Evening Star Newspaper, October 20, 1883, Page 7

THIRTEEN AT DINNER. late He ts quite presentable. I am sure I | tends not to notice Saint-Phar, that man who, melee fee seen that head on some one’s | not ret agen being the Raniemomy late shoulders— id out my hand to him. needs jou’s paw. But Saint-Phar is con- eee no sa et how ate, you? Mon Dieo! but T am | fning nis attention to a single task—that of fl. = “clock aE glad to meet you!” ing his plate and clearing it. I brought ee nels aed at nace cou | ,,;Mcostenr oes me too much Kouor.* replies | dite sid hots Goien Ge dates ae ‘speaks to am all ready, frestly shaved, my hair w the little man with a most pronounced provin- | the commander only to hold out his giass, then brushed, and my cravat tied to perfection. The | etal accent. ‘Do you need my services; quick, tosses ut of my coat does credit to my tatlor, and ac- | I have my case with me?” tually improves my figure. My pantaloons set “He is a physician,” I say to myself. “What fdmirably over my boots, and I may say that | lack! My dear Monsteur—Monsieur! “Saint-Phar, at your service.” “Oh, yes! , my health is excellent, but I have a tremendous appetite. How is it with ou?” ui “Oh, my appetite is something stupendous! I am tie greatest eater In Provence.” “Ah! my dear M. Saint-Phar, if you would only do me the favor of coming to dine with me here with some intimate friends of mine.” “But, Monsieur, you honor and surprise me, It is a mark of great esteem which you are offer- ing me. I do not know these people.” “That makes not the least difference. Pre- sented by me you will be cordially received. You are in evening dresa, you haye a white cravat; It is marvelously fortunate.” “IT always dress in thia way, for my practice is becoming daily more and more distinguished and fashionable. For all this I am indebted to your friend, M. de Bremond, who gave me in- troductions. “Oh, yes! It was at his house that I met you. Have you beea attending him forsome time?” r two years, Monsieur,” and I can say, without boasting, that he ought to be very grateful to me, for I assure you that were it not for me, he would not be able to walk to-day.” “Oh, but you are a rare man, and you must allow me to present you to niy new family. Yes; Tam about to marry, and it surely is my lucky star whieh made me meet you. The family is large: there are old mento whom you will be indispensable. I promise you, in advance, new patients. Forget that we are only acquaint- ances; treat me as a friend, my dear doctor, and accept an invitation which, althouch somewhat informal, will yet be the first step towards a friendship based upon the great respect which I entertain for your learning. The little doctor’s face changed from red to yarple; he took my hand and almost crushed it beerece both of his. I never saw larger hands than the doctor’s. Nature had to economize in his height to give him such hands. In spite of this peculiarity, which effectually robs him of all distinction, he has a fair appearance; and, my appearance is in every way thoroughly sat- Tam trying to force my hands into although I always wear 8's, but I must appear at my best, for am to time with the family of. my fiancee, my Cecile, my adorabie Cecile, with ‘whom Iam madly In love, and who will be my wife in two months—sixty-one days, 1,464 $10 minutes. See how I count the She is so preity. this Cecile of mine, with ck eyes, and y ks, coral lips, hchin. graceful neck, slen- der figure, little Lands, and delicate feet. I’saw her for the first time fifty-four weeks go at Villerssur-Mer. a charming place. I Was so happy there! To see and fall in love with Cecile was the work of a single day. To obtain an introduction to her parents became afin ia an alm which I soon thanks to an old friend of my family, the best of recommendations on and financial standing. 1 have a fixed income of six thonsand francs, besides which I make from seven to eight thou- sand franes a year through a stock broker, who has considerable respect for my business ability. Tam thirty years old, and an orphan; without eins handsome, Tam not bad looking, I have white teeth and a good figure. I possess, I believe. all the quaiifications wuich a young lady an ask for in her husband. or parents require in @ son-it So I have been accepted. Imagine i From to-morrow I can eail every from seved to ten to advance my suit; and in an hour anda half I am to be formally resented to Cecile’s near and remote relatives. }o do not be astonished at the pains I am taking With my toilet, or at the time Iam devoting to the mirror; it is not my custom. But Moliere hs ealover’s heart is, there he pays all bdedeatt iar besides, he is received by M. de Bremond, who lather than ave avy ofpultion (2 aid, | 1s a man of excellent. position, and very exclu arise age nds with even the | Svein the choice of his friends and acquaint- household doe.” ances. Then, too, he is M. de Bremond’s phy- sician, which stamps him as a man of ability; and, above ail, I have nochoice. It must be he or no one. Saint-Phar plunges his hand into his pockets and pulls out three pairs of gloves, black, gray and white. “Still, for the sake of my patients,” he says with a quiet smile. He chooses the white gloves, draws them on, and in consequence has no longer hands, bat veritable monuments. “I warn you, my dear sir, that I must leave immediately after dinner. I have made an absolute engagement to see a patient from nine to ten.” “You shall have perfect liberty. It is all that we could ask if you spare us two hours of time, so precious and useful to mankind. Follow me, dear doctor; it ison the second floor—I prom- ise you a welcome worthy of yourself.” “Announce M. Saint-Phar,” I