Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1870-01-21
Saiafelanepna.
ID MUsIcIAN,s mARRIAGE.

After having passed the summer in visit
ing the principal towns of Germany, the
celebrated pianist List arrived at Prague,
IN October, lS46.
The next day after he came his apartment
was entered by a stranger-an old man,
whose appearance indicated misery and suf
fering. The great musician received him
with cordiality which he would not, per
haps have shown to nobleman. Encour-
aged by his kindness, his visitor said
Il come to YOU, sir, as a brother. Ex-
cuse me if | take this title, notwithstanding
the distance that divides US but formerly |
could boast some skillin playingon the piano,
and by giving instructions gained com
Portable livelihood Now | am old, feeble,
burdened with a large family, aud destitute
of pupils. live at Nuremburg, but came
to Prague to seek to recover the remnant of
a small property which belonged to my an
cestors Although nominally successful,
the expenses Of a long litigation has more
than swallowed up the trihing sum [ re-
covered. To-day / set out for home pen
niless.
"And you have come to me? You have
done well, aud thank you for this proof of
your esteem. To assist brother professor
is to me more than duty it is pleasure.
Artists should have their purse in common;
and if fortune neglect some, in order to
treat others better than they deserve, it only
makes it more necessary to preserve the
equilibrium by fraternal kindness. That's
my system so don't speak of gratitude, for
l feel that | only discharge my debt. y
As he uttered these generous words, Liszt
opened drawer in his writing case, end
started when be saw that this usual deposi
tory for his money contained but three du,
cats. He summoned his servant.
Where is the money! he asked.
There, sir, replied the man, pointing
to the open drawer
'Therel Why, there's scarcely anything. -
Il know it, sir. Ifyou please to remem-
Der | told you yesterday that the cash was
nearly exhausted.
You see, my dear brother, said Liszt.
smiling, that for moment I am no richer
than you but that does not trouble me.
have credit, and l can make ready money
start from the keys of my piano. However,
as you are in haste to leave Prague aud re-
turn home, you shall not be delayed by my
present want of funds
So saying he opened another drawer, and
taking out splendid medallion, gave it to
the old man.
There, said be, that will do 1t was
a present made to me by the Emperor of
Austria-his own portrait set in diamonds.
The painting is nothing remarkable. but the
stones are fine. Take them and dispose of
them, and whatever they bring shall be
yours
The old musician tried in vain to decline
so rich a gift Liszt would not hear of a
refusal, and the poor man at length with.
drew, after invoking the choicest blessing of
heaven on his generous benefactor.
He then repaired to the shop of the prin.
cipal jeweler in the city in order to sell the
diamonds Seeing a miserably dressed man
anxious to dispose of magnificent Jewels.
with whose value he was unacquainted, the
master Of the shop very naturally suspected
his honesty and, while appearing to exam
ing the diamonds with close attention. he
whispered few words in the ear of one of
his assistants. The latter went out, and
speedily returned, accompanied by several
soldiers of police, who arrested the unhappy
artist in spite of his protestations of limo.
cence
You must FIRST come to prison, they
said "afterward you can give an explana-
ton to the magistrate. -
The prisoner wrote few lines to his bene.
factor, imploring his assistance. Liszt hast
ened to the jeweler.
Sir, said he, you have caused the ar
rest Of an innocent man. Come with me
Immediately, and let us have him released
He is the lawiul owner of the jewels in ques
ton, for [ gave them to him. -
But, sir, asked the merchant, "who
are you?"
My name is List.
81 do not know any very rich man of that
name
That may be; yet l am tolerably well
known.
Are you awaae, sir, that these diamonds
are worth six thousand horins-that is to
say, about Eve hundred guineas, or twelve
thousand francs ~
SO much the better for him on whom
have bestowed them.
But in order to make such a present you
must be very wealthy"
My actual fortune consists of three du-
cats
Then you are a magician y
BY no means; and yet, by just moving
my fingers, I can obtain as much money as
desire.
Then you must be a magician -
''If you choose III disclose 10 you the
magic | employ.
List had seen a piano in the parlor be-
bind the shop. He opened it, aud ran his
fingers over tie keys; then, seized by sudden
Inspiration, be improvised one Of those soul !
touching symphonies peculiar to himself.
As he sounded the first chords, beauti-
Ful young girl entered the room. While |
lie melo ) continued she remained speech I
ess and INN 9yable then, as the last note