The Forrest City times., 1891-04-10

again slowly, spelling each syllable to make assurance doubly sure"
 There was no mistake; tho number S4, Brigitte's ticket, had won. He dropped the journal and started of in great agitation towards his house. Brigitte had prepared her masters frugal breakfast of nuts and cheese. He placed himself at the table. but he could not eat, for his emotion seemed to clinch his throat and prevent him from swallowing.
 What is the matter, Masterp" Anx. iously asked Brigitte.
 Nothing at all"
 You are not ill?"
 No. tell you" he answered an- grily.
 During several days he secretly ob- served the poor woman. Did she know that she had won 100, 900 francsp No indeed Entirely ignorant that she was the object of such close scrutiny, she performed her daily tasks with her usual good humor, while her master was in a fever of unrest.
 One day he dared to ask her, trcmb- ling while doing so:
 'Is there any news, my good girlp"
 Nothing. Master, except that one of the hens has the pip"
 Very good! She knew nothing about her good fortune. As for announcing it to her-that was entirely too much for his nature and long life habit. It seemed to him monstrous that another should profit by this marvellous wind fall of hundred thousand francs, pro- duced by his piece of twenty sous-his own bright, silver bit! Time was heightened from days to weeks. A mo- tice in the journal (he really bought a copy of the one containing the an- nouncement) formally stated that after delay of three months the unclaimed prizes would be employed for new capital.
 The poor man had no moro appe- tite for eating or drinking, or power to sleep; he was dying of uneasiness. Twenty times he was on the point of speaking of tho ticket to Brigitte; and twenty times he bit the tip of his tongue. One word only might put his servant in the way to learn her good fortune.
 One morning, after an unusually sleepless night passed in turning and retGrning in his bed, he arose with n smile on his thin lips. He had found key to the problem. He commenced by ordering Brigitte to kill tho plumpest chicken and to cook it in the oven with 6 good piece of pork. In the meanwhile, he brought from tho cellar, where it was hid behind the fagots, bottle of old wine. And finally he gave his servant money to buy coffee, sugar and brandy.
 Brigitte asked herself if her master had gone mad?
 "Surely some demon has taken pos session of his mind!" she thought with Q thrill of fear.
 It seemed a fearful increase of the malady when the old gentleman. after having ordered her to lay the table for two, asked her to take her place as his yis-a-vis.
 'Oh, Master should never, never dare to do that"
 Sit down there, tell you, you fool ish woman!"
 Brigitte had heard that one must not oppose the wishes of maniacs.
 So. without answering. she seated herself in great embarrassment on the edge of the chair,
 Come, eat and drink. Brigitte, my girl" he said, filling her plato gener- ously.
 However this was not the last sur prise for Brigitte. When the coffee was served the old gentleman suddenly said:
 You see, my good Brigitte. this means that am going to got married!"
 Indeed. master. it is not yet too late; if you are old. you are still hale and well, ~ answered the simple servant approvingly.
 Since that is your view, if you like. wo will marry each other.
 After tho roast chicken and pork. the coffee and wine, Brigitte expected to hear almost any strange thing on the part of her master. But that! Oh. not that!
 You are joking me. master"
 Not it all. '" answered tho old peas ant He explained that he was grow ing old. was without children or family, and did not wish to die alone like a dog. Besides, he was grateful! He could not forget that Brigitte had saved his lite-his faithtu! Brigitte. One must not be forgetful of such n service.
 Finally. the worthy woman. whose head was turned by this stroke of good fortune. believed in his sincerity. She. humble servant, marry her master9 Think of it. It was. indeed. some thing 10 turn ones brain.
 The bans were published. and the marriage followed. Tho couple were greeted at the church by the good natured smiles of tho whole village.
 After the ceremony the new husband hurriedly conducted his wife home.
 Having crossed tho threshold. he hastily demanded in joyful voice. while energetically rubbing his hands.
 "Brigitte. my girl. where have you put your ticket2"
 What tickets"
 Your lottery ticket No. SAP"
 What lottery!"
 "You know very we'll" he cried. impatiently. ''The one you bought with my twenty sou piece that l gave you"
 The bride began to laugh stupidly.
 ''Ah, tho twenty sousp Listen, Master"