say to the maid. All the guests have arrived, and must be thinking that the prospective bridegroom is not in much of a hurry. The parlor door opens, disclosing the whole company sitting in a circl Tam conscious that their eyes are fixed upon me, and that Iam passing under review. But I encounter the sweet smile of my Cecile, and And, by the way. I mfst pat some lumps of r Bil cket which I have to the wretched little bea: ofte him with sugar. He walking confectione Neath the weight of the sweets with which I stuif him. The tears which are constantly ran- Bing from his ey talize on his silky hair Into little balls of suzar candy. My mother-in- law, whois devoted to this animal, has also an extremely favoraie opinion of me, and she does not doubt for an instant that the man Who has been able to gain Bijou’s liking. is worthy of entering her farily, and will render her daughter perfectly happy. Oh! you snarling littie brute. your life would not be long enouzh to cousume ‘all the sngar I should gladly sive ‘ou! Twenty minutes after five! 1 must start, jump into a coupe, and buy a bouquet for my Cecile. By the time I reach the Place Royal Where she lives, it will be half-past six. mny bouquet is beautiful—white lilacs and orange flowers. I reach the house, my heart is b it is two days since I have seen my Cecile. what alovelyname! I ring. » door is opened, f enter, and lay aside my emai 7 te } | am comforted. ae Tauck herietertinent at tie Gein Phaxt” ‘cavounie ‘the maid, Y pédecta isy thoWGhte foe ennobling my new friend “and M. Adrien the bouquet, blushes to | Rony.” her ears, and opens the paflor door, Oh! hap-|, Madame Miraul advances to meet us, saying My Cecile is alone with her mother, no | tome: ve have been impatiently awaiting you!” “You will excuse me, madame, and permit me to present to you my friend, Dr. Suint-Phar, who has kindly consented to join us, and take part in a family dinner.” yet arrived, the dinner hour is seven. I jame’s hand, and turn towards the . Where my Cecile is le x her fingers over the keys, producing chords and delightful harmo- Ries. The coguette pretends not to see me, so | _. “It give me great pleasure to meet you, Mon- that when I shall come close to her side she can | Sieur,” replies Madame Miraul; “you see it is an utter a little se which Will make her blush | informal dinner, wholly without ceremony.’ becomingly, and will send a startled look into | | The sixty candies and sixty lamps make an Mumination that rivals the light of day; the ladies’ dresses are elaborate, the gentlemen are all in fuli evening eostume. If this is informal, mon Dieu! what woulda formal dinner be! The introductions begins; first M. Miraul’s brother and his wife. good iar i wad eae from Marias. Then an od aunt, deaf as a post. but, in spite of her infirmity, very distinguished in appearance. Then a venerable uncle onthe maternal side, a retired commander decorated with the ribbon of the Legion of Honor. Poor old fellow, a bullet ploughed through his feet at the siege of Sebastopol. He isa little crotchety, but a noble man at heart. A cousin and her hus- band. people from the country;the husband isano- tary;the wife must be ill-natured, for nothing kind can come from those pinched lips. Then her son.a great stupid fellow of about nineteen, who blushes when anyone looks at him. And last of all. Madame Miraul’s sister, Aunt Charlotte, a lady of forty, who was once a beauty and is still pretty, reminding one somewhat of Cecile, in that she isspirituelle and sympathetic,althougha little sad. She is a widow, without children, and has centered all her affection upon Cecile, who loves her dearly. There is missing only Cousin Anastasie Bardot, the mother of the stupid Ignace; but as it is a habit of hers to “ar- rive after the soup, we do not wait for her, but pass into the dining-room. The cook is in de- spair, for we are already quarter of an hour late. The room is no less brilliantly lighted than the parlor; there is a great display of flowers, candles and silver. Saint-Phar has offered his arm to Madame Miraul, who says to him: “You see, Monsieur, there is absolutely no ceremony; kindly take your place between the commander,—who will be glad ot your company, and with whom yon can taik about your profes- sion, for he has consulted, I believe, all of your medical brethren,—and my Aunt Bouret, whom 1 especia!ly commend to you; she is quite deaf, but she understand everything by watching > the movements of the lips. is working Saint-Phar, already seeing two new patients ds her hair wiil look like | in the commander and Aunt Bouret, rushes to But what would it matter to her. That | his seat. Unfortunately, Bijou, who always ible and fatal number thirteen! follows close upon the heels of his mistress, 1 i ie hat shall I do,” she moans | gets in the way of Saint-Phar, who steps upon alf-ppast "| his paw. Biiou howls, Madame Miraul screams, takes the wounded dog into her arms, and covers him polis kisses. Poor Saint-Phar knows not what to do. “My dear,” says M. Miraul, “why do yon not shat up Bijou in your chamber when you haye company? Then such an accident would not happea. What a state of excitement you are int” “Anatole’ do not meddle with what does not concern you,” replies Madame Miran! angrily. “Poor little Bijou! Poor little dear! Get some arnica to make a compress.” The servants scatter in every direction, and during all this time the soup, which is already served, is getting cold. is laid upon his whereupon I shall soothe her * how prettily she is already t what Is the matter with my ? Why such a melancholy ex- Can it be that Bijou is sick? No; he ing over there upon his cushion, Has iraul, my father-inlaw, been buying