Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-02-15
The Baron's Coffin,
BY ADA BUISSON.
CHAPTER 1.-THE DISCOVERY.

speak more exactly, about the middle
Of line drawn directly from that
town to Aire-stands a curious old
chateau.
You might pass within a stones
throw of it and not be aware of its ex-
istence, so closely is it shrouded by
the thick forest of pines for which that
part Of the country is famed.
Its position is very solitary, far re-
moved from even village, and the
little rutty road leading to it is but
cross and unfrequented cut from one
highway to another. Still, there it
stands under the blue skies Of Gasco-
ny, surrounded by its dark woods; an
cnviable possession, in spite of its
loneliness and queer architecture.
And dark deeds were done there in
times and by men not very long pass
ed away.
| made my acquaintance with the
place, under a professional introduct-
ion, in this wise: | was an architect,
young, struggling; with, l thought,
great deal of talent, which society ne
elected to its own injury and mine.
| had no work, and l had no means;
moreover, was in feeble health. One
day my old master, who had always
had a kindness for me, said, "Owen,
my boy, I've got job for you to do,
if you are not too much engaged
the dear old fellow spoke quite grave
ly, though he knew as well as | did
that my only engagements were din
ners and suppers with my fellow
idlers-"to 90 abroad"
Il daresay | could manage it, l
replied quickly.
its to go and examine an old cha
teau in the South of France-a tumble
down old place I'm told, but which
the family pride of its possessor won't
allow to 90 to utter ruin. You've
heard NE speak of old Baron de Gaule.
Well, it's one of his places; the one,
| believe, from which his family derive
their title; and though hates his ma
tive country like the devil, he wants
to take care of the old chateau. The
job won't take you very long; but
after you've made your report, he
wants the place thoroughly repaired,
or rather, restored You can pass
your summer weeks very pleasant by
taking up your lodging there while d.
recting the work. You are to have En-
glish workmen sent you. The old
Baron would use English mortar, |
believe, if he could. You speak
French, | think 2
Almost as well as English l re-
piled thankfully.
Then the business is settled. |
will give you the address of NJ. de
Gaule, and you can take his directions
from himself
The Baron's directions were not
much longer than my masters.
Only restore the place; add no
thing, take away nothing, my good
sir, and spare no expense.
In twenty-four hours after hearing
those words l was on my way; in
forty-eight hours l was standing with
in the pine-wood, looking up at the
crazy curious old chateau, wondering
whether successive generations had
contrived this piece Of agricultural
patchwork, or some clever but mud
died brain.
It's only occupant was tall, mid
dle-aged woman, who to my eyes, un-
accustomed to the dark beauty and
picturesque costume of the southern
women, offered a charming contrast
to our English peasantry. She was
prepared for my coming, and received
me Hospitality not altogether sorry,
| fancied, to have some break in her
monotonous life, and some companion
in her solitude for | found she had
been busily employed for my comfort,
and was most courteous in her end
eavors to smooth the way to CONVEX
sation. Truth to tell, my French was
not quite so perfect as | had first
thought it. However, we soon be-
came excellent friends; and though
my conversation was confined to short
| phrases and pleasant grimaces, soon
learnt 10 understand her perfectly.
1t was rather dull life, when the
noveltT of the place and climate had
worn off. My surveying, of course,
occupied most Of my mornings; but |
had no intention of overworking my
self, and it was difficult to find amuse-
ment for the leisure hours. | couldn't
always be walking about the country
being companionless, it was slow
work neither could | be content to
spend the long evening smoking under
the pines. Again, even Josette's con,
versation was apt to grow tiresome
and | had no books beyond those my
profession required. | began to un.
derstand the word ennui, and to feel
ungrateful to the old Baron for his
job, and to pine for London smoke
when one morning JOsette, to whom
l had confded my disgust of life, said
in her most maternal tones, "Mons
should instruct his mind. Why does
MT Monsieur read ? Reading is very
amusing
| believe Josette thought she was
introducing me to a new branch o.
education; she spoke the word read
in so solemn voice.
"And where shall | find books ?"
asked impatiently.
Surely monsieur knows; surely
monsieur can get them for himself,
JoSette said nervously.
He certainly could, if he knew
where FROM l answered petishly.
Why, in Monsieur'le Baron'S room
there were books ; numbers !
! in the Baron's room? where
abouts 2
why, under the big bed
And after saying that, Josette pu
the bottle of wine she was bringing
me on the table, and went out of tht
room.
L finished my breakfast, and thel
I I went up slowly to the room called
the Baron's. 1t was in a very out-of
the-way part Of the house low-ceiling
ed, octagonshaped, and furnished
: with numbering old furniture, afte
4 the bare fashion OF old French cha
teaus. | had visited it but once O