The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1890-05-29
4 MYSTERIOUS FLUTIST.
ELow NJ. Jaune's Temper Got Him
Wife and a Stuffed Bird.

Last January, on the first evening
that light snow carpeted the roofs of
Paris, closed carriage rolled along the
bouleyards, spinning like a zebra. It
was so loaded with trunks that you
would have thought an actress was set
ting out on journey.
Worse. Within was valetudinarian.
large and fat, one of those whom trife
disturbs, and who think their final day
Of reckoning is near when they have a
cold in the head. This one imagined
be had weak lungs. So at the approach
OF cold weather he bundled himself with
fars and fed to Nice.
he was bachelor. Although he
could have married at any time, for he
had 100000 francs in stocks, and there
fore suited many young ladies, he had
been unwilling to dispose of his right
hand. Next TO himself, the one he
loved best was his cook-not for herself,
but for her cooking. No one took better
care Of No. 1. Under no circumstances
would he have disturbed himself to do a
favor. He would not have lent five sous
to his father in the street, for it would
have been necessary to unbutton his
oyercoat to take out his purse.
He was indeed the most extravagant
crank to be met with. His most insig-
nifcant acts were on system; he slept
rose, ate, smoked and took medicine
with his watch in hand. Many curious
stories are told at his expense. For in
stance he was so nervous, so irritable,
that he detested the songsters in the
court-yards. The porter had to drive
them away with the broom. To persons
who persisted in singingin the street he
quickly threw half-franc on condition
that they would leave. Now every time
the porter lacked the price of drink
he puts on a false beard and waistcoat
and went under the window, tapping on
pan as prelude to a dance. Immedi-
ahalf-franc was forthcoming.
The neighbors had to hold their sides,
for there are people who can not help
laughing.
AT Nice he always put up at the great
United States hotel, where for fifteen
years the same magnificent room, well
exposed to the sun, had been reserved
Tor his use. 1t was the only one he fan
eied, and he occupied it until April at
noon precisely, the hour at which he set
out for Paris.
His name excited mirth. / will not
attempt an explanation, but every body
smiled whenever he was introduced. He
was known as M. Jaune.
Now M. Jaune arrived at Nice the day
after leaving Paris at six o'clock in the
evening. He partook of an excellent
dlnner-a bouillabaisse aux langoustes,
INLET marine, quail, asparagus, and a
bottle of Chateau la Rose. With this he
hoped not to die with hunger. Then,
after having smoked good cigar to set
1le his coffee and champagne, he retired
to rest.
ltwas nine o'clock when he ensconced
himself in bed. He extinguished the
light, and. stretching himself out, an.
hclpated sleep like doormouse.
but scarcely had he dropped into a
aoze when a flute was heard in the next
apartment playing the air from Faust
Let, oh, let me gaze upon thy face!''
The tone was sweet and silvery, so the
Arst impression was charming; but the
nutist cut short the melody at the fourth
measure and repeated it several times
tnen rested for five minutes and re-
humed in like manner, stopping at the
same point
What is the matter with him?" said
A. Jaune to himself.
The other continued without sign o.
trouble.
at the fifth rehearsal, as there il
nothing so agreeable as not to weary il
me end, M. Jaune tapped on the parti
aon wall. The flute was silent. Salts
1so ne took potation from his night
eaole and closed his eyes. 1t was ter
ociock. The hotel was almost empty
sne greater part of the guests not hav
g yet come in. Suddenly the peace
Aai silence was broken by the flute:
Let oh, let me gaze upon thy facel''
Hhewl He is getting to be nuisance
snls Is for an extra attraction vii
uspense with it.n
ns tapped loudly and cried out:
niA you stop? If you don't III gaz,
-s0a your face pretty soonp'
"aen n. Jaune got angry he torgo