ish ‘securities? What ‘is that paper ch she finds so absorbing? Oh! mon Dien! it may be an xnonymons letter in which some devoted friend informs her that I ama gambler, a pirate, thief, or ass: smilinz at me. I “? in. With my y mouth I zo up to her tocalm my She looks at me with a tragic air, and, the letter. sa; . it we are not unlucky! Read, read!” raises her hands toward heaven with an utter despair. I feel nervous, and begin i much anxiety to read: 4 Deor Eulatie:—That stupid Ignace has Deen detaitfed at school. Remove his plate. for 1 shall come alone, and believe me your devoted ‘cousin, Anastasix BaRpor.” “Well. what of it?” I say in astonishment. “What of it?” cries Madame Miraul, sinking back into her chair, “why, matter enough, we hall be thirteen at tabie!” At this my Cecile rises, and at the same time Presses heavily upon the piano, producing a Strange and not altogether melodious sound. Bijon howls, for the discord grates upon his te ear. Thirteen at table,” repeats Madame, “thir- teen on the day when you are presented; that is f the greatest ‘misfortunes: the death of of us before the end of the year Is cer- if we do not avoid that fatal number.” .. We can seat two of the guests » would that make, should ot still be thirteen2” replied my mother-In- M p me. How can I find a time that is left. On! hand to her fore- ix. and we dine at sever hot some one in the Reizhborhood whom you know well enough to Invite at a moment's notice?” 0. Have you not sume friend who does not live too faraway. [can jump into a carriage, ex- iain the circumstances to him and bring’ him ck with me.” “Oh! how good you are, my child! Oh! yes, @o this for me; go to our friend Burns’ house. He is as regular as clock-work in his habits, and sits down to dinner at seven in full dress; he has all the £nglishman’s regard for etiquette. You Must explain to hin: just what has happened. Sof persuasion, be irresist- ack with yon in some way, use force. “He lives at Num- 2. ‘vissoniere.” But what shail i do if he is not there?” Weill! well! brin the first one of your friends you meet.” The dog and cushion, and, as I have lavishly supplied him with sugar, he condescends to keep quiet and gotosleep. Peace ts restored. We begin upon Bardot does not come. At last the bby she. 10; it is a telegram! “Have counted—we should be dinner; will come after dinner. “‘Amas Taste.” Madame Miran! becomes as pale as her and her husband as red as sfe is pale. My Cecile is troubled, and I look at Saint-Phar, is , Then he washes it down with a gener- it of wine, smacks his lips, winks at iwce and am on my way to T reach the house " f say to the servant. r bell rings. joiselie, I am very” anx- - Burus. although 1 have not the honor of his acqna:ntasce, for come in Of Madame Miraul, who wishes to ask ot him a Javor.” “I do not think that Monsieur can see yon. | ous He bas been suiferinz all day, and the doctor | M- Mir — ibed a two-hours’ bath, which he has but it becan ——" and mi “It is exquisite.” But = “I press it no farther, Mademoiselle. = rified, ta uth ones coun papel! fo @o not evea mention to him that I called. that we really are thirteen. Javor which Madame Miraul desired was that he | ing it, my Cetlle's family are pt Arn Bhould dine with her—" I see no one who looks xcept the onsieur, that is impossible. tor ordered te strictest diet.” I xe down th I] Ino longer dare to raise my eyes, for I feel the its in heaven to seud gome |,reproachfal look of Madame Miraut fixed upon even some presentable ac-| me. But it ts not my fanit; she told me to i me to tie Chateau d’ another guest even if had to employ torce, to drive aman atlas Tee acd nastesie, I with any dessa : Tam ming an; A cannot, any dece! acd bevin to realize that my mother-in-law la tell Saint-Phar to leave. How he irritates 11s now; he seems to me twice as common as be- fall of [ihims, | Ret yet tt is just now me to huwor them. TI tell the driver to go | fore. His hands are real paws; he does not and he drinkelike a fish. Slowly. Five minutes left. With my head of the window I =tare at every one, for 1 hee tock, whe ER man can he be who accepts made up my mind to invite the first man I see | a dinner from Aoctteroag yal not know? with a dress cvat No dreescoat in sight. We How could I have invited that uncouth fellow, are reaching the Place Royale, there If no and ted him as my friend? = for it, 1 must ive it up. — I pay the driver, and Oh! buman nature, you are always the same! nile he makes ue wait for my change f ex-| While 9 man can help us, we endew Bon with nine al the passersby ta 8 hopeless mechaa- = good qualities; ut the instant he ceases to sm 7 a Ponca — iy that jovial the. door. “That, ‘nending poets fied on somewhere bitere? an re ou a dress social ladder from west ost! Saved! Mon Dien! Saved! If he ia not fo the highest ek — Some ge me, se ure force! Ij} Each of’ us tries to and as — pi 4 @ Wtel = wi walking along | the dinner ts excellent, the wines it ‘sfied alr. He looks happy, ts | and t Nery at and very rod: ts has adress coahywhite| Eesa ne Stadtaly regain our cheerful Grayat and no gloves, but they must de ia lis the soup, still Madame | just he turns to Aunt Bouret, salutes her, and off the wine. ‘She is under the impression that Saint-Phar is the pros jive son-in-law, I hear her say to the cousin from the country: “I supposed he was a younger man; they told me that he was good Hooking, bat te me very y plain. However, if that is all that Is necessary.” “You mistaken,” replies the lady with pinched lips; “it is the one next to Cecile. Don't you think it'a little improper for them to be sit- ting side by side? Her mother forgets that an expected marriage does not always take