The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-11-08
THE cARMAN's STORY


Translated from the French OF Alexandra
Dumas.
1t is nearly year since Cantillon told
me what / am about to relate.
Cantilion drives cab No. 221.
He is a man, apparently between forty
and forty-fve, of swarthy complexion
and strongly-marked features. At the
period OF which ! speak-the first of
January, 1S31-ne wore felt hat with a
scrap OF lace, a dark claret-coloreG coat
with scrap OF livery, and boots with a
scrap of their top feathers.
1t was, as have said. the first Of JAN
uary, 1881; the hour, six in the morning.
I had laid out in my head series Of
| visits which should, of necessity, make
| in person; and arranged, street by street,
nv list OF those friends whom it is al
ways proper to salute on both sides of
the face and shake by both hands, at
least once year; mean those SYM
pathetic souls whom person Is Six
months without seeing-whom he can
not visit by proxy with his card, and
| whom he always meets with open arms.
My servant had gone to get me cab;
and had selected 22l, preference which
Cantillon owed to his bit of lace, his bit
of livery and the remains OF his top
lleathers. Joseph ispied out at once the
olate color instead of a daub of yellow
or green; and stranger still, the springs
of the leather-top were silver-mounted.
| I smiled and Joseph saw that was sat
istied with his good taste: | gave him the
rest of the day to himself. L settled my
self snugy and squarely upon Cantll-
Ions fine cushions, he drew over my
knees q neat, cotfee-colored gig apron,
and at a click of his tongue the horse
was off without his using the whip,
which during the whole drive indeed re-
manned at rest, being there apparently
rather in compliance with usage as al
4 orthodox ornament, than as u means o1
coercion.
(Which way, Monsieurw
ITO Charles Nodiers-at the arse
mall"
i Cantillon received my answer with q
| gesture that said plainiy-''l know the
place we'll enough, and the name too"
Being at the lime engaged with San
tonyu and the cab being very comfort
able. | set myself to thinking how
should manage the close OF the third ac
. "a matter which was troubling me con
siderably.
I, These reyeries did not prevent mt
from observing that my neighbor wai
dissatisfied with my silence, disturbed
4
lutely afflicted by my e-occupation. :!
| could noLice that he was using all hii
arts to engage my attention: sometimes
he would say, ''the apron is down
Monsieurr-I drew it up again, withou
= word; then he would blow his finger
4 l-inyoluDtarily my hands found thei
| way into my pockets; again he woul'
> fall to whisthng Ia PariSienne-I bea
time mechanically. l had told him OF
i getting IN, 1 should want him four or fiv
I'll hours, and he was almost in despair a
!, the thought, that during all that time
would persist iu my sllenee-to the grea
e disappointment of his earnest desire +
/. talk. AT last his symptoms OF uneas
y ness increased 80 that they iairly paine
me. l opened my lips to say word {
/ MIN. He seemed quite relieved. vi
& luckily ior him, the idea 1 mad beei
G wanting, TO close my third act, struc
me the moment l had halt turned roun
to the side where he was, and ha
lopened my mouth to speak; and fe
o | back ouietly into my place, murmurin
, to myself, sit will dot will do"
I'll Uantlllon thought l must nave lost m
J senses.
I'll Then he heaved sigh.
al A moment after he drew up, sayint
: | ''Here is the place, Monsieur" l was /
/ N 0uleT'b uOoT.
e, In half an hour I was ready to sta
It again. With what marked politeness
"A lowered the steps Tor me! l resumed m
:" place beside him, and after a preliminal
ls brrrrrrl and few motions OF the upp'
oi lalf OF my body, l found myself in th
,t species OF easy chair which had once a
- | ready so disposed me TO contemplate
~ / said to hlm-my eyes hall closed
st "Taylor, Rue de Bondy"
,rl CauIillon seiz d at once my comm
"a NEGATIVE moment. He asked quickly:
y I'M. Charles Nodier-isRt he gentl
ii man that MAKES booksW
HE is: how the deuce did you kno
lhat"
"Iye read romance of his; it W;
" when 1 with Monsieur Eugene" (and
n sigh escaped him); there was gil
ii and her sweetheart was guillotined."
10 sTherese AuDert, you mean."
10 'aThat's the book, Monsieur -- A
~ lifI knew him--that NJ. Nodier--I cou
ell lell HIM something TO write roman
he abOutW
"Ahp
ie "You may well say it, Monsieurl Il
" could use u pen as Wen as can wa
Is [ would not tell it to any one else
a would write abouti it myself"
:. "Well then tell it TO me-" said.
IL He looked at nae with knowing win
p. as he replied:
si- "Ob! you-thats another thingp
IL sWhy?'
io "You don't make books-do you?"
re "No; but i make plays, and perha
Ike your story may be OF use 70 me for
M drama."
He looked at me again, and asked:
- s!Perhaps you are the gentleman th
lie composed les deur F0rcdtS?" ?".