The National tribune., 1893-02-02

factor, the thing was accomplished. and l re-
turned to London with my good wooden leg.
" Previously, however, / had written to
England that fall from my horse had broken
my leg and amputation would be necessary.
had the sympathy of all, and Emile swoOned
with sorrow the first time she saw me. She
was inconsolahle for long while, but finally
consented to become my wife. The day after
our marriage / confided to her the secret OF
what my desire to possess her had cost me-
She loved me all the more tenderly.
"Ah, my good Thevenet, had ten legs to
lose I'd cheerfully. without twinge of regret,
give them all for Emile!
81 shall be grateful to you as long as live.
Come to London and see US. Learn to know
my treasured wife. and say again, You are
foo!'
Faithfully yours, CHARLES TEMPLE"
To this Thevenet promptly replied:
"DEAR SIR: Permit me to thank you for
your magnificent present, for / cannot term it
compensation for the small service l rendered
you. / wish you every happiness with your
good and excellent wife, True, leg is great
deal to give for even beautiful, virtuous, and
loving woman, yet not too much IT IN the end
one does not come to think himself cheated in
tho exchange. Adam was forced to give rib
for his wife; other men also have given ribs
for their loves-some head. Still, after ell,
my opinion. / add, therefore, that you are
right-for the present moment, when you are
i'm the full paradise and Springtime of matri-
mony. J. too, will be right when the proper
time comes as come it will, the single differ
encc between our opinions being that minc is
view slow to be recognized and accepted. like
every truth that one at first is loath to be-
lieve.
"Be not too confident, sir: in two years.
I hat t-5li n
had your leg taken off above the knee.
You will think it would have been better to
have kept below the knee cap. in three years
time you will feel that the loss of a foot would
have been enough. In four years time you
will declare that the sacrifice of big toe and
in five years the loss of little toe, would be
too great and in six years time the pairing of
a nail sufficient.
"All of which I say with no intention of de-
tracing from the worth of your estimable wife.
Women could better preserve their beauty and
charm unchangeabiy than men preserve their
judgment concerning them. l. too, In youth,
would any day have given my life for q beautl-
full woman, but never a ley; for that / should
never have ceased to regret all my life long.
Had done so | should to-day say TO myself as
/ said to you, 'Theyenet. thou vert fool!'
with which have the honor to be, sir,
Your obedient servant.
"THEvENET, Surgeon"
Eleven years passed, the Reign of Terror
had come. and Thevenet, suspected OF SYM
pathy with the arstocracy, fei to London to
save his neck from the knife Of the guillotine.
His first act, naturally enough was to make ill.,
Quirics for Sir Charles Temple. His residence
was given him, and shortly afterwards he was
admitted at the door.
In big chair by the Preside, foaming pot
OF porter before him, and surrounded by papers,
sat very fat gentleman, so fat, indeed, that he
rose to greet him with difficulty.
"Ah, Thevenet, Thevenet," cried the fat man
when he saw him, forgive me that / do not
run to meet you, but this accused wooden leg
of mine binders me in all / would do. You
have come. of course. TO see if l have yet ar
rived at your opinon?"
Not at all; come as fugitive to seek
your protection"
GOOD you'll stay, then. and take up your
quarters with me, wise man that you are! Stay
and comfort me, for truly, Thevenet, but for
this goddess wooden peg of mine, which has
made me unfit for everything I'd be sailing to-
day an Admiral under the bno flag of MY
country. Instead, sit here, read the papers,
and swear till I'm black and blue because /
can't be anywhere"
But your wife, Sir Charles, it's she who can
comfort you far better than / can"
"Ah, God in heaven u, no. Her wooden leg.
you know. forbds her dancing; she devotes
herself therefore, to cards and scandals. Truly,
there's no living with her."
Il was right, then, Sir Charles" said Theve.
net, drily.
"Right2 ] shonld say so; but not word, il
you love me, not a word on the subject. 1t
was stupid business. Had my leg again l
wouldn't give the pairing of single toe-nail for
the best woman living. Between you and me.
Thevenet. l was fool, frankly admit it. but
how big fool, Thevenet, for the Lords sake,
don't tell.