“THE TWO WHITE ROSES
A touching little Story of a French Girl
(printed in the Daily Republican Banner on Friday, May 14, 1841.)
The following singular case was brought last spring before the justice of the peace of the fourth district in Paris. The object was two white roses, whose withered leaves had long since been dispersed to the winds.
Madame Gaillien, (mantaq-maker.) – I demand thirty francs ($6.00) damages, from Miss Flora Miaville, for having caused me to lose an order worth one hundred and fifty francs.
Judge. – Explain the facts.
Madame. – Yes, sir. About two months ago, Miss Leontine de Crillon was to be married to the Prince of Clermont Tonnere, the marriage gifts were to be magnificent. I received an order to make a dress for the bride; it was to be a chef d’oeuvre. Splendid lace, pearls, gimp – all the marvels of the art of dress making were to be united. But something more rare at that time was wanting; it was a natural white rose – at the end of February.
Judge. – and Miss Flora engaged to procure one for you?
Madame. – Yes, Sir; she cultivates flowers, and often sells them to the great Milliners of the capital. I went to her, and she promised to let me have one of the two roses she then possessed, for twenty-five francs, which sum was to be paid on delivery. I depended on her promise, but she did not keep it faithfully; for I did not receive the rose, and tor that reason, they refused to take the wedding dress.
Judge. (To Miss Flora) – Why did you not deliver the rose?
Miss Flora. (with timidity.) It was not my fault. The evening before the day on which I had promised the white rose to Madame Gaillien, a shower, which took place during my absence, made the flower expand, and some hours afterwards nothing remained but the stem. What I tell you is the truth.
Judge. – I believe you, Young Girl. But the second rose, could you not have delivered that?
Miss Flora. – (With tears in her eyes) – Oh! As to that one, it was not promised. Madam Gaillien would certainly have accepted it, for it was the more beautiful of the two. But I could not give it. It was destined to my mother.
Judge. – Was it her birthday?
Miss Flora. – (Sorrowfully) – No, Sir, it was the anniversary of her death. (Profound sensation in the auditory.) Every year I lay on her tomb one of those white roses which she so much loved. This year I did the same. I said to myself, the bride will be as handsome with a flower less, and my poor mother shall again today have her favorite rose.
Here Miss Flora shed abundant tears and Madame Gaillien, endeavoring to console her, said to the Judge- “Stop the cause, sir, it wrong for me to molest this poor girl for a good action let us say no more about it, it is a misfortune that cannot be helped – All that I wish for compensation, is to have a daughter like Miss Flora.
The Justice of the Peace, much affected, sent away the parties without further trial. “
A relative / friend sent this to me, and I am publishing it along with beautiful white roses. Just a nice moment from 1841. Enjoy.
Best, Jay
JAYSPEAK 