place.” “Yes! yes! you are right,” replies tne deaf aunt, trying to make believe that she has un- derstood. “Yes; I prefer rice, because I have lost my teeth.” The cousin turns to her neighbor on the right, M. Miraul’s brother: “Are you not of my opinion, Monsieur?” “No, Madame. These two young people sre together because Anastasle, who was to sepa- rate them, has not come, and, for my part, I can see no harm in it whether the marriage takes place or not.” The wife of the provincial notary casts a se- vere glance at me. Evidently she does not like me, but I return the compliment. Possibly she ni hoped to marry Cecile to that brilliant son of hers! At last we come to the dessert. I feel more atease. In a quarter of an hour more Saint- Phar will leave as he said. The amount that he has consumed is astound- ing, and now he is becoming yery loquacious. Everyone is talking with his neighbor. My Ce- cile is sonear me that her arm touches mine. How happy I should be if I were not so preoccu- pied—but my evening has been spolled. My attention Is attracted by the voice of the commander replying to Saint-Phar: “Bat, sacre blue! Monsieur, I tell you I have Rone, my feet were shot through by a bullet.” “But I tell you that you. have,” replied the little man vehemently. ‘I have discovered them on people who would not believe they had them. Why, Monsieur, sometimes when ampu- tation had been talked of, Ihavecome with my case of instruments, pesormed an operation, re- moved the cause of the trouble, and shownit to the astonished multitude, who have hailed me as the great, theskillfal, the incomparable Saint- Phar. Had I wished, I might have been deco- rated with countless orders, for I have held in my hands hundreds ot feet belonging to the crowned heads of Europe. But I prefer my in- dependence. Keep your honors and your rib- bons, and know that in my eyesall feet are equal. Oh! but I tell you that you have them, the deat lady has them, and so has every one in this dis- tinguished company around me. So I beg that you, who have treated me go kindly, will permit me to propose a toast. Saint-Phar rises, cries “silence,” wipes his eyes, and with much emo- tion, says: “My worthy friends, who have shown me #0 much hospitality, I shall never forget the two hours I haye passed here in the bosom of your family;-you have won my devotion; day or night you can call upon Saint-Phar and he will always be ready to relieve you. Here are my cards. they will show you my address; and now I drink to the destruction of your corns!’ He empties his glass at a draught. “Adieu my new and dear friends, I cherish you all in my heart.” He leaves the room, anda minute after the outer door closes behind him. We are all_sit-_ ting in open-mouthed astonishment, and Mad- ame Miraul, whose face is whiter than ever, whispers: “We are lost! That man was Satan in person! Thirteen at the table! He has drunk to our death!” “Look! look! calm yourself, my niece,” says the commander, and bursts out langhing. “That man was not thedevil. I begin’ understand his speech, and his toast; here is his card: ““SAINT-PHAR, CHIROPODIST, * 4 PLACE DE LA BOURSE.’” Tiong for the earth to open and swallow me up. All eyes are turned upon me. “He is a friend of youre?” says the wife of the notary, in a sharp voice. Ican keep the secret no longer; there is no way out of it but to tell the whole story, and this Ido in all its details. Every one laughs, and concludes that Saint-Phar is not such a bad fellow after all. They all take his address, thinking it may be a good idea to know where to find a chiropodist. I feel much relieved after the confession is over, and, were it not for Ma- dame Miraul's meiancholy expression, should be perfectly happy. After dinner several people arrive, and among them Consin Anastasie, whom Madame Miraul overwhelms with reproaches. Anastasie throws the whole blame upon her son Ignace, and insists that she herself is at fault only in this: that she tried to humor Madame Miraul’s superstition. Then she goes through a budget of stories to. show that twenty times in her life she has sat down to dinner where there were thirteen at table and that she is not dead yet. After this conclusive argument slie comes up to me: “Monsieur, I am delighted to welcome you into our family. In marrying Cecile you gain the grand prize; she is an angel, and will make ‘an adorable wife.” As Lam wholly of the same opinion I squeeze the hand which she affectionately extends to ee —_ the evening closes without other in- cident. ‘The next day I present myself at s quarter after seven, and find Cecile and Aunt Charlotte working upon tapestry, M. Miraul reading the aper, and his wife buried in a great arm chair. hen she sees me she says: “Oh! my poor child, I almost died last night!” “What is the matter, my dear mother,” I say, kneeling before her; ‘you are pate?” “I might well be so for much less a reason. Thirteen at table! oh, my poor friend, death is hovering over ts!” “Yes, that is true; it is always hovering over us, and we should let it hover, withont worry- ing about the morrow, which does not belons to us. Let us enjoy the present, and not sadden it by gloomy thoughts. We lack only your kind smile to make us happy. : We all press around, and pet her, while she looks at us with drooping eyes. “My dear children,” she says to us, “I feel very deeply about this matter, kind to me; you were to be married on the second of Novem- ber, put off the wedding until the second of Jan- uary. Let fate take the one of us whom it has marked for its own.” “Do you think, my dear mother, of delaying ped ee on acconnt of a baseless supersti- fon: “I only ask of yon two months’ delay.and two months will pass so quickly! If, during