The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1869-10-16
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TIE WAY TO GET MARRIED.

One fine morning in autumn, Linval was TAX
ing q walk in the Toilteries at Paris, aud found
an open billet containing the following lines:
eff the person who finds this paper is disposed
to do benevolent action he is requested TO in
quire at No. $40, Rue Santiago, for Eugene de
Miranda. Such as may not be inclined TO assist
an unfortunate mother, are entreated to at Ieast
not hinder others. and to throw the billet again
where they found it,"
Linva, the best dancer in Paris, was just
humming new tune; he picked up the paper,
and, after reading 1t, whisked it up into the
air with his cane and pursued his walk The
next person who noticed it was an elderly man,
simply dressed, who was hurrying to public
office in which he had place, because he was
already late He contrived, nevertheless, to
spare so much time was necessary read the
billet; which, however, Struggling up his should
ers and raising his eyes to heaven, AZ much
to say THAT is no concern of mine, he carefully
replaced il in its former situation. He was fol.
lowed by farmer general, one Of those moderate
people who satisfied If they can clear 5000
livres day who, elated by their wealth, give
themselves airs of much consequence, and Of
whom La Bruvere says, "they hem loud and spit
far" At first he kicked the billet along with
his foot, but his curiosity being excited he took
it mp, threw his eyes over it with scornful
smile, and amused himself in tearing it in pieces,
at the same time muttering, "An impudent i'm
posture"
The next morning similar billet lay on the
same spot. The first person who read it took
down the address in his pocket-book and re-
placed the paper Next came young couple
who had not long been married, and picked up
the billet. Julia, who expected in about three
months to become, for the first time, mother,
said to her husband :" Let us CO. my dear what
we offer Is hut little, to be sure, but in many
cases a little may save the unfortunate from de-
l..
After they had found the specified number at
the Rue Santiago, they learned that the house
was inhabited by an old physician, who had re-
tired from practice and was thought to be rich,
and had one daughter, distinguished for under
standing and talents. They assembled hand
some staircase and were ushered into an apart
ment on the first floor which was furnished, not
msgnifcently, but with great taste. They in
quired for Eugene de Mirande, and lady,
young elegant and accomplished made her APP
pearance. She requested her visitors to step
into saloon that seemed to be the haunt of the
Muses.. Books, drawings, and musical instru-
ments were intermipgled, and formed by NO
means an unpeasing contrast with the neatLess.
The young couple could not conceive where per-
sons in need of assistance were to be sought for
in such habtation.
Al fear. madam" said Julia, "That We are
wrong We found billet with your direction
tressed person whom we might have afforded
some relief; but all that we see here seems
rather to indicate opulence than to call for the
exercise of benevolence."
Eugene replies. with some embarrassment,
that she was merely the interpreter of very
unfortunate female, who, from relic of pride,
wished to remain unknown, but deserving
of compassion. Julia expressed wish to be-
come acquainted with this lady. II am no
afr,n,yer IA distracs - said cho 81 hefora M eho
would have no occasion t, blush" Eugene, to
crafty her in this particular observed that mis-
fortune had made her protege so shy and mis-
trustful that it was extremely difficult to gain
her confidence.
"Has she any children 2" asked Julia
Three; and her husband whose labors pro-
cured scanty subsistence for his family, is Just
dead, after long and painful illness" @
"Good God what melancholy situation
And how old are her children 2"
'They were all very young The eldest is
girl of five years
II shall myself soon be a mother" said Julia,
"and the fate of the little unfortunates affects
me the more deeply. l would gladly take one
of them, but my own infant will demand all my
care. However, permit rue to send you packet
of little articles for the children, for cannot
suppose that the family, protected as it is by
you, can be in want of the actual necessaries of
life"
Eugene cordially thanked her in the name of
the unknown lady, promised to take care of her
presents, and noted down Julia's name and ad.
dress. E-lH
No sooner had Julia and her young husband
retired than the same object brought young
man to the house.
81 beg your pardon, madam" said he to Eu.
genie; lit Is not you that want, but Eugene
de Miranda" l.ra ...J f0e -taU.'I
II Am that person." tea.ss
The young man was no less staggered than
Julia had been, and received the explanation.
Affected by the story, he offered his assistance.
II am not rich" said he, 'but bachelor may,
with little fruEality, always put by little for
the relief of the distressed"
"Sir,' replied Eugene, "there are cases in
which money cannot afford relief. There are
other ways in which the interference of the be.
nevolent may prove Infinitely more serviceable
to the unfortunate"
"Of what nature ia the interference, that YOUR
friend stands in oil Speak out. On your recon.
mendation will cheerfully undertake whstev.
or lies in my power"
Then excuse rude question, ON account of
the motive that prompts it. Are your connec.
lions such that you can obtain access to the min.
lister
mo madam My father possesses sm all ca.
tate In the neighborhood OF Paris, the value Of
which has been doubled by his Industry but he
never appeared in the ante-chamber of the great.
and God be thanked! l shall share with Ave
beloved brothers and sisters the patrimony left
BY my father, and hope that the miuinstcr will
never hear my name unless, indeed, your friend
stands in need of All advocate to plead her u.u,e
In that case L am ready; only let me know in
what way can serve her.
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