WHY ROCHEFORT’S SERVANT KILLED HERSELF.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2505, 31 March 1881, Page 3

WHY ROCHEFORT’S SERVANT KILLED HERSELF.

Henri Rochefort brought with his family from exile in Switzerland Louise Gaillard, a young servant girl of 16, who, though exceedingly honest and amiable, was simple-minded and inexperienced. During the frequent fits of vexation that her blunders caused, Rochefort would exclaim, half in earnest, half in jest, “ I’ll kill you ! I’ll have you placed on the nest list of executions !” The girl thought he was in earnest, and was greatly frightened. A fortnight ago he sent her to tha office of the “ Intransigeant,” the paper of which he is editor, with a note to his associate, M. Rein&ch, requesting 100 francs by the bearer. Rochefort told the girl! that she was to bring him the money, and said, “Now, if you lose it, I’ll kill you.” The girl lost Reinach’s note containing the funds. Greatly distressed, she purchased some poison, which she took on reaching her bedroom. After several hours she was found on the floor near the door, which she had attempted in her agony to reach. Restoratives were administered, but she died shortly afterwards, Rochefort, •who blamed himself for the girl’s act, was profoundly distressed and temporarily delirious. Her gentleness and beauty of character had won greatly on bis sympathy, and he was much attached to her. The note to his address which she had lost was subsequently found and brought to him.—“ Courier des Etatas-ITnia.”