that time no one of us si die, you will find me much more hopeful; but at the present moment the idea is fixed in my mind, Lassure you that you will do me great harm If you do not yleld to my entreaty,”—whereupon she burst ‘into tears. My Cecile precpe beeause she sees her mother weeping, the father says nothing,and AuntChar- lotte whi to me: “Yield for the moment. Enlalie s very nery- ous; everything can be later.” “Look, dear mother, dry your eyes, I will do a8 you wish. Does not that prove how much I love you? For it is two months of ae piness that you are taking away from me. It acruel fous but I will not complain.” embrace each other, eo that I have an opportunity of embracing Cecile—but they owe a vamtstams At ten o'clock I take my ve, muttering imprecations on su; ion and its devotees. pert A month rolls away, and Madame Miraul is still inflexible in her decree. I dine at the house twice @ week, and on Sundays arrive at eleven in the morning and stay till ev too good; Cecile the more I love her, more I uae my m sistency. I am a we man, saad Sersapoe pegs ‘ing that the no- ife we die, for that would at One evening Madame Miraul ing stroke upon my distress by this idea: ‘I am not Pig! Shona that the bad luck comes from the number thirteen it was the first of October dinner took place, and the spell may last to the i Hl B g F force him to listén to ‘me. A half-hour later I leave with a eateries toe on ae ante ES sera ea 6 oe reprise the seaeie the PP mon pothing-in particular,” re- a Miranl; ‘polities, all politics! nothing “(And in the miscellaneous items?” “T never read.them.” “You make a mistake, they are the most in- teresting part of the ._ Permit me to read them to the ladies. {t will rest your eyes, which must be as tired as you yourself are bored by all those political articles.” “Oh, yes,” cries Cecile, “read to us while we are sewing, Monsleur Adrien; that will be lovely.” I take the paper, and amready to begin, when Madame Miraul complains of being thirsty. What luck! I rush out of the taki with me the paper, which I thrust wood-box as [ pass. Task the maid, who pears in answer to my call, to bring me a giass of sugar and water for her mistress. While she is gone, I take out of my pocket another paper exactly like the one I have Just put out of sight, except that, thanks to my triend, the journalist, it has been especially prepared for my use. Then I return to the parlor. I begin wate the miscelianeons items. They think I well, and urge me to con- tinue. I scan the paper for something interest- ing. Suddenly I exclaim: “Oh! it cannot be Possible! Mon Dieu! But yet, it must be true.” “What is it? What is it?” they all askin suc- cession. “Listen.” ‘Yesterday there was buried a man of marked originality, @ chiropodist named Saint-Phar, who was exceedingly skillful in his profession. He died while attempting to practice his art immediately after a too hearty dinner. He was seized with apoplexy at the houee of his patient, M. deG., who received such a shock that the physician, called for the unfortunate Saint-Phar who was already dead, was obliged to resor? to the most energetic measures to prevent M. de G. from going to join the chiropodist.” Madame Miraul rises, snatches the paper trom my hands, and reads the article, and cries: ig “Did Inot tell you that the number thirteen isalways fatal! May God send peace to the soul ofthat man. How happy Tam to be free from Ie ey Oh! my children, how is God!” “Then, dear mother, we can set an earlier day for our marriage?” “Yes, my dears, the dreadful debt is paid, and I am eager to see you happy.” - ‘Three weeks later Cecile and I were married. ‘Ten months have passed in cloudless happi- ness. To-day is the second ot October, and my Cecile has just presented me with a son and heir. The mother and child ure both doing well. Aunt Charlotte and my mother-in-law aze rushing about the house, all the relatives are arriving one after another, with congratu- lations and good wishes. In the midst ot our happiness and excitement I hear a discusion among the servants, and a voice saying in the most marked provincial accent: “T tell you I will come in; let me pass—I am atriend ot your master——” The parlor door opens. Saint-Phar, whom I have so caretully buried—Saint-Phar, in flesh and blood—burts in, exclaiming: “Ah! my friend, you must have thought me dead. for it is just a year since I had the honor of dining with the estimable family around me. I was summoned to Russia by a great personage who has made nie his attendant chiropodist, and has heaped upon me extraordinary Lonors. All the gifts of fortune have come to me; I aim al- most rich. I obtained a fortnight’s leave of ab- sence, arrived this morning, and hastened to see your friend, M.'de Bremond. He told me of your happiness, and I have come to bring you ny congratulations, and to assure you that you did not entertain an ungrateful guest, but one whose heart and stomach both hold you in re- membrance. How glad I am to see you all to- gether just a year from that day! To-day we are no longer thirteen. Thanks to Monsieur, we are fourteen, and possibly next year we shall be fifteen. This little fellow needs a sister.” He opens ais mouth wide and bursts out laughing. Madame Miraul looks at me, I blush and drop my head. “You deceived me!” she says. “Yes, my dear mother; do you regret it? That fixed idea would have killed you. My Cecile would have died, and I should not have sur- vived her. But now, instead of fauerals, we are ail reunited for a baptiam, not one of us is mis- sing from the number, and it is the second of October. You see, my dear mother, that it is a childish superstitution, and one to which we ought not to