The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-05-10
FORMAL INVITATIONS.

The too frequent habit OF extending mere
formal invitations is justly rebuked in the ioI.
lowing story of Vivier, the artist, which we
find amongst the PaIisian gossip of the Musi.
cal World. f t.-' ~ ~
Visier, the celebrated and witty artist, pas.
sed recently some time IN Pars, on his return
from his summer travels. He had hardly ar.
rived, when he was invited 10 dine with
| Monsieur -, The musical amateur and
rich capitalist. After the lepasi, the master
and mistress of The house said TO their agree
able guest: We hope that we shall have you
often iodine with US; your plate shall always
be ready.
Always! said vivier; that is, in the fash.
ionable sense of The world.
By no means. We are not persons OF such
hollow politeness. You know how much
We love artists, and you in particular; our
home is yours. Come and dine with US when.
ever YOU please. We should be glad if il
were every day. ..n
In earnesli
Certainly, we should be delighted.
Hs, we'll; since then you are cordial, /
promise you will do my best 10 be agresa.
BILE.
We shall depend upon seeing you.
The hsxt day al fix O'clock vivisr present.
ed himself.
You see, said he, lha, have taken your
invitation literally. ] have come 10 dine.
Alb, i is very kind Of yon, il is very Charm.
ing, said his host, 10 whom his arrival seem.
ed very piquant and original.
The dinner was very gay, and the artist,
on taking leave, received many compli.
meHts. -.
me next day, as they were about TO sit
down TO the table, viver again appeared.
Here am, exact, punctual, and faithful 10
my promise.
But it is singular, he continued, after d
pause, fixing penetrating and quizzical look
upon the faces of his hosls--it is sngulara-
you appear surprised! Did yori not expect
met sT=l sl r.
Oh, certainly, you give US much pleasure,
the AnphiIyon and his wife replied, with d
smile.
So much the beitsE
Vivier sat down, was 10 his happiest vein,
played the agreeable TO all the family, and
seemed quite unconscious In al he had all tho
bur;hen of the entertaining, aud that excep,
a few onosyllables, the conversation was
reduced TO mere monologue. s..t.
On the fourth day, al six o'clock precisely
the obstinate guest once more presented him.
self This time coIdness and restraint were
perceptible, and Vivier spoke of It. ....
The mistress Of the house replied stiffiy.
is only because we feared you would not
fare well, we have so poor dinner to-
day.
thought you expected me-bui is Of no
consequences. | am hot difficult wish
only the pleasure Of your society.
He seated himself with perfect composure,
eat heartily, and then turning to madame with
acomplimentary air he said:
What could you means This dinner il
quite as good as the others. Excellen, fare!
upon my word. should desire nothing bet
ter.
The next day-it was the ffth-VivisE
arrived as Usual, the porter met him at the
door. .y 70. 81 far
Monsieur X ---, is not at home. He
dimes down town to-dey. 10y
Alb, very we'll But forgot my grea. coat
yesierday--I must ask the servant for h, and
darling across the threshold and up 10 the
siaifbase, he knocked. e94
The door was opened unsuspeciinely, and
Monsieur and madame were confounded ct
the unsuspec,ed appariilon. ' ita
Your porter is simpleton, said vivier gai-
ly. He pretended that you had gone out.-G
knew he was mistaken; but what long IA
ces What sombre and melancholy air.
Has anything happenedf Ary accident any
misfortune! Tell me that 1 may offer my
sympalhies. stfs l5i @s
At dinner time the witty artist continued,
and iedoubled his enirealies that the suppo-
sed misfortune might be confided to him
He complained Of their reserve, and INDUCED
himself in all sorts Of conjectures and quess
tions $685. yeiat17 80 efft@s ii;a g
Have you lost money In speculation ? mias.
ed an inheilancel heard bad music re.
ceived visit from some Troublesome .borsf
Have you been wounded in your affeclionst
in your fortunes 10 your ambiliont "a
l Then, at the dessert, bursting into 9 6t et
laughier-- 8, 4'. stte. ,6an na,s
n ! know what is the matter, and what troubi
lee you. his your invitation. % cordially
made, and so literally accepted ! thought
thai Won wonld not endure me Ions. To day