The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1880-03-05
Stories Of an Epicure.

Grimod de la Reyniere, the noted
French epicure, was q lawyer by profess
sion, but abandoned this calling to spite
his parents for preventing his marriage
with the woman of his choice. At his
earliest receptions, on the arrival of the
guests, their swords, canes and hats were
delivered to the custody of an attendant,
who then removed huge iron bar sus-
pended across the entrance to the dining
room, until all were assembled, when it
was carefully replaced, as a hint that no
one would be allowed to depart without
the permission of the host. In the CEN
ter of the salla manager. was circular
mahogany table, surrounded by chairs
of equal size, with the exception of one
slightly higher for the president of the
day. On the walls were inscribed in
golden letters certain regulations inn
posed by the amphitryon, to which those
present were expected to conform. Ex-
actly at quarter past 12, Grimod de La
Reyniere made his appearance, followed
by two servants, one bearing pile of
bread and butter in slices, and the other
jugs of coffee and milk, of which nutri-
tious beverage, according to the rules,
each person was bound to drink at least
eighteen or at most twenty-five cups;
whoever first attained the latter number
being elected President. When the sup
ply was exhausted, an enormous sirloin
was brought in, and, after having been
carried thrice round the table with great
solemnity, was placed before the Presi-
dent, and by him portioned out to the
company. At the conclusion of this
primitive repast the conversation became
general, literary matters were discussed,
and new books criticised, until, at sig
81 NV fIo %ha 1o,.
once more removed, swords and canes
were restored to their owners, and the
party separated.
Thus far the "philosophic breakfasts"
were, to say the least. eccentric, and the
reverse of epicurean; but little by little
they underwent refining process, the
coffee ordeal was abolished, and delica-
cies of every kind were substituted for
the ponderous surloin.
One repast consisted of no less than
nine courses, each preceded by two
fute-players, and served by procession
of white-robed attendants. The guests,
twenty-five in number, were either advo-
Gates or men of letters; and when the de-
sert was placed on the table, the public
were admitted to a gallery commanding
view of the entire scene. The success
of this essay induced Grimold to repeat
it. On another occasion the Count
d'Artois was present incognito, and at
last so enormous we're tho expenses at
tending these festivities, that the la Rey-
Mere family became alarmed, and decid-
ed on checking the prodigalities of the
entertainer by the summary process of
stopping the allowance hitherto made to
him. Thus deprived of the sinews Of
war, Grimold conceived the ingenious
project of bringing his f~ther to reason
by openly declaring his insolvent posi-
ton, and by soliciting from his friends
and acquaintenances the loan of small
sums to relieve what he termed his press
ing necessities. Profting by the privil-
ege he still enjoyed of using the equip
ages of the ''fernier general" he one day
repaired to the house of an especial init
mate, and in the course of conversation
offered him seat in his carriage, volun-
teering to take him wherever he wished
to go. The proposal was accepted, and,
after plotting his companion through va
rious parts of the city, he finally depos-
tied him at the Palais de Justice, and on
bidding him farewell, reminded him that
he owed him a crown.
"What for?" was the others natural
inquiry;
Grimod. ''This is my .face, and it is
no more than just that I should receive
my fare"
His friend treated the matter as an ex
cellent joke; paid the crown, and repeat
ed the joke to every one he met; SO that
it soon reached M. de la Reyniere's ears,
and the embargo on the allowance was
withdrawn.