Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1891-12-26
THE WISHES.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.

Antoine LireuX, a farmer of jon
,heres, stood before his dwelling "xan-
ming the roofing of thatch with an anE-
Gus air.
"One already sees the moss has made
new covering" he murmured. "The
serdure has gained new start, and the
oft will become as damp as cave. But
those of the town think that this is suili-
GENTLY good for peasant.
Whom do you term those of the town,
nv good friend?" asked a voice behind
MIN.
The farmer turned his head quickly
md found himself IN the presence of his
landlord, NJ. Favrol who had just ar
lived in time to hear his querulous retlec-
lion. He saluted him with a slightly
lisconcerted air.
Il did not know the proprietor was
lere," he said, without responding to the
question.
But you thought of him, did you
lot?" replied NJ. Favrol, smiling. Il see
:hat you are always the same, my poor
Antoine; always seeing only the thorns
If the roses, and in life only its trials. !"
Lireux shook his head.
"Our master speaks at his ease, said
ne sourly, for he has money enough to
10 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 a
'ule of conducs which you, perhaps.
ave forA often to put into your cate
:hism."
at would be of more value to me not
70 forget to put in my pocket good con-
tract for rent, replied the peasant. ut
$ not reedful to reproach poor people
zoo much for their desires because they
nave not the means to carry them out
1t seems to me that one might very well,
without too much tatiguing the good
God, ask for a roof which should shed
The rain and never attract verInin, ullhe
this evil thatch."
THAT is to say, you still retain that
idea of yours of having a covering of
,iles 2"
80 much SO that if / can get enough
to bear the expense myself l will have
one yet and see habitation much more
aealthy and my grain well guarded.
But think you, my friend, that you
will be more contented?"
81 ask nothing more of the lord nor of
our landowner"
"Zounds! l can have true heart, "
said NJ. Favrol. Although regard the
expense is as improbable for you as idle
Cor me, wish to assure myself that this
will be the means of complete satisfac-
tion to you. You shall have the roof
ing of tiles, Master Antoine, and on the
return of fair weather / will send the
workmen.
Lireux surpl ised by this unexpected
concession, thanked his landlord with
fusion; and when they had parted en-
tcreet the house to announce to his family
.he good news.
Part of the day was employed by HIM
III examining the consequences of this
Transformation of the roof. Besides the
new aspect which it gave to the farm
mouse, there would result, in the cutting
the wood work Of the garrets, 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 modifica-
ton the new roof would be change de-
prived of any importance. One might as
we'll have things as they were in the
past.
Behold, then, our peasant again in his
olack 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 to NJ. Favrols 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 a request, at least, which
can make to our MASTER" he continued.
1T is sufficient that he has promised to
raise the roof. He is not obliged to do it,
and poor people have no rights but what
are allowed them.
"You might add that they have these
in common with the rich, replied NJ.
Favrol; "but see it is difficult to cure
you of your discomfort. One desire
gratified gives birth to another. wish,
however, to attempt cure; you shall
nave the attic walls raised"
Now the farmer declared that such a
promise filed him with gratitude, and he
returned to Joncheres in the best of
spirits.
When, some days afterward, a con-
tractor sent by NJ. Favrol came to ex-
anime the work to be done, Antoine
asked him, in the course of the CONVEX
sation, 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
Darn, however.
Exactly; and ours is too small, " said
the farmer.
Have you space for large one?"
Just at the entrance to the stable. 1t
will take some of the garden space. l
will go with you and show you.
They went together to visit the spot,
which the contractor did not fail to find
admirably suited for a new building. He
pointed out to Lireux all the advantages
that would result from having a large
shed by enlarging the stables and digging
a pit for muck. 1t would be the means
Of completing the Improvements begun,
and would give the farm superiority