The true northerner., 1873-10-10

Quarrel Wnen ne cHOst, 30 ho ioOhN"
around for victim.
At a table almost in the middle OF "A
garden sat a man about 80 years OF age,
of middle height, and an expression of
countenance which at first struck one as
mild and good -humored. He was en-
gagged reading journal which seemed
to interest him, and eating strawberries,
an occupation which does not call forth
any latent strength of character. Above
all he was profoundly unconscious OF
the presence of Nj. lie Comte de v,
and continued eating his straw berries
and reading his paper as II no wolf were
in that pleasant fold.
As the Count approached this table, it
became sufficiently well known whom
he was about to honor with his inso-
lence and the circle narrowed again to
see the play. 1t was not bad sport with
some of us TO see fellow-creature bait
ed-especially when we were out of dam
ger ourselves.
The strawberry eaters costume was
not such as was ordinarily worn in
France at that time, and he had II curl
GUS hat. which-the weather being
warm-he had placed ON the table by
his side.
"He is a foreigner, whispered some
in the drtss-circle. Perhaps he does
not know Monsieur lie Comte."
Monsieur le Comte seated himself
at the table opposite the unconscious
stranger, sand called loudly" Garcon ~
Garcon, he said, when that func-
tionary appeared, "take me away
that nasty thing - pointing to the hat
aforesaid.
Now the strangers elbow, as he read
his journal, was on the brim Cf the
NASTY thing" which was very good
hat, but OF British form and make. The
garcon was embarrassed.
Do you hear me-" thundered the
Count. Take me that thing away
No one has right to place his hat on
the table.
l beg your pardon" said the straw
berry eater, politely, placing the offend
ing article on his head, and drawing his
chair sittle aside " / will make room
for monsieur"
The garcon was about to retire well
satisfied, when the bully called after
him
Have / not commanded you to take
that thing which annoys me away"
But, Monsieur lie Comte, the gentle.
man has covered himself"
What does that matter to me p
But, Monsieur lie Comte, it is i'm.
possible.
"What is impossible ?"
4" BY no means" observed the stran.
ger, uncovering again ; 90 be so good as
to carry my hat to the lady at the coun-
ter, and ask her, on my behalf, to do me
the favor to accept charge of it for the
present.
You speak French passably well for
a foreigner, said the bully, stretching
his arms over the table and looking his
neighbor full in the face-a litter OF
contempt going around the table.
:" am not a foreigner, monsieur.
" am sorry for that.
$50 am |. "
"May one, without indiscretion, ask
why %
" Certainly. Because, if l were for
eigner, l should be spared the pain o
seeing a compatriot behave himself rude
ly."
Meaning me?"
4" Meaning, precisely, you.
Do you know who | am ?" asked the
Connt, half turning his back upon him,
and facing the lookers-on, as much as t.
say, Now observe how | shall crusl
this miserable creature. "
Monsieur" said the strawberry
er with perfect politeness i'll his tone
Il have not the honor to know you.
Death of my life am the Comt'
de v"
The strawberry looked up, an(
the easy, good-natured face was gone
In the place was one with two gray eye
that flashed like fire, and mouth tina
set itself very firmly.
"The Comte de v" he repeated
| in low voice.
" Yes, monsieur ; and what have yol
to say against him p
"I? Oh, nothing"
"That may be well for you.
"But there are those who say that ht
is coward.
THAT is enough" said the bnll,
starting to his feet. Monsieur viii
find me in two hours at this address,
finging him a card.
90 shall not trouble myself to seel
Mansieur lie Comte, replied the straw
berry eater, camly tearing the card il
two.
"Then / shall say of monsieur what
he, permitting himself to lie, said jus
now of me.
"And that is %
"That he is a coward. "
"You may say what you please, Mon
sieur lie Comte. Those who know mt
would not believe you, and those whC
do not-my faith What care l wha
they think ?"
And thou,thou art a Frenchman.
No one but Frenchman could thrown
so much disdain as he did into the wore
"thou."
The strawberry eater made no reply
but turned his head and called "Gar
con" The poor, trembling creatur
came up again, wondering what nev
dilemma was prepared for him, anC
stood trembling some ten rods off.
Garcon, is there vacant room il
the hotel?"
"Without doubt, monsieur"
GA large one 2"
Certainly. They are all large-ou
apartments