The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1884-01-30

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li"Yes, on the deck of the steamer, as
you were starting for Europe
Exactly. .Nfter landing, | went at
once to London where | remained for
several MONTHS doing nothing in par
ticular, but passing the time as Il young
man naturally would who had his peck
cts lined with gold and an abundance
of leisure lime on his hands. After an
| idle. a mess life in that old city,
crossed the channel and made my way
to Paf ). Non remember, Weldon,
when became of age, my guardian
turned the Whole of my income over to
me- unreservedly, while he still retained
the management of the estate, at my
particular request. As | had never
been abroad, and. in fact, had not
travelled much in my own country,
naturally felt desire to see the
world.
Quite natural, I'm sure"
swell, began to make the most of
the two resources at my command
time and money-and was soon livlnga
gay and perhaps somewhat fast life in
! this. the best, or might say the worst
of French cities. At any rate, found
| myself enjoying it all very we'll, and it
was one ceaseless round of gayeties,
with theatres succeeding balls, and
these closely followed in their turn by
the opera or something equally enter
tanning. | owed the most of my intro
auctions into society to an artist friend
of mine who. though already famous,
and on the shining road to riches
through the medium of his brush, lived
somewhat of a bohemian life among
| the multitude of artists studying under
those var ous Partisan masters. Per-
! haps you knew this Arthur Pierrepont?
He was ormerly from New York.
Il knew him by reputation only"
I'VE were quite intimate. and had
many a Jolly time together. There was
certain club in existence in Paris then
of which he was one of the leading
spirits 1t was their custom to hold re-
ceptions every two weeks at their ele-
giant club house, which were attended
by the members who were almost en-
tirely actors, actresses. journalists and
musicians, together with their friends.
These We're always most enjoyable af-
fairs, and we went number of times
during the season.
ut was at one of the parties or recep-
tons, that | first met Jules Dupres.
He was a typical Frenchman, in stat
ure small and wiry, with coal-black
hair and bushy eyebrows, and heavy
moustache, almost hidings his thin,
treacherous lips. His eyes were small
and deepset, piercing in the intensity
of their blackness, while they darted
about so restlessly, and with such a
sinister expression, that | instinetively
felt dislike to him before | had been
fairly presented. This bad impression
speedily wore off as entered into con-
yersation with him, when | found him
one of the most accomplished takers |
! had ever met. There was no subject |
could touch upon but what he was per-
fectly at home, and could outtalk me
twice over"
lie must have been remarkable
Ned smiled as he responded, II see
you do remember me, after all.
Yes; but go on.
AS | was saying, this man was so
entertaining that ! soon forgotmy half
formed prejudices, and was completely
charmed by his manner. As time ran
along. and we met at IA number of social
events, | became quite intimate with
him. My artist friend noticed this, and
did not appear to sanction ii.
~ don't half like that black French
man of yours, Pierce, he said to me
one day, while | was watching him at
work i'll his studio.
"'Why?' g5
$50, fancy he Is not exactly a fair
and square man. may be wrong, but
he don't impress me at all favorably.'
SO thoroughly infatuated had L be-
come with him that | laughed Pierre
points fears to the winds. | was sure
he was all right. Why. such q jolly
/ good fellow could not be very bad at
! heart!
lit was one evening in early May that
found me at the last of the club recep-
tlonS for the season. AS usual, my
oliye-hued Dnpres was there, as smiling
and voluble as ever. During the even
ing, which seemed more than usually
gay, wandered into the almost desert
ed smoking-room, and sinking into an
easy-char, was soon enyeloped in a
cloud of smoke, and deep in brown
study.
"a penny for your thoughts, my
II looked up, and there was Dupres,
leaning in a careless attitude against
one of the window easements. 'Ahl it's
| you, is 1t? ] was just thinking how
pleasant it all was here, and how |
hated to leave. F."
Leave? Is monsieur going away?'
Yes, have decided to ramble on.
am going to start for st. Petersburg
Tomorrow rt
'''Is it possible2 How very SINGULAR
L am bOlilS W itlSd lily anu Dtl-
haps we can arrange to travel in com
pany. I4
Il was not aware you contemplated
leaving Paris, | said, somewhat sur
prised at his avowal. Il did not know
you were In business, a4 hsu.f
80. yes, am starting for Russia to
look after our furs. We are largely in
terested in that Industry eT i
II fancied for the moment slight
embarrassment in his manner, but i'm
mediately dismissed the idea, reasoning
il my own m nd that there was nothing
very remarkable in two gentlemen
CHANGING to be travelling in the same
direction. esli
1.-THE result was. the next morning
found us in the same compartment,
and booked for the same destination.
Since leaving you last night he
explained, Il find | would have to go to
st. Petersburg, after all, so concluded
to go at once and be done with it,
After long and tiresome journey,
we arrived at our destination, and nm
der his guidance went to the Imperial
Hotel, where we were accommodated.
The weather was simply delightful for
that part Of the world, and we gave
ourselves up entirely to pleasures and
sightseeing. lie had apparently for
gotten his business, as he never re-
ferred to it. while l, who had lost any
mistrust might have had, was onlytoo
glad to have him devote his time TO
amusements. A few evenings passed,
and he proposed the theatre. 1t seems
there was Il very good French company
just beginning long season there, and
were playing to crowded houses. We
went. and it was Il ere | first saw my
fate"
Ned paused, and silence reigned fora
few moments, while with hard set ex-
preston on his face he gazed moodily
at the glowing Goals.
ut is needless he began. slowly, ''to
recount all my first Impressions, and
rave OF personal charms. Suffice it to
cay, fell deeper and deeper In love
with this angelic being behind the
scarce less dazzling footlights. and my
friend observed it, as we fairly haunted
the theatre.
You admire the lady?' he said, one
night, as we were in our accustomed
seats.