Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-09-13
The Price Of a wife.

The moth with is bighting steals.
-Hnpei', Baiar.
The Price Of Wife.
It was in the autumn Of the year 1852
that a surgeon in Boulogne, of the name of
Etieune Iefebvre, received letter not bear
ing any signature, requesting him TO repair
on the following day to country-house
which was situated on the road leading to
Calais, and to bring along such instruments
as would be required for performing an
operation. Lefebvre was at that period well
known as a distinguished aud successful
operator, so much so, indeed, that he was
not unfrequently sent for from great dis
tances. He had served for considerable
time in the navy, and his manners had,
therefore, acquired certain degree OF blunt
ness but, when you once became acquainted
with him, you could not help liking him for
the natural goodness of his heart.
lie was naturally somewhat surprised at
this anonymous communication for, al
though the time aud place were, as already
stated, mentioned with great minuteness,
there was no clue afforded by which the
writer could be identified. lie therefore
came to the conclusion that some of his
jocular friends were making fun of him, and
he did not keep the appointment
Three days afterwards he again received
similar summons, but couched in more
pressing terms than the first, and he was in
formed that at nine o'clock in the morning
carriage would be sent to bring him TO the
place where he was auxiously expected.
Accordingly next morning, on the last stroke
of nine q carriage drove up to his door.
The doctor no longer made any hesitation,
but at once took his seat in the carriage.
As he was getting in, he inquired of the
coachman where he was to be taken to but
the man appeared either not TO know, or did
not choose to tell but as he spoke in Eng
| lish, Lefebvre said to himself 80 So it is an
Englishman to whom | am summoned" aud
he accordingly prepared himself for any ex-
hibition of eccentricity on the part of one
of that nation which even now is so little
understood by Contnentals. AT length the
carriage stopped, and the doctor fastened
| into the house.
He was received at the entrance by a fine
looking young man of about twenty-five years
| of age, who requested him to walk into a
large and handsome room on the first floor.
His accent showed him to be an English
man. The following conversation then en-
sued between them
You have sent for me-" said the doctor.
trouble you have taken in coming here" re-
| Joined the Englishman. "Be so good as to
set yourself at table, where you will find
chocolate, coffee or wine, in case you would
like to partake of anything before com
mencing the operation"
"But first show me the patient. | wish
TO satisfy myself that an operation is abso
| lutely necessary"
1T is necessary, Monsieur l.efebvre; pray
be seated. have entire confidence in you
only listen to me. Here is purse contain
ing one hundred guineas, which | offer you
as a fee for the operation you are asked to
perform, no matter what the result may be.
In case of your refusing compliance with my
request, you see this pistol. 1t is loaded,
and you are in my power. As hope for
salvation, will blow your brains out
" Sir, am not TO be deferred from doing
what | consider proper by any fear of your
pistol. But what do you desire What
am expected to do ?"
You must cut my right leg Off"
with all my heart" answered the sur
geon, thinking that this was a characteristic
specimen of those mad English "and your
hand, also, if necessary or desirable. How
ever, unless am greatly mistaken, your leg
is perfectly sound. | saw you walk down
stairs with the greatest activity. What can
I be the matter with your leg 2"
" Nothing, but it must come off,
" Sir, you are mad
"rhat il no concern of yours, Monsieur
Lefebvre."
"What harm can that handsome limb
have done 2"
None at all, still you must make up youl
mind to amputate it,"
| Mt ugif
give me some proof that you are in SOUND
mind" naturally demanded the doctor.
"Will you consent to my wishes, Mon
sieur Lefebvre 2"
AS soon as you can assign any adequat,
or reasonable motive for so unnecessary al
operation"
Il cannot at present enter into any ex
planation-in year, perhaps, | will do so
But | viii bet you, sir, that then you vii
acknowledge that my reasons for my present
seemingly extravagant conduct are mos
pure, manly, and noble, and even RATIONAL
at is quite impossible for me-" remon
strated the surgeon, 10 comply until yol
tell me your name, place of residence, posi-
tion and family"
You shall be made acquainted with al
these particulars at some future time, bu
not at present. beg you TO consider me {
man of honor"
A man of honor does not utter unusti
fable threats against his doctor. have Il
perform duty even towards you, who are
stranger to me- My reasons for refusing t.
accede TO your absurd requests are as yol
must admit, sound and just. DO you wist
TO be the murderer of an innocent father of
large family?"
"Wel, Monsieur Lefebvre," replied tn,
| ltat fab fha Oh ~ tuii
not fire upon you, and yet | will compel yol
TO cut off this leg. What you refuse TO dc
to oblige me, through love Of gain or fear ol
a bullet, you shall do through humanity"
, How so, sir ? ?"
al intend to shatter my leg with this pis
tol, and that, too, before your eyes" an
swered the Englishman, who accordingl,
seated himself, cooked the pistol, and theI
took deliberate aim at his knee joint.
Lefebvre rushed forward To prevent him
but the Englishman eoolly exclaimed;
ado not come near; il you do, | fire
Now, only answer me this question DO yol
! wish to prolong my suffering needlessly 2
IS Sir, you are mad, answered the doctor
in despair; " but you have your own way
| am ready TO do as you wish"
Everything was ready for the operation
As soon as the surgeon took up his instru
ments, the Englishman lighted his cigar and
declared he would smoke until the operation
was concluded lie kept his word. The
lifeless leg rested upon the floor, but the
Englishman still smoked on The operation
had been performed in most mastery man
ner, and, thanks TO DIR. Lefebvre's skill and
attention, the patient soon became perfectly
recovered, although, of course he had TO be
supplied with wooden leg. lie rewarded
the surgeon, whom he had learned TO esteem
more and more every day; thanked him
with tears in his eyes for the great obliga-
tion under which he had laid him and in a