yield. Forgive my strategem, ana be persuaded that the stories about the number thirteen, Friday and spilled salt are only nurse’s tales. And now, kiss your grandson, and be- lieve no more in bad luck. And let us all remem- ber that the best way to show our gratitude to Heaven for the happy days it grants us is to en- earts.” a Joy them with all our h H 00 H gS8s TTT H H a S55 bs fl ttl} 090, 000 pag) t Ee Eee "Bagg TE R # Heel B Sss8 CELEBRATED STOMACH Pe Bee, Res BBB T 7 EK RRR ss, BOB T T EK OR Rs 8 BE T T ERR RSss' In chronic dyspepsia and liver complaint, and in chronic constipation and other obstinate diseases, Hostetter's Stomach Bitters is beyond all comparison the best rem- edy that can be taken, As a meansof restoring the strength and vital energy of persons who are sinking under the debilitating effects of painful disorders, this standard vegetable invigorant is confessedly unequaled. For sale by all Druggists and Dealers generally. oct Err cocoa BREAKFAST. GRATEFUL—COMFORTING. ‘By a thorough of the natural laws which gover the opctations of diestion aad mutans and by poerefal epplication a fine of well se- ‘Cocoa’ Me x ef = PPS such articles of ‘be: Lapantl cates ee may be gradually ‘Gs, ready to atte tut ek pire ees ‘encape a. ‘ourselves well { with pure bi perly — Bed with ure blood, and properly nourishéd frame,’ Made simply with boiling water or milk. Bold in tins, (only 31. and Ib.), by Grocers, labeled. > JAMES EPPS & 0O., ol6-m.tuks Homaopathic Chemists, London, Eng. if AUCTION SALES. ‘THIS AFTERNOON. 5 FUTURE DAYS. iCERY ‘CTION Or Ni M ppiaainshnctyhint ensues Cohiren ty tk 20% WOR ARTES Pier | A SOTION SAUF OF THE KORTE i ASSIGNER'S BALE OF Beat estaTe| _ OF THE CITY, IN SQUARE #08, Hae ae O1 TSS SORSRES PREMISES Sirtup of « decree of, the Supreme Court of the IE WEST SIDE OF FOURTER yeaa ot i ; caues bember Rauty bok a AVENCE NonTHWeST “ND BB . iat es eee seacer nM | nerse Rete ane coven nee | MO EAL geen SRTTT-SPOOND, wn act yg «oth day er tion, tn front of the yrentises, the abowe desitable L Eattupay DAvOF OG10. | RATCROAV-OCTOSER the WEN TY SEVENTH. AD, | Terme Onc tuted sachaed the tenes eae Aeive Bin iewat YOUR ‘all that certain | 1883, tbe hour of 43 P.M in trontof the | and cigtecn mouths!” with interest at six per Gant mo plece of premise off sale, lote efx (6) and ten (10), in | Cured by deed af trust, or all caw af oytion, of the Pre a8 the ‘99 feet of 37 58 square eirbt bi ‘and eixht, in the City of Washing. | chaser. £100 derorit at time of eale ppm Slepth or 150 feeb, tr Bealls ShdiSior viper ton, Coluntoia Tot 10 bein innproved y's | Suet purchaser's cost. “Terme tobe complied with in Duniting,” Bald real erate necid salues co tet of | NOCARNET corte PORT SEs Tee Le olla sociation 1037, folio 438, et seq., the amount due upon which will be shown at sale. ferme cosh. A. deposi gale. Conveyancing, kc., at Be complied with in seven or: it of $100 required at time of arenes By GAS, CRAG Ja, TELY AFTER THE ! mw also offer the pecan Wie Bor depth of ABOVE SALE, and adjoining front: ece, having @ front of 2 feet, by an. average H. CRAG! octl2-dts HIN, Jz, ‘Attorney for Owner. NP'HO8. J. FISHER & 00., Heal Estate Auctioneers, PEREMPTORY SALE OF DESIR: "WENTY-THIED LOT ON ABLE STREET, NORTH OF WASH- front of the’ land records of the bidder, t ‘written request of the red fronting 25 feet 63 | undere: will sell, at publi ween L and M streets north- Bidder, and in front of the prea ou FRIDAY, "THE toa wide publio | TWENTY-SIXTH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1883, AT FIVE O'CLOCK P.M. all that certain piece or ‘of land months, with in- | and premises situate in the county of W: 1. Dis- of trust on prop- | trict of Columbia, and known. distinguished as part ISHER & CO., of Lot three (3), in the division of W Holuwad’s A estate, containing 22.498 square feet, ‘Terms of sale: One-third cash, balance in six, twelve and eighteen months, purchase: giviny notes in three ot wots, a interest “f six per cent per annum, and se Pep. erty sol ‘If terms of sale an: not complic uh seven dass the will be resold at rik and cost of Iwill sell, at public auction, the stock of Notions and | Gefault deposit of $50 will be required Dry Goods contained in Davis & Dickinson's store, No. | “161s. 52d 914 7th street northwest, commencing FRIDAY, OCTOBER TWELFTH, at TEN O'CLOCK A M.and will continue from day to day until the stock is disposed of, consisting of Silks, Velvets, Cashmeres, Linens, Cloths and Housekeeping Goods generally, Fine Laces, Em- broiderics, Underwear in Merino and Cotton, Ladies' | Di of Columbia, passed on the Jerseys, Brushes, Collars, Buttons, Hosiery, Parssols, Umbrellas, Gossamers, Fringes, Spool Silks, Spool Cot- ton, Fine Scissors and Perfumery; alsoaline of Valu- ‘Bun able Goods for Christmas Presents and many other | City of Wa articles too numerous to mention. This stock is choice, | court by and Indies are invited to attend this sale, as the goods will be sold without reserve. Counters, Fixtures, Show cases, &c., will be sold next | street MONDAY, at TWELVE O'CLOCK. 