The Nevada journal., 1854-11-10
Sliding Scale Of a Widow.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH


How rapid is the progress of oblivion
with respect to those who are no more
How many quadrille shall we see this
winter, exclusively made up from the
ranks OF lnconsolable widows! Widows of
this class exist only in the literature of the
tombstone. In the world and after lapse
of certain period, there is one sort of
widows inconsolable-those who refuse t.
be comforted because they can't get mar
ried again.
One of our most distinguished sculptors
was summoned short time since, to the
house of young lady, connected by birth
with family of the highest grade in the
aristocracy of wealth, and who had been
united IN marriage to the heir of military
title illustrous in the military annals of
the empire. The union, formed under
the happeist auspices. was of short dura-
tion. Death, Implying death, ruptured it,
by prematurely carrying off the young
husband. The sculptor was summoned by
the widow.
He traversed the apartment, silently and
moodlly until he was introduced into bed
room, and found himself in the presence of
lady, young and beautiful, but habited in
the deepest mourning, and with face fur
rowed by tears. you are aware of the
blow have received?' The artist bowed
with an air Of respectful condolence Sir
continued the widow, { am anxious to
have funeral monument erected in honor
of the husband | have lost The artist
bowed again. 6 wish that the monument
should be superb, worthy of the man whose
loss | weep; proportioned to the unending
grief into which his loss has plunged me !;
| care not what it costs, am rich, and |
will willingly sacrifice all my fortune to
Go honor to the memory of an adored hus-
band. must have temple-with col
umns--in marble; and in tie middleton
pedestal-his statue
Il will do my best to fulfill your wishes,
madam replied the artist, but had not
the honor of an acquaintance with the de-
ceased, and likeness of him is indispen-
sable for the due execution of my work
Without doubt you have his portrait? p
The widow raised her arm and pointed
despairingly to a splendid Likeness, painted
by Amaprey Duval.
'A most admirable picture ? observed
the artist, 'and the painters name is a
sufficient guarantee for its striking resem-
blance to the original
'These are his very fea ures, sir; it is
himself. 1t wants but life. All, would
that could restore it to him at the cost of
my fortune"
'l will have this portrait carried to my
studio, madam, and | promise that the
marble shall reproduce it exactly
The widow, at these words, sprang up,
and at single bound, throwing herself to-
wards the picture, with arms stretched out
as though to defend it, exclaimed, take
away this portrait carry off my only con-
ISOLATION my sole remaining comfort nev-
er! never!
But, madam, you will only be deprived
of it but short time, and-'
Not an hour-not minute could I ex-
list without his beloved image! Look you,
sir, | have had it placed here in my own
room, that my eyes might be fastened up
on it without ceasing through my tears.
His portrait shall never leave this spot one
single instant, and in contemplating that
will pass the remainder of a miserable
ard sorrowful existence.
'In that case, madam, you will be COM
PEELED to permit me to take copy of it
But do not be uneasy shall not have
occasion to trouble your solitude for any
length of time, one sketch-one sitting will
suffice.
The widow agreed to this arrangement;
she only insisted that the artist should
come back the following day. She wanted
him to set to work on the instant, so great
was her. longing to see the mausoleum
erected. The sculptor, however, remarked
that he had another work to finish first.
The difficulty she sought to overcome by
means of money.
impossible replied the artist; 8 | have
given my word; do not distress yourself
| will apply to it so diligently that the
monument shall be finished in as short a
time as any other scul ptor would require
who could apply himself to it forthwith
you see my Distress said the widow,
you can make allowance for my impa
tience. Be speedy, then, and above all,
be lavish of magnifcence. Spare no ex-
pense; only let me have masterpiece
Several letters echoed these injunctions,
during the few days Immediately following
the interview. At the expiration Of three
months the artist called again. He found
the widow still in weeds, but a little less
paid, and little more coquettishly dress
ed in her mourning garb. Madam said
he, am entirely at your service
'Ah! at last; this is fortunate,' replied
the widow, with gracious smile.
Il have made my design said the ar
tist; but | still want one sitting for the
likeness. Will yeu permit me to 60 into
your bed room?' 81
Into my bed room? For what:'
sTo look at the portrait again
.Oh. yes; have the goodness to walk
;n4o III. drawing room: YOU will find 1t