Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1895-06-25
A GENEROUS MAN.

In The world of amusement Guy de Var
vile passed for one Of the gayest young
men in Paris. Without sou of fortune,
without stirring u finger to work, he had
lived for Is years as if he enjoyed an in
come of $1,000 livres. Dressed by the
most fashionable of tailors, supplied by the
most expensive halter and bootmaker with
the most recent fashions in hats and shoes,
he lived in beautiful apartments in Quar-
tier de lEurope, was waited on by valet
de chambrc absolutely correct, he dincd at
the best places, never went out except be-
hind q pair Of horses, and was intimate
with persons in the highest circles of fash
ionablc society.
How did he do itP How do the other
it? Only they themselves can tell, If they
know.
However, Guy de Varville began to
grow weary. The parting of his hair, usu-
ally faultlcss, began to widen in an alarm
ing manner; the girth of his waist began
to cxtcnd-in word, he began to find that
in each days struggle the means and the
implements were sometimes wanting.
Io realized that he was growing moro
and more disposed to put an end to it all,
especially if this end were to be Miss Jack
son.
Miss jackson was an exceedingly pretty
young American girl; she was also very
rich. He had met her during the winter
season and had ever since been paying as
siduous court to her.
Moreover, it seemed that his chances
were good and that she looked upon him
with no indifferent eye. But, according to
the French idea, with these American
girls one never knows whether it is love or
INSTRUMENTATION to proposal Of mar
riage they will not reply with burst Of
laughter or with congo.
Nevertheless, the other night at Lady
NOcalm's ball, where he led tho Cotillon
with her ho thought she somehow or other
gave him to understand that it would not
displcase her to be addressed us Nicolntesso
dc Varville.
And, as good luck never travels alone,
when he went out that night lie won 10
louis at the gaming table with little 10
franc piece that was sleeping in a corner Of
his waistcoat pocket.
Guy went to bed happy that night. At
II o'clock next morning ho had not yet
risen when his valet entered his room and
informed him that a lady was waiting to
see him.
His valet was too well trained, as well
as too familiar with the ways Of his mas
ter, to dare to disturb his morning slum-
bcrs without q sufficient and weighty roa-
son.
Guy opened his eyes Then he saw the
precipitation with which his valet drew
aside the curtains and he sat up in bed.
He was sure that something very serious
was the matter, but his surprise was great
er than ever when his servant told him:
"This lady says she comes from Miss
Jackson"
Guy quickly made himself prcscntable
and walked into tho drawing room, where
his visitor awaited him.
He saw woman about 40 years of age.
She was dressed simply, but most correctly.
Monsieur" she said in pleasant voice,
but with pronounced English accent, II
am lady patroncss of the Mission for the
American Poor, and Miss Jackson, who Is
much interested in the work Of the society,
advised me to come and beg Of you cOntri-
button"
Is it necessary to say that Guy listened
to this declaration without the slightest
enthusiasm?
"And when did you see Miss Jackson?"
he asked coldly.
"This very morning; went to see her
about the sad condition of ono Of our COM
patriots who is in great misery with four
little children. After giving me contri-
button she added: Go and see NJ. de Var
vile from me; he is u friend of mine, q
very good friend. Tell him that he will
cause me the greatest happiness in joining
me in this good workr
Guy went into his bedroom. With q
sigh he picked up the three bank notes he
had won the preceding evening put one of
them in an envelope, then, after mo-
ment's hesitation, slipped in the second
and finally also the third!
"Pshaw" he thought, when the sacri-
fee was made. perhaps the money is well
placed after all"
"And when will you see Miss Jackson
again, madame|' he asked, as he handed
to her the precious envelope.
"At once, monsieur; shall go and tell
her of your generous offer"
"Ah! Then would you have the kind
ness to tell her that ask her permission
to call upon her this afternoon and pay
my respects, and at the same time to Con-
suit with her as to some means for the re-
lief of the poor man in whom she is inter
estedY'
"Well, haven't managed so badly after
all, " thought Guy, when the door closed
upon his visitor. Fifteen louis is no
small contribution, and think l have de-
served some little thanks from her. In
any case solicitude for poor American is
not bad excuse to get into her presence,
and once there I'll see that do things
properly and bring the affair to n point"
Guy spent long time over breakfast.
While eating he formed his plan of cam
paign, made allowance for all possibilities
and even went so far MS to compose the
final grand sentence the answer to which
he hoped would be Eyes"
Having taken his coffee and smoked
half dozen cigarettes, he began to make
O most careful and elaborate toilet.
Three O'Clock struck, and he was prepar-
ing to leave when his manservant brought
him n letter. 1t was letter with head
ing; even the envelope bore a heading-it
was q tradesman's letter.
Guy de Varville smiled, and, thinkini
of Miss Jackson's dollars as he opened this
letter, he said to himself, "This is one OF
many who will be surprised when 1 settle
his accountP'
/ This is what the letter contained.