The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1877-11-23

ciuse, 90 greatly does the point of sigh
vary according to the neighborhood
What Is considered horrible coquetr,
in the Batignolies, is only a busines
necessity in the Rue Vivienne.
But we had already spent too muol
time in our inquiries to stop to ex
change impressions and discuss ou
conjectures.
! Now" said Monsieur Mechinet
''before entering the place, let US study
the approaches to it."
And trained to carrying on thes,
prudent investigations amid the bustis
of Paris, he made me sigh to follow
him into Il doorway, directly opposite
Monistrors shop.
Ii was an unpretending, almost
shabby shop. compared with those that
surrounded it. The front needed
painting. Over the door, in letter:
once gilt, but now smoked and black.
ened, was the name of Monistrol. On
the panes were inscribed Gold and I'm
itation Je,celrg.
Alas. it was principally imitation
jewelry that glittered in the windows.
From the rods hung quantity of plat
ed chains, jet ornaments, diadems OF
brilliants, necklaces of imitation coral,
and pins, rings, and buttons set
with imitation gems of all colors.
A poor display, l perceived at a
glance, and one that would not tempt
shop breakers.
Lets go in," ! said to Monsieur
Mechinet.
He was less impatient than /, or un-
derstood how to control his impatience
better, for he grasped Inc by the arm,
saying
zone moment, should like to catch
a glimpse of Madame Monistrol."
But it was in vain that we remained
at our post of observation for twenty
minutes longer; the shop was still
empty, Madame Monistrol did not ap-
pear.
"We have waited long enough my
worthy neighbor at last exclaimed.
"Come, Monsieur Godeuil. we'll risk
it."
CHAPTER TX
To reach Monistrors shop, we had
only to cross the street.
This was done in four strides.
At the sound of the opening door,
little servant fifteen or sixteen years
old, shabbily dressed, and with tangled
hair, came ont of the back shop.
What can 1 do for yon, gentle
men!" she asked.
rs Madame Monistrol in?"
"Yes, gentlemen, and I'll tell her
you are here, because, you see -"
Monsieur Mechinet did not give her
time to finish.
With a somewhat rude movement,
confess, he thrust her out of his way
and entered the back shop, saying
Every well, since she is in, I'm go
ing to speak to her.
followed at my worthy neighbor's
heels, sure that we should not go away
having the clue to the enigma.
The back shop was gloomy apart
ment, which served for dining, drawing,
and sleeping room.
1t was in disorder, and had the in
appearance often seen in |
the homes of poor people, who try to
seem rich. AT one end was bed with |
blue silk curtains and pillow cases
trimmed with lace, and before the
was table loaded with |
he remains of by no means simple |
breakfast.
A fair-haired young woman sat, or
rather reclined, in a large armchair,
holding in her hand sheet OF stamped |
PAPER.
This was Madame Monistrol,
Certainly, when her neighbors had |
old us of her beauty, their deserip-
ION fell far short of the reality. was |
actually dazzled.
Only one circumstance excited my |
iisapproval; she was attired in deep |
Mourning, a crepe dress cut slightly |
ow in the neck, which was marvel |
ously becoming.
This showed too much presence Of
mind for great sorrow. 1t seemed like
N actress dressing herself in advance
or the part she is to play.
She started like timid rec at our
ntrance, and in a voice apparently
hoked with tears, asked
"What do you want, gentlemeup
Monsieur Mechinet had noticed what
had remarked.
Madame" he answered harshly, Il
III sent here in the service of the law.
am detective"
At this statement she sank back in
he armchair with a moan that would
ave softened tiger.
Then suddenly, IN frenzy of excite
nent, with sparkling eyes and quiver-
1g lips, she exclaimed
'Have you come to arrest mel You
re welcome. | am ready, take me
way. | shall join the honest man
ou arrested yesterday. Whatever his
ate may be, / wish to share it. He is
S innocent as ammo matter. II he
must be victim to an error of human
ustice, it will be last Joy to die with
Iim."
She was interrupted by a low growl,
which proceeded from one of the corn
70 of the shop.
! looked in the direction of the
ound, and saw black dow, with
ristliDg hair and blood-shor eyes,
howing its teeth, just ready to spring
I US.
''DowB, Pluto" said Madame Mon
stroll, ''lie down; these gentlemen will
10 no harm"
Slowly, still fixing its eyes aeTSeiy Ii
pom US, the animal Ee.reated under /
be bed. 4;
You ase right il saying that We will
o you no harm. madame" replied
lousieur Mechinet, 1--WE did not come 1