Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1892-10-26

Never scars as high again.
Il IIczeki0h Puttcrworth.
AT THE THREE PIGEONS.
When | was about thirty years old,
| went fishing one Sunday on tho
banks of the Cher, near Saint Avcltin.
1t was Easter time, little warm but
quite pleasant near the water. | had
installed myself in an excellent place.
AT my feet the brownish-Srcen water
wound TRANQUILITY in and out between
grassy banks. Daisies and field
flowers grew on either side close to the
waters edge. I.hcard from time TO
time the bells of Agaz and Saint-Aver-
tin ringing for service, and took
great pleasure in the thought that it
was Sunday, that had long day be-
fore me, that | had no unpleasant
nelghbors to disturb me in my enjoy
able occupation.
had unhappily rcckoned without
my host. About three O'Clock | saw
appear, behind the poplars, a couple
who placed themselves on the other
side of my rod, about ten feet dis
taut
They were middle-agcd man and
a lady, young and very pretty. The
gentleman, clcan-shaven, clothed Ell
lirely in black, had a very correct air
and n very severe councnance; the
lady in gray dress and straw capotc
trimmed with blue ribbons, was
blonde, plump and very lively. They
carried iishing-rod, and the husband
made his wife sit down while he adj
justcd the rod and arranged the bait.
Without appearing TO watch them l
soon perceived that they were noviccs
in the art.
"Goodw thought |. "lhcy are
amateurs and will not trouble me un-
less they frightcn away the fish with
their chattering."
They caught no hing. On the other
hand, III less than an hour | had my
basket half-full. My neighbors were
still unsuccessful. Finally, the young
woman, disgu slcd, threw down her
rod and s'rolled slowly toward nc.
at the moment she reached me, |
landed large perch, and took Il
mean pleasure in leaving him Hopping
about on the grass, before putting him
into basket.
"Oh," cried the young woman,
"what lcauliful tish"-then in an
insinuating voice she added:
"Monsieur, how do you catch so
many fish while we have not been
able to take even Il bleak"
was young then, and though |
was always timid in the presence of
women, was not insensibc to u
pretty face. replied, therefore, as
gallantly as | could:
Ooh, Madam, it is only that you do
not understand. TO fish with line is
more difficult art than one thinks.
But if you will follow my advice |
will show you how to fish. Here, seat
yourself, | will prepare your hook"
lshowcd my pupil the tricks of the
rod, Of which she seemed TO be en-
tirely ignorant. After few in
slructions she did fairly well. The
spot was good one and the fish al.
lowed themselves to be taken.
AT each lucky pull at the line, the
little lady laughed like child, clappcd
her hands, turned towards her hus-
band, who, gravey smiling, seemed
very happy in his wife's joy, and
thanked me with ccrcmonious DO
liteness.
AT last the afternoon wancd. About
six O'Clock we stopped fishing, and ]
was about to take leave of my com
panions, when the young woman ran
TO her husband and whispered TO him.
Hc listened with a thoughtful air, ovi-
IDENTIFY little startled. After mo-
ment ! saw them coming toward me,
but it was the lady who said to me:
"Monsieur, you have been so kind
10 us that we cannot leave you in this
way. 1t is owing to your goodness
that we have caught these fish, and it
is but right that we should cat them in
company. Will you give Us the pleas
ure of dining with us!"
The gentleman added his invitation
TO that of his wife. They urged me
in such cordial way that / accepted
and we went to Saint-Averiin.
At the "Three Pigeons" the husband
asked for aprivate parlor and ordered
dinner. We were pleasantly served
in a room where windows opened
wide upon garden filled with flo "
crs.
The fresh air had sharpened our APP
petites. Besides our fish we had
roast fowl, asparagus, a tart, and
Vouvray wine. was seated at the
right of the pretty lady, who laughed
constantly, and who did not leave my
plate or glass empty for moment.
L..