St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1892-12-31

J; Baron Ragelet said the proprietor
bowling. II know the name; have seer
it lately in the Newspapers :: *
@.:-.:"No doubt--in relation to an injunc
ton obtained by my Indignant family t.
prevent: me from, wasting. my fortune
They, say: that am a fool, and that my
liberality, has its origin in imbecility
During ten months, while the inquiry
was going on, my property was estreated
and refused to touch the allowance
| offered me. Since then the inquiry hat
terminated in favor of my sanity, ano
having again entered upon the admins
tration of my property, | was enabled tc
| refund to this excellent man the LITTLE
sum he had the generosity to disburse fol
me. Now that we know each other, lie!
us return to business. What sum do you
demand for your establishments
"Two hundred and twenty thousand
francs"
at is not, perhaps, too dear; and yet
you would probably have no objection to
leave some of the purchasemoney on
mortgage. But listen to me. The times
are unsettled, and the most solid estab-
lishments are at the mercy of revolutions,
and two hundred thousand francs now
are better than two hundred and twenty
thousand in prospective. Here, then,
he continued, drawing an old portfolio
from his pocket, lis two hundred thou
sand francs in notes of the Bank OF
France. If these satisfy you, the affair
is finished. This is my way of transact
ing business, and in my time | have COM
pleted more important bargains in fewer
words"
Dominic and his master both seemed
stupefied with surprise. The baron APP
peared to enjoy the confusion, and
rubbed his hands and repeated the grim
ace to which we have alluded.
II am willing to agree" said the pro-
prietor; "but it is necessary that the mat
ter should be arranged by notary"
"Why SO? Is not the sale executed in
good form by the three parties presents"
''But with respect to the interest, "
murmured Dominic in smothered tone
of voice, Selling the baron's coat, sit is
necessary
"Bah"' replied the old man, Il DO d? it
10 ODllge IRE = q am no uSufer. UlFe
me you. -,,~,nowledgment-Ide desire moth
ing else. But as I have no intention of
making you present of two hundred
thousand francs, Twill arrange it in such
a manner that you shall not long remain
my debtor''
Dominic fell from his elevation, and
"the man who always ate stale bread
descended to the coffee-room. While
the buyer and seller were preparing
themselves to register the transfer OF the
property, he swallowed tranquility his
cup of coffee. without forgetting the
two pieces of sugar to be transferred to
his pocket, beat a superb march on the
table, drew up his boots, and departed
with his two friends to finish, by dash
of the pen, transfer Of the two hundred
thousand francs.
In few days Dominic was Installed
in his new dignity. The little old man
continued to take his customary break
fast in his usual impassive manner, when,
one day, as he was leaving the room, he
deviatcd so far from his usual custom as
to approach Dominic, who was enthroned
in the seat of honor and address him
with the following words:
Dominic" said he, II think you have
warm affections"
Perhaps" said Dominic, fixing his
eyes upon the baron, as though he would
read his thoughts.
II see,' said the other; you have
them when the occasion demands it.
You are right am pleased with the
reservation. | find you have not lost
your heart. Marriage is the most i'm
portant affair of mans life. Dominic
you must get married"
II have already thought of it, sir"
said Dominic; "a wife would be great
source of comfort and economy-it
would save the expense of dame de
True said the baron, you have need
of aid and counsel-you shall have them.
Be ready at 8 o'clock this evening; will
call for you, and we will pay a visit to-
gether."
The appointed hour arrived, and with
it the baron. Dominic was ready and
accompanied Monsieur Ragelet in hack
to that quarter of decayed
Faubourg St German. Here
they stopped at the door of house of
mean appearance, and having assembled
several flights of stairs, entered a small
apartment, where they found two ladies,
who received them with marked atten-
ton.
MADAME Dupre," said the baron to
one of them, with the appearance of
friendly familiarity, "this is the worthy
man of whom have spoken, and in
whose welfare | hope to interest you.
Dominic" continued he, turning toward
the cottage-house keeper, this lady is
the widow of a man who has rendered
me many an important service. She has
promised to extend her favors to you
and will permit you to visit her at inter
vals."
While Monsieur Ragelet was making
these introductions in due form, the
daughter of Madame Dupre, whose name
was Rose, and who, without being eS-
actly beautiful, possessed all the fresh
ness and bloom of the flower whose name
she bore, regarded Dominic attentively,
and he in return bestowed upon her a
large share of his attention. The result
Of this double investigation appeared ia.
vorable to both parties, for Dominic was
we'll formed and:with good features, and
his countenanee reflected the goodness
and gentleness of his heart. He had
But the ineanness Of the apartment. and
the simple and inexpensive dresses Of
the ladies somewhat disappointed Domi"
mic. He was anxious at the earliest pos
sible moment to return the baron's loan,
and indeed thought from hint that the
baron had dropped, that It was his in.
tention to Introduce him to- a: lady Of
property, who could do something to-
ward the liquidation Of his debt. The
u -