05-tn1 FOLEY, Auctioneer. WASHINGTON HORSE AND CARRIAGE BAZAAR 940 and 942 Louisiana avenue, em Regular auction sale of Horses, Carri Bugeice, Harnees, ko, EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY and SAT Si TEN O'CLOCK, URDAY MORNING. commencing at Constantly, on hand, and at private sale, ankein oben, bes ap caceaaon BBOS., Auctioneers, FOR ACCOUNT OF WHOM PAY ADVANCES: On TUESDA OCTOBER, 1883, at ELEVEN: K, we will sell withi sale (9th and D streets northwest), thin our ealceroomne (Ot ar reat by ‘One pair Pearl Ear fe Berl Grose ing of 8. BENSINGER, Auctioncer. day ee stock ferred ents of aby purchase money are to be se- arifees | Gt puberty aay 019-lm MAY CONCERN TO CHARGES. \Y MORNING, TWENTY-THIRD OF it ELEVI will ‘One 9. On Gold-Chain Bracelets ) One pag id. esoslats (coast ectting: ond Pin (19 stor ‘Terms Cash. JUNCANSON BROS,, Auctioneers, TRUSTEF'S SALE ‘DWELLY SEVENTH, BETWEEN NORTHWEST. By virtue of a 769, folio 179, et seq., of the land records ¢ trict of Coluiubia, aind at the request of ene N AND 019-3 OF” THREF-STORY _ BRICK ING WITH STORE, ON EAST SIDF OF | Ishi O STREETS deed of trast recorded in Liber Ni 0. of the Dis- the party’ sell at public auction, in front of HE THIRTY-FIRST ith that cast 116 feet to the rear line of said lot, with the in- brick building. ements, consisting of a thi PrPermus: Owe: thin {| of sale will be taken. secured Property. A deposit of #150 chaser at the the of of the purchaser. ble out of the puzelie mone yable out of the purchase moncy Babe Wat F. tt d cash, and the balance at six and with interest at six per centum per annwn from the da} by deed of trust uj 54 USTEES' SALE OF HANDSOME STONE FRONT mn the WN AS NU ill be required of the pur- K sale. All conveyancing at the cost asseasmnents to June 30, WEEKS & 00., < UNCANBON BROS, Auctioneers, TRUSTEES’ SALE OF UNIMPROVED PROPERTY IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, | DISTRICT OF ©o- LUMBIA, NEAR PINEY "BRANCH BRIDG! FOURTEENTH STREET ROAD, ‘virtue of a deed of trust, dated November, Hod 1874, and recorded in Liber No. 768,folio 274, of the a Tpaiee Nawtantale ay se A wale. CHARLES ‘T. DAVIS.) trostece 04k26 PHILIP F. LARNER. NCERY SALE OF VALUABLE UNIMPROVED UEFRTY, ON THE EAST SIDE OF FOUR- TEENTH (14TH) STREET NOKTHW E- EST, TWEEN N STREET AND RHODE. ISLAND AVE- RUE AND ON SOUTH SIDE OF RHODE ISLAND UE. BETWEEN THIRTEENTH (idra) ex LEROY SOME Sinan rene A CHANCE FOR A GOOD INVESTMEN x virtue of a decree of the Supreme Court of twenty-firet (lst) day of in Equity canne 1.672 Faulty docket No. 21, we will offer for sair public auction. in front of ‘the premises, on THURS A ER. », 1 ‘T FOUR P. M. Lots four (4), six (6). and cieht (8), of Heitmull b-ii of equate ‘Warhit do ‘the sub-division |. which the cat us as trus 2, sua division i as fol- i ts, each fronting twen- i 2) fect and eight (8)inches on Fourteenth vet: lot six (6) into three lots, each fronting twenty- two (22) eight fect and t—all of naid subdivision two the rear line of the “nt said lots four (4) six (6) to be made by Nel lines atrizht angles with lot eight (8), frontiuz on Rhode Island ayenue, to be sub-divided into, three lota of equal length and fronung on Rhode Isla t o ‘the alley to be site for buildiaue purpose ‘The of wale and residue in one and twe with interest ry aesesements are it of proceeds of these terms of sale be not complied with within (6) @resale will be GEORGE F. APPLEBY, WILLIAM £ EDMONSTON | Trusteca. Offices, 430 Sth street northwest. THOS. ¥. WAGGAMAN, Auctioncer. oli-d&ds THOMAS DOWLING, Auctioneer. PUBLIC 8ALE OF VALUABLE WHARF PROPERTY IN GEORGETOWN, D. C,, KNOWN AS No. 3236 WATER STREET. Ishall sell, at public auction, in front of the premises, on TUESDAY, the TWENTY-THIRD DAY OF OCTO- BER, 1883, at FOUR P. M., that certain piece of ground, in old Georgetown, inguished as part of lot 20, in square 5, being the westernmost of the two warehouses com in deed, duly recorded among the land records of said District, in Liber W. B. 107, fol. 25, et seq Terms: One-quarter cash, residue eighteen months, six upon the Propetty col required at time sale. x, cent interest, gee One hundred dollars Conveyancing at cost. Terms to be complied with in set deposit forfeited. ‘CHAS. H. CRAGIN. Ji, 82) 439 strect northwest, ol6-Tt + “attorney for owner, HOS. J. FISHER & CO., Real Estate Auctioneers. BRICK RESIDENC STREET NORTH WI AND CARRIAGE HOUSE-ON By virtue of a deed of trust, dated 91 on S77, and ded in Liber No. 555, 0 113, of t MATTINGLY, Trustee. | land mwonds of the District at Colonia, and atthe req secured, we will wil. ip front ot UCTION SALE OF DESIRABLE IMPROVED 1 , re vENTY- APROrrnTE ON NooTEREE BETWEEN Foug- | $35 fe Ox eae eM Le TEENTH AND FIFTEENTH STREETS NORTH- Kidwell's sub-division of square WEST. 2 wumbered two hundred and seventeen (217), as re- On MONDAY, OCTOBER TWENTY-SECOND. yor's office of the District of Go- at FIVE O'CLOCK P-L. in front of the . No. 1, pawe 11, anéd ot fronting will sell the three-story brick dwelling, No. 1422 N' jorth with adept of 135 feet, to a ‘The house has back building, and contains 11 Janes G Naylor tad wile te Sapien 3. Dasa ede nse has and contains 11 rooms, | James G. Naylor und wife 10 Say! Swen ty de thas frontage of 25 fe Sov 2 1870, recorded in. liber No, ae SOs Sind canis: iY ey Ge = ERE 631 Yolio 412, of ree for the District ferms: One- d in eighteen months, with interest at giz per cea froin day trust on the property; or ‘of the purchaser. Convey 100 it jired at signs wali cate, it : Jd i . E By otherwise five days’ public_n ‘Washi DUNCANBO) i ae Dé ‘a BROS., Aucta. CCORANCERY SALE OF VALUABLE IMPROVED, THE SOUTHEAST CORNER iD M STREETS NORTHWEST. ‘virtue of a decree of the Su] lumbia, passed on blic_ auction, in front of the AY, THE FIRST DAY OF Ne at FOUR. CLOCK P ‘Trusteo, or deposit of of $100 req not complied with in seven of Ser lana a a ay property will Purchaser, Conyey at 018-d&ds 1883, im equity cause No. 800, wherein Ji REAL ESTATE—STORE AND. DWELLING ‘Trustee, 32 Aig street northeedt DUNCANSOK BROS., Aucts, "PHOMAS DOWLING, Auctioncer. ‘TRI of the land records of the District SALE Vi STN THE CITY OF WASANOTOR BB By eof adeed of dated 8d Merch Plo Second a iter No. 9g tof ‘ATE at the request of the parties thereby secured, we bia, and: will it public auction, in