Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1871-09-08


pocket-book and replaced the paper.
Next came a 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, a mother, said to her husband:
Let us 90, my dear what we can
offer is little, to be sue; but in many
cases a little may save the unfortunate
from despair. Come, let us gor'
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 understand
ing and talents. They assembled a
handsome staircase and were ushered
into an apartment on the first floor,
which was furnished not magnifcently,
but with great taste. They inquired for
Eugene de Mirande, and a lady, young,
elegant and accomplished, made her
appearance. She requested her visitors
to step into a saloon that seemed to be
the haunt of the MUSES.. Books, draw
ings and musical instruments were in
termingled, and formed by no means
an unpleasant contrast with the neat
ness and order which everywhere else
prevailed. The young couple could not
conceive where persons in need of as.
sistance were to be sought in such
habitation.
III fear, madam" said Julia, "that
we are wrong. We found billet with
your direction in the Tuileries, and ex-
pected to meet distressed person to
whom we might have afforded some re-
lief; but all we see here seems rather to
indicate opulence."
rassment, that she was merely the inter
pretor of very unfortunate female,
who, from relic of pride, wished to
remain unknown, but was certainly de-
serving of compassion. Julia expressed
a wished to become acquainted with
this lady.
II am no stranger to Distress" said
she; "before me she would have no oc-
casion to blush"
Eugenie declined to crafty her in
this particular, observing that misfor
tune had made her protege so shy and
mistrusted that it was extremely diff
cult to gain her confidence.
"Has she any children p asked Julia.
"Three; and her husband, whose la
Dor produced a scanty substance for his
family, is just dead, after long and ex-
pensive illness"
"Good God what melancholy stu
alton! And how old are her children?"
"They are all very young. The old
est is girl of five years"
II shall myself soon be a mother"
said Julia, 'and the fate of the little I'M
fortunates affects me the more deeply.
| would gladly take e~-of them, but
my own infant will demand all my care.
However, permit me to send you a
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, promised to
take care of her presents, and noted
down Julia's name and address.
No sooner had Julia and her husband
retired than the same object brought a
young man to the house.
II beg pardon, madam" said he to
Eugene, cit is not you that want, but
Eugene de Mirande."
81 am the person"
The young man was not less stag
gered than Julia had been, and received
the same explanation. Affected by the
story he offered her assistance.
''I am not rich," said he, "but a bach
elor may with little frugality always
put by little for the relief Of the dis
tressed."
"Sir," replied Eugene, "there are
cases in which money can not afford re-
lief. There are other way in which
the interference of the benevolent may
prove infinitely more serviceable to the
"Of what nature is the interference
that your friend stands in need Of?
Speak out. On your recommendations,
| will cheerfully undertake what lies in
my power"
count of the motive which prompts it.
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 dou-
bled by his industry but he never ap-
peared in the ante-chamber of the great,
and, God be thanked, he has no occa-
sion for them. Easily satisfied, [ shall
once share, with five beloved brothers
and sisters, the patrimony left by my
father, and hope that the minister may
never hear my name, unless, indeed,
your friend stands in need of an advo-
cate to plead her cause. In this case
am ready; only let me know in what
way [ can serve her."
at was found necessary" replied Eu
genie, "to destroy some grounds which
my friends husband had planted and
laid out at great expense. 1t is an in
demnity for the loss she solicits.'
"And is my patronage required for
this p
"Not exactly, for the claim is just.
But you know how often such matters
are protracted in the public offices, and
even wholly forgotten. ltwould, there
fore, be an essential point to accelerate
the affair.""
''The best way would be to address a
short, but strong memorial to the min
lster."
"True; but how to draw it up-there
lies the difficulty"
Here a. pause succeeded.
"Might l request that favor of you"
Eugene, with look of mod
est entreaty.
81 will do it with pleasure, and should
have offered at first, had been aware
of the circumstances"
"I don't doubt it," said Eugene.
But | am not yet sufficiently ac
quainted with the matter"