Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-07-02
A FrancO-American Novel.

A Franco American Novel.
A contributor to the Atlantic Month
iy, having relatives in France, sends to
that periodical translation of French
tale, written by oge of her kindred wko
lives in oEe Of the provinces. The old
gentleman derived his information
about this country partly from books,
partly from general hearsay, and is
perfectly sure that he has exactly re-
produced American society. Perhaps
some of our readers may recognize
the faithfslness of his descriptions.
"Some years agoa young American
gentleman, who was by profession a
carpenter, stood in the most fashion
able and elegant portion of Canal
street, New York, with an expression of
profound disappointment on his manly,
handsome face. The name OF this
gentleman was George Jones. His
dress was what in Europe would have
been called somewhat shabby, but it
was necessary that he should appear
during the daytime in clothes whose
texture would resist the wear and tear
of his arduous manual occupation. He
was not rich, and of course this fact
stood against him; but the liberal So
cial laws of his country nevertheless
permitted him to occupy good posi-
tion among the people far his superiors
in worldly wealth, since he was known
to be sober, honest and of painstaking
industry.
To-day, as we have said, he was not
ct work, and indeed he seemed in ns
mood for anything save gloomy med.
itations. The most luxurious and
spacious private hotels of which Canal
street can boast surrounded him on
every side. Sumptuous carriages were
constantly passing, and occasionally
the occupants of these would bow to
him with friendly recognition, while
the young carpenter lifted his cap in
polite acknowledgment.
cat length he slowly assembled the
high flight of stone stairs which led to
the main entrance of one very impos-
ing hotel. He then rang the bell, and
his summons was soon answered by a
large negress in q picturesque turban
Of red and yellow silk, with massive
gold earrings. Instead of requesting
to see the master or mistress of the
house. he boldly asked for young un.
married lady, whom he mentioned as
Miss Louisiana The servant at
once replied that Miss Louisiana was
at home, and led the visitor through
spacious hall, where marble fountain
was playing, whose base was curiously
adorned with bas-relief sculptures tax
en- from scenes in the history of Cal
ifornia and other American provinces.
From this hall Jones was conducted
into broad saloon, furnished in MANY
gaudy colors, and hung with paintings
whose subjects, all more ambitious than
their execution, were extremely pa
trlotic in character. One picture dealt
with the famou assassination of Presi-
dent Jeremiah Lincoln, in the loge of
. theater at Maryland, Del. Another
showed the defeat of Lord CORVALLIS
at the battle of Bunker Hill. while q
third exhibited Gen. Washington.
surrounded by his favorite Marshals.
crossing the ce'blocked Mississippi in
the midst of January.
Jones did not wait long in this fine
" embellished apartment. A Young
lazy presently entered and extended
towards him both hands in delighted
welcome, while her visitor stole a kiss
from her smiling, appraised lips. The
lady was Miss Louisiana Smith. She
did not look more than IS wears old
and was dressed with great richness.
You saw at once that her we'll cut gar
ments were of foreign importation. In
person she was slender and graceful.
and though her figure lacked the
rounded symmetry of our own country
women, her face was fresh and bloom
ing to delicious degree.
My dear Louisiana" said George
Jones, when the lovers had seated them
selves, have called to tell you that l
can no longer endure this suspense.
lou know, my dearest, the custom of
our country. When, after a sufficient
number OF private visits upon a young
girl, an aamirer has offered her his
hand IN marriage, and she has decided
that he is the man of her choice. it is
her duty to acquaint her parents with
this fact. and to ask that they will
sanction her betrothal. AS you possess
but single parent, tell me, my love.
whether you have yet informed your
fA,her that We desire to marry
:" l have spoken to rny father re-
Piied Louisiana, in fond yet melancholy
tones, and lie answered me rather
sterniy, George, that be desired to see
you when you next called here
Your father is at home now?'
ies. lie will appear presently.
tremble for the result OF the inter
view, greatly fear that LIE will oppose
our marriage
Shortly afterward Mr.. Jonathan S.
Saith entered the room. He was
geEtlem man not much over 40 wears old :.