The Arkansaw traveler., 1882-07-23
A PARIsIAN EPISODE.
-Hrnr, nacnn in Hn>inn Iranscrini.

naming three delightful Parislans whom knew ii Vas a ;rca; :o meet uneeremoni- ously.
 II was late when l arrived. and as rang the bell on the landing. l imagined could already detect the odor of pipcs and cigars. and was soon ushered into a cloud of smoke that was being manufac- tured in the library.
 Some one. Il stranger to me, was stand ing on the hearth rug relating something amusing. judging by the free laughter winch followed h.s last remark. that ] did not catch. like encouraging applause. l dropped down m the corner of comfort able sofa he lighted fresh cigarette. that told me he WAS d trenchman. \ oi gare,te among all these pipes was like drinking eaH SHttcf at 4 bar. He h; a fresh cigarette and Centinued-
 -Ye>. gentlemen. she sent me ileket to New York an dIIet ff fyffoAy. koars of laughter Who :" asked. nudging my neighber. "An American widow. he whispered At least. thought l. he continued. as soon as he could be heard. there is Il chance tO see America. and If her property turns out to be a> charming as herself. don't sce why she would not make a good match for me.
 The speaker ~a> a small well-made. rather showy man. with somewhat ni Il military makeup. and waved moustaehes remarkably black. considering hls age and the small quantity of halr tha, lin- -gered. bke A photosrapher' rest. around the back oi hl> head As ier hiS Ase. | WAS dliilt ult tu make a sae>s: he Inssh be young man pfematarely old. of .,n old fellow well prcscned. There w4s something familiar L. me ii his appear anee but iar some ilme eauid not piaec him. \ remark he maic later in the esenln. cleared my Pel epiion. He ~aS Captain de hlane, .s retired otile ef. ~h" boarded with two old women who had an apartment across my tnuft. | had never seen ham Tn evening lrray before only mornlngS. as he icancil oet oi ms window. wrapped ln ,n old dressing gown, smoking h., cigarette in the truthful sun light. Reall, mish, bc e<sused for not recognizing hlm m hls esenn. .set-ap. with his outline Soi,ened hy the cloud oi smoke. knew nething more ei him than had seen across the-eeuri and hls story was new to me Lei him ,ell H.
 |" l had nothing to dc. had retired from the army. and Il had become evident to me that |, Wa tfue should marry. But you see had been used ,o oert1n -luxur,es durns mY tie. and so could not take :, wife N thou, :, fortune. \ wid- ow Was mN ideal; nei tno young too young would be troublesome. You know almost ike marrying young Etrl loo eNacting. and my de. ot marriage w.t> to settle down and enluy ones home .H- fcyIs1 he .tl,ed H. Before l had met the American lady had alHes, .tfrans sed an affair wl,h 4 widow who possessed | fine chateau in the provinoe> where had been in.lted to spend the summer That would have been fusi my happiness but untortunaicl. the second nigh, sf>N my arrival al the chateau thoughtlc>slV ate too many truiilcs al dinner adore irui- fies = and they kep, me awake As slid. unfortunately : for overheard conVers.,- ton between the widow son and | friend of hIs m the corridor. No usc repeating the conversation. think the son had taken too much also et somcthing bui not trutilcs. and expressed himself Tn a manner quite vulgar. Ills remarks were of my evident pretens!onS la marry his mother. and were ot such d character that could not. eelnk ! gentleman and an officer. leave them without an answer. arose next morning carly. wrote note 10 the young man telling him where should be found fl he wished To send friends to wait upon me. and another ,o the lady telling her what had overheard Then packed my valise and lei, the house be- fore any one except the servants was stir ring
 ANtil hal,a,-.. ., I never received a line from either mother or son from that day to this
 = But did you 20 to America" asked several of the audience.
 Certainly sailed from Havre the next week: did not enloy the voyage much. l, WIS rather long and the captain said had no, chosen a good season for crossing I've rouGhed Il considerably during my army life. bu; then you see tha; was OF land. and assure you II is not the same thlng on the ocean. wis delighted when we were II last al the New York wharf. was proud to salute tht lard .or which NC had fought and hled 10 secure its freedom. the country. per haps. of my adoption. My eyes were filled with emotion when : gentleman. touching me an the shoulder. asked
 Is not this Captain tie Blanc:'
 At your service. sad l. saluiing him.
 Allow me ,o present myself am the son ot Madame - naming the ladv had come to visitl. and this. tsrning ,o younger man. 'is my brother
 was delighted to make their aoaualnt- ance. and told them 80; was a little chilled. though. by their manner. When was about to kiss the elder. he pu, hls huge cigar back into his mouth bu, as was not sure he undcTs,ood my intentions. not perhaps knowing our cordial European manners, could not take offence.
 The young man addressed me and made quite a speech in French. although understood English vep well. My dear captain. he said. taking my hand and standing of from me in d very odd way; my dear captain. we welcome you to our home. Me have determined to make your stay as agreeable as possible :: you are welcome 10 stay as long as you are contented bu: on one cond,,ion