The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-04-07
VOL. l2. NO. 20.
AMISLEADINGD DRAMATIST

Cattleton, the great merchant, had just sat down in his library when card bearing the name "J. w. Riggle- ston" was presented. "He declares that he must see you," said the foot man, "but his looks don't go to show that he can have much business with you"
 "Let him come in," said the mer- chant.
 A tall, slim man, with reddish hair and with general appearance of scanty personal effects, entered the room.
 "Ah, my dear MT. Cattleton, am delighted to see you, sir Seating him. self) Delightful weather we are hsv- ing The farmers will soon be- gin their modest operations Preaching out with his foot and drawing spit- toon up to his chair) Was something of farmer once myself"
 "Will you please state your busi- ness, sir?"
 "With pleasure, but you will please pardon me if state it in my own way. One of the most celebrated farce writers of France, in one of his plays, presents a young lady with two lovers, not at all unusual in France, assure you, and with a grabbed and wealthy father. The girl will not marry with out her fathers consent. The old man does not like the young fellows. One day the old man falls into the river. One of the lovers, whom we will call Jimmie, sees the old man fall, plunges into the river and saves him. 'Ah, fortunate fellow that am P he says to himself. Billie (the other lover) has no show now.' But, sir, he refused Jimmie. Turned upon him in severity and drove him from the house. The very next day the old man saw Billie fall into the water. The brave old fellow rescued Billie, and, several days afterward, gave Billie his daughter. There is a deep lesson in that piece of absurdity, MT. Cattleton. It proves that we have more respect for the man we help than we do for the man who has helped us."
 "Will you please state your business with me?" said the merchant.
 "Yes, with pleasure, I assure you. Now, sir, I was thinking this morning that there is not a man in this city whose good opinion I would rather have than yours. And I said to my self that would do anything in my power to secure your good opinion. l thought that I would make you a present, but then, thinking of the views held by that French dramatist, Idecided to adopt the opposite plan, in short, to let you make me present. I thought of numerous things silver goblet, a gold ring and so on, but finally decided to accept money, say about ten dollars" "You were modest in naming so small an amount" said the merchant. "Yes, sir, modesty is the diamond set in the gold of my nature. Now, sir, if you will please let me have ten dollars, will go away, feeling that you will not forget me-" tnHl in ha chants eye. "My dear MT. Riggleston Balancing at the card), don't agree with that Frenchman. I am a man of gratitude and my heart warns toward people who have helped me. You have it in your power to do me a great favor."
 eName it."
 "Let your retreating footsteps echo down the hallway" "Ah, you wish me to retire. Can we not argue this point-discuss the Frenchman and his views?" "No."
 "Well, then, to avoid all need of discussion, let me have five dollars"
 "No."
 "If you will let me have two-and-a- half will go away, promising not to think of the Frenchman at all."
 Al don't care how much you think of him."