The Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1870-1871, 1871-01-22
dure such odious contact {?

In the hurry of the moment I eiaculat-
ed to my companions, "a young arts
who will make his way yet" when the
figure of Jones was presented arrayed in
the usual threadbare coat, and further
more adorned by pair of cheap gloves
Jones advanced smilingly and easily
up to me, and my intention of requesting
him to sit in the back parlor for a few
moments until could attend to him was
at once abandoned With him came his
influence. srccumbed. 1t was his first
visit, l was convinced, into good society, "
and curious to see how great his genius
was, introduced him to the assembled
party.
Any other man in his position, gifted
with the ordinary sentiments of humani-
ty, would, I know, have exhibited some
hesitancy as he saluted the brilliant, and
In part scornful, circle. He surely could
not but feel that he had made a mistake.
that he was not entirely welcome Not a
trace OF embarrassment was visible in his
manner, and he seated himself on chair
near my eldest daughter. When unob-
served she threw a look at me which
made me pity Jones. His mistake, how
ever, was in some degree mine, and as a
gentleman I could not forbear rendering
him all the assistance / could to make
him feel comfortable. Yet 1 supposed,
of course, that he would act as though he
knew himself more fit to be an observer
than the observed. His conduct for the
first few moments justified my opinion
He was quite silent, and after few plea
SAINT remarks passed him by my wife he
was left to himself.
Oleander is gentleman of fortune as
well as poet. He is decided aristocrat.
He is one of many Americans on whom
the traditions of the Old World have
greater influence than the noble spirit of
progress which characterizes our own
institutions. In an imaginative being,
however, such rs he, I consider this less
reprehensible. The past must ever have
a halo which the present has not He
was mounted on his hobby as Jones en-
tered the room. and, 1 could perceive,
was intensely disguised at his appear
ance and the air of equality with which
he shook hands with him. Jones must
have seen it too, but it was altogether in
sufficient to disturb his serenity and
yet Oleander is great man. He has
been addressing many of his late poems
to my eldest daughter, whom he regards
with the most refined affection. To this
somewhat, attributed his manifestations
of impatience as Jones seated himself
beside her, and apparently unconscious
of the poor figure he cut, made some
pleasant observation.
AS soon as sufficient civihties had been
paid ''the painter" Oleander, ignoring
his presence, saw fit to take up his dis
course at the point where it had been
broken off, and launched into glorifca-
ton OF the feudal ages /:
'In that bright star of olden time the
people held their proper place. They
were the rightful slaves of their noble
masters. That Difference was paid station
which its merits accorded. Nobility was
transmitted from father to son, and no
aspiring demagogue could seat himself
beside it. Churls were churls then-by
and all others SO regarded"
Jones here interrupted the flow Of elo-
quence by saying, "You forget, Sir, that
in that golden era all the more noble
professions were degraded beside that of
arms; the physician was but an apothec-
ary; the learned man of science despised
,r dreaded as wizard; poets themselves,
instead of divinely-inspir teachers, were
ooked upon as mere servants"
This was outrageously impudent of
Jones. Confound the fellow! who was
ne? A miserable dauber, who could
hardly support himself! My wife gave me
! suppicating look. My eldest daughter
rowned and bit her lips; youngest laugh
I'd softly to herself. There was an awful
pause, and then Oleander, without reply,
n calm disdain proceeded. I could yet
zee be was enraged, and knowing his
sarcastic power, felt sure the presump-
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