n low
shelves, was arranged a collection of wicker baskets, containing the
several varieties of oysters from Normandy and Brittany coasts greatly
beloved by Parisian epicures of Paris. On the top of each lid lay a tin
sign bearing the name of the exact locality from which each toothsome
bivalve was supposed to be shipped. These signs were all of one size.

The governor is a great lover of oysters, especially his own Chesapeakes,
and his eye ran rapidly over the tempting exhibit as he read aloud,
perhaps, unconsciously, to himself, the several labels: "Dinard, Parame,
Dieppe petite, Cancale speciale." Then a new light seemed to break in upon
him.

"Dieppe petite, Cancale speciale,"--here his face was a study,--"why,
that's what Baeader always called Cancale. By thunder! I believe that's
where that fellow got his names. I don't believe the rascal was ever in
Normandy in his life until I took him. Here, landlord!" A small
shop-keeper, wearing an apron, ran out smiling, uncovering the baskets as
he approached. "Do you happen to know a courier by the name of Baeader?"

"Never as courier, messieurs--always as commissionaire; he sells wood and
charcoal to ze hotels. See! zare is his sign."

"Where does he live?"

"Upstairs."

THE LADY OF LUCERNE

I

Above the Schweizerhof Hotel, and at the end of the long walk fronting the
lake at Lucerne,--the walk studded with the round, dumpy, Noah's-ark
trees,--stands a great building surrounded by flowers and palms, and at
night ablaze with hundreds of lamps hung in festoons of blue, yellow, and
red. This is the Casino. On each side of the wide entrance is a
bill-board, announcing that some world-renowned Tyrolean warbler, famous
acrobat, or marvelous juggler will sing or tumble or bewilder, the price
of admission remaining the same, despite the enormous sum paid for the
appearance of the performer.

Inside this everybody's club is a cafe, with hurrying waiters and a solid
brass band, and opening from its smoke and absinthe laden interior blazes
a small theatre, with stage footlights and scenery, where the several
world-renowned artists redeem at a very considerable discount the
promissory notes of the bill-boards outside.

During the performance the audience smoke and sip. Between the acts most
of them swarm out into the adjacent corridors leading to the
gaming-rooms,--licensed rooms these, with toy-horses ridden by tin
jockeys, and another equally delusive and temptin