we tin es eo ae ee 
my ATS WIFE. O57 
come to one of the sittings bringing in his portfolio the 
results of some fine scientific research? Such noble 
actions are certainly worth good “ Papers.” 
Affairs proceeded thus up to the revolution of the 18th 
Brumaire. On the 21st, the public criers were announc- 
ing everywhere, even in the street de la’ Sourdiére, that 
General Bonaparte was Consul, and M. de Laplace Min- 
ister of the Interior. This name, so well known by the 
respectable widow, reached even the room that she in- 
habited, and caused her some emotion. ‘That same even- 
ing, the new minister (this was a noble beginning, Gen- 
tlemen) asked for a pension of 2000 frances for Madame 
Bailly. The Consul granted the demand, adding to it 
this express condition, that the first half year should be 
paid in advance, and immediately. Early on the 22d, 
a carriage stopped in the street de la Sourdiére ; Madame 
de Laplace descends from it, carrying in her hand a 
purse filled with gold. She rushed to the staircase, runs 
to the humble abode, that had now for several years wit- 
nessed irremediable sorrow and severe misery ; Madame 
Bailly was at the window: “ My dear friend, what are 
you doing there so early ?” exclaimed the wife of the 
minister. “Madam,” replied the widow, “I heard the 
public crier yesterday, and I was expecting you!” 
If after having, from a sense of duty, expatiated upon 
anarchical, odious, and sanguinary scenes, the historian 
of our civil discords has the good fortune to meet on his 
progress with an incident that gratifies the mind, raises 
the soul, and fills the heart with pleasing emotions, he 
stops there, Gentlemen, as the African traveller halts in 
an oasis ! 
