The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1877-12-27
Stlert StuEg.
A PLOT THAT FAILED,
(From the French.)


ious cloak, descended from the box, and
simultaneously a gentleman alighted from
the body of the vehicle. The latter was
about five feet ten, stoutly built, and wore
his dark hair very long, a travelling cap
covered the upper part of his face, and
the lower part was hidden from view in
the folds of silken scarf
After whispering together for a moment
the driver entered the inn and was met
almost at the threshold by the landlord,
burly, good.natured fellow, in an over
coat and fur cap,
Monsieur" said the driver, 1--WE have
come unexpectedly, but We can put up
with little, and pay well for it,"
"That is as it should be-" the landlord
responded, "What can we do for you p
"You have wife ?--such a comely fell
low as you must have a wife," the driver
said.
eyes, yes, monsieur" the man replied.
"What will you have?'
"A lady inside the coupe may require
the attention of one of her own SEX" the
man said "and, as l said before, we will
pay we'll for it,"
every good, monsieur, I will call
Madame LEROY" the landlord said.
He disappeared fora moment and soon
returned with a middie.aged, tastefully
dressed, pleasant faced woman whom he
introduced as his wife. The driver ex.
planned that the gentleman inside was
conveying his wife to Paris for the bene.
fit of medical advice, as she had been suf-
fering for some time with a dangerous
malady; that they had made long iurn-
ey that day, and that the lady was 80 ov-
ercome with fatigue that it was impossi-
bic to convey her any further until she
had nights rest to restore her.
off" said the driver, "you can man.
age to provide bed for the lady, the
gentleman and myself can get along with
anything"
The lady said that she had one good
room which was at the ladys service, but
that the sheets would require airing and
a fire would have to be made. The dri-
yer said that Of course they did not ex.
peCt everything could be arranged in
moment, and that they were content to
allow her time to prepare.
The driver then returned to the car.
riage, and after brief conversation with |
the gentleman, the latter lifted from the
interior of the carriage the form of fe-
male, and carried it into the house. In |
the meantime the landady had thrown
open the doors ofa small parlor and plac. |
ed light on the mantlepeCe on the in
side, and when the gentleman appeared |
with his burden she said
Take her into the parlor, Monsieur,
and let her rest on the sofa for few
minutes, until l prepare the chamber for
her.
The gentleman did as directed and the
driver having given directions respecting
the horses, likewise entered the parlor
and closed the door. Presently he re.
turned to the hallway and asked the
landlord to furnish supper as he could
command. In few minutes a cold fowl
and couple bottles of wine were forth
coming, and the driver carried them into
the parlor.
Meanwhile the landlady was preparing
the chamber, and in the course of an
hour she announced that it was
ready. Thereupon the gentleman
bore the lady up stairs, and into the
chamber, where cheerful fire blazed on
the hearth. The landlady followed to
give any aid that might be required, but
as the gentleman entered with his bur-
den, the driver closed the door and said
'Macame, if your assistance is needed l
will summon you. The lady is much re-
stored already, and may De able to retire
without troubling you
The landlady Curtesied and went down
stairs, but pausing half way down, she
heard the driver enter the chamber and
close aud bolt the door.
Twenty minutes later the driver ap.
peared below and asked for jug of spic-
ed wine and tumbler of cognac, which
were duly furnished and carried upstairs
by the driver.
In less than hour the gentleman and
the driver came down stairs and entering
the landlords private room were invited
to seat themselves, which they did The
landlord provided them with cigars and
brandy, and they smoked and talked for
an hour:
by the way said the gentleman, Il
suppose there is physician near by in
case his services should be required
'Dr, Poissy, retired naval surgeon,
lives within hundred yards the land
lord said.
What kind of man is he? the gen.
tleman asked skillful to be depended
On2
They say he is very learned said the
hostess, but
HE IS FOND OF THE Bottle
The landlord added, but nono the worse
for that. | take it,
Has he resided here long" the gentle
man inquired.
For a dozen years was the answer,
'and has attended some of the best people
around here
After a short pause the gentleman
looked at his watch, and said to the dri-
yer:
'Couriol l will 60 up stairs and see
whether madame still slumbers.'
He arose and assembled the stairs, and
in half minute he called from the land.
ing: 'CouIiolp
The driver hurriedly arose and sprang
up the stairs. In afew minutes returned
saying that the. lady was seized with
spasms, and that the physicians aid was
required.
I will go for him. the lady said, but
the driver objected, saying that it was
more fitting that he should do the mes
sage,
Well said the landlady, turn to your
left as you go out and you will see the
cottage close at hand
The driver quilted the inn, and in
few moments returned, accompanied by
DR.. Poissy. Leaving him below the dri
yer went up to the lady's chamber, and
after an absence of fully ten minutes re-
turned with the gentleman. The gentle
man explained 10 the doctor that his wife
was suffering from deep seated disease.
r L