Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-11
GaIts AND Sketfbes.
PATIENT PEyEHePE.

PATIENT REyRLoRE.
One Of the mos; i.il.uus shops for the
sale of bon-bons in the city of Paris. has,
for the last few years. obtained the services
ofa very beautiful girl during the holiday
season.
Her handsome figure and graceful man.
ners were certain to attract customers.
A few days before the New Year, a
gentleman (whom we shall call the Baron)
came into the shop to buy his New Years
gifts.
The Baron was wealthy bachelor from
the country. He asked the blonde beauty
to show him the prettiest things which the
tore could offer.
She spread before him the most exquis-
lite boxes, all the curious and fancifnl nov
elties-articles which the confectioner
elaboraies from his fragile materials of
and fancy as if they were to be more en-
during.
The Baron looked, examined. and dis
cussed the merits of each article He was
difficult to please.
Now he chose this box. to be rejected
and again rechosen now admired, then
found fault with, another; questioned the
subject Of the painting upon a third
found fault with the explanation given
him by the fair and patient shop-girl
How should she know anything Of mythol-
ogy or history
A hundred useful and novel things we're
shown to the dissatisfied purchaser. He
resumed his questions-now wanted this
or that-now threw it aside-asked rudely
and peremptorily for several articles, only
to find fault with and refuse them.
After thus ANNOYING the good-tempered
and intelligent servitOr for two hours, he
quietly told her to select what best pleased
her fancy.
She chose with faultless taste. and laid
aside bon-bons TO the amount of 40 pounds
sterling.
The Baron said he would leave the ar
ticles till the next day. when he should
add to the purchase, and take all away at
one time. The next day Witnessed on the
part Of the Baron, the same difficulty to
be pleased-the same testy waywardness
and a repetition of the same charming in
telligence on the part of the young girl.
do you remain in this shop through
out the year?" at length questioned the
purchaser.
mo. sir; / am only here during the
holidays"
"And then?''
Then return to the mlliner's shop
where am employed"
Sad lot! suppose you earn some
thing like two francs day9"
1T is sufficient for me-
In spite of the evident intention of this
reply. the Baron pursued his questions
further but he was repealed with as much
dignity as propriety, and was forced to
return to his purchases. These were nu-
merous and costly. He filled his carriage
and walked away.
At midnight on New Years Eve, the
fair shop-girl retired to her humble lodg-
ings, and found there the exquisite novel
ties. all the delicious candies. which she
had selected for the liberal purchaser who
had wearied her patience.
A note accompanied the present, saying,
"BOn-bOns are never refused"
But bon-bons worth hundred pounds
were too much. They must be refused
Yet, how to return themo She knew
not the name of the eccentric giver.
Possibly, he might call again at the
shop; and. with this thought. the per-
picked and conscientious girl laid aside
the entire Gift.
The fortnight passed The giver came
not. The young girl was about to return
to her usual avocation, disappointed in
not returning the entire gift. when, one
morning. the Baron entered the shop again.
and carelessly asked for some trihe of
confectionery.
The girl blushed. was confused, and |
vainly tried to express what she had so
desired to have the opportunity to say.
The Baron came to her aid :-"Have |
the goodness to read this note in it you
will find the explanation owe to YOU"
The contents of this note are easily |
guessed.
The Baron was charmed with the beauty |
of the fair shop-girl. He called her the |
patient Penelope, for he had tested her
patience and good temper, for himself;
further inquiry assured him that her
character was as excellent as her beauty |
was rare, and he begged her to change
her pittance of few francs, for his income
Of 600O pounds. and to accept his 40
years" in marriage.
Our story is true.
The lady is one of the most lovely and
elegant notabilities ofthe Chaussee d Antin.
Her salons are frequented by the talent of
the city. and she is the center of their at
traction.
At the same time, however that her
beauty and grace do honor to her new
position. she wells in no mystery her num-
Die origin.