strange scene.
As the time wore on she liked her new
servant better, and at the close of a week
came to the conclusion that she had been
very fortunate in securing him.
A few hours after forming this conclu-
sion she summoned him to her presence,
and handing him letter, said:
"Take this to its address and wait for an
answer
Eustache took the letter and left the
room. As he entered the street he glanced
at the address, and an exclamation Of sur
prise escaped his lips. He hastily sought
the nearest cafe, and calling for some boil
ing water held the letter over it until the
gum by which the envelope was fastened
was softened. Then opening it, he took
out the Enclosure and read it. A strange
smile overspread his features, and, after a
moments hesitation, he copied the letter in
small notebook which he took from his
pocket. Then placing the letter back in
tie envelope he resealed it, and in an
other hour placed it in the hands Of the
party for whom it was intended, and had
received instructions to say to his mistress
that the matter should be attended TO. He
delivered the message promptly.
Monsieur D'Encourt had been called
away to Tendon on important business,
and would be gone several days, madame
said to him when he had delivered the mes
sage.
"Eustache,n she added, "the gentleman
to whom you gave the letter may call this
evening on business Of importance. You
will see that we are not interrupted
Should there be danger of such an occur.
renee you will be careful to warn me
promptly by three taps on the door of my
boudoir."
Eustache bowed.
Madam's will is my law" he SAID
quietly.
1ate that evening ue aumlLleu 10 tht
presence Of his mistress the gentleman ht
had seen that morning.
You will remember my instructions
Eustache,V she said, as he passed cut Of thl
room.
Some hours later he was summoned Il
see that the way was clear for the Visito
to depart unohserved. His report was ia
vorable and he accompanied the gentlemal
10 the door.
Madame has Engaged you as her con