Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-05-23

and taking out splendid medal on,
gave 1t to the old man.
" There" said he, "That will do. II
was present made to me by the Empe'
ror of Austrla-his own portrait, set in
diamonds. The painting is nothing re-
markable, but the stones are fine. Take
them, and whatever they bring shall be
yours"
The old musician tried in vain to de-
cline so rich gift. List would not
hear OF refusal, and the poor man at
length withdrew, after invoking the
choicest blessings Of heaven on his bene-
facter.
He then repaired to the shop of the
principal jeweler in the city, in order to
sell the diamonds. Seeing miserably-
dressed man anxious to dispose of mag
nlflcent jewels, with whose value he was
unacquainted the master of the shop
very naturally suspected his honesty
and, while appearing to examine the
diamonds with close attention, he whis'
pered few words in the ear of one Of
his assistants. The latter went out, and
speedily returned accompanied by seve-
raj soldiers Of police, who arrested the
unhappy artist in spite OF his protesta-
tions of innocence.
You must first come to prison"
they said; afterwards you can give an
explanation to the magistrate"
The prisoner wrote few lines to his
benesactor imploring his assistance.
List fastened to the jeweler.
Sir" said he, .you have caused the
arrest of an innocent man. Cone with
me Immediately, and let us have him re-
leased. He is the lawful owner of the
jewels in question, for l gave them to
him."
But, sir" asked the merchant"
who are you ~
My name Is List"
al don't know any rich man of that
name"
"That may be; yet l am tolerably
well known"
Are you aware, sir, that these dia-
monds are worth six thousand forms
that is to say, about five hundred
guineas, or twelve thousand francs 2"
So much the better for him on whom
I have bestowed them"
" But in order to make such present
you must be very wealthy"
My annual fortune consists of three
ducats."
Then you are a magician /"
" By no means and yet, by just NOV
| ing my fingers, l can obtain as much
money as l wish"
"You must be a magicianl"
off you choose I'll disclose to you the
magic employ"
List had seen piano in the pallOr
behind the shop. He opened it, and IAN
his fingers over the keys; then seized by
sudden Inspiration, he improvised one Of
those soul-touching symphonies peculiar
to himself.
AS he sounded the first chords beau
tiful girl entered the room. While the
melody continued she remained speech
! less and immovable; then, as the las
note died away, she cried with irrepres
sible enthusiasm
Bravo, List It's wondrous !"
"Dost thou know him, then, daugh
ter 7" asked the jeweler.
This is the first time that have had
the pleasure of seeing er hearing him,
replied she but I do know that none
living, save List, could draw such
sounds from the piano"
Expressed with grace and mOdesty, by
young person of remarkable beauty
this admiration could not hil to bt
more than fattering to the artist. How
ever, after making his best acknowl
Judgments, List withdrew, In order tC
| al 10 ri
MED by the jeweler.
Grieved at his mistake, The worthy
merchant sought to repair it, by invit
the two musicians to supper. The hon
ors of the table was done by his amiablt
daughter, who appeared no less touched
at the generosity Of List, than astonish
ed at his talent.
That night the musicians Of the city
serenaded their illustrious brother. Tht
next day the mobiles and most distin
guished inhabitants of Prague presented
themselves at his door They entreateC
him to give concerts, leaving It to him
self to fix any sum he pleased as a remu
neration. Then the jeweler perceived
that talent, even in a peCunhry light
may be more valuable than the mos
precious diamonds. List continued t
go to his house, and to the nerchanti
great joy, he soon perceived that hi
daughter was the cause of these visits
He began to love the company of tn,
. musician, and the fair girl, his onl,
child, certainly did not hate it
Gone morning. the jeweler, coming tt
the point with German franmess, saiC
to List:
How do you like my daugher?"
She is an angel p'
What do you think Of mar,iage?"
think so well of it that Ihave tn
greatest possible inclination to try it,
T What would you say to ortune o
three million francs 2"
, II would willingly accept it"
Well, we understand each other. NJ,
daughter pleases you; you please m,
| daughter; her fortune is reaiy-be m,
= sOn-inlaw
. With all my heart !"
The marriage was celebrated the fol
l lowing week.
) And this, according to the chronicle
| of Prague, is true account Of the mar