Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-01-06
Amusing Anecd0te Of Gilbert c. Stuart
the Artist.

Gilbert Charles Stuart, the artist, was
travelingin England in stage coach with
some gentlemen who were strangers IN
him, but all were sociable and lively The
party stopped to dine at an inn, and, after
dinner, the conversation being animated
and various, Stuart became conspicuous
in it, not only for his wit and humor, but
for his correct judgment, rapid thought
and apt phrases The curiosity of ms
companions was aroused ,and, with Yankee.
like inquisitiveness, they desired to know
who and what he was
Mr.. Stuart, with grave face, and in
serious tone of voice, replied that he some
times dressed gentlemen's and ladies' hair,
ooh! you are hair-dresser, them" re-
turned one of the company, with some
what derogatory stare.
"What do look like barber?" de.
manded the incognito artist, sternly.
81 beg your pardon, sir" replied the
subdued cockney, but inferred it from
what you said If l mistook you, may |
take the liberty to inquire what you are,
then?"
"Why, sometimes l brush a gentleman's
coat or hat, and adjust his cravat."
ooh! you are a valet, then, to some
nobleman?"
GA valet {" retorted Stuart, with mock
indignation indeed, sir, lam not. am
not servant. To be sure, | make coats
and waistcoats for gentlemen"
"Ah you are tailor?'
"Tailor! do you take me for tailor?
I'll assure you l never handled goose
other than roasted one"
By this time the joke was beginning to
be fully appreciated, and the whole com.
pany were in roar of laughter.
"What in the world are you, them" de.
manded another gentleman, taking up the
Office of interlocutor.
~ will tell you," said Stuart, with great
apparent sincerity, "be assured all have
told you is strictly true. dress hair
brush hats and coats, adjust cravats, and
make coats, waistcoats and breeches, and
likewise boots and shoes, at y0ur sergice!"
"Oho boot and shoemaker, after all"
CONTEMPORARY returned the questioner
"Guess again, gentlemen" continued
Stuart, good. humoredly. 81 mover han
died boot or shoe but for my own feet and
legs; yet all have told you is true"
1--WE may as well give up guessing; it
is Of no use"
The fun.loving painter, checking his
own laughter, which was on the point of
bursting forth, and stimulating fresh
flow of spirits by a huge pinch of snuff,
said gravely, as if bringing the matter to
a satisfactory conclusion: Now, gentle.
men, will not play the fool with youany
longer, but will tell you, upon my honor
as a gentleman, my bona fde professional
get my living by making faces.
He then screwed up his countenance
and twisted his features in a!manner the
most skillful clown might have envied.
When the loud peals of laughter had
subsidized, the company with one accord
declared that they chad all the while sus.
pected that the gentleman belonged to
the theatre they all knew he must be
comedian by profession" But when
| Stuart coolly informed them that he
never was on the stage and very rarely
inside of playhouse, their chagrin and
establishment equaled their previous
merriment.
Gentlemen" said Stuart to his com.
panions, as he was about to leave them,
"you will find all have said in regard
to my various employments is comprised
in these few words am portrait
| painter If you will call upon me at
Cork buildings, London, | shall be ready
and willing to brush you coat or hat
dress your hair la mode, supply you, II
you need, with wig of any fashion or
dimensions, accommodate you with boots
or shoes, give you ruffles or cravats, ana
| fnaka Hlnaa for Won ~