The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1895-03-29

y
Arrived on the opposite pavement,
M. Coussot stopped and took up his
station on the curb, critically eying
the various road cars and omnibuses as
they came up.
A Hammersmith car drew up, and,
with unsupported agility, he jumped
on to the steps and nimbly climbed up
stairs.
l followed, and took seat behind
him.
AS we neared the top of Cheapside,
l thought it time to commence opera
tions.
Excuse me-" said 1. in my softest
possible tones, 81 am not sure it l
am on the right car. Does this one
go to Hyde Park corner, can you tell
me-?
AS he heard my voice M. Coussot
jerked round on his seat. and, as he
looked at me. politely raised his hat.
'Ah, mees! l am strangair in Lon
don,' he said. Il will inquire of the
drivair"
And bending over the rail, do you
pass re Hyde Park cornair?' he asked;
and then turned to Inc again with:
Yes, lis car pass re cornair.''
Thank you, SO much, saia |, sweet
ly, trembling inwardly lest this should
prove to be the conclusion of our con-
versation.
But the gallant Frenchman showed
no intention of again turning his back
towards me. On the contrary, he
wheeled still further round, and, keep
ing his eyes fixed upon my face. said:
''Zere are SO many buses and things
in your London that it csc YER con-
completing, confusing"
Very confusing" l agreed. Have
you never been in London before?"
''Ne-vair, said he. Il want mouch
to come, but somehow never do till
this
And are you disappointed or pleased
with London now you have seen it?''
ventured, feeling that this question
marked an epoch in my life
''VeH," said he slowly. and hung on
his very words. Il am both disappoint
and pleased. 1t is grand city. but it
makes ones head ache, there is so
mouch beezneez. Qfow l remembered
that wordD And l do not find it pref
ty 1t is too mouch dull, too gray, too
neutral tint as you say"
He seemed to enjoy chatting like
this, and, Just as the shops and side
lightly from one subject to the other.
until l knew the cause was won, and
that, if l could only remember all he
had said, had enough material to fill
whole page of the Ray.
At Hyde Park corner l prepared to
| alight, having, just in order to prevent
wounding his feelings, assured him
that | believed Apsley house, which
had attracted his attention, to be the
habitatiOn of the Guards club.
All! You get down here. l regret!
Will mademoiselle exchange cards in
memory of our delightful conversa-
tiong?"
''Oh! Pray excuse mer' said I. 81
have been too indiscreet already
No! Not" he protested Il have en-
joy ver' mouch. But mademoiselle
may have curiosity as to who she has
been talking" And then in much the
same tones as the intelligence might
be announced, Il am the German en-
peror!' the versatile Gau!, again rails
ing his hat. said: Il am Jean COus-
sot!''
"ReaNyi" l gasped in affected sur
prise. and without another word de-
scended the steps.
A second after jumped on to another
| 'b,,c ~x-hio IoI
dilly circus.
Into an aerated bread shop rushed.
pulled out my note book, and began to
scribble for dear life.
What can get you?' murmnred an
attendant.
Coffee said l, laconically.
Anything to eat?"
Yes, please" L answered. writing
on. oblivious of the girls proximity
WHAT" she persisted.
What what?' said I, looking up,
angry at the continued interruption.
When l had jotted down all that 1
could remember, took a hanson to the
Offices of the Ray, Shut myself up in an
empty room, and never stopped till my
interview was written, revised, and re-
read.
KNOCK out those two columns of
Parliamentary Gossip" directed my
editor when he had just cast an eye
over my copy, land the contents bill
must be altered to jean Coussot's
Views of London Well done, Miss
Neville! I'll have chat with you
later"
AS may be remembered, the publica-
ton of that interview caused great
sensation in the journalistic world
But the most pleasing memento of
this little episode that possess is al
exquisitely fashioned small gold brooch,
embellished with the letters M. NJ
in diamonds, that M. Coussot himself
sent to the Ray offices for me. bearing
on the back the words in English: ITO
the Victor from the Vanquished Pail
Mall Budget.