The Opelousas courier., 1868-05-02

Ono OF UnOSc llutlo Ioiii''ioE
of which the French are so fond,
has lately taken place LII Parls'
and is thus described in a journal /:
M. Robert, an immensely veal
thv and highly accomplished 6l6-
qant. well known, not only for his
Valuable collection of paintings
and medieval relics, but for his
rare skill as a designer and paint
er. hearing that one Of his ten
ants, Mr.. B., whom he had never
seen, kept one of the most extern
sive ateliers of fancy boxes and
ornamental objects in France,
called ON him with a view to
make his acquaintance.
Entering the counting-room, he
found a good-natured, eccentric
gentleman of middle age, who
greeted him, and exclaimed:
Il suppose that you also have
seen my advertisement, and came
to apply for that situation as de-
signer 2"
For a joke, M. Robert replied
that he had. Mr.. B. supplied him
with paints and brushes, and re-
quested him so produce a DESIGN
for the basket. M. Robert soon
found that what Mr.. B. really
wanted was an artist who would
strictly carry out his own ideas,
and that these were pure, and
formed on an extensive knowledge
of art. In a short time he pro-
duced sketch which suited the
employer to a dot-a ''point."
NJ. Robert very gravely en-
gagged himself, exacted good wa
ges, and insisted on having sew
eral new articles of furniture pla-
ced in the room which was assign
ed to him. But when he was in
troduced to the work rooms and
found one hundred and fifty girls,
many of them young and beauti-
full, busily employed, and was in
formed that he would be required
" to supply them with designs, and
Z show 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.
working for living" said he
to himself, ''is not entirely devoid
of attractions. Let us work"
MI. Robert, being an accom-
plished artist, delighted his en-
ployer, and he soon found a re-
markable fascinationin seeing his
designs realized in steel, silver,
enamel Or wood. He took a
pleasure, hitherto unknown, in
seeing his works in shop win
dows, and finding them in the
boudoirs of his friends. This
workshop life was, of course,
carefully concealed from $50
ciety," nor did his employer sus-
pect that his artist was his land
lord. But M. Robert soon found
a more intense object of fascina-
ton in the daughter of Mr.. B., a
young lady who also took part in
the duties of the atelier. This
damsel was as remarkable for her
accomplishments as for her extra
ordinary beauty, and M. Robert
soon found that as regarded taste
and culture in 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 fa-
ther that the latter, after due de-
liberation, consented to their
union.
Previous to the marriage, the
old gentleman one day spoke of a
dowry. 81 shall give Marie fifty
thousand francs,n said he with a
little air of boasting. "Eh, mon,
garcoR ~
''And suppose added M. Ro-
bert, gravely, 'sthat I, too, must
settle something on my wife.
Welt will.
This caused a peal of laughter,
which was redoubled when the
artist added
"And | will settle this piece o1
property, house and all, with the
building adjoining, on her."
But what was their amazement
when M. Robert drew forth the
title-deed, and said:
"You seem to forget that I am
Your landlord ? Isn't my name
Robert :
The young lady did not faint,
but papa nearly died of astonish-
nent and joy. There was mag
lpificent wedding, but the bride
groom has not given up business
lie declares that there is as much