Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-11-25
Passion for Lace.

\ gentleman holding high official situation
in the courts of law 10 Paris, during the long
vacation went, in company with his wife, on a
travelled through this interesting country, they
were returning home by the railway, the hus-
band with his min1 quite at rest, like nan
blessed with an uutrOubied coDscieuca, while
the lady felt that uncomfortable sensation which
arises from the recollection of some lmpru-
dence, or dread Of some approaching danger.
When they were the frontier, the
lady could no longer restrain her uueasineSs.
Leaning toward her husband, she whispered to
him. u have lace in my portWauteau-take it
and conceal it, that it may DOT be seized"
What as smuggier?" exclaimed the
husband, with voice bctween astonlshment
and alright
Ii Is beautiful Malines lace. and has cost
great deal, replied the lady. I'VE are near
the Custom House; hasten and conceal it I"
1t is impossible cannot do it ~ replied
the gentleman.
900 the contrary, it is very easy was the
reply. The lace would fl 10 the bot m of
your hat.
But do you rccollcct," rcioincd the gentle
man, the position occupy -
is not an Instant to be lost, and this lace has
cost me l,5OO fraucs'
During the conversation, the train rapidly
approached the dreaded station. Imagine the
CONSERVATION Of the worthy magistrate, who
had always been 10 the habit of considering
things with calm and slow deberatiou, thus
unexpectedly placed Ia position so embarrass-
Ing and so critical. Oecrcome AID pcrplexed
by his difficulties, aud losing all presence of
mind, he allowed his wife to put the lace 10
his hat, and having placed it on his head, he
forced it down almost to his ears, aud then re-
>rgLed himself to his fate
At this station the travellers we're invited to
come out OF the carriage and to walk into the
room where the custom house agents were as
Scmbled. The gentleman concealed his uneasi-
ness as best be could, and handed his passport
with an air OF assumed Indifference.
When his position of judge became known,
ic officials of the custom house Immediately
fastened to tender their respects, and declared
ttey considered it quite unnecessary to exam
the luggage lab lied with the pane of Que
who occupied such high and important situa-
ton IN the State.
Never had the magistrate more sincerely
valued the respect attached to his position; aud
II Il secret reluorSe Tor moment disturbed
his mind, at least he breathed more freely
when h. rccOlected the danger was passed,
and that the violation Of the revenue laws he
had committed would escape discovery.
With this comforting assurance, and while
severe examination was passing on the property
81 other passengers, the head OF the custom
house and the commander of the local gendarm
erie, having he, I'D of the arrival OF so distin-
gnShed person, came to offer their respects
Nothing could be moro gracious than theii
manner. 70 their profound salutation the Judge
responded by Immediately raising his nat with
IN" utmost pollteness. Could he do less But,
"ias, in his polite obeisance, so rapid and invol-
4ntary, he had forgotten the contents of his hat
lie lad scarcely raised it from his head when
cloud of lace rushed out, covering him from
mead to foot, as With large marriage veil.
What language can describe the confusion of
the detected smuggler the despair of the wife,
NE amusement of the spectators, or the aston
isn'nrlit OF the custom house officers, at this
scene? The offence WAS too public to be over
locked
With many expressions of regret on the part
o. me authorities, the magistrate was detained
III, The matter WAS investigated After short
GcHy hr was allowed to resume his journey TO
l"rls, and The adventure formed subject for
much gossip and amusement in that gay capital.