The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1871-10-06
THE WAY TO GET MARRIED.


One fine morning in autumn Lin
6 val was taking walk in the Tuileriei
: at Paris, and found an open billet con
tanning the following lines:
If the person who finds this papel
Is disposed to perform benevolen
/, action, he Is requested to inquire a
No. $40 Rue Saintonge, foi Eugene
de Mirande. Such as may not be in
, clined to assist an unfortunate mother
are requested at least not to hinder
fothers, and to throw this billet agaiI
where they find it,
Linval, the best dancer in Paris
was just hummiDg . new tune; ht
picked up the paper and, after reading
| it, whisked 1t up in the air with his
cane and pursued his walk. The mex
person who noticed it was an elderly
man, simply dressed, who was hurry.
ing to the public Office in which be
had q place, because he was already
late. He contrived nevertheless, tC
snare so much time as was necessary
to read the billet. However, shrug-
ging up his shoulders and raising his
ewes to heaven, as much as to say,
"That is no concern of mine" be
. carefully replaced it in its former situ-
alton. He was followed by farmer
general, one Of the moderate people
who are satisfied if they can clear
three thousand Ivres o day; who,
elated by their wealth, give them
selves airs of such consequence and Of
whom La Bruyeresays that they hem
loud and spit far
| AT first he kicked the billet along
with his foot, but, his curiosity being
excited, he took it up, threw his eye
over it with scournful smile, amused
himself in tearing it in pieces, at the
same time muttering, 'an impudent
imposture.'
! The next morning a similar billet
lay on the same spot. The first per-
son who read it took down the address
in his pocket-bcok and replaced the
paper. Nextcame q young couple, who
had not long been married, and pick
ed up the billet. Julia, who expected
in about three months to become, for
the FIRST time, mother, said to her
husband.
Let US 60, my dear; what we can
offer is little, to be sure; but in many
cases a little may save the unfOrtun-
l
They accordingly went. After they
had found the special number in the
Rue SaintOnge they learned that the
house was inhabited by an old physi-
clan, who had retired from practice
and was thought to be rich, and had
an only daughter, distinguished for
understanding and talents. They as
cended a handsome staircase and
were ushed into an apartment on the
first floor, which was furnished not
magnific entity, but with great taste.
| They inquired for Eugene de Mirande,
and q lady, young elegant and accom-
plished, made her appearance. She
requested her visitors to step into
saloon that seemed to be the haunt
of the Muses.. Books, drawings and
musical instruments were intermin-
gled, and formed by no means an un-
pleasant contrast with the neatness
and order which everywhere else pre-
vailed. The young couple could not
conceive where persons in need of as
sistance were to be sought in such
habitation.
Il fear, madam, said Julia, that we
are wrong. We found billet with
your direction in the Tuilieries, and
expected to meet distressed person
to whom we might have offered some
relief; but all g see here seems rather
to indicate opulence.'
Eugene replied, with some en-
barrassment, that she was merely the
interpreter of q very unfortunate fe-
male, who, from q relic ofpride, wish
ed to remain unknown, but was GER
tainly deserving Of compassion. Julia
expressed wish to become acquaint-
ed with this lady.
Il am no stranger to Distress said
she; before me she would have no 0c-
casjon to blush.' ..,
Eugene declined to crafty her in
this particular, observing that mis- I
fortune had made her protege so shy
and mistrusted that it was extremely |
difficult to gain her confidence.
Has she any children?' asked Julia. |
Three; aud her husband, whose la-
Dor produced scanty substance for
his family, is just dead, after a long
and expensive illness.'
"GoOd God; what a melancholy |
situation! And how old are her
children%'
They are all very young. The old
est is girl of five years. .-.-.
Il shall myself soon be a mother
said Julia, 'and the fate of the little
unfOrtunates affects me the more
deeply. would gladly take one of
them, but my own infant will demand
all my care. However, permit me to
send you packet of little articles for
the children, for / cannot suppose
that this family, protected as it Is by
you, can be in want of the absolute |
necessaries of life.'
Eugene cordially thanked her in
the name of the unknown lady prom
ised to take care of her presents, and
noted down Julia's name and adj
dress.
No sooner had Julia and her bus.
band retired than the same object
brought q youlg man to the house.
Il beg pardon, madam said he to
Eugene, 1T is not you that 1 want,
but Eugene de Mirande.'
am the person.
The young man was not less stag
gered than Julia had been, and re-
ceived the same explanation. Affect
ed by the story he offered her assis-
tance.
Il am not rich,' said he, but bach
elor may with q little frugelity always
put by little for the relief Of the dis
tressed.' s.vz
Sir replied Eugene. there are
cases In which money can not afford
relief. There are other ways in which
the interference of the benevolent may
prove infinitely more serviceable to
the unfortunate I'D.
OF what nature is the interference
that your friend stands in need off,
Speak out. On your recommenda-
tons, I will cheerfully undertake what
lies in my power -,
Then excuse rude question on ac-
count Of the motive which prompts 1t.
Are your connections such that you
can obtain access to the minister?'
NO, madame. My father possesses
q small estate 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, he has
no occasion for them. Easily satisfied,
1 shall once share, with five beloved
brothers and sisters, the patrinlony
left by my father, and hope that the
minister may never hear my name,
unless, indeed, your friend stands in
need of an advocate to plead her
cause. In this case I am ready; only
let me know in what way l can serve
her.
1T was found necessary replied
Eugene, ito destroy some grounds
which my friends husband had plau.-
IL 1