Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1871-10-13
3fliscellamu.
The Folks at Home.
STORY OF a FRENCH SERVANT.

/ ''N " S"fP'J hNt piaSSs iiS pi'posSu
to me servant who had become free by
the death of Count Farel. The Count
was philosopher of the Rousseau school
little eccentric, but given to the prac-
tice of all great virtues. Those who
laughed at his ideas never met him with
out raising their hats to him. His valet
had been formed by him, and was also,
it was said, philosopher, great reader
in his leisure moments, and able to talk
like lawyer.
Roger, who knew him, proposed to
send him to me- and at the appointed
hour, he arrived. He was small man,
neat and formal. He wiped his feet
three times before he crossed the thresh-
hold of my study, bowed, and announc-
ed himself as Mr.. Baptist.
looked at him with some hesitation,
and inquired, Areyou the person whom
my friend Roger has sent"
The same, sir"
You have served Count Farel?'
During sixteen years"
"1ou are in search of placer
And l have heard that you have
one, sir"
Let us talk together Mr.. Baptist"
| came for that purpose, sir"
And as he perceived that | forgot TO
offer him seat, he took one of the most
modest, and waited for me 50 question
him.
| asked him concerning what he knew
how to do, and he answered concisely,
without any boasting, in manner that
convinced me he would be satisfactory
in all respects. The plain arrangements
of my household did not repel him, and
be agreed to moderate wages. thought
there was no need of further investiga-
ton, and l said, :" 1t is all settled. l will
engage you, Baptist ?
Mr.. Baptist, if you please, sir" he
replied gravely.
| looked at him, and said, You sup,
pose, then, | did not omit that word from
forgetfulness p
L presume it was not from forge;ful-
ness because shall never forget to use
it when speaking to you, sir
l could not help smiling.
"That appears singular to you, sir"
he said, quietly; but l have my rea-
sons"
"And may l, without offence, inquire
what they are, Mr.. Baptist ?"
Certainly, if ou are interested to
know them, sir
:" / am much interested"
Very well, sir. My reason is that /
believe that language has great infu-
ence on our habits and that too great
familiarity in the manner of speaking
leads to want of proper respect"
" Is that your own idea, Mr. Baptist?"
No, sir. l learned it from Count
Farel. He was, as perhaps you know,
sir, true philosopher. But my own
small experience has confirmed the JUS
tice of his remark
81 agree with you in this opinion, Mr..
Baptist"
That is an honor to me, sir, and a
pleasure"
II see that you have principles"
"That is to say sir, the Count led me
to reflect upon the relative position of
masters and domestics.
"And what is your conclusion about
it ?"
" That degrading one class corrupts the
other
"Those are big words, Mr.. Baptist"
mot bigger than the things, sir. In
domestic servitude generally, it appears
as if the master only had rights, and the
result is tendency to abuse of power on
one side, and to revolt ON the other"
"And what remedy do you see for that
Mr. Baptist?' p
"The Count made me comprehend
that there is but one remedy, SIR and
that is mutual respect. When orders
are given with politeness, there is moth
ing dstasteful in obedience | had not
upon this before had merely
found it hard to submit. To an old man
like me, servitude seems humiliating =
but the Count has taught me method
to dignity it" /
And how is that p
"To be more requiring of respect than
Of wages, sir; and to render my servi-
ces so useful, that there will be unwill-
ngness to part with them. To a man
whose hair is growing white, it is not sat
sfactory TO be merely servant it is
necessary for him to defend his dignity"
"You are right" exclaimed. "Par-
don me for having laughed just now
have made me see, for the first time
Did age noble in a livery. l am only
afraid that you will not find many mas
,ars lba tho Count -