Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1905-08-31
A CAREER MADE
BY TWO PEACHES

r HE first time | saw my old chum
Vital Herbelot, after a separation
of rs years, was at a reunion of the
old pupils of country school where
we had studied together. | was con-
siderably surprised to find that he had
turned out a very different sort of man
from what had expected.
had known him In former years
as a thin, timid fellow, always look
ing as II he had stepped out of band
box, correct and reserved in manner
i and without an ounce more originality
than any of his hundred comrades who
also held places in the large bureaus
4 / found him now a man of easy bear
ing, evidently accustomed to wealth
and importance and speaking with the
authoritative tone of a man whom
others obey and who takes orders from
no one.
What have you been doing?" I
demanded, curiously. Are you no
longer in the government"
mo old man." he replied, with an
odd smile; Il am a farmer and have
been for good many years"
What And you the son and grand
son Of a government clerk! How did
you evade your natural destiny?"
Well" he answered, laughing. the
greatest results are often brought
about by the oldest reasons. re-
signed my appointment because Of two
peaches"
Two peaches?"
Neither more nor less. If you'll
come out to Chanteraine with me
when the banquet is over I'll tell you
the story"
Accordingly, when the coffee and
toasts were finished we started to-
gether, following the path by the canal, |
and my friend began his story.
you know" he said. my father, |
who was an old clerk himself. thought |
there was no career like that of the |
government. Naturally, as soon as | |
was graduated he procured a post for
me and | set to work as docilely as |
an obedient son should.
Il had been brought up to have a
proper respect for those set in an-
thority above me, and consequently
my chiefs noticed me and made one
or two rapid strides ahead. When |
was rs ! was promoted again, and all
my companions enyied me and said |
was cut out for a successful life.
1T was then that was married to
an exceedingly pretty young girl. very
good and very amiable but without
any dowry Such a marriage was a
terrible mistake in the eyes of nv
small world.
THE rule is without exception there.
II the husband gets the breakfast the
wife must bring the dinner. But ny
wife and had 10 manage carefully in
order to have even a supper.
However. we were very happy and
she was an excellent housekeeper. so
we contriyed somehow TO make both
ends meet
One evening my chief. who was
rich and liked to entertain. invited
Nine. Herbelot and me to a large ball
My wife was unable to go. but. as a
invitation 10 a subordinate
iavors of a royal command. was
obliged to put on my black coat and 90. I
"As | was getting ready. and she 5
Vas tying my white cravat. my wife !
aid earnestly:
1t will be VERY splendid. Do not l
orget to look al everything so as 10 $
ell me all about It; the names Of the
aides who are there the color OF their 4
resses and the menu for supper. For a
4 course there win be a supper and n
God things. too. I am sure heard v
ONE one say something Of peaches 5
which would cost three francs apiece a
n. those peaches, DO you know. If ]
on we're very good 70 ne you'd bring
Re home onei
! tried 10 show her that II was ut
srt impossible for a man to put o
eBsh In the pocket Of bis dress suit
.ithout being seen and laughed at. but !,
be had got the idea into her head ,
nd there was no getting Il out again.
he more objections I raised, the more
be insisted.
B." Nothing would be easier" she said ~
fhereN be q hundred people coming q
nd going. No one viii notice yen =