front of each of the ite bereinaler destribot the Talons t,t Teal estate, £0 On THURSDAY, THE AV EUTE FIFTH DAY OF A. D. 1888, at HALE-PAS’ lots three, fous ave noel ae ne Ge of square three’ and thi notes, secured by deed or deeds. oe ‘purchaser zx = ols-dts ‘506 10th atteet northwest, ates, 5 ae oa brick. street known as @. Adams' subdivision y-one, situated on V of sale: One-third of the pureh: cash, ‘twelve and. pen ott ne wth ‘the balance in terest at six per cent from day of “ale for wich the he | Purchar oF al re thelr hitherto knows: | sold: bral ean atthe cntienet ae Yor pure Chasers. $5010 ih cashon each picce of Setrorbaly” | chaser, $80 to be paid tn cation cack place of properey "Terms of sale to be cone Purchasers after five days’ notice Parchaess or cost, em Herre namie cies of etal prvoene Cor toet wements. threo Known arrecideuce No. 4411 K elroct northwest. aed use on Fear AUCTION SALE OF THE DESIRABLE USE ON K STREET, No. 1463. THE FORMER RESIDENCE OF THE LATE HON. EBON © By wif Gre ene, frat, dated rere ively the first of Ni ber, and] ekg ah eh records of the District of Columbia, I'wiitecll. at auction, in front of the mises. on THURSDAY, NO- VEMBER FIRST, at FOUR O'CLOCK P.M, the fol- lowing real estate city of Washington, trict of Cokuabia, with all the iuproven | Lot numbered two (2), in ‘ Bumbered | sion of square ni two buns according to the plat thereof in. the office of SWTerain of mules Gue-fourth, ark ao the balete es One-four 5 one, two and three years, with interest thereon at the Fate of six per cent per aunum, Payabi «Trustee reserves ‘at the risk and cost of default be title to be retained by the Trustee um AE Sera areata tae be al JAMES G. BERRET, Trustee, BO. HOLTZMAN, Auctioneer. ‘ol0-d&ds {OMAS DOWLING, Auctioncer. ACRES OF LAND ON THE HAREWOOD; a BoLDiEgs HOME: BEING’ A POLTION OF, ‘THE MIDDLETON FARM. ‘This is a very desirable sito, and should command the attention of parties desiring suburban property, TWO FINE BAY HORSES BOUND, AND CENTER, SoMe-sear CARRIAGE, Tw Manksr weet ue ‘ARM WAGON, ECA) TARGE LOr 01 A E LOT OF FARMING EMENTS. GiIND? BLE AND. SINGLE. HAENI SS, On THURSD: at TWELVE 0" if fair, if Thal! weil, at the Stiddicton the stock of Thos tee the next thea = RE ERO a NEad areas ORTHWEST. : | ed Gees care eg ee te aes of 6, in. the ‘west line of a avenue ‘northeast corner ‘running: = eooete with the nor Line of wai ‘snd containing about’ 84675 eguare ELE—_—_—————=—=—=—====——S_—= ae as ena 3. T. COLPWELL, Auctioneer, For Other Auctions See Sth Page. FINANCIAL, Avais & Co. BANKERS AND BROKERS, 629 F STREET NORTHWEST, Offer special inducements to buy or soll CRUDE PETROLEUM, either for Cash or on Margin, IN LOTS OF 100 BARRELS OR MORE. ‘We invite correspondence. All infurmation cheerfully given. 3 BErwErx WASHINGTON, NEW YORK AND RICHMOND, H. H. DODGE, Bonds, Stocks and Inweetment Secnrities Bought and ‘Sold on Commission, No. 539 ISTH STREET (CORCORAN BUILDING) Agency for Prince and Whitels, Stock Brokers, (4: Broapwar, New You. Every class of Securities bought and sold on commis. timore, Promptly. Quotations of Stocks and Bonds and in- formation regarding the markets received through our wires INSTANTLY direct from the New York Stock Exchange. nl Deponite received subject to check. ‘We pay SPECIAL attention to olitaining CORRECT and information rewarding our various city securities, and are prepared at all thnes to answer inqui- Ties regarding same. HARRY ©. TOWERS & CO, BANKERS, BROKERS AND INSURANCE. my31 148) F STREET NORTHWEST. WOOD AND COAL. Coax: JOHNSON BROTHERS. WHARVES AND RATLROAD YARD: ‘Twelfth and Water streets southwest, BRANCH YARDS AND OFFICES: 1202 F street northwest: 1516 7th atreot northwest 1740 Founaylvauia avenue northwest; 1112 9th street northwest; Comer 84 und K strects northweat; 221 Fennaylvauia avenue southeast. LARGFST PRIVATE NEW YORK: ales EX Uusturpacsed “fa FUED of all kinds. COAL DELIVERED ON CARS DIRECT FROM THE MINES INTO OUR YARD, We deal only in best qualities of ANTHRACITE BITUMINUCS COAL, “ES sc All kinds of WOOD, either in the stick or prepared onder at our factory. s "= LROAD YARD SOUTH OF IVE WHARVES, civing um ‘the economic handling of CLEAN OOAL, FULL WEIGHT AND MEASURE, promt Getiverted and paces os as Pe can be fur- ished eopls 4, OAK, « hard foot of 14th st. wu Coa, Axo Woon. We have just received a large lot of Bakers’ PINE WOOD; also, fresh mined GOAL of superi x ’ eal superior quality for 24-2mn° Of which we offer at k ‘The attention of consumers is respectfully invited to ‘an inspection of our stock. STEPHENSON & BRO. ‘7th st. wharf and 12th st. and Pa. ave. = . T 0 THE PU F} LIC! — INVESTIGATE FOR YOURSELVES! Postmaster General Greet listed gud mabetous falsehood ta repent to tee eae ee fete ate niven to the ret "ike ‘sioment tan even to the puliic teens We are engayed in s fraudulent business, 10 be falas mis untrue: Amount of prizes paid by the Lomisiana State Lottery Company sean deer pats present date: Paid to Southern Exprons ( New Orleans, TM. W * 181,966,300 to Louixi Jos. B.« Paid to Rta . H. Kennedy, Preside Paid to New Orleans Nat A. Baldwin, Prewide Paid S Peon. once! Ha . Charlaron, Cash Paid to Gitizns’ Bank, b. L. Carriere Paid to Germania Nati ies thas, Palfy Paid to Canal Bak, Ed Toby, Cashier... Paid to Mutual National Jos, Mitchel, Cashier. 26 ‘Total paid by all . - 84,581,000 or tive trulls of the sate tarts we ‘chon it puabins to the officers of the above-1 corporstions.and legality and standing to the Mayor City of New Orleans, a also to Commissioners. GRAND DRAWING. CLASS L. A’ TUESDAY, NOVEMBEK 13, 1, a 1362p Monrnuy Daawixa, CAPITAL PRIZE, $75,000. 100,000 Tickets st @5each Fractions iu Ofths, in pro-