Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1883-02-28


caleche came by, into which he put
himself and box, with the assistance
of the driver, and was driven off at a
rapid pace. The caleche was brown
the driver was in green livery. A
gendarme was following him, and
another was guarding the shop in the
Faubourg, where, however, nothing
remained but piece of furniture and
great many scraps of brass and iron.
Fouche reflected a moment, when
his face suddenly whitened. Without
word, he dashed down the stairway
to the street, and sprang into passing
flacre.
"To the Tuileries~ he shouted.
"Double wages for double speed"
Arrived at the palace he hastily
alighted, and demanded to be at once
shown into the presence of the en-
reror. Napoleon was in the room in
which he received private visitors, and
thither the ushers Immediately con-
Quoted Fouche, who, encountering
some delay in the ante-room, impatient
ly pushed open the folding doors, and
entered unannounced. The emperor
greeted the intrusion at first with a
frown of displeasure, but instantly
recognizing his visitor, resumed his
customary expression and nodded
affably.
Fouche took in the situation at a
single glance. Beside Napoleon there
were five persons in the room. -Four
Of these were officials Of the palace
chamberlains and armed Wallets, who
frequently attended when he gave audi
ence, to prevent attempts at private
assassination. The fifth was a man
habited in a common workman's
blouse, standing apart from the others,
IN respectful attitude, and holding in
his hand workman's cap. 1t needed
but glance to assure Fouche that
thu person was none other than the
old familiar goblin of the Tuileries-
Don Monsen Chavarri. But how
metamorphosed! His hair, formerly
gray, was dyed to glossy blackness
his face was despoilcd Of its mustache
and pointed beard, and his once smooth
hands were roughened as though by
exposure and toll At his side stood &
large lacquer table, supporting an
object on which Pouches attention
was Immediately fixed.
This was seen at once to be the
exact model of the church of Notre
Dame, wrought in metal, in the high
est style of art, and serving evidently
as the case for clock, since just above
the folding doors. which were perfect
limitations to those which barred the
principal entrance to Notre Dame,
were two dials, on one of which the
hours and minutes were measured.
while on the other long, sweeping
hand described the seconds. Fouche,
by a natural impulse, noticed the time
indicated by the dials. 1t lacked a few
minutes of noon.
Immediately thereafter he started
with nervous alarm as the clock gave
a warning note as though about to
strike; then suddenly there was a
clank of complicated machinery, and
the great doors folded slowly inward,
exposing the whole gorgeous interior
to view. The mimic church was deco
rated as though for some great fete
Banners and hangings of the richest
material and most costly workman
ship fluttered from the ceilings and
haunted from the inches in the walls.
The aisles were carpeted with tapestry
and velvet, and the pillars We're
clustered with gold, and blazing with
gems. On the opposite sides of the
great nave two thrones were erected,
the one being approached by a flight of
velvet-colored steps, and canopied
with cloth of gold and scarlet and vel
vet sprink'ed with golden bees. And
now the great bell in the tower struck
once with heavy, reveberating clang;
there arose a swell of triumphal
music, and mimic procession, clad in
gorgeous robes, moved into view from
one of the hidden aisles. AT the head
of this cortege walked an old man
wearing triple crown. who as the
bell tolled for the second time, ascend
ed the steps of the smaller throne. 1t
was the coronation performed by
automatons.
Napoleon looked on with unusual
interest.
Confess, Fouche," said he, "that
this is admirable in its way as the
police system in Paris. There is one
however" he continued; "the
great door of the Notre Dame were
not open on that occasion. The
throne was built against them, and
the only entrance was through the
large transverse halls"
"rrue. SIRE said the fictitious
artisan, casting side glance at Fouche
whose name he had just heard pro-
nounced. True, but your majesty
will see that it is mistake unavoida-
ble here. Like the rest of the world
we have been obliged to sacrifice truth
in order to secure effect"
The emperor smiled and remained
silent. Meanwhile Fouche was revolv- /.
lnp n dilemma in his mind with thn ,