The sun., 1904-11-13

Careless man. exclaimed the Baroness
5ssiaSSsiy ~ SsSy .de 20, see now necessary
Life in the old chateau soon became ,
series OF storms and tempests. Whenever
Madame received a caller, he or, she wa
quickly taken to admire the bridge II
summer she received. them, her chair,
placed on each side OF the stream.
The Baron refused utterly even to wall
across. He took his exercise, like tn
oyer oI ancient Greece in lsapinl
wife standing on the bridge it was hi
great delight to leap across the stream
sometimes on one foot, sometimes on two.
-, What possesses you to jump about 90
like kangaroo?" cried his ve1ed wife.
OF your bridge. he would reply ironically.
But the Baron was happiest when, with
a friend ignorant OF the coTijuRal discussion
he would point out the bridge and launch
into violent monologue upon the stupic
lolly OF the existence OF such q monstrosity
Them inviting his friend to luncheon, the
Baron would adroitly lead the conversa-
ton around to the bridge, and the poor
guest, falling into the trap, would inveigt
contentedly against 1t. pausing only at the
sight OF the Baronees's unsmiling face
Then the Baron would rub his hands with
glee.
The unfortunate guest was the most to
be pitied In their marital differences In
variably, the subject OF the bridge was GER
tain to be brought up, the Bridge Of Quar-
res; as 1t was soon dubbed in the neigh
cussions than the Venetian bridge had heard
sighs. $3.50 '-
Opinions differed upon 1t according as
the visitor desired the good graces Of Mon
sieur or Of Madame de Tarbag gnac, A lady
life sided with the Baroness, and declared
that the bridge was magnificent and in
disputably necessary. IT, 't ,.t
:, But II It was a, question Of boundary
lines or hunting dispute, the Baron being
a peppery neighbor, the. bridge became
Whichever side was taken, the recruit waa
sure Of a warm welcome, for both the Baron
and his wife were delighted TO weaken
the adverse party: E
The servants themselves took part in
the first declared himself against the bridge
but he was idle by nature and Madame
was one to make her servants work.
Marianne, the cook shared his opinions
In the beginning. but the day the Baroness
became most beautiful and the Baron
suffered by this detection, for after that
Marianne made no more Of his favorite
dishes. AS for the gardener, furious at
any change WHICH he had not himself sug-
For ten years the battle lasted without
truce or mercy. Age had no calming in
fuenoe upon the tempers Of the two con-
teetants. Instead. they were more dis
agreeable than ever.
One day the bridge WAS partly demolished:
1t had been built hastily and not very se-
ourely. Tho Baron came into luncheon
triumphant and smiling.
4 hope now you viii leave It alone.. he
said to his wife, for neither needed to mem
ton the name Of the construction which
haunted their obstinate brains.
1T shall be repaired this very day.
replied the Baroness.
You shall not do It,"
yes, will"
mo, say!"
And I say, yes!'
The Baron lost his patience. Raising his
napkin he pretended-it was only pretence
to throw II at his wife Madame promptly
had an attack Of nerves and the bridge
was repaired.
Finally, the Baron died; he was very old
and he had heart trouble, besides. When
he felt that his last hour was near, he sent
for his wife and whispered gently, winking
one ey. with malice:
Il have never crossed your bridge
The Baroness was forced to restrain the
words that rose to her lips In reply. She
could not make a scene with DYING man.
On the day Of the funeral, fearing that
the pail bearers would follow the driveway
to the gate Of the chateau, Nine. de Tar
bagnac ordered them TO 20 around by the
bridge. Beneath her breath she added
He would never 60 across II while he
vas siive; he. shall go across 1t now he's