Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1867-10-26
HISTORY OF a. WOODEN SHOE.

|
Ell by the illustrious violinist. He was at.
tackled by low, intcrmitting fever which rc-
fused to yield to tho remedies employed, aud
even gave rise to apprehensions for his life.
Paganini, whose lcanncss was already al
most spectral, now scomed to have his frail
existence suspended by "a thread, which tho
slightest shock might sever. The physicians
unanimously ordered solitude, absolute reposc,
aud u strict regimen as to diet.
In order to carry out these prescriptions
Paganini removed to tho Villa Lutctiai.a, in
the Faubourg Poissonnicre. This excellent
establishment, which no longer exists was in-
tended exclusively for the reception and cure
Of wealthy invalids. A spacious, comfortable
house stood in large, park like garden, where
each paticnt could ramble at will, and enjoy
either solitude or society at his choice x
great charm of this house was that every one
lived just as lie or she pleased in the evening
! either retiring to the solitude of his apartment
or joining in the games, music, and conversa.
ton held in tho drawing. room Puganin;
naturally belonged to those who preferred
passing tho evenings in quictness and aetis.-
mcnt.. There was plenty of gossip about him
in the drawng-roou three or four censorious
old maids fell on him tooth and nail
" Ladies'" began one, g have you seen this
great musician? ? II salutcs no one, and nev-
or speaks a word lie takes his bowl Of soup
in an arbor in the garden, and then hastens
away if any one approaches. What an oddty
| he must be ~
"Thut's part of his malady," said another;
people say that there is some terrible mys-
ry about his life-some love story, imag.
iuc."
"Not at ALL" added third Pngauiui is
a miser; there's no mystery about that. Do
you remember that concert which was organ
izcd i'll favor of the families who had suffered
from the inundation of st. Eticnne? The
great violnist refused to take part in it be-
cause he would have to play gratuitously.-
| Depend upon it, he fears that were he to mix
in our society he might be asked for similar
| favors."
Paganini guessed pretty well how Nc was
regarded by his follow boardcrs but, like
! Gallo Of old he cared for none of these things
His health became gradually better, yet in
the whole house he never exchanged word
with any one except Nccttc This was the
housc-maid who attended OH nina cheerful,
innocent country girl, whose gay prattle, when
she served his meals, often .vailed to dispcl
the cloud which habitually darkcncd the brows
of Paganini.
One morning Nccttc presented herself with
a sad, dropping countcnance, and served break
fast without uttcring II word. The musician,
| who was amusing himself with carving piece
of ivory for the handle of II dagger, noticed
the change in the young girl, and questioned
her upon it.
| What's the matter, my child You look
sad your eyes arc red; some misfortune has
befallon you, Nicctte? p
"0t5 "05drteTr rter Noe .uu.sv,vo. ~ as x,,, =, ~.
it is?"
} No, sir, not precisely; but
Paganini fixed his great black eyes 90 the
girls troubled councnance.
"Comc," he said sec how it is, Af-
ter having made you thousand promises he
has Quilted you, aud you no longer have any
tidings of him."
All poor fellow ! he quilted me certain
ly, hut it was not his fault"
How is that 2"
g Because in the conscrption he drew a
bad number, and he has been sent away with
a great long gun on his shoulder, and / shall
never sec him agan!" sobbcd poor Nicete,
us she buried her face in her white apron.
But, Nicettc, could you not purchase a
substitute for him p
The girl, Withdrawing her apron, smiled
sadly through her tears.
Monsieur is jesting," she said hoycould
CFCi oA1 IL ouOoIiouec
This year men arc trcmendously on
account OF the report that there IS going 70 be
a war. Fifteen hundred francs is the l@cst
price"
{ The musician pressed Nicctte's little pump
hand between his long sallow hngersas he
, said
"If that's all, my girl, don't cry; veil see
what can be DONE.
Then, taking out his pocket, honl; 10 wrote
on a blank leaf:
f NlEM.-To see about giving concert for
the benefit of Nicette."
A month passed on winter arrived, and
Paganinl's physician said TO him !.
My dear sir, you must not ytntvfc out of
doors again until after the month of March"
TO hear is ~ obey" replied The musician.
During the winter comparative Aegroo of
3bHS S'5ssfth dFftssssa peass% Of
the garden as u refuge, he began grnaaually to
l,nger little in the drawi9r =. .s 4sffcT e
crimson velvet. IA rass half an hour in turn.
IN, over a volume of eugravings, Or in slipping
IA elass r sugared water favored with orange
rbwcrs The old ladies Of tho Society Cos.
sipcd on about him and his oddwayt, but he
affected not to hear, and oorhinly did not
heed them.
| Christmas.cye approached On tho ami
versaiy of the birth of our Lord custom cx-
1