The Van Buren press., 1868-05-15
A Genuine Rrsnch Romance.

One Of those little romances OF which
the French are so fond has lately taken
place in Paris, and is thus described in
journal.
NJ. Robert. immensely wealthy and
highly accomplished, elegant, well known
not only for his valuable collections of
painting and medieval relics, but for his
rare skill as designer and painter, hear
ing that one of his tenant, an NJ. b.,
whom he had never seen, kept one OF the
most extensive atelie-s of fancy boxes
and ornamental objects in France, called
on him with view to make his acquaint'
auce. Did -i.u. ..,
Entering the counting room he found
good -natured, eccentric gentleman Of
middle age, who greeted him, and ex'
claimed
II suppose that you also have seen my
advertisement and come to apply for that
situation as designer I" s-......
For joke, NJ. Robert replied that he
had NJ. B. supplied him with paints
and brushes, and requested him to pro.
duce design for casket. M. Robert
soon found that what u. b. really wanted
was al artist who would strictly carry out
his own ideas, and that these were pure,
and formed on an extensive knowledge OF
art. In short time he produced a sketch
which suited the employer to a dot-"a
point" NJ. Robert very gravely engag
ed himself, exacted good wages, and in
utc tctnl hopip.v cnyaral a articIaa Of
furniture placed in the room which was
assigned to him. But when he was in.
troduced to the work-rooms and found
one hundred and fifty girls, many of them
young and beautiful, busily employed,
and was informed that he hould be re-
quirred to supply them with designs, and
tell the young ladies how they were to be
carried out, the young artist began to feel
as if he should have to be carried out
himself--being very susceptible. H
Working for living" said he to
himself, "is not entirely devoid Of attrac-
tions. Let us work" r..
NJ. Robert, being an accomplished ar
tist, delighted his employer, and soon
found remarkable fascination in seeing
his designs realized in steel. silver,
enamel, or wood. He took pleasure
hitherto unknown in seeing his works In
shop windows and finding them in the
boudoirs of his friends. This workshop
life was Of course carefully concealed
from society nor did his employer
saspect that his artist wan his landlord,
But NJ Robert soon found more intense
object of fascination in the daughter of
NJ. b., young lady who also took part
in the duties of the ateler This damsel
was as remarkable for her accomplish.
ments "a for her extraordinary beauty,
and NJ Robert soon found that as regard
ed taste and culture on all matters which
specially interested him he had never
met with any one like her. Step by step,
the pair fell in love, and little by little
the artist so ingratiated himself with the
father that the latter, after deIiberation,
consented to their union. u4sb sfG
Previous to the marriage the old gen.
tleman one day spoke Of dowry. ~
shall give Marie $4,000 francs" said he,
with little air of Boosting. ''Eh, mon
yarcOa/' '3r'.
"And suppose" added NJ. Robert,
gravely, that |, too, must settle some
thing on my wife. Well, I will" smI
This caused deal Of laughter, which
was redoubled when the artist added,
"And l settle this piece Of property,
house aud all, with the building adjoining
on her" Ia.'. i ,
But what was their amazcment when
NJ. Robert drew forth the title deeds aud
said, .s
"You seem to forget that ! am your
landlordS Isn't my name Robert"
The young lady did not faint, but paps
nearly died of astonishment and Joy.
There was magnificent wedding, but
the bridegroom has not given up btSi-
ness He declares that there is as much
amusement in being useful rs in amusing
ones self.