The Washington times., 1912-01-30
CHAPTER XXv.-Continued.

l"HE Rue de Ia Gaite has not
changed greatly. Little by lit
i tie the temples dedicated to
Bacchus have been trans
formed. The guinguette is now the
modern bar. The small bosquets have
given place to rooms decorated with as
much bad taste as pretension. On the
trottoir one meets the same crowd Of
people. The working man dominates
whom. in the time OF Eugene Sue, we
called 'arsouille," but whom we now
call Apache" The word has changed.
but not the. style. of individual. The
striking contrast to the side streets,
which are quiet and gloomy.
Before an establishment stripped Of
its ancient splendor. but which is still
called Aux Cents Balustres," NJ. Bar
net-Dufour ordered the chauffeur to
stop.
On the ground floor there was a count
er, before which some drunken men
were making speeches and seeing who
could make the most noise. AS we have
mentioned, that which characterized the
Rue de la Gate was the noise. Some
years ago the owner OF the wine shop
, was ASA ssinated in his cabaret, with
out his cries attracting attention. His
murderers were never captured.
rhe merchant. followed by his wife
and guest, went in by a little door on
the left Of the entrance and climbed a
straight staircase into a large room. In
a corner an old garcon was doing in
his chair: at his side a cat purred.
Both cat and garcon opened their eyes,
surprised at being disturbed.
I'VE want room,' said Barnet-Du-
, four.
, Upon seeing such fashionable custom
| ers, the Nestor of the apron suddenly
| remembered his manners OF days gone
! by. He made iiourishing bow and
! gracefully tucked his serviette under his
arm. Like an old actor who again
| finds himself on the stage before a select
audience. his former department re-
| He led his society" into a little room
| with window which looked out over
| the garden.
| of olden times. Some old paintings
| representing the attributes of fishing,
| hunting, dancing, and music ornament
| ed the panels. In the corner was an old
sofa with fiat cushions. On the mirror
various inscriptions, more or less witty.
| 4 log fire was prepared in the crate
! the GarCon put match to II, then re-
| turned to his customers.
| This salon Is quickly heated" he
said "besides II is not very cold now.
| We reserve this room for our most select
! clients
| earcons) made another fiourishing bow.
This room is full Of souvenirs Alfred
| dc Musset came here with George Sand.
They both wrote their names upon the
glass at the side of Sandeaus. See
| there"
The garcon pointed to the names on
| the mirror.
That's all right" said Barnet Defour.
but what are you going to give us to
| eat?"
| IT am awaiting madames orders"
said Auguste, bending almost to the
| floor.
my dear Sabine, will you be good
enough to make up menu with the
| garcon?''
The restaurant was not particularly
| we'll provided and II took some time for
madame to arrange good but simple
| dinner.
! They took their places at the table
Barnet-Dufours gaiety seemed forced
| and Sabine seemed very preoccupied
The first few minutes passed in silence
then little by little the fine wines be-
| gan to disperse the constraint and they
| commenced to talk with animation.
| Barnet-Defour regretted that his bust
ness took up his time so completely tha
he was unable to occupy himself WITH
outside affairs.
II cannot take Sabine anywhere" ht
said 'I assure you that today Is quite
an exception. We have not been ou
together since the time we met you a.
The Moulin Gallant. 1t Is very annoy
ing not to be more at liberty ,and l die
hope that I should be able to stay will
YOU this evening, but now ] remember
that have an appointment with rep
resentative Of an American house wht