Tombstone epitaph., 1915-05-23

To you also to have business with these fnsnciers."
 turned In surprise, and beheld the ambassador coming down the steps of Ire Bourse. He was alone. and car. ried in his hand with some ostenta- non small leather case. which ap-' peared to be bursting with share cer. uhcates. stopped and waited for his eNceiiency to reach the pavement.
 You win at least consent to break fast with me in one of those cafes which are patroEized by the gentle men of the Bourse, and which I am told are not so bad" he said. putting his arm in mine. The spring sun shone brightly on the pavement and the fronts of the houses, and the ap- preach to the Bourse was crowded with flower girls. who offered us their nosegays as we moved away.
 The business which l have trans acted this morning has reminded me of an affair of which believe we have never spoken together" the ambassa- dor continued. and which only hes itate to tell you about because of the disagreeable light in which it places a celebrated minister of your country" Before could make any reply. he stopped abruptly in front of a res taurant whose appearance seemed to inspire him with confidence. We en- tered. and the ambassador. who was evidently in a generous mood, ordered sumptuous repast. to be ushered in with 9 bottle of Veuve ClicQuot. As soon as the waiter had departed. bow. ing to the very ground, his eXcellency took up his napkin and his parable.
 Tn the autumn of the year 1875 was sent for by N. BuIard, who at that time held the portfolio of foreign affairs. to his private residence. On my arrival l found him closetei with Nj de Lesseps, that great man whom France forgivss the mistakes of his old age, in consideration of the glory which be shed upon her in the past
 Il had already made the acquaint- ance of De Lesseps, whose former con nection with the diplomatic body had naturally increased the interest with which l regarded him. On this oc- casion he received me with great cor diality. as did the minister, who at once introduced the subject on which they wished to consult me.
 T have invited you here he said. not on political business. but iE order to ascertain if you are disposed 10 accept a private mission which the Vicomte de Lesseps wishes to entrust to you. Although in the execution of vfI hn yr-irh h out instructions from my department, yet l believe you will find that the services which you render to NJ. de Lesseps will by no means displease the French government
 "I will put the matter before you in two words. he said. The khediye Of Egypt is the possessor of l.G,OO0 shares in the Suez Canal company. which it is believed that he may be willing to dispose of A syndicate of capitalists has been formed here, which is anxious to acquire these shares. and it has been suggested that you should be asked 10 proceed to Cairo as their agent, to sound the khediye on the subject, and if possible to negotiate the purchase.
 "Is the syndicate of which you sneak connected with the canal com pany, by any chance?' I asked De Les seps
 He shook lis head decidedly.
 "I am not even myself interested in it. he answered, except frEn the point of view that, as chairman of the company. I desire to see these shares placed in the hands Of the company's friends. However, have provided my self with a lis; of the members of the syndicate
 He handed me a document contain ing about dozen names. Two or three were those of bankers of some repute: the remainder were absolute melodies of whom I had never heard.
 T stared at him in absolute conster- nation.
 But my dear vicomte,' exclaimed. have you any assurance that these persons command the necessary funds to carry out so enormous transac- tion? This will be an affair of hun dred millions
 -I answer for that part of it, in- terposed the minister. before De Les seps had time to speak There will he no question Of the money being found
 And in case the khedive should require guaranteesr 1 persisted, be- ginning to feel my way toward a solution
 n 1t should become absolutely necessary. you may offer him the guar autee of the French government. But that is s point which you must avoid raising. if possible; and in any case vo> must be extremely careful not to iet if reach the ears of Colonel War in. the British representative in Cairo.
 Al length thought l could under s,aud something Of the situation Turn ing again to De Lesseps. I inquired:
 And you. M Ie Vicomte. am l to h. equally careful that your interest !, shis matter does not transpire?
 -The old man smiled. and shook his hesd again. bs. with less energy.