The National tribune., 1881-12-31

or Orleans
stranger and stranger" remarked Papann;
II have not an acquaintance in either of these
cities"
He paid him, however, thanks to the interfer
ence of Louisette, who had taken possession of
the box.
The porter had hardly turned his back when
Louisette, glancing at the box with much curios-
ty, eagerly said: will assist you to take if mn
to your room, sir"
No, Louisettte," replied Paganini, trying to
refrain from smiling. Leave it there in the
corner. Tomorrow will be time enough to at
tend to it."
And you are not going to open it?" asked
Louisette, much disappointed.
Yes, indeed, will, since you are so anxious
to see It's contents. Come aid me- and we will
have it open in a few moments.n
They removed two layers of hav. several hmm
dies of brown paper, cut a number of strinos and
found at the very bottom of the box an old
sabot.
well, 1 am not much surprised" said Paoan-
ini, it is very nice invention. They have sent
me this sabot as an allusion to my avarice. and
wish it to say to me that am like children, who
deceived if they think they can wound my feel
ings by this unkind act.
i will say in the presence of all the inmates
of this house that before the expiration of two
weeks this sabot shall be worth its weight in
gold"
Thereupon he retreated, with the wooden shoe
leaving the spectators in an amazement easy to-
comprehend.
The old ladies seemed quite embarrassed
1t was they who had sent it, and Paganini was
well aware of the fact, and secretly rejoiced that
it had not afforded them all the pleasure they
had promised themselves
From this day Paganini was no more to be seen
in the saloon of the Villa Lutetiana The faith
full Louisette was the only person admitted to
his presence. The four old ladies tried their ut
termost to persuade her to explain his mysterious
disappearance, but she placed her finger on her
lips and quite resembled the statue of discretion
It was true Louisette knew something of his
plans; but not all. She did not know that, by
remarkable ingenuity and exquisite skillfulness
the old sabot was being transformed into violin,
which for tone and finish might have challenged
an Amati. Paganini had given more than an
ordinary soul to this object and the world was to
be the judge of it.
Soon large blue posters appeared all around
the Villa Lutetiana, and were freely distributed
in Paris
They announced that New Years eve a grand
concert would be given in the saloon of the Villa
Lutetiana, in which Paganini would reappear
upon the stage
1t is needless to say that few hours after the
distribution of the posters every ticket was sold.
The programme consisted of ten pieces-fve
upon an ordinary violin and five upon sabot
The most capacious theatre of Paris had been
too small to accommodate all the admirers of the
great artist but he had determined to play in
the saloon, consequently had given orders that
only limited number of tickets should be sold.
The anxiously-awaited hour arrived, and soon
an artistic and aristocratic assembly filled the
grand saloon.
Finally Paganini appeared, with his instru-
ment, in the midst of silence so profound that
the beating of the hearts was almost audible
Tumultuous applause burst forth from all sides
of the audience; then subsidized into one grand
shout of welcome, which caused a smile of graft
tude and pride to appear on the pale face of the
artist.
Iaganlnl gave one SlrOke Win MS DOW, anu
quiet was soon re-established.
After short prelude he suddenly strikes out
into a brilliant tantasie. He is no longer man.
He is transformed into an angel of harmony. The
audience, thrilled with Joy, become motiOnless.
They hardly seem to breathe; and as the last
notes die away there they sit, still listening in
tently.
"He will not be able to surpass that He never
played better!" was whispered throughout the
assembly.
However, prepared for miracles from man
who had accomplished upon the violin what no
human being had ever achieved before him, the
amateurs waited with feverish excitement. In
/ few moments Paganini reappeared holding the
sabot in his hand
Suddenly notes so plaintive and sweet fell from
he new violin that every one is moved to tears.
The artist seems no longer to belong to the earth
The musical drama he executes could have only
me significance. Hear the rolling of the drum;
'ehold the excitement of the military LIE, the
orrow of the soldier who bids farewell to MS
the approach to the paternal roof'
he meeting of the betrothed the tears OF Joy
Tremendous applause shakes the saloon to the
cry foundation. The ladies throw bouquets
nd the gentlemen kneel before the lllustr1ous
rtist. Here and there oCe is seen drying the
ears which the magic power of the music caused