The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1895-09-20

while to the defendant it might prove
tho greatest injury i'll his rank and posi-
ton us an officer who is poor and de-
pendent upon his pay. Do you still in
siSt upon your complaint"
81 still insist upon it"
The course the affair was taking
seemed to have become painful to the
lady's husband. He spoke with his wife
urgently, but without effect. Tho judge
WAS going on to further consideration
of tho case, when Il loud voice was
heard from the audience:
81 will place the goo rubles ar the
service of the defcndunt''
During tho silence which followed n
gentleman forced his way through the
crowd and placed himself ut the young
officers side.
''Sir, am the Prince W and beg
YOU will accept the loan of the 200 ru-
bles i'll question.
Prince, l am not worthy of your
kindness, for don't know if shall ever
be able to pay the loan," answered the
officer i'll Il voice tremulous with emo
ton.
Take the money mt all events. I can
IL.
Theroupon the prince held out two notes
Of 100 rubles each, and coming close to
him whispered few words very softly.
There was Il sudden lighting up in tho
officer $ face. He Immediately took the
two notes, and turning tathc lady hand
cd them To her with IL polite bow.
Il hope, madame. You arc satisfied.
With malicious smile .hc reached
out her hand for the money.
Yes. Now I am satisfied"
With ascornful glance over the crowd
If spectators she prepared to leave the
room on her husbands arm.
Stop, madame, " said the officer, who
Lad suddenly become like another man.
"What do YOU want?' said the lady,
casting look upon him as insulting as
possible.
81 want my dress" he answered,
with slight but still perfectly polite
bow.
"Givc mo your address and will
send it to you.
"Oh, no, my dear madame, am in
the habit of taking my purchases with
me ut once. Favor me with the dress
immediately"
\ shout of appreciation came from the
gallery.
"Order!" cried the Judge
'What an insane dcmandr' said the
lady's husband, My wife cannot I'M
dress herself here "
II havo nothing to do with You in
this matter, sir, but only with the com
plainant Be so good as to give me the
dress immediately, madame My affairs
arc urgent -
The pleasure of the audience mt the
expense Of the lady Increased with every
word.
Do not jest any more about it. 1
will hurry and send you the dress as
soon as possible.
i am not testing. l demand from
the representative of the law my own
property, the dress" said the officer,
raising his voice.
The judge, thus appealed to, decided
promptly.
1.-The officer is right, madame You
are obliged to hand him over the dress
on the spot
Il can't undress myself here before
all these people and go home without
any dress OH, said the young woman,
| with anger and tears.
You should have thought of that
sooner. Now you have no time to lose.
Either give up the dress of your own
accord, Or
A nod that could rot be misinter-
preted brought to tho lady's side two Off
GERS of justice who seemed about to take
upon themselves the office of my lady S
maid.
Take your money back and leave
| me my dress!"
"Oh, no, madame! That dress is now
| worth more than 200 rubles to me. "
How much do you ask for it?'
1.-TWO thousand rubles," said the
officer firmly.
Il will pay the sum-" the weeping
lady's husband responded promptly. 81
have here 900 rublcs Give me Il pen
and paper, and l will write an order
upon my banker for tho remaining
1900"
After he had written the draft the
worthy pair withdrew amid misses from
tho audience. From the French.