Morris tribune., 1886-10-06
A FAMILY BOMBSHELL


have been recently reminded of an
episode OF the siege of Paris, which,
f1atter myself, reflects no small credit
on me. But be not alarmed. | shall
not lead you among the shot and
shell of the ramparts, nor the dangers
of the outposts. The incident l speak
of took place in quiet street, in the
house of my old friend Durand, a
wealthy manufacturer of chemicals,
the husband of an estimable lady, the
father of a charming girl, good pa
triot, and, though perhaps a little
hot-headed in his politics, on the whole
one of the best men in the world.
Although surprised by the invest
ment of Paris, Nine. Durand, always
a provident woman, had looked to
the condition of her larder, and she
had laid in such stock OF provisions
that, had the siege lasted three months
longer than it did, the Durands would
never have known hunger. Along in
October her wisdom became apparent,
and | added my blessings on her fore
thought to those of the family, for a
cover was always laid for me at her
table; and who, during those times
OF privation, would not be enraptured
at sight of golden omelet or some
genuine gruyere?
l was not the only guest at this
hospitable table for my next neighbor
at the table was Victor Lamont, the
head clerk OF the chemical works. He
was an excellent young fellow, dark
and slender, somewhat retiring, and
apparently very much in love with his
employers daughter, Gertrude, who
seemed not insensible to his atten-
tons. Though not a word has been
spoken on the subject. the union OF
the young couple was tacitly accepted
by all.
Unfortunately, the war prevented
its accomplishment. Victor was a
corporal in the Paris militia, and per-
formed his duties with the same con-
scientious care he exercised in all
things, but he was not enthusiastic IN
anything except in consigning to the
devil this eternal siege which had come
between him and his happiness. And
his criticisms on the conductor Of the
operations were-perhaps excusably-
somwhat bitter.
These criticisms never failed to excite
Durand, who was a devoted admirer
of General Trochu. And still another
thing served to estrange them; LIE
Temps was then publishing series of
articles in which the author remodeled
the military operations which had
Ctsta,ken place in the province. He in
duIeed AZ wild flights of imagination,
but Durand ItGook them seriously and
predicted brilliant, victories in the
near future. The dousbting Victor
would venture timid objeftlon.. Then
Durand would become excited and
angry, and would not be apNpeased I'M
til The clerk granted that each sepa-
rate battle was victory.
The presence OF a new. guesH tended
to complicate matters still more. L
was surprised one evening to find my
place at Nine. Durand's right ha9G
occupied by stranger, swash- buqk-N
ling Individual with bull neck and
very red face. He wore capital ms
epaulets; his uniform looked as il he
might have found it in the property
room of some theatre; his enormous
boots were mid-leg high, and altogether
it was easy to see that he posed as
hero.
I'M. Morin," said Durand, in intro
ducing US, captain of the Montmar
tire Zouaves of Death"
Id k1I1 1C% 00hn NJ
and scowled salute.
Before the soup was over 1recollected
who this NORM was. His exploits
consisted in removing from the de-
serted houses of the suburbs such
furniture as would be likely to arouse
the cupidity of the enemy, and put
ting it in a place of safety until
the owners should take it away.
/ was wondering how this iron
iawed braggart came to share our
meal, when Nine. Durand explained
the matter to me, with considerable
snow of emotion. While out walking,
late in the afternoon, she had slipped
on the sidewalk and fallen, and NORM,
who happened to be passing at the
time, assisted her to rise, and, as she
was somewhat faint and nervous, had
accompanied her home. She could do
no less than ask him to dinner. This
explanation treasured me; hoped we
should see no more of him.
1.-THE war;" he said" had led him to
Paris, whose safety required his pres
ence." AS to his exploits in the sub
urbs at the head of his "Zouaves OF
DEATH" they passed all belief. "The
enemy could do nothing With my
five thousand wolves at my back |
made breach" etc.
Mime. Durand listened to this rho
domontade with complaisance, Du-
rand with undisguised admiration.
AS to the poor militiaman, Victor, his
existence seemed totally erased In the
presence of this blusterer.
invented a pretext to leave i'm
mediately after the coffee, for was
oppressed by the Dragging OF the
leather-lunged Gascon, whom hoped
never to see again. But in vain, FOR
on the following Sunday l found him
in the same place, again on Friday,
ami finally cover was placed for him
every evening. The entire Durand
faraily seemed fascinated by him.
NORM had captured Nine. Durand by
his joviality, and papa Durand by the
interest he seemed toFake in the mill
tt operations conducted in lie
os. Victor lost more ground at
ry dinner.
The discredit into which he had
lllen became plainly apparent after