The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1876-12-30


half 10 despair.
"On the whole, very little. AS the
lateness Of the hour, and being required
on duty. compelled me to hurry, did
not notice this lady's train, which was
dragging on thel ground. caught one
; Of my spurs in it, and had the misfortune
to tear her dress. Madame would not
receive my excuses, but perhaps now she
might bc more disposed to forgiveness,
when l again declare, SO help me God,
that | committed this awkward blunder
without auy mischievous intention. and l
ca rnestly beg that she will pardon me-"
A murmur ran through the gallery,
evidently from the people taking sides
with the defendant, and against long
trains in general and the lady in particu.
lar.
The judge called to order, and asked,
"Are you satisfied with the defendants 3
explanation 2"
"Not at all satisfied. demand two
hundred rubles for my torn dress"
defendant, will you pay this sum 2"
III would have paid ii long before this
had been in position to do 30. Un-
fortunately am poor. My pay as an
officer is all have to live on"
"You hear. complainant, that the de-
feudant is not able to pay the sum you
demand Of him. Do you still wish the
complaint to stand ?"
An unbroken stiffness reigned through
out the hall, aud the young officers
breath could DO heard coming hard.
II wish it to stand. The law shall give
me my rights"
There ran through the rows Of people
. murmur Of indignation that sounded
like rushing Of water.
"Consider, complainant, the consequon.
oes Of your demand. The defendant can
be punished only through being deprived
Of his personal liberty, and by that you
could obtain no satisfaction, while to the
defendant it might provo tho greatest 10.
jury in his rank and position as an officer,
and especially as he is an officer who is
poor and dependent upon his pay. Do
you still insist upon your complaint" ?"
"Istill insist upon it,"
The course the affair was taking seemed
to have become painful to the lady's hus.
band. He spoke with his wifo urgently,
but, as could bo seen by the way she held
her head and the energy with which she
shook it, quite uselessly. The Judge was
just going on to further consideration Of
tho case, when loud voice was heard
from the audience:
81 will place the two hundred rubles
at the service of the defendant"
There followed silence, during which
gentleman forced bis way through tho
crowd and placed himself by the young
officers side.
"Sir. sm the Prince W. and l
beg you will oblige me by accepting the
loan Of the two hundred rubles in ques-
tion."
"Prince. am not worthy Of your kind.
ness. for don't know If I shall ever be
able to pay the loan," answered the young
man, in voice tremulous with emotion.
"Takc the money, at oil events. can
wait until you are able to return it"
Thereupon the prince held out two notes
Of hundred rubles each. and coming
CLOSE up to him. whispered a few words
very softly. There was a sudden light.
ening up of the officers face. He imme-
mediatcly took the two notes. and turning
toward tho lady. handed them to her with
polite bow.
II hope. madam. you are satisfied"
With malicious smile she reached out
her hand for the money.
"Yes; noa0 am satisfied"
With a scornful glance over the crowd
Of spectators, she prepared TO leave the
court room on her husbands arm.
Stop. madame" said the officer, who
had suddenly become like another man,
with firm and confident manner.
"What do you want?"
The look that the young woman cast
upon him was insulting as possible.
II want my Dress" be answered. with
q slight but perfectly polite bow.
"Give me ysur address, and viii send
il to you."
"Oh no. my dear madame, am in the
habit Of taking my purchases with me at
once. Favor me with the dress immedi.
ately."
A shout of appreciation came from tho
gallery.
"Order!" cried the judge.
"What an insane demand !" said the
lady's husband. my wife cannot un.
dress herself here"
IL have nothing to do with you. sii ,
10 this matter. but only with the COM
plainant. Be SO good madame. as to give
me the dress Immediately. | am in a
great hurry; my affairs are urgent, and
l cannot wait moment longer"
The pleasure Of the audience at the
expense of the lady increased with every
word, until it was hard to enforce any
approach to quiet. so that either party
could be heard.
"Do not jest any more about it. l
will hurry. and send you the dress as
soon as possible"
al am not jestiog. / demand from
the representative Of the law my own
: property-that dress, said the officer
raising his voice.
The judge, thus appealed to, decided
promptly.
"The officer is right. madame. You
: are obliged to hand him over the dress
on the spot"
II can't undress myself hero before al
these people. and 20 home without any
dress on. said tho young woman. with
anger and tears
"You should have thought Of ths
sooner. Now youhave no time to lose
Either give up the dress Of your swn &C
/. cord. or" A ned that could not b,
: misinterpreted brought to the ladys sid,
two officers Of justice, who seemed abou
a | Al.