The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1881-04-15
Select Story.
THE BLUE SATIN SLIPPER.
FROM THE ERENCu or PROSPER MERElEE.

Leon and his bride were seated in u
compartment by themselves. They had
gwen the conductor Il fee, and promised
themselves solitude on their wedding
journey.
''All aboard r. shouted the conductor
just rs the train was about to move
an elderly man sprang on the step, and
entered the compartment. The door
slammed, the bell struck, and the train
moved away. Although annoyed by The
intrusion, the young couple continued
their conversation in English, when they
were interrupted 10y their fellow traveller
in much better English than their
own
"Nionsieur," said he, dryly, "if you
have any secrets to reiate,l would advise
you not to do 50 before me i'll English,as
| am conversant in that language. | am
sorry to intrude upon you, but this is the
only compartment | could find place in.
However, l viii try to go to sleep"
And he faithfully tried to do so. But
his efforts were in vain, and finally he
drew book from his valise, and began
to read. When he plunged into his sack
he drew therefrom large roll Of Bank
of England notes, and showing them to
Leon, asked if he could change them at
the next town. Leon replied that it was
probable he could do so, as the road was
frequented by English travellers.
When they re"ched the next town the
Engllshman descended first. After him
came Leon. Suddenly there darted from
n group of loungers on the platform a
young man Of peculiar appearance. lie
was sallow and unshaven; his eyes were
bcared and bloodahot his clothing was
shabby to the last degree. His once
black coat was buttoncd closely to the
chin, probably to conceal the lack of a
shirt. He advanced toward the elderly
tnglishman.
"Uncle,' said he, humbly.
is that you2' said the other, angrily;
''bo off l don't want to have anything
to do with you"
Come, uncle" said the other, with a
mixture Of menace and humility, "don't
be so hard on n man
He seized the elder gontlem9ns arm,
and led him aside. After some moments
conversation the uncle seemed to soften,
and opening his valise, gave the othcl
some bank notes. The nephew deyourod
the remaining roll with his eyes. and
after n curt word of thanks, disappeared
in the crowd.
Leon and his bride entered the hotel
and were shown to the best room in it
Their status ~ newly married couple
procured them that honor. The wall'
were covered with papa" representing
scenes around Naples. Unfortunately
certain idle travellers had added mus
tlches to all the female faces, and pipe
to all the male, SO the effect was, to !
certain cxtert, lost. The room was call
ed the "blue room," the furniture having
once been of Il ut color.
Leon ordered dinner to be served il
their room. The difficulty in procuring
it excited his wonder, and on inquiring
he found that the officers of the Fifty
second Hussars were giving Il dinner t'
their comrades of the SiXty-iirst Chas
seurs that very evening, hence the con
fusion. 70 his horror, he learned tina
the banquet was spread in the room I'M
mediately adjoining the blue chamber
However, there was no help for it. Th
host swore by all the gods that the Off
GERS were the quictest men he ever say
in his life; that-eXcepting the ohasseu
there were no more lamb-like ind
yiduals in the service than the hussars
And besides, they rose from the table be
fore midnight,
As Leon, somewhat troubled in minC
returned to the blue chamber, he notice
that his English tellow-traveler occupie
the room or the other side. The doc
was open and through it he say
the Briton seated before bottle an
glass, contemplating the ceiling,
"Well, it makes no difference, aftC
all, said he to himself, "the Englishma
will soon be tipsy,and the officers will /
gone before midnight.
When he entered the blue chambC
Leon looked to bolts and bars. o
the Englishman's side there was a dol
bic wall, and a door which he bolte
On the officers side there was no doc
but very thin partition.
The young couple had a mediocre di
ner,which they would have njoycd mo
had it not been for the talk of their mi
tary neighrors. The conversation
those gentlemen had nothing whatey
to do with tactics, strategy or the art
war in any way, On the contrary it co
sisted of highly seasoned stories. Al
such stories They were followed
roars of laughter, and even our frien
of the blue room found it difficult
times to preserve their gravity,
But the stories grew broader, t
laughter grew louder From touteS h
tories decolletta they became touteS nu
Although he was not prudish, l.e
thought the situation rather embarra
ing for his bride; and sending for {
landlord, he requested him to beg I
gentleman not to make so much noise
there was an invalid lady in the nc
room, The host entered the banquet