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Show ANECDOTE OF ALEXANDRE DUMAS. The following anecdote of the celebrated French author is told by a Paris paper. Some years ago a merchant of Lyons was returning from Paris to his natal city. In the same compartment with him sat a tall fellow lively, talkative and full of ?? but on the whole the best and most amusing travelling companion one could wish for. On alighting at Lyons, the merchant, charmed by the taking manner and gaiety of his neighbor, exclaimed: "By jove, sir, I am glad to have made your acquaintance! You are a good fellow! You are a charming fellow! Can't you talk, though! Come, let us make a trade will you?" "Well, what kind of a trade?" "Come and dine with me, at the dessert we will speak about it. I have an idea-will you come?" "Very well-but I will pay my share. I insist upon it." "As you please, what an amazing fellow he is! Ah, but I like you!" Accordingly they took dinner together during which the merchant offered the tall fellow a position as commercial traveller for his house, that was his idea. "You have just the qualities required," said he; "you will make your way." "But, my dear sir-" "Come, now, how do you live?" "Pooh! on very little!" "Well, how much do you make in your branch?" "From four thousand to six thousand dollars." "Goodness sakes alive! but what do you do?" said the other, disappointed. "Oh, I scribble on sheets of paper with a pen!" "Ah, hah-you are joking again, you rogue! But what is your name?" "Alexandre Dumas." Tableau. |