Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1857-07-03
A SCENE OF RETRIBUTION

n picture, representing the sale of quantity
oi Ola FURNITURE seized for rent, was exhibited
some years back in the window of dealer in
the Place de la Madeleine, Paris, and attracted
considerable attention. In the foreground was
paced poor woman holding in her arms a
chlld, and watching with a sorrowful eye the
progress OF the sale. The sweet face Of the child
STOOD out In strong contrast to the distressed
countenance of the poor mother. Further back
were the personages connected with the SALE
represented with great vigor. The following
is stated bya Lyons journal to be the history Of
the scene depicted:
few years since the painter of the picture
In question an eminent artist at Lyons while
passing through the Rue des Terreaux. ap-
proac he'd number of persons, who were gath
cred together witnessing the sale Of the furni-
ture Of poor woman. A woman was seated on
the pavement, with child in her arms Tho
painter spoke to her, and was told that the fur.
nlture which was being sold belonged to her ;
that her husband had lately died, leaving her
with the child she had in her arms that she
had struggled hard to maintain herself by
working day and night, submitting to eyery
prlvation; but that her landlord had at length
seized her furniture for some months rent
which was due him.
The artist was much affected by this simple
recital, and inquired who was her landlord
- There he Is, replied the poor woman point.
ing to a man who was watching the progress of
the sale: and he was recognized by the painter
as person who was suspected Of having made
considerable fortune by usury; so that to
make any appeal to his feelings on behalf of the
poor widow would be useless. The artist was
considering within himself what other plan he
could adopt to benefit her, when the crier an
nounced picture for sale. 1t was q miserable
daub, which In the manner the poor woman had
used to hide the hole in the wall through which
the pipe OF the stove passed during the winter
LII was put up at one franc. The artist at once
conceived plan for taking revenge on the
landlord. He went over, examining the picture
with great attention, and then called out, with
loud voice, . One hundred francs!'
The landlord was astonished at the bid, but
concelvinS that picture for which so eminent
an artist could offer that sum was worth more
than double, boldly offered 2OOf
Five hundred" said the painter, and the
contest between the two bidders became SO ami
mated that the prize was at length knocked
down to the landlord at 22OOf
The purchaser, then addressing the painter.
said ." In seeing al artist of your merit bid
So eagerly for the picture, supposed that il
must be valuable. Now, tell me, sir, at what
do you estimate its value?''
About three francs and half" said the
painter; " but would not give that for it
You are surely jesting," " said the landlord.
" for you bid as high 2lOOf for it,
" That IN true, replied the artist, and
will tell you why l did So You are in possess
sion OF an income of 25,00Of a year have
seized on the furniture of poor woman for a
debt OF 20Of. L wished to give you a lesson, and
you fell into my trap. Instead of the Door
woman being Jour debtor she is now your cred
ltor, and L Halter myself you will not compel
her to seize on your furniture for her debt
The artist then politely saluted the aston
Ished landlord, and having announced her good
fortune to the poor woman, walked away