Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1898-04-27


that she knows even moro OF the
Young man than she has dared to say.
For a month past he regularly travelled
in the same omnibus, and she has no.
ticed that he has noticed, etc., etc.
Agenor, in his bachelor apartment,
sits thinking over his experience of
the evening, and vowing he will not
wash until the morning the hand that
had been touched by the dainty
fingers of Charlotte when she received
the card.
Suddenly sharp rap at the door, a
violent opening, and stout gentle
man, out of breath, his hat upon his
ears and cane in hand, breaks in upon
his dreaming.
"Monsieurl' exclaims the invader,
"your conduct is scandalous. You
are not worthy the name of a French
gentleman. An honest man would
never take advantage of the embarrass.
ment and inexperience of young
lady. To profit by the absence of a
father and purse, to offer your
money-and your card into the bar
gain-to an unprotected girl, it may
be good investment, but it is bad
action. have brought you your six
sous again, and would have you to
know, sir, that, as for my daughter
and myself, we wish to have nothing
to do with you"
And the stout gentleman, trembling
with his vehemence, puts his hand
into his pocket to get the money,
when, before Agenor has time even to
recover from his bewilderment, o new
nctor enters upon the scene. 1t is the
cabman, all furious, with m oath upon
his lips, and brandishing his whip in
q threatening manner.
"Ehl you'll What do you mean2
You engage me for single journey
tell you I cannot stay. You even
order me to hurry. And then you
Jump from my cab like madman,
and rush in here without q word.
None of that for me. I have only
'ome thing tcsaslk mean ymoney'
quickly, Or" And the whip goes
round again more emphatically than
before.
Agenor understands nothing of it.
But the stout gentleman, who has
searched vigorously in all his pockets,
becomes suddenly pale, then red, then
redder still, then crimson, then violet.
He is silent in stupefaction minute,
and then, il answer to more vigorous
demand from the cabman, he manages
to falter: -.
"I Acknowledgements"
"Oh, yes! I know" cries the en-
ragged cabman. II have seen that
dodge before. You needn't try it on
with me. Come along! you shall tell
your:tale at the police office" And
he begins to drag away by the shoul-
ders the unfortunate Chapoulot, who
10 ready to fall into an apoplectic tit.
But Agenor, true providence for
the family, draws from his pocket the
necessary sum and dismisses the
driver.
"You will allow me, sir, he says to
N. Chapoulot, who, all at once under
standing that it is possible to forget
ones purse, aud that of all friends a
friend in need is one indeed, can only
reply with smile:
"Monsieur-M. Blauchet, I believe
80 centimes for the omnibus and l
franc rs for the cab, that makes Al
sous owe you. II you will be good
enough to dine with ne this evening
we will settle our affairs at once. AS
an old business man, I like not out
standing debts. Besides, ready
reckonings always make good friends.
A quarter of an hour la.er the ser
want puts third plate upon the table
in the Rue de 10 Trocadero. A month
later there is still larger party,
when the wedding of Charlotte and
Agenor is celebrated. And NJ. Cha
poulot will often say to those who
care to hear him:
"Beware of borrowing, oh! fathers
of families. I made once debt OF
Il sous, and could only repay it with
dowry of 10000 francs. Strand
Magazine.