Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1856-05-17
English Inquisitivencss.

| The Yankees have become notorious for their
question-asking propensity, yet sometimes John
| Bull exhibits so remarkable development of
| this trait that we must conclude that Jonathan
and John are at least cousins. A good anec-
dote is related of Gilbert Stuart, celebrated
American portrait painter, whose replies puz-
zled the inquisitiveness Of his English travell-
ing companions, in their attempt to find out his
calling. On one occasion, Stuart was travell-
ing in q stage coach, in England, with some gen.
tlemen who were strangers to him, but all Of
whom were sociable and full of animation. His
brilliant conversational powers attracted much
attention, and his companions became DESTROYS
to know uho and schat he was. They asked ma
ny roundabout questions, to find out his calling
or profession. Mr.. Stuart answered with 9
grave face and serious tone, that he sometimes
dressed gentlemen's and ladies' hair.
"You are hair dresser, them" remarked
one of his companions, inquiringly. {.
"What" said he, lido you take me for bar
bert"
Il beg your pardon, sir, but inferred it from
what you said. If mistook you, may take
the liberty to ask what you are, then?
'Why, l sometimes brush gentleman's coat
or hat, and sometimes adjust cravat.'
% you are valet, then, to some nobleman'
"A valet! Indeed, sir, am not. am not
men,"
%, you are q tailor ?
Tailor! Do look like q tailor? assure you
never handled goose, other than o roasted
ONE 'r5.
BY this time the passengers were all in a roar,
and one Of the party exclaimed, swhat are you
them fa7s G
sI'll tell you,' said Stuart. BE assured all l
have said is literally true. I dress hair, brush
hats and coats, adjust cravat, and make coats.
waistcoats and breeches, and likewise boots and
Shoes at your serrice ~ ..-..,....,.4
sOh! boot and shoe maker, after all =
Guess again gentlemen. l never handled
boot or shoe but for my own feet and legs; yet
all have told you is true
we may as we'll give up guessing, them re-
marked one of the party. 4t<t
After checking his laughter, he said to them,
very gravely. Now, gentlemen, L will notplay
the fool with you, but tell you, upon my honor
as gentleman, truly, my profession. Igd my
bread BY making faces He then screwed his
countenance, and twisted the lineamehts of his
visage in manner such Is Samuel Foote, Chrles
Mathews, and other comic actors might have
envied. When his companions, after loud peals
Of laughter, had composed themselves, each
took credit to himself for having all the while
suspectep that the gentleman belonged to the
theatre, and now they all knew that he must be
comedian by profession. But to their utter
surprise, he assured them that he never was on
the stage, and very rarely saw the inside of a
theatre. His companions now looked at him
and at each other with great establishment.
Before parting, Stewart said to his compan- |
ions: Gentlemen, you viii find that all have
said Of my various employments is comprised
in these few words: 1 am a portrait painter. If
you viii call at York Buildings, London, shall
be ready and willing to brush you coat or hat, |
dress your hair a Ia mode, supply you if in need
with wig Of any dimensions, accommodate you |
with boots or shoes. give you rufies or cravats,
and make faces for you." 500
FAsHIoSs-A Prose Ballad-I saw her as |
she sailed along in an elegant silk balloon, and
borne on by many pufs ofpraise, all sung to an /
q Ia mode tune. 1 saw her IS she trailed along |
like : racer sharp and thin. and many voice
in ectacy proclaimed that she would win."s
saw > coal scuttle bonnet, with q front . foot
Or two, and rapturous praise, in thousand
ways, proclaimed that it would "do.ns saws
cup and saucer stuck on the back Of her head,