Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-06-06

Baron James de Rothschild was anxious to
be put on canvass by Vernet; he reflected this
was an investment as well as a joy forever. 1t
might, some years hence, fetch very high
price, and was, therefore, worth securing, even
mt a small sacrifice. Vernet, however, he knew,
was not a man to make two prices, and his only
chance was cleverly to cajole him into naming
a low figure the first time. Vernet at once saw
the game of his willy customer; he looked him
in the face, and with one glance took him in
from head to foot, estimated the length of
his pocket, and at the same time the measure
of his meanness He then said, in resolute
tone:
an. lie Baron my price for full-length por-
trait of you would be 10000 francs"
"'Ten thousand francsl NV dear Vernet,
would you ruin mel l can't give that sum for
q mere portrait"
Vernet shrugged his shoulders. "That is just
as you please; there is no necessity to put your
self to the expense, and it seems very foolish
way of spending your money; but that is not
my affair. | wish you good morning"
M. lie Baron stood bewildered. He wanted the
portrait, but he could not make up his mind to
part with so great II sum.e He went home Il sad
der, but not, perhaps, a wiser man. He resolved
TO shake off all thought of this eXtravagant in
diligence, but it would come back upon him;
have it he must, and in less than a week he was
in the painters studio
"Well, NJ. Vernet" he began, "haye you
the other dayP
"No, upon my word, haven't indeed" said
the painter, without suspendng his occupation
81 have been very busy, and as it was q settled
matter when you left, there was no object in
thinking of it again. We have had pleasant
change IN the weather, NJ. lie Baron, since saw
You" added he after pause.
Rothschild could scarcely conceal his vexation
and felt more DESTROYS than ever to possess the
object of his ongings.
"Now, NJ. Vernet, am still open to arrange
for that picture, and | come to-day to offer you
five thousand francs for il; but mind not one
centime more. When shall | give you the first
sitting?"
ooh, my dear sir, don't mention it again,
pray. had the honor to name to you my con-
ditions; you must be good enough to accept
them as final. Good;morning, NJ. r." and he
politely conducted his visitor to the door, pallet
in hand.
"Confound the fellows impudence," exclaimed
the disappointed millionaire, finding himself
alone on the landing. "Why, hang him, hes
as obstinate as mule. | shan't manage him
after ALL" And he went away puzzled and NOR.
tihed. Another and another hagglIug interview
took place, but always with the same niggardly
policy on the part of the banker and same cool
indifference on the part of the painter. A long
interval of hesitation followed when Baron r.,
having screwed himself up to the required pitch
and resolved to have his portrait, even at the
startling sum demanded, again presented him
self in the painting room.
M. Vernetp he exclaimed, "you have
gained yonr point; give in-paint me al your
own price"
'Paint your exclaimed Vernet, with well
feigned surprise, "what again?
"Againl What do you mean?"
"Why have painted your portrait ever so
long ago; all the time you were sitting hustering
there was taking your portrait, and as you are
so poor will make You the compliment of it.;
you are painted without any charge"
Generous MANI exclaimed the modern Shy
lock; "lI accept; where is the magic canvas
that may look at it.
"You will find it in the Prise de la Smala, now
at versailles; it has just been removed from my
studio into its place."
Rothschid hAstened to Versailles; he rushed
into the midst of the admiring crowd congre-
gated before the latest production of the great
artst; he searched the surface with FACILITATING
heart; but imagine his dismay-in one corner
of the grand picture he saw himself represented
in the diaboical figure of Jew running away
with a caSketl He hurried back to Paris
and after reproachng Vernet with the severity
of his pleasantly, begging him on any terms to
paint it out.
81 consent" said Vernet, "but on this condi-
ton. | asked you 10000 francs to paint your
portrait, and you could afford to give it me; but
You barganed with genius, though you expect
ed and would have received its unlimited eXer-
tons; demand $4,000 francs to eiface it, and if
You refuse, itlremainS there as q "Reminiscences of
this little joke"
Vernet was memorable. The Jew could never
bring himself to draw up so large a check, even
TO undraw such II picture, and he went out of
the world leaving behind him the equivocal
mementO.