Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-07-15
A Wonderful Wooden Shoe.
BY HART AYRACLT.

The great and illustrious violinist,
Nicolo Pdganini, had fallen seriously
i'll toward the close of series of con.
certs given by him in Paris, September,
1882. lie Was attacked by low inter-
mittent fever, which refused to yield to
the remedies employed, and he, whose
leapness was at all times almost spectral,
now seemed "a though bis frait exist
ence hung by q thread which tie slight
est ehocA might sever. His physicians,
with serious apprehensions fur his hie,
ordered absolute ieposs ard q strict
regimen AS to diet, and III Cr.l; + 70 carry
out these prescriptions, psganini re-
moved so the Vile Lutetiaua, in the
faubogrg Poissoniere.
This luxurious establishment was in
tended ut that time for the exclusive
reception and cure of wealthy invalids.
A spacious, handsome house stood in
large pari-like garden, where every
patient could ramble ut will, and enjoy
the society of his fellows or solitude, at
his option. TIE reputed charm of the
honse was that every one did precisely
as he chose, either living in the solitude
Of his own apartment, or joining in the
excellent company that brightens the
drawing room with music, games, coz
gersation Or dancing. Pagsnini natu-
rally belonged to those who preferred
quiet, and thus there was plenty OF
gossip about him, AS several censorious
old ladies chose 10 think he avoided
their society too pointedly.
Have you seen the great artist :"
said one. Ma fci. he salutes no one,
either passing With his eyes cast down
to the ground, or staring blankly in
front of him. as though one didn't
exist. He takes bis bouillon cOvertly
5y himself in an arbor, and fees the
moment anyone approaches. What a
"drole |" he is. to be sure!"
"That is part of lis malady," said
another. depend upon it, there is
some terrible mystery hidden some
where. People do hint there was love
story
"Love story, indeed! one might as
we'll be woced by Death on pale
horse.".
"No, mesdames, the secret is that
Paganini is a miser; there's no mystery
about it at all. Every ono knows that
the CONCERT organized for the benefit of
the inundation at st. Etienne, he re-
fused to take part in because he would
have t- rley aratuitously and haven't
doubt that he shuns our society for
fear be rlu, I've asked for similar favors.'
P,es:itt, could not help perceiving
be" l.. ~4> regarded by his fellow
beardeis, hn' il affected him little. if at
ail. His tsiIh gradually improved.
aud be pes"n l.! ...2rees to exchange u
few words vi Ia Nannette, the bonne
who ATTENDED upon him, cheerful,
bright faced, innocent country girl,
whose gay prattle when che served his
meals often availed to dispel the clouds
which hsbitually darkened bis brow.
Ono morning Nannette presented
herself with swollen eyes and sad
tear stained countenance, and served
breakfast without the customary CHEEKY
words. The muaician, who watched her
closely, noted the change in the young
girl, and questioned her abont it.
What's the matter, my child? You
have been weeping, and you look very
sad; some misfortune has then befallen
you, Nannette ?"
Obi but yes, RIOnsieur.'
Would it be indiscreet to ask you
what it is2"
mo. Monsieur, not precisely
Psgsnini fixed his great black eyes on
the girls troubled cOuntenanpe.
- see how i. is" he said. "Aftel
making you thousand promises, he
has Quilted you, and you no loneer have
any tidings OF him"
Hel'ds, Monsieur, 'tis not Henri'f
fault. 1t is true he has quilted me, buI
what will you? 1t was against his
will"
"How Is that?"
''He drew bad number in the con
seription, poor fellow! and he has beer
marched away with great long gun or
his shoulder, and ! shall never see my
Henri again" soDbed tue poor girl
buryirg her face in her apron.
but, my child. listen; Canyon no
buy substitute2"
The girl, Withdrawing her apron
amiled through her tes.rs.
"SnreIy, Monsieur is jesting," sh,
said; IA poor girl like me, how could
! buy a substitute?"
"It costs then. very dear2"
"Ab, but yes. Monsieur. This veal
snen are dearer than ever. because there
10 report that there is going to be g
war. Fifteen hundred francs is the
lowest price"
The musician patted Nannette's
plump shoulders with his long sGllow
hand as he said:
Don't distress yourself. my child,
il that's all. Well see what can be
iGne,''
and disregarding the young girls
delighted thanks. he tore leaf out oi
his pockettook, Gu which he wrote:
Mem. TO see about giving "a con-
cert fer the benefit of Nannette."
A montn passed oD, and the winter
arrived. and Paganini's physician still
forbade lis going out Of the honse until
spf.Dg SHOULD come.
7 1:z1