St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1915-07-14
An Episode Of
City
By WILLARD BRAKEMAN

1t was about 1850 that Arnold Dali
maitre, a cotton factor of New Or
leans. went to New York on business.
In the office of a cotton broker in
New York was Il boy named Alec Ira
cy, whose health was very delicate
Indeed, the doctors had given him but
d short time to live Tracy, who was
but fifteen years old. was assigned to
Dalmaitre to perform certain clerical
duties and carry messages during the
latter's stay in New York. Dalmaitre
was one of those men generous, sensi-
tive to their honor. that were typical
of the south at that time. He took
pity on the boy and. suggesting that
southern climate and a change of scene
might restore him to health. offered to
take him to New Orleans and give him
a position in his office there.
Dalmaitre was a bachelor about forty
years old and soon after his return
from New York married woman half
his age. celebrated for. her beauty.
Gay society is usually encountered
with men who consider women legit-
innate prey, though the standard of
honor in this respect is doubtless high
err than it was. A scion of a noble
French house, Albert Durier, whose
father had left France during the revO-
luton to escape the guillOtine, was at
that time prominent socially in New
Orleans and became devoted to Nine.
10 Inn q ifrn IF IOTo hnfnro his
attentions We're the subject of remark.
Dalmaitre was not himself socially
inclined, and his wife went about
good deal without him. For this rea-
son he did not observe Durier being so
much with his wife, and there was no
one to caution him except Tracy. The
young nOrtherner was conscious of the
fact that he owed his life to his bene-
factor and idOlized him When. there
fore, he noticed that Dalmaitre needed
a friend to warn him of the danger in
which his wife was being placed he
considered how he could do so with the
least damage to all concerned.
But the more he thought about it
the more clearly he saw the difficulties
in the way. Not q word could be spo-
ken without bringing on a rupture in
Dalmaitre's domestic relations. Tracy
believed that the wife was innocent.
but imprudent; that she needed to be
cautioned. possibly to be withdrawn
from the influence of her admirer.
ThS plan. too. he cast aside. Finally
he determined to settle the matter with
Durier. but in such a way that it would
not appear to pertain in any way to the
lady
Meeting Durier at ball. Tracy.
while both were danc1ng. Durier with
Nine. Dalmaitre. purposely showed him.
Durier cast an irritated glance at him.
but paid no further attention to the
matter. Tracy guided his partner
again near Durier and brought about
another collision. This tine he scow.-
ed at Durier as if to accuse him OF
being at fault in the matter.
AS soon as the music stopped the
two men went to another rooM where
each accused the other Of purposely
running against him in the dance. Ira
cy was coolly abusive, tantalizing his
enemy into Il passion. Finally the lat
Ter DIT Il COl1IGLu VI
cy's turned on his heels with the
words You shall hear from me- and.
seeking a friend, sent a challenge by
him. The episode was witnessed by
several persons, who gave the cause
as it appeared on the surface.
Dueling at that time was the &C
knowledged method among gentlemen
especially in the south. of settling dis
putes. ard there was Il grove not far
from the Crescent City where the duels |
took place. 1t was arranged that at !
sunrise the next morning the parties |
should meet at this grove and settle at
the pistols mouth which of the two
men had joggled the other in the dance. |
Whether Durier suspected the real |
cause did not appear.
But there was one person who saw
through Tracy's ACT and had learned |
the consequences shortly after the
men. Tracy was living in bachelor |
rooms at the time. and he had scarcely |
got home from the ball when who
should appear but Nine. Dalmaitre
This affair between you and Mr.
Durier must not take place. Why did |
you not make your demands on me in
stead of picking this quarrel with
him?'
Il do not understand you. madame"
She looked at him keenly for a time,
then said. What do you wish me to
do?''
Nothing"
MY eyes have been opened : assure
you l am perfectly innocent. 1 will
agree never to receive your enemy
again. Apologize to him and end the
matter between you and him.
Are you aware that such course
would cause me to be cut by every
friend l have?''
ooh. heavensr'
you fear that the real cause of the
IUarrof will be learned bV fha world -