The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-05-07
A LOVE MATCH.

From the French Of L. ErousssL
Upon his arrival at Precigny-sur-Serre,
where his regiment was TO take part in the
maneuvsrs, Lieut.. Bouscarel Of the second
squadron was quartered for ten days as
the gIest OF the Baron de Carqueyrane,
municipal counselor and churohwarden.
NJ. de Carqueyfane was not yOung-he
had been a sub-prefect during the Empire;
neither was he any longer beautiful, for
only three hairs, and these Of a quarrelsome
nature, remained to tell the tale Of his
governmental couture. His nose was his
strong point, being prominent and large.
Lastly, although somewhat OF punster,
he possessed neither wit nor oleverness.
Consequently it Is not TO be wondered at
that NJ. Bousoarel should have thought
sadly as he went to his room:
"Confound i'll This place will be as
cheerful as a tomb to live int"
The baron, full Of kind attentions, al
though Of 50 ungraoious an exterior, has
tened to rap at his guests door and inquire
II there was anything further he might
want, Assured on this point, he sat down,
and while lamenting the ills Of the modern
times announced gravely that, for his part,
be had taken refuge in science.
1t is a friend who never deceives you,
my dear sir. he said. 1T has been my oon-
ISOLATION and my delight. When l was
Obliged to give up my political oareer-in
which, though say it myself, l had made
a very en- viable reoord-in what but science
could have found succor for the terrible
inaotion which was killing me? Yes, sir.
] am now an astronomer / correspond
with the Instituted l was a friend Of the
celebrated Leverrier-alasl since his death
we have no more great men,,
'Realy2' asked Bouscarel absentmind-
edly, unpacdng his bag.
1T il the unfortunate truth, sir. Where
is the man now who is capable Of discovering
another planet?'
Upon my word, couldn't tell you, sir
Perhaps there aren't any more planets to
be discovered
There are always planets, young man,
for those who have the eyes 10 search for
them. Presently, II you like, / will take
you 70 visit my observatory. II is there
! spend my nights, and, IL IL is 90 destined
it is from there that will enrich the crown
Of science with a new jewel. But that is
my little secret After that I wish 10 pre-
sent you TO Nine. de Carqueyrane and to
my niece
"Ah, you have a niece, BaronY'
Indeed, yes, my dear sir-an angel-the
daughter Of my late brother, in whose person
have paid my debt TO my country, for he
died upon the field Of honor. will show
you his cross
Strikes me the brother did a good deal
Of the paying thought Bouscarel, but
aloud he said politely, i am ready 10 follow
you, sir
There IL still the consolation Of the niece,
u only she Is pretty May the gods be merci-
full, for 80 much science II enough 10 make
a man dizzy" hethought. Thus hopefully,
he listened 10 the Baron's description Of his
seHtants theodolite and telescope and the
careful explanation Of all his calculations.
he was made 10 look at the moon and ct
Saturn, with due appreciation Of their
beauty, and tho poor Lieutenant was trying
In vain TO think UP some preteXt for flight
when the door was suddenly opened.
The niece, the angel, appeared upon
the threshold She was tall and thin and
not In tho slightest degree pretty, and had
a nose an ell long; feminine reproduction
Of the Baron.
Heavens groaned the young ofiicer,
"a his last hope fed. The dowager will
probably wear false teeth and corksoreW
curls.'
And as the Baron happily explained his
favorite theory OF the procession OF the
equinoXes, his miserable guest followed
him 10 the parlor cursing the day WHOM had
cast him among such fossils. AZ the door,
be paused, HstOnish ID. -.
Instead Of the thin and angular Baroness