Tombstone epitaph., 1915-06-20
Chronicied by ALLEN UPWAE

journals never really obtained a clue. 5
 caught eagerly at this name of the great marshal. whose sudden and un- explained resignation Of the French presidency had formed one of the most startling episodes of modern history.
 Is 1t possible that you are in a posi- ton to throw light on the events which brought about the fall of this president?- ventured to exclaim.
 Tt is precisely that Of which was about 10 speak," he answered. But It is my duty to warn you that this story is one Of great delicacy, involv- Ing the honor of a lady-one for whom l cherish a peculiar esteem. It will. therefore. be necessary for you to promise me beforehand that you will not allow yourself to entertain any Ideas regarding the conduct of this lady which are not consistent with the most scrupulous respect"
 But, NJ rAmbassadeur," was beginning. when he stopped me w:::h . gesture.
 It enough. I know we'll that you ac not possess the gross mind of your countrymen. One more stipulation: did not receive the particulars of this strange affair from the duke of Mag enta. but from a person who is still alive, and whose name must. there lore. not be mentioned between us Swear that you will respect my re- serve on this point also,"
 renewed my assurances. with in- creased warmth.
 The duke of Magenta. as you know, without doubt, was an Irishman by descent, and was not free from the fmpulsive temper of his truly gener- ous countrymen, who have always He was at the same time a sincere patriot; and in spite of the fact that he owed his marshars baton and his dukedom to the third Napoleon. he remained faithful to the republic of the fourth of September History will recognize this when the death of liv- ing persons permits an explanation of the remait ~ele circumstances which brought about his fall:and which have left so melancholy a shadow upon his name.
 Everyone who knows anything about MacMahon IS aware of the extreme fondness for flowers which always distinguished him. and his friends frequently sent him offerings of flowers It did not cause him sur prise. therefore. on taking his seat at the breakfast table one morning to- wards the latter part of his term Of office. to perceive on his plate tiny bouquet of lilies. These exquisite flowers had evidently been chosen with great care. and they were arranged with an elegance iu which the presi- dent quickly diyined the agency Of a woman.
 But when he came to look for the card which usually accompanied such tributes. he was disappointed to find that the donor had chosen to remain anonymous
 Distracted by another matter which claimed his attention. the president laid aside the delicate offering after a few moments. and dismissed the incl dent from his mind.
 But on the following morning. at the same hour, he was at once aston ished and charmed to find second bouquet. similar in all respects to that of the day before This time the marshal, piqued by the mystery. made tnauiries among his servants.
 At first no one semed able or will ing to furnish any information; but on the president becoming insiStent, fayorite page at length confessed that he had been bribed to place the flow CTS on his masters plate. without dis closing the source from which they were received.
 The marshal was now thoroughly interested. He questioned the page further. and in the end the lad be- trayed the fact that he had received the two bouquets from a lady who had contrived to intercept him each morning in the Champs Elysees. The lady. it appeared. had been closely yelled, but had nevertheless impressed the boy with the idea that she was both young and beautiful.
 No more was needed to complete the fascinatioa of the old marshal. who retained to the end of his life that ardent devotion to the fair sex xhich is the distinguishing mark of . soldier and . Frenchman-a foibie of which l who speak to you have .,so sometimes been accused, and Of which I am not. perhaps. sufficiently ashamed.
 .'MacMahon gave the page strict orders to look ou4 for the lady again fin, next morning. in case she should mean to repeat her delicate attention
 Do not allow her to know. he continued, that you have said any th,ux to me. but be careful to tell her ot the extreme pleasure with which ' have received her bouquets. and de ssr<be the anxiety have displayed to learn the identity of my unknown ssoefactor. for whom 1 already cher ,.h the most tender sentiments in ad- vance
 The psre fa.shfully carried out his