The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-11-19

brilliant conversatioDalist and most agreeable
acquaintance. He possessed that rare faculty
of reaching the minds of others, and upcan-
sciously evokiDg from them their choicest gifts
OF wit or knowledge, rs Moses struck water
from the rock, or the electric chain brings
sparks from altar. In the discussions relative
to the races. the fashionable amnsements, the
elegapces of the day, George preserved q be.
coming silence and appeared to listen with in
the particulars of his sojourn in Germany; he
had observed much, he was well acquainted
with all the antiquities of that country, and
could talk on these subjects with an agreeable
candor aud simplicity.
Madame Wolff was an elegant, gracious, and
very frivolous lady. She regarded as curios-
ity this grave personsge of twenty-two, who,
arch ology. left in his glass the sparkling wine
so eagerly qusffed by the other guests.
"Tell us, Mr.. George said she, in draw
ling. AFFECTED tome not all unc1mp mon with IN
that wonderful pin there is so much talk about,
and which you still wear upon your sleeve,
believe. Is it q precious talismanf'
OF course everybody's attention was directed
towards the poor young fellow and my little
head giittering upon his new cuff
George, who WAS never at o loss when speak
ing of his studies, his duties, or his business,
became timid and embarrassed at such o
question directly concerning himself, and par
tlcularly when charming woman thus inter-
rogated him before @ whole assembly.
Madame" said he, in q soft, tremulous
voice, IL ought to regard this little pin as a
talisman, for it has been the means of placing
me in situation where can assist those who
are dear to me, and. moreover, thanks to n.
VOLTS kindness, it has given me admission to
your house. l sensible of all the obiga
tions such favors impose upon me, and wish
always to keep this precious pin as a memento
of these obligations, should ever be inclined
to forget them"
A murmur of appreciation followed this pru
dent response. My history then related
and com men red upon by group of curious o.
III "
time TO time glanced at George, the hero of the
adventure. To withdraw his attention from
this scrutiny, he continued the conversation
with his neighbors upon the school OF painting
at Dusseldorf, for be was we'll acq uan ted with
the principal masters
The company passed on to the drawing.
room. lady seated herself at the piano, and
began q sweet, touching melody, not of
those difficult scientific pieces. the music re-
mindiDg of a battle, and the performance
of St. Georges combat with the dragon. Waves
of harmony hoated upon the air-soft, delicious
reveries. enchanting the soul and sense.
Encore! encore" cried the assembled
listeners.
"And that beautiful nocturn of Schuberts
that has almost drawn tears from our eyes,"
said M. Wolf-"can you not favor us with it
this EVENING""
~ have not four hands," said thelady. "Will
you help meP
There was q silence.
"How unfortunately said Madame Wolff.
" Is there no one here who can second your
/
George, Il will try have often heard this
beau tiful German melody, and believe have
not forgotten it,"
His good will was applauded, and his per-
Torrance Of this admirable piece made pro-
found sensation. The company requested a
repetition of the last part, which was executed
with wonderful beauty of expression, and the
lady herself was much astoniehed at her young
assistants taste aud correctness. n. Wolff, q
passionate lover OF music, was in raptures.
You know something else, then, besides
figures, sir" said he familiarly.
81 Is it the pin alec that has taught you ho "
to charm Ms with your music T. said Madame
Wolf. lyon will lend it to me, at leasti"
George bowed, and, filed with confusion
that only rendered him more interesting, i'm
mediately sought his place amidst group Of
takers.
VIII.
| The Picture Gallery.
| After long and serious commercial CONVEX
sation with George in his Office, III. Wolff said
! I'VE have talked business enough for one
day. Tell NE, George, for was listening tc
you the other day, do you know anything
| about paintipgsT
Not the least technical knowledge o.
| paintings" said Gsorge; "but / have seer
many good ones, aud derived a great deal OF
pleasure from looking at them. How many
happy hours have not spent with my excel
lent father in the galleries of the Louvre! We
enjoyed them in sips, as one tastes wine then
| sometimes we formed the resolution of King
only at three pictnres, but studying those three
| well. In this case we advanced slowly and
with do wncast eyes, making our way along the
brilliant galleries Ivy counting the pedestals OF
the columns. Here we are,' said my father
and then we lifted onr eyes before Corregio
a Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci. Our atten.
| ton, entirely fresh and vigorous, was bent
upon . careful study of these masterpieces
Seated upon a large divan in this palace, and
beside a dear father, l contemplated these
works, whilst he explained to me as artist
a connoisseur aud man of general infurma
tiou the characteristic differences of each
school. the curious anecdotes related of cele.
brattd painters, whose lives like those of the
saints have become golden legends. Alb happy
times joyful days that will never retarn!
"Why mott"
"Because," said George, d" the time for that
sort Of pleasure is past; sorrow, which must
come sooner or later, came early for me. l had
to sacrifice my tastes, and l assure you that
still find pleasure in this sacrifice, for work