Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-04-06

A FRENCH ROMANCE.

One of those little romances of which
the French are so fond, has lately taken
place in Paris. ard is thus described:
NJ Robert, an immensely wealthy and
highly accomplished gentleman, well
known not only for his valuable collections
of paintings and medieval relics, but for
his skill as designer and painter, hear
ing that one of his tenants, a NJ. B., whom
he had never seen, kept one of the most
extensive manufactures of fancy boxes
and ornamental objects in France, called
ON him with a view to make his acqlIain-
tance.
Entering the counting-roon, he found
good-natured, eccentric gentleman Of
middle age, who greeted him thus:
81 suppose you have seen my advertise
ment, and have come to apply for that
situation as designer?n
| For joke, NJ. Robert replied that he
had. M. b. supplied him with paints and
brushes, and requested him to produce a
design for a casket. M. Robert soon found
out that what NJ. 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. He
soon produced a sketch, which suited his
employer to a dot.
NJ. Robert very gravely engaged him
self, exacted good wages, and insisted on
having several new articles of furniture
placed in the room which was assigned to
him. But when he was introduced TO the
work-room and found one hundred and fif-
ty girls, many ofthem Young and beautiful,
busily employed, and was informed that
he would be required to supply them with
designs and show the young ladies how
they were to be carried out, the young
artist began to feel as if he should need to
be carried out himself.
Working for a living" said he 10 him.
self, lis not entirely devoid of attraction"
Being an accomplished artist, he pleased
his employer, and was delighted in see
ing his designs in steel, silver. enamel or
wood. He took pleasure, hitherto un-
known, in seeing his works in shop-win
dows, in the boudoirs of his friends. This
workshop life was carefully concealed,
nor did his employer suspect who he was.
But he soon found IL more fascinating OBJ
ject in the daughter of NJ. B., who took
part in the duties of the mandatory.
She was remarkable for her accomplish
ments and beauty, and M. Robert soon
found that, as regarded taste and culture
in all matters which especially interested
him, he had never met with one like her.
Step by step the pair fell in love. and he
so ingratiated himself with the father that.
after due deliberation, he consented to
their union.
Previous to the marriage the old gentle
man spoke of a dowry. Il shall give
Marie O,OOOf.,n said he, with little air
of boasting.
''And suppose" added NJ. Robert.
gravely, THAT |, too, must settle some
thing on my wife. Well will"
This caused a peal of laughter, which
was redoubled when the artist added:
"And will settle this piece of property,
house and all, with the building adjoin-
ing, on her."
But what was their amazement when he
drew forth the title deeds, and said:
You seem to forget that Iam your land
lord. Isn't my name Robert?"
The young lady did not faint, but papa
nearly died of astonisment and joy. There
was magnificent wedding but the BRIDE
groom has not given up business. He de-
clares there is more amusement in being
useful than in a nusing ones self.