Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-05-25

tutl SttlCdlly. lJDOh ub Ullb DdSL ten
years record. American girls give
youth, their birthright, to marry the
man of their heart, their money and
their future to secure IL title Why not
you as we'll as -" He mentioned
the names of several we'll known French
and Italian noblemen who had in this
spirited fashion redresscd their attonu-
ated fortunes, thus altering their future
into an established and roscato surety
instead of dark descent into the ig-
nominy its projectors had done their
best TO attain.
Listen" urged the duke. 81 have
friend, dramatic critic on the
Eclair, bright specimen of nineteenth
century methods, who has analyzed the
present situation and names it simple
justice, an eye for an eye, Il tooth for a
tooth, so to speak " The duke was I'M
aware that be was quoting from the
scriptures, He was merely repeating
what he considered clever saying of
his friend Desmoulins "Desmoulins
knows to Il die every American heiress
in Paris, he continued. "He was tell
ing me all their names yesterday at the
Ccrclc-read them out of book, fig
urez-vous-aud has sent already to New
Ork to an agency there, Brown =
agency, | think it is called, where any
one can make Il calculation of the dot
the daughter may expect from summing
up her papa's possessions 1t is as easy
as y b G.. Come with me. We will SEQ
Desmoulins. 1t is the hour for break
fast. We will meet him at Durand s. "
Done, " said Lacaze
He seized his hat and cane, walked
brislsly toward the restaurant. which
faces the classical facade of the Made
leine, and found Desmoulins, a type of
the modern boulevardier, "a man some
30 years of age with merry, laughing
eyes, thick lips and a shifting express
sion as little to be trusted as it was I'M
definable
In a few moments the subject was
opened and discussed.
Desmoulins herewith drew out his
little book from his pocket and began to
turn the leaves, accompanying his act
with running fire Of adjectives, side
remarks, darts pithy and pertinent to-
ward De Lacaze and amused chances in
the direction Of the duke, who was
lazily discussing some hors d'nuvres
while consulting the wine list
"H'm." said Desmoulins, "here is
Just our affair. On the Avenue Mon
taigne, No. 30, in "a magnificent apart
ment, dwells ravissante Americana.
Arrived one year ago. Complexion
blond, like white lace over pink silk, :"
this last with wink at the duke, who,
broadly amused, was listening attentive.
'v, and side glance at De Lacaze,
who, scowling heavily, had bent his
muddy eyes upon the floor
"The young lady is just of age. Hav-
ing pursued her studies at home, she
comes abroad to accomplish herself in
music. She is at present pupil of
Purrini, the great Purrini."
HIM, " interrupted De Lacazc, still
scowling. 1.-The most arrant humbug
of the age. knew him when he was
starving in Marseilles. His father was
a pork butcher, and his mother was
washerwOman.
Desmoulins smiled delightedly. "Ex-
nctly," said he. THAT goes to prove
that the young woman in question,
who is travelling with her aunt and lit
tie sister, is no more capable of under
standing the true inwardness of Life
with IA capital l. than nous autrcs Fran
Gals can comprehend this little Ameri-
caino's mad desertion of her own cUun-
try so rife, we are informed, with op-
portunitios for development and money
making, neglecting it for ours, which
her countrymen, also gratuitously, in
form us to be old fashioned and out of
date"
Finish with your superhuous re.
marks, commanded De Lacaze furious.
~, land get to business. What is her
fathers fortune in figures"
las yet, monsieur, | am unable to
afford you that information au juste.
But ! am positive | can obtain it in
few days. | have at present a cousin in
New York "-Desmoulins omitted to
state that the aforesaid cousin was pur-
suing the modest calling of lifting
trunks Ill large caravansary ON lower
Fifth avenue-"whO weekly forwards
mo package containing such informa-
ton. / will be able to give monsieur
his facts within ten days The young
woman's father is justice Of tho su-
preme court and enjoys modest for
tune. Tho young woman's mother is
immensely wealthy and is notably amhi-
tious. Indeed it is whispered that she
has been said to have stated openly she
was DESTROYS her daughter should form
an alliance with "a noble French house "
And where is she to bo met with,
this paragon of beauty, innocence and
wherewithal?" De Lacaze had drawn
himself up and was buttoning his shah
by coat over his now well filled stomach
The Wine and food had given substance
to his tainting courage. Hope rushed
into his veins He looked as though
once moro there was future ahead of
him which promised almost forgotten
prosperity.
"At TIE pension where / live" whis-
pered DcsmOulins "thcre is little girl
named Constance Brilla, who is study
ing for the operate stage. She told mo
of her friend quite artlessly. listened
just as artlessly. Then l made my cal
culations. Tonight there is ball at tho
pension. We are requested each of us
to invite our friends. You will come as
my friend, and will present you to
Miss Priscilla Delno, the friend of Miss
Brilla.
"Done," agreed De Lacazc.
"SOftlY softly murmured DnSmou-