Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1920-11-18
"A GRAND SURPRISE
BY ARIsTA E. FISHER.

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II was a gray. faded old sign, swing
ing from a huge beam, and looking
the grayer and more faded for the ae-
cusing ray OF sunshine slanting across
II. Pierre had made IT, after porten-
tous selection OF paint, boaris and
hinges, and Pierre had hung il on the
ancient old beam above the door. The
words, ia Place de BOns Surprises, -
held a great meaning, for was not
Pierre Pastoreau the prince of pastry
cooks, "sans rivale," as his admiring
customers said Of him?
In the CHEEKY little shop on the cor
ner of Rue ROyale and La ChamplesSe
the CHEEKY little ''marmitOn" and his
CHEEKY little wife conducted the busi-
ness that had made them famous.
Great long names did Pierre apply to
his masterpieces. "Merveillevendant-
sucre" was the name of a marvellous
pie, and "Londrepleyeillance," this fat
little chef, in a burst of inspiration,
had called a gorgeous tart.
His customers accepted each new
masterpiece reverently, as one would
regard something sacred. Madeleine,
his wife, as she sat in her chair by
the window, would greet each custom
er with a "Bonjour, Madame" or a
Belle journee, Msieu." She greeted
everyone with a smile, but many there
were who knew that an effort was be-
hind it.
For, more than two years ago, their
son, their Jean, had given her a last
embrace, had clasped Pierre's hand
again and again, and marched proud
ly out of the little shop, down the sun
lit street around the corner, and off to
the war. Ever since they had been
watching for the trim figure, listening
for the firm step, waiting for their boy
to return.
perhaps he is dead" said Made
leine, solemnly, when word from their
loved one had ceased.
A swirl of dry leaves ratified at the
window of ia Place de BOnS Sur
prises," bringing with them the tidings
that a great wind storm was coming.
The sign creaked in the wind but up
above there was an OminOuS cracking;
the great beam was giving way in the
gale, and from the ancient old wall to
which it was attached, stone fell now
and then to the pavement. Pierre had
been preparing to mend the wall
He was recalled to the front of the
shop by a cry from his wife:
"Pierre! Come. A letter." and the
excited Madeleine thrust a paper into
his pudgy hand.
"Peste !" he cried, ''my glasses"
He adjusted them and eXcitedly read
the letter.
''Chers amis," he spelled out nerv-
ously. II must tell you that l have
something at once painful and COM
forting for you to know. Yesterday
there was brought to us young man,
a victim Of shell-shOck, who does not
know his name or his past life, and
who is exactly like your son. had
determined to summon you here that
you might learn the truth, when l dis
covered, this morning, that he had
wandered off in the night. | can flnd
no trace of him, but feel it my duty
to tell you of my criminal careless
ness. l will never cease searching for
him. My dear friends, some day l
will find him, and if it is in my power,
| will cure him of his terrible aflilc'
ton.
IN lie Docteur Paul Duval,
"L'hospital des soldats, Paris"
After a long while, Pierre breathed
heavily, then stopped to pick up the
paper which had tluttered to the floor.
And then the two old people were
together on their knees by the window,
offering silent prayer for their boy to
be sent back to them. For long while
they knelt there.
They listened dumbly to the furious
wind, until Madeleine said slowly:
IF our boy should be out in this