Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 February 1880 — Stories of an Epicure. [ARTICLE]

Stories of an Epicure.

Grimod de la Reyniere, the noted French epicure, was a lawyer by profession, but abandoned this calling to spite his parents for preventing his marrying the woman of his choice. At his earlier receptions, on the arrival of his guests their swords, canes and hats were delivered to the custody of an attendant, who then removed a huge iron bar suspended across the entrance to the dining-room until all were assembled, when it was carefully replaced, as a hint that no one would be allowed to depart without the permission of the host. In the center of the salle a manger was a circular mahogany table, surrounded by chairs of equal size, with tbe exception of one slightly higher for the president of the day; on the walls were inscribed in golden letters certain regulations imposed by the amphitryon, to which these present were expected to conform. Exactly at a quarter past twelve Grimod de la Reyniere made his appearance, followed by two servants, one bearing a pile of bread and butter in slices, and the other jugs of coffee and milk, of which nutritious beverage, according to the rules, each person was bound to drink at least eighteen or at most twenty-two cups; whoever first attained the latter number being elected president: When the supply was exhausted, an enormous sirloin was brought ifi, and after having been carried thrice around the table with great solemnity, was placed before the president, and by him portioned out to the company. At the conclusion of this primitive repast the conversation became general, literary matters were discussed, and new books criticised, until, at a signal given by the host, the iron bar was once more removed, swords and canes were restored to their owners, and the party separated. Thus far the “philosophic breakfasts ” were, to say the least, eccentric, and the reverse of epicurean; but little by little they underwent a refining process, the coffee ordeal was abolished, and delicacies of every kind were substituted for the ponderous sirloin. One repast consisted of no less than nine courses, each preceded by two flute-players, and seMpd by a procession of white-robed Pendants. The guests, twenty-two in number, were either advocates or men of letters; and when the dessert was placed on the table, the public were admitted to a gallery commanding a view of the entire scene. The success of this essay induced Grimod to repeat it. On another occasion the Comte d’Artois was present incognito; and at last so enormous were the expenses attending these festivities, that the la Reyniere family became alarmed, and decided in checking the prodigalities of the entertainer by the summary process of stopping the allowance hitherto made to him. Thus deprived of the sinews of war. Grimod conceived the ingenious project of bringing his father to reason by openly declaring his insolvent position, and Ly soliciting from his friends and acquaintance the loan of small sums to relieve what he termed his pressing necessities. Profiting by the privilege he still enjoyed of using the equipages of the “fermier general” he one day repaired to the house of an eflpecial intimate, and in the course of conversation ottered him a seat in his carriage, volunteering to take him wherever he wished to go. The proposal was accepted, and, after piloting his companion through various euarters of the city, he finally deposited-him at the Palais deJustice, and on bidding him farewell reminded him that he owed him a crown. “ What for?” was the other’s very natural inquiry. “ For three hours’ drive,” coolly replied Grimod. “This is my fiacre, and it is only just that I should be paid my fare.” His friend treated the matter as an excellent joke; paid his crown, and repeated the story to every one he met; so that it soon reached M. de la Reyniere’ 8 ears, and the embargo on the allowance was withdrawn.— N. Y. Evening Post.