The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1877-07-12

takes place at O'Clock. By the time,
therefore, that the lady had performed
those little "dgreDens de toilette" in
cidental to an appearance before strang-
ers, the great bell sounded, and, as Jules
handed down his lovely bride, the
already loud gathering of forks and
spoons bespoke the fact that the sub
stantial meal was already begun.
On entering the room they found
about forty persons seated, all greedily
employed in devouring their soup,
scarcely deigning to look towards the
strangers who came in. In France,
keder similar circumstances, dozen
gentlemen would have risen to offer
their seats to the lady. In Belgium,
however, the case is different; and each
honest burgher eats his meal, scram-
bling both for the best seat and dantiest
dish, without the slightest attention
either to rank or sex.
1t was an unfortunate circumstance
for the loving pair to be divided thus
early in their honeymoon, but on the
present occasion they were compelled to
be. Two chairs alone stood unoccu-
pied, and these were far apart, while, if
possible to make the separation more
disagreeable, they happened to be on
the same side of the table, so that not
even an interchange of glances could
take place, no word pass, save for the
benefit of few stupid intervening cit
izens-a benefit which neither party
was anxious to confer upon them.
As strangers, therefore, they sat down
to table, consoling themselves with the
confident assurance that their separa-
ton could not continue above an hour,
and that then thousand extra caresses
might make up their lost portion OF
cloves sweet interchange. Poor
Jules, however, was far too much ena-
mored-to sit down philosophically and
enjoy his meal with appetite. His eyes
roved about him till they fixed, IN some
establishment, on his opposite neighbor,
who, having coolly laid down his knife
and fork, sat anxiously gazing at Marie.
At first Jules thought it might be acct
dent; some casual resemblance might
have struck him; staring might be his
habit, and the next minute his regard
might fall upon another. But no; his
ewes remained riveted on 4" la belle Ma
RTE, - and the bridegroom felt any thing
but comfortable.
Every man is Jealous. do not be-
lieve any one who says he is not so; nor
will | assert that some qualms of this
kind did not now arise in the breast of
the lancer, who could not help suppos-
ing, from the continued gaze of his OPP
posite neighbor, that he must have been
former friend, a flirt, a lover. The
idea was distracting. Jules determined
at Gnce to put an end TO his doubts; so,
bending across the table, after some
preliminary observation to his staring
neighbor, he observed, with as much
nonchalance as he could possibly
muster:
"You appear to know the ladyP"
81 think" replied the other in a
grave tone, "nay, am sure do" and
then turned the subject.
This was any thing but satisfactory tc
the young soldier, for again the eyes of
the stranger were fixed upon his bride
There is nothing more provoking than
limited answer TO a question by
which we have previously determined
to elicit a full explanation. There is
nothing so painful as half-grounded sus
picion. Jules found it intolerable, anC
consequently pressed his inquiry.
Are you quite certain you have
seen this lady before?"
"As confident as that l now breathe
| nevet forget face have once beheld
1t is she, L am sure; can not be mis-
taken"
"That's very strange! Where die
you know her?" And the questioner fel
that his happiness depended on the an
swer.
"Thank God, | never knew her!'
quickly replied the stranger, with
shudder.
This was indeed a perplexing answer
The husband scarcely knew in wha
light to regard it. 1t is true it relieve,
him at once from all jealousy; but then
again, it implied mystery, and, iron
the strangers manner, evidently
dreadful one. What could it mean? H
determined to venture one more cues
ton.
"My question seems to call up som
unpleasant recollection. Will you e1
plain it?''
"If You particularly wish it, viii
although confess would rather dro
the subject At all events, would nc
wish to do so while she is present"
With this reply poor Jules was force
to remain content, though he felt ths
the rack itself would bring less tortur
than the agonies of suspense. Present.!
to his great relief, the well Statistic
party began to break up. One by or
the plethoric burghers left the room; bV
Marie stirred not. Jules watched h
opportunity to give her, unseen, a sit
mel to retire. Thus she did; and in lie,
: than a quarter of an hour more ii
lancer and the citizen alone remained
" Now, then, SIR said the forme
, abruptly turning round, ''your promi
t ed explanation"
, The stranger paused ere he replies
81 am perhaps wrong in thus satisfyir
the curiosity of one whom | never sa
before, and more particularly so when
5 tell YOU that the anecdote am about
| relate involves most deeply the chara
ter of the unhappy female who has ju
| left the table"
t The stroke of death would have be-
l ! loco oropizinu than Suph an anSwe