Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1859-12-07
THE PARIsON VOCALIST.

me composer, Iradner, VINO uleu some
fifteen years ago, in Paris, was an eminent
musician. The Opera COmiqne was in
debted to him for many pleasant piece
At the age of sixteen he married the famous
Philedor and, at his second nuptials, Mad
emoiselle More, a charming actress of the
old Freydeau. At the time of the Con-
sulate, Pradher, then very young, was yet
a pianist ofgreat merit. Carat. who liked
him very much, charged himself with the
care of his tuition and fortune. He in
troduced him to several elegant salons; and
one day-about the time of the commence
ment of the Empire-the celebrated singer,
having been invited to sing at concert
given at the Tuileries. asked and obtained
permission to take Pradher with him as
accompanist.
Carat had already had the honor of
singing several times before his Majesty;
but Pradher had never been present at
such tete. This occasion was one, then,
of the most magnificent importance to him,
and he was proud of the idea of making
his debut at court Full of ardor and i'm
patience, the young pianist repaired to the
residence of his prOtecter long before the
appointed time, and found Carat at his
mirror, folding his twelfth cravat to essay
new tie.
"Vous VOLTA already" exclaimed the
illustrious singer. .'Ahl mon ami, l shall
make sensation this evening"
Il do not doubt it." Pradher replied;
''yOu always do"
"But this time more than ever; l shall
make laundering impression"
Every thing is possible to voice like
yours"
You are wide of the mark, my friend, "
replied Carat; Il am not speaking of my
voice, but referring to my toilette. Look
at me. What do you think of this coiiDJiitre?
How do you like this vest? What is your
opinion of this frock, the cut of which l
planned myself"
From a weakness, of which we find more
than one example among great artists, Carat
thought more of his reputation as dandy
than of his success as a singer; he liked
much better to be praised for the elegance of
his costume than for the exquisite charm of
his voice.
Pradher, whok his weakness, humored
him. at is perfect" said he, admirable!
ravishingl nothing is wanting; and now
that your toilette is finished, what are we
waiting for?''
1--WE are waiting till they come for me, "
replied Carat; lit is the custom. Etiquette
prohibits me form presenting myself at the
Tuileries. One of the ushers of the Chateau
will be here presently, to take me in an
imperial carriage"
An instant after, as Carat had said, all
enr0ye of the Tuileries presented himself,
to conduct the illustrious siuger to the court
The coach is below" said he, respect
fully, Carat passed out first, proud and
superb; Pradher followed him slowly, but
full of hope and joy. They descended the
stairs, they arrived at the carriage entrance,
and Carat uttered a cry of surprise and in
dignatiOn.
"What is that? hackney-coachl vile
sapin, for mel This is something newt
They used to send for me in court car
riage"
Undoubtedly" replied the messenger,
rbut this being the occasion of a grand gala,
all the carriages are employed elsewhere"
"VexatiOn." screamed the vocalist; "but
a man of my position cannot in hackney
coach"
There are no means of acting otherwise
this time"
''oh, yes there are, and very simple ones;
won't 60 to the concert at all
"YOu rejokingl You are expectcd-you
Ire down on the programme-His Majesty
,elies upon you. ! have been ordered to
'onduct you, and l shall obey orders
DO you mean to use violence"
The enrOye did not say so, but locked
IS if he intended to carry out his mission
avarierly, by taking Carat by the shOul-
lers, and forcing him to enter the coach.
"Ah, it is so, is it, exclaimed the singer, I
It the threat of violence, 'yOu absolutely
must carry me to the chateau? Eh bien,
,crhaps." (
Saying this he threw himself, rot into
he coach, but into the gutter, thrust into I
he mud his legs so delicately encased in q
White stockings. and herOically splashed 7
lis ravishing toilette. Then, soiled from I
ead to foot, he presented himself before /
he surprised envcye, and then said to him, U
n an accent full of passion and irony: Il L
m ready to follow you, Monsieur; conduct h
ne to the concert of the Tuileries." S
1t was necessary to yield, and on this i
ccasion, the Imperial auditory was fain to Il
ct along without the charming vocalist c
iarat was triumphant, but his unfortunate
ccompanist was in despair" :"
A BEAUTIFUL IDEA.-It has been beau c
fully remarked that q woman's heart is u
! l. L. ILL., ]