The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1896-09-26

press Marie Louise. Her autographs are
very rare"
at is authentic. The empress adj
dressed it to the great Napoleon the day
after the battle of Lutzen."
But the emperor lived at the Tuileri es
then"
Certainly, sir, and that observation
proves your intimate knowledge of the
history of the time. But, if you will re-
member during the absence of the Little
Corporal, as he whirled from battlefield to
battlefield, the empress was in the habit of
retiring to the Louvre"
Bridoux was evidently flattercd at his
historical knowledge being praised, but
rubbing his nose refectively he said:
How did the letter fall into your
hands?''
sob, in the most natural manner in the
world. l got the letter from my father,
who got it from my grandfather. My
grandfather, soldier of the empire and
fanatic admirer of Napoleon, picked up
this letter one day when it had fallen from
the pocket of the great man and preserved
it AS precious relic. Sir, nothing but the
most urgent need would force me to sell it,
But | must have 100 francs. 1t is for me
IA question of life and death Neverthe-
less beg you to believe l am patriotic,
for if | come to you it is because you are
French and because, if you purchase it,
this precious document will remain in my
country. l could have had ten times the
price | asked you. Just now an English
man tried to buy it on any terms. He
followed me, even DIGGING my steps to
the door OF this house,
But Bridoux evidently did not appear
in hurry to bind the bargain.
81 would willingly buy it, but wish to
consult an axpert first"
II regret SIR" replied Armand, "that
[ cannot watt He turned cold inside as
he said to himself, ''This affair is going to
fall through if Jules does not hurry
up
At this moment the doorbell rang.
lie
He was unrecognizable His hat was on
the back OF his head his coat was buttoned
to The chin, and he had on pair of long
rel whiskers not unlike those which adorn
the English tourists who travel around
with those queer personally conducted"
parties.
At the sight of this curious parsonage
the autograph collector stared in stupe-
faction.
pardon me-" said the false English
man. 81 wish to speak to the gentleman
who just came into your house"
Bridoux was about to reply when Ar
mand interrupted.
'IIow,' said he "you here again,
man?'
Eyes. l will give you 200 francs for
your letter.
'But told you | would not sell it
81 will give you 500 francs"
81 tell you sir, that l am already max
ing bargain with this gentleman"
II will give you 1000 francs. -
81 beg you sir, to leave the ROOM"
every we'll, said the false Englishman,
81 will wait for you outside the door,
but must have that autograph" and he
left
"You see," said Armand to Bridoux,
''the price that Englishman attaches to this
precious document. Don't force me to let
it pass into his hands when ask you only
100 francs.
The autograph collector was at last
convinced He took out of his secretaire a
bank note for 100 francs and gave it to
Armand, who thanked him and with
drew.
Not long after that the two young men
made raise, and the first thing they did
was to put bank note of 100 francs into
an envelope with this Endorsement Resti-
tuition and thanks, and addressed it to
Brdoux.
But Bridoux never knew what it meant
He simply covered the 100 francs into his
treasury, and for him the note of the little
saleswoman at the Louvre lace counter is
still an authentic autograph of the Empress
Marie Louise. Adapted For the Argonaut
From the French.