The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-07-07
A WONDERFUL WOOlEN SHOE.
BY HART AYRAULT.

.
given by him in Paris, September, 1882.
He was attacked by low intermittant
fever, which refused to yield to the rem
edies employed, and he, whose leanness
was at all times almost spectral, now
seemed as though his frail existence
hung by thread which the slightest
shock might sever. His physicians or
dered absolute repose and a strict regi-
men as to diet, and in order to carry out
these prescriptions, Paganini removed to
the Vile Lutetiapa, in the faubourg
Poissoniere.
This luxurious establishment was In
tended at that time for the exclusive re-
ception and cure of wealthy invalids. A
spacious, handsome house stood in
large park like garden, where every pa
tient could ramble at will, and enjoy the
society of his fellows or solitude, at his
option. The reputed charm of the house
was that every one could do 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, conversation or
dancing. Paganini naturally belonged
to those who preferred quiet, and thus
there was plenty of gossip about him. as
several censorious old ladies chose to
think he avoided their society too point
eddy.
''Have you seen the great artist?' said
one. Ma fol he safutes 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 his bouillon covertly by himself in
an arbor, and fees the poment anyone
annroaches. What 'GrOle' he is, to
be sure!'
"That is part of his malady," said an
other. depend upon it, there is some
terrible mystery hidden somewhere.
People do hint there was love story"
love story, indeed! one might as
we'll be wooed by Death on pale
horse" ,.cxo,.,.
auotAita it at TfH ali. Every one 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 to play gratuitously, and haven't
a doubt that he shuns our society for
fear he may be asked for similar favors."
Paganini could not help perceiving
how he was regarded by his fellow
boarders, but it affected him little, if at
all. His health gradually improved,
anu ue DtSdu Nv utRIccS W cACLduS0 u
few words with Nannette, the bonnie
who attended upon him, cheerful,
bright-faced, innocent country girl,
whose gay prattle when she served his
meals often availed to dispel the clouds
which habitually darkened his brow.
One morning Nannette presented her.
self with swollen eyes and sad, tear
stained countenance, and served break
acf without fb y,cfo oh xunrlc
The musician, who watched her closely,
noted the change in the young girl, and
questioned her about it.
Whats the matter, my child? You
have been weeping, and you look very
sad; some misfortune has then befallