Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1860-09-27
Invited to Dine.

uS UOO liGuucut IdD1I 0l CACcuulaE uCIc
formal invitations, is we'll rebuked in the
following anecdote of NJ. Viver, the eminent
physician, celebrated for his ready wit, his
skill on the cornet, and his close intimacy
with Rossini He had hardly arrived in
Paris on his return from his summer travels
when he was invited to dine with M>ns.
B, musical amateur and rich capi-
talist After the repast the master and mis-
tress of the house said to their agreeable
guest:
eve hope that we shall have you often
to dine with US; your place will always be
ready"
''Always?" said Viver; "that is, in the
fashionable sense of the word"
''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 whenever you please. We should be
glad if it were every day"
''In earnest?'.
"Certainly we should be delighted.'
"Ah, we'll, since you are SO cordial,
will do my best to be agreeable.
1--WE shall depend upon seeing you"
The next day Viver presented himself
*You see,' said he, "that have taken
your invitation literally. I have come to
dine''
"Ah, it is very charming," replied his
hosts, to whom his arrival appeared very
piquant and quite original The dinner was
very gay, and the artist on taking leave re-
ceived many compliments. The next day
as they were about to sit down to the table,
Viver again appeared.
"Here [ am exact, punctual, and faith
full to my promise. But it is singular" he
continued, fixing a penetrating and quizzi-
cal look upon the faces of the hosts; cit is
singular-you appeared surprised; did you
not expect me? ?"
''Oh, certainly, you give US much plea
sure," the couple replied, with forced
smile.
$50 much the better
Viver sat down, was in the happiest vein,
played the agreeable to all the family, and
seemed unconscious that he had all the bur
a few monosylables, the conversation was
reduced to mere monologue. On the
fourth day, at six o'clock he presented HIM
SELF This time coolnessj and renlesist Wxs
plainly perceptible. and Nver spske Is 81.
1'''l II Is 0if1y Is 6ddause i: We fsafed yda W6ai
not fare we'll: we have so poor dinner to-
day"
II thought you did not expect me !; but
it is of no consequence. | am not difficult
to please only wish the pleasure of your
society,""
He seated himself with perfect composure.
ate heartily, and then turning to the ma
dame with complimentary air, he re-
marked:
..What could you mean ? The dinncri is
quite as good as the others. Excellent fare.
upon my word. 1 should desire nothing
better"
The next day-it was the ffth-Vivcr
the door.
monsieur B is not at home. He
dimes down town to-day"
"Ah very well. ButI forgot my great
coat yesterday; l must ask the servant for
it" and darting across the threshold and up
the staircase he knocked The door was
opened-the unexpected apparition appear
ed. Your porter is a BOBBY" said Viver
gaily. ''He pretended that you had gone
out but knew he was mistaken. But what
long faces. Has'anything happened?' Amy
accident, any misfortune, might be con6ded
to him. At last, at the desert, he burst in
to fit Of laughter and said, II know what
is the matter and what troubles you. It is
your invitation, so cordially made and so
literally accepted. l thought that l would
make the trial. suspecting that you would
not endure me long. To-day you shut the
door against tne, and tomorrow, if should
return, you would perhaps throw me out of
the window But you will not catch me
here. wish you very good evening