Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-11-20
THE WISHES.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.

Q
ming the roofing of thateh with an anx-
tous air.
~One already sees the moss has made
a new covering" he murmured. THE
verdure has gained new start, and the
loft will become as damp as a cave. But
those of the town think that this is suili-
ciently good for a peasant
~Whom do you term those of the town,
my good friend? ?" asked voice behind
him.
The farmer turned his head quickly
and found himself in the presence Of his
landlord, NJ. Favrol, who had just ar
rived in time to hear his querulous reflec-
ton. He saluted him with a slightly
disconnected air.
Il did not know the proprietor was
here, he said, without responding to the
question.
But you thought OF him, did you
not?" replied M. Favrol, smiling. II see
that you are always the same, my poor
Antoine; always seeing only the thorns
Of the roses, and in life only its trials.
Lireux shook his head.
~our master speaks at his ease, said
he sourly, for he has money enough to
do what he pleases.
Because am pleased to undertake
only what have power to accomplish.
observed the proprietor. ~To limit ones
desires according to ones resources is
rule Of conducs which you, perhaps,
have forgotten to put into your cate
chism.
1t would be Of more value to me not
to forget to put in my pocket good con-
tract for reRt, replied the peasant. 1T
is not needful to reproach poor people
too much for their desires because they
have not the means TO carry them out.
1t seems to me that one might very well,
without too much fatiguing the good
God, ask for a roof which should shed
the rain and never attract vermin, unlike
this evil thatch.
"That is to say, you still retain that
idea of yours of having covering of
tiles?"
$50 much so that If can get enough
to bear the expense myself will have
one yet, and see habitation much more
healthy and my grain wen guarded.
But think you, my friend, that you
will be more contented 2"
II ask nothing more of the lord nor of
our landowner.
"Zoundsl / can have true heart"
said NJ. Favrol Although regard the
expense is as Improbable for you as idle
for me, wish to assure myself that this
will be the means of complete satisfac-
Z ffnF, -, ekan haze f1,a vnnf
ing of tiles, Master Antoine, and on the
return of fair weather ! will send the
workmen."
Lireux, surprised by this unexpected
concession, thanked his landlord with
effusion; and when they had parted en-
tered the house to announce to his family
the good news
Part of the day was employed by HIM
in examining the consequences Of tins
transformation of the roof Besides the
new aspect which it gave to the farm
house, there would result, in the cutting
the wood work Of the gsrrets, some seri-
Gus consequences. But Antoine per-
ceived Immediately that one might
double the attic space by raising the walls
upon which the girders rested. This dis
covery completely changed the course of
his ideas. He now only thought Of this
enlargement, and what profit might be
drawn form it, Without this modiiica-
ton the new roof would be change de-
prived of any importance. One might as
well have things as they were in the
past.
Behold, then, our peasant again in his
black humors, and deploring with bitter
ness the want of money which contin-
ually hindered him in the execution Of
his plans. As he was obliged to betake
himself 10 NJ Favrol's house TO pay his
rent, the latter, remarking his careworn
appearance, asked the reason. After
some hesitation Lireux avowed his new
preoccupation.
"This is not request, at least, which
can make to our master" he continued.
at is sufficient that he has promised to
raise the roof. lie is not Obliged to do it,
and poor people have no rights but what
are allowed them.S
"You might add that they have these
in common with the rich, replied NJ.
Favrol; "but see il is difficult to cure
you Of your discomfort. One desire
gratifed gives birth to another. Iwish,
however, to attempt cure; you shall
have the attic walls raised.
Now the farmer declared that such a
promise filed him with gratitude, and be
returned TO Joncheres in the best of
spirits.
When, some days afterward. con-
tractor sent by NJ. Favrol came to ex-
anime the work to be done, Antoine
asked him. in the course of the conver-
Bation, what could be done with the
old timber.
Nothing at all, suspect, said the
contractor. ~This wood is for rural con-
structions, and not capable OF sustaining
anything but thatch. One can use it in a
barn, however.
Exactly; and ours 10 too small, said
.he farmer.
Have you space for large one Z"
"Just at the entrance to the stable. It
win take some Of the garden space, l
win 60 with you and show you
They went together to visit the spot,
which the contractor did not fail to find
admirably suited FOR new building. He
pointed out to Lireux all the advantages
that would result from having a large
shed by enlarging the stables and digging
pit for muck. 1t would be the means
Of completing the improvements begun,
oud vyor,1d cviwa 9ba farm n et,r,x,,;s s,,-;t %