Connecticut western news., 1894-03-22
THE TWO PEACHES.

THE TWO PEACHES.
 Though the son and grandson of gov ernment employees, had no more than fairly got started in the same career than resigned my position on account of two peaches
 l was a regular chip of the old block, and my father thought nothing could equal . government career. So, after I had graduated, no one urged me to do anything but take subordinate place in my fathers department. I did not feel strongly drawn toward another vo- cation and suhmissively started on the uninteresting highway of bureaucracy, 1 was diligent fellow and we'll dis ciplined, for I had been taught from my cradle to respect superior officials and to defer to those in authoritys 90 l was noticed by my chiefs and rapidly passed the first grades of clerkship. When was s5. my director. who was fond of me. gave me place in his of flee, and became the envy of my com rades. They already spoke of me as prospective superior clerk and predict ed bright future. 1t was then that married. My wife was beautiful girl and. what is better. very good and affec- tionate, but she had no fortune. That was . grave fault in the eyes of the lit tie world of clerks in which I lived. They were very positive. They regard ed marriage only as business transac- ton, and they invariably took for a rule that "if the husband provides the break fast, the wife must provide the dinner. 7" But my wife and between us had hardly enough to sup meages ly. Every body said had done very silly thing, and more than one blunt colleague in my department declared briefly that was a fool and had wlllfully put my foot in it. Nevertheless my wife was very sweet and lovely, and by living modestly and with great economy we succeeded in making both ends meet. Though my lack of foresight was still condemned, the society people of the place deigned to continue inviting us
 Ny chief was rich and delighted in being conspicuous, birding himself on making . fine appearance in the social world. He frequently received. gave elegant dinners, and from time to time issued invitations for a dancing party to the families of his employees and to the prominent people of the town. My wife was not we'll, some months after our marriage, and though would have much preferred to remain at home with her I was obliged to go alone to these entertainments, for my chief would not allow any one to decline his invitations his subordinates must even amuse themselves according to his orders
 One night there was a grand ball at the directory, and of course, whether l would or no, had to don my evening clothes and go.
 While put the finishing touches to my white cravat. my wife gave me nu- merous suggestions: 1t will be perfect ly lovely. Do not fail to see everything % as to tell me afterward. The names of the ladies who are there, the toilets, and the supper menu-for there is to be a supper. 1t seems that they have ordered a great many dehcacies from Chevet-scme rare fruits; heard of peaches that cost francs apiece-oh, what peaches they must bel Do you know, if you were good. you would bring me one.
 remonstrated- showed her that the thing was impracticable, and how diff cult 1t would be for man in dress suit to put such fruit as peach in his pocket without the risk of being seen and pointed out. The more objected the more bent upon her whim did she become:
 "On the contrary, nothing could be easier. In the midst of the crowd com ing and going to supper, no one would | see you. Take one as if for yourself, and then hide it adroitly. Don't shrug your ahoulders. Perhaps it is only a bit of chiidishness, but long for one: ever since I heard of those peaches 1 have had a wild desire to taste them. | Promise to bring me one at least /"
 How could a man give a downright \ refusal to the woman he adored1 end ed by murmuring vague promise and then hastened away, but just as l turned the handle of the door she call cd me back. I saw her big blue eyes, bright with longing. turned upon me, ard she cried once more, Do you prom isef''
 The ball was very fine: flowers every
 where, elegant toilets and excellent mu-
 sic The prefect, the president of the tribunal, the officers of the garrison,
 and all of the department clerks were
 there. Our chief had spared nothing
 to give brilliancy to this entertainment,
 of which his wife and daughter did the
 honors most graciously. At midnight,
 supper was served. and the dancers filed
 into the dining room in couples. I fol
 lowed, trembling, and scarcely had en.
 tered before I saw the famous peaches
 sent by Chevet occupying a conspicuous
 place in the center of the table.
 They were indeed magnificent Thers
 was a pyramid of them in a china bas-
 set, carefully arranged with graps
 leaves. which brought out the appetlz
 ng color of thelr velvety skins where
 ieep red shaded into greenish white
 From seeing them one could easily i'm
 agine the fragrance and delicate flavol
 If the luscious rosy pulp. My eyes ca \ -Ssoc4 kuCAu HUH aAaAs anu AAoaE8
 If the joyous cries that would greet m'
 m my return if succeeded in carryint
 ,s-~a sample of this perfect fruit
 rney were exciting general admiration
 and the more gaxed at them the nor lid my desire take the shape of ike
 purpose. I determined to have one o
 two. But how7 The walters kept
 watchful guard over this rare and cos' ly delicacy. our host having reserve
 for himself the pleasure of offering hi
 peaches to certain guests From tim
 to time, at a sign from my chief, th butler would daintily take one, cut
 with a silver knife, and present the tw
 halves on . Sevres plate to the desis