The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-03-20
HIS ABNORMAL AMBITION

Just after the memorable three days
of July, 1S-, the floating population of
Paris was modestly increased by the ar
rival in that city from his native pro-
vince of Symphorien Baliveau.
The owner of this curious and not
entirely euphonious patronvmic was a
young man of about 25 years, neither
handsome nor ugly, fat nor lean-the
type, in fact, that one daily elbows on
the boulevards and never looks at twice.
need not add, of course, that such
was not his own opinion; on the con-
trary, he was deeply impressed with the
consciousness of his own charms. and
equally determined to profit by them for
the attainment of the object of his am
bition-notoriety.
Everything is in my favor" said he
good looks, money and determine
ton to succeed. All want is short
cut to celebrity, duel will give me
that"
ing himself to bavaroise at Tortoni's,
a short, muscular individual, dressed in
the latest mode, with a bristling mus
tache and self-satisfed air, took his
seat at an adjoining table.
The provincial after critical inspec-
ton of the newcomer rose from his
chair and, saluting him courteously, re-
quested him to favor him with the ad-
dress of bis tailor.
The stranger glanced askance at his
questioner.
"Why?" inquired he curtly.
Because am struck, monsieur" " said
Symphorien, with the good taste of
your costume. That green coat with
silver buttons becomes you so admir-
ably"
"You think SOP Well, your wish can
be easily gratifed. for chance to have
card Of my tailor in my pocket. Be-
hold it,"
Thanks monsieur. May ask if you
have also the address of your shoemaker
In your pocket?"
"The same thing is in my pocket,
monsieur" the little man answered with
great suavity, and tearing out leaf
from his notebook he wrote on it the re-
euired address and handed it to Bali
veau.
rs there any more yo desire to
know, monsieur?"
Only this-yOur hatter's name, if
may be SO bold"
That regret to say, sir, ! cannot
afford you tonight. have it at home,
and tomorrow morning two of my
friends will bring it to you if you will
kindly oblige me with your address"
With Pleasure, monsieur" replied
Symphorien, "here is my card"
And here, monsieur, is mine"
Nothing could be better" thought
Baliveau, as, exchanging polite bow
with the stranger and paying for hi:
bavaroise, he strolled leisurely out anC
| down the boulevard.
He drew the card from his pocket
approached lighted window. and on
the little square of pasteboard. in clear
sharp etching. read: Martial Rogue.
"Roque!" said he, starting back and
paling visibly, "the great duellist, whc
never misses his man, but either spit.
him with thrust impossible to parry
or brings him down with bullet SEN
evenly between the eyes. Bon dieu
What a mistake I've made, all for tht
sake of little celebrity. I'll be cele
brated tomorrow, that is certain. Blu
what good will it do me if I'm not thert
to see itP"
A secluded spot on the Bois d.
Boulogne-less frequented in those day
than now-agreed upon at 4 o'clock il
the afternoon, proposed and accepted
N. Roque's friends announced tina
their principal, having the choice o
weapons, selected pistols, and thi
formality over. left Symphorien to hi
meditations. none of the cheerfulest, 81
you can see.
While ruefully rejecting on whom h
could apply to in his dilemma, h
chanced to pull from his pocket the tw
addresses given him by,Roque.
And without seconds delay he de
spatched message to MN. Staub an
Sakosky, the fashionable tailor and boot
maker of that epoch, requesting thei
immediate attendance at the hotel wher
he was stopping.
Thirty minutes later they were there
and as a wise measure of cancellation
-Symphorien was no fool, after all
she gave them an order considerabl
larger than they were wont to receive
even from their most eXtravagant Gus
toners, then the necessary selection
and measurements made, he amaze
them still more by demanding tn
amount of the bill, as he desired to settl
it beforehand.
With one accord they proteste
against the need of so speedy settle
ment; they had every confidence i
monsisur's selvenoy, and were not i
tbs sliEhtsst hurry!
"thss may be-" replied he, "bpt-