The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-19
THE SATIN SLIPPER.

Leon and his bride were seated in a COM
partment by themselves. They had given
the conductor a fee and promised them
selves solitude on their wedding journey.
'All aboard" shouted the conductor
Just as the train was about to move an
elderly man sprung on the step and entered
the compartment The door slammed, the
bell struck and the train moved away. AL
though annoyed by the intrusion, the young
couple continued their conversation in Eng
lsh, when they were interrupted by their
fellow traveller in a much better English
than their own. Monsieur said he, dryly,
''if you have any secrets to relate, l would
advise you not to do so before me. in Eng
lish as I am conVersant with that language.
I am sorry to intrude upon you but this is
the only compartment 1 could find place in.
However, will try to go to Sleep"
And he faithfully tried to do So But his
efforts were in van and finally he drew a
book from his valise and began to read.
When he plunged into his sack he drew
therefrom a large roll of Bank of England
notes, and, showing them to Leon, asked if
could change them at the next town. Leon
replied that it was probable he could do so,
as the road was much frequented by English
travellers.
When they reached the next town the
Englishman descended first. After him
came Leon, who endeavored to conceal his
wife's ankles as she descended the steps.
Such are young husbands. Suddenly there
darted from the group of loungers on the
platform a young man of peculiar appear
ance He sallow and unshaven; his eyes
were bleared and bloodshot; his clothes were
/ shabby to the last degree. His once black
coat was buttoned closely to the chin prob
ably to conceal the lack of shirt. He ad-
vanced toward the elderly Englishman
! "Uncle,'' he said, humbly.
rs that you?" said the other anerilv
BE off! I don't want to have anything tc
| do with you."
Come uncle said the other, with a mix
ture of menace and humility, don't be SC
| hard a man..
He seized the elders arm and led him aside
After some moments conversation the uncle
seemed to soften, and opening the valise
gave the other some bank notes The nephew
devoured the remaining roll with his eyes
and after a curt word Of thanks disappeared
! in the crowd.
Leon and his bride entered the hotel an6
we're shown to the best room in it. Theil
status as newy-married couple procured
them that honor The walls were covered
pies. Unfortunately certain idle travellers hat
| added moustaches to all the female faces
and pipes to all the male, so the effect wa.
to a certain extent lost. The room was called
the 'sblue ROOM" the furniture having ono,
been of that color
Leon ordered dinner to be served in thei
room. The difficulty in procuring it excitef
his wonder, and on inquiring he found tha
officers OF the SD Hussars were giving :
dinner to their comrades of the 61st cha 8
seurs that very evening. To his horror HI
found that the banquet was spread in th.
room Immediately adjoining the blue cham
Der. However, there was no help for it. Tn
hest swore by all the gods that the officer
were the quietest men he ever saw in n
life; that-excepting the Chasseurs-t
were no more lamblike individuals in he ser
wee than the Hussars. And, besides the,
always rose from the table before mdniehi
AS Leon, somewhat troubled in mind 70
turred to the blue chamber. he noticed tha
his English fellow-traveer occupied tb
room on the other side. The door was ono
and through it he saw the Briton seated he
fore bottle and glass and contemplating th
ceiling
well, it makes no difference, after all >, ;,
said to himself; "the Englishman will soo