The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1893-12-06

all afOunu, anu AT 6ACn opening Sue SAW
the head of a man whose body was con
cealed by paneline "A man appeared, car
rying papers. She stopped him and said
in timid voice:
pardon me, sir, but can you tell me
where it Is necessary to apply to be 1eim-
bursed for burned artieles?2
He said in loud tone "First floor at
the left, at the accident bureau
This word frightened her still more She
was anxious to return, say nothing and
sacrifice her money, but at that thought
little courage returned, and she went up
breathlessly, pausing at every step. On
the first floor she saw door and knocked.
A clear voice called out, "Come imp
She went into large room where three
men stood quietly conversing. One of
them asked, "What do you wish. ma
dames'
She answered hesitatingly, ~ come-I
come-for an accident
The man politely offered her Il seat.
"Wont you sit DOWN | will attend to
you in minute. Turning toward the
others, he resumed the conversation.
1.-THE company, gentlemen, does not feel
itself pledged to you for more than $780,
900. We cannot admit your claim for the
$50, 900 more you think we ought to pay.
The estimates of Others -
One of the others interrupted: THAT is
sufficient, sir. The courts will decide. -
They went out, after many ceremonious
bows.
Oh, il she had only dared to go out
with them, she would have done so--she
would have fled, abandoning all. But
could she? The man returned, and bow
ing said, "How can Iserve you, madam9'
She could hardly speak. 81 have come
for-for this"
The director looked with simple aston
ishment at the object she held toward him.
She tried with trembling fingers to loos-
en- the elastic cord. She succeeded at last
and quickly opened the battered skeleton
of the umbrella.
The man said in compassionate tone,
ut seems to me to be very sick"
She said hesitatingly, ut cost me $40
"Trulyl As much as that?"
Eyes. It was very nice one. wish
you to reimburse me for it. F."
Every well, see-very we'll But I do
not see how it concerns me. !"
She became nervous. Perhaps this COM
pany did not pay for small articles, and
she said:
"But it Is burned"
The man did not deny it. ~ see that
1t is"
She remained silent, not knowing what
to say. Then, suddenly understanding his
hesitation, she added:
81 am Mime. Oreille We are insured in
La Maternelle and l came for the pay
ment of this article" quickly saying, fear
ing positive refusal, 81 ask only to have
it recovered"
The director, embarrassed, said but,
madam, we are not umbrella merchants
We cannot make that kind of repairs.
The little woman felt her courage re-
turn. II she must fight, she would fight.
She was no longer afraid II only ask the
price to repair it. will have it done my
self"
The director seemed embarrassed. "In-
deed, madam, this is trifle. We are new
er asked indemnity for accidents of SO lit
tie Importance We cannot reimburse fol
handkerehiefs, gloves, brushes and shoes
and all the trifles that are daily exposed
to danger by fire. Would you tell me how
1t happenedga
"Sir, have in my vestibule bronZ
stand for umbrellas and canes. The othe
day in entering placed this there. mus
say there is just above II small shelf fol
candles and matches. | struck one. II
went out. struck another. 1t also went
out l struck a third. It did the same
"Then the fourth took fire, and lighted
my candle. Then went into my bedroom
to lie down But in about IL quarter OF
an hour 1t seemed there was something
burning. have always had n fear Of fire
Oh, II ever there Is an accident, it will not
be my fault Ever since the fire in the
Oh / Loeb ont / MI
looked and smeled like dog on scent
and saw at last my burned umbrella. II
was probably II match that fell down. You
see in what condition it has been left"
The director had made up his mind and
asked, allow much do you value your UNI
brellap"
She paused, not daring to fix a sum.
Then she said, wishing to be fair: "Havl
it repaired yourself. give it to you"
He declined mo, madam, can trust
you. Tell me how much you ask"
tBut it seems to me-that--stop--I dc
not wish to take advantage of you. I've
do not make anything. / will carry my
umbrella to merchant who will cover i
in good, durable silk and bring the bill t,
you. Will that dos"
Perfectly, well, madam. 1t is II bar
| gain. Here is an order in your case tha
will reimburse you" He held card Il
Mime. Oreille, who took it, then thanking
him arose and went out, hurying, fearing
he would change his mind. She went Al
quick pace through the street, looking
for fine umbrella merchant. When sh'
had found n shop sufficiently stylish, sh'
went in and said in confident tone:
"Here is an umbrella. want it recov
cred with silk-excellent silk. See thai
you use the very best, without regard t.
cost. Guy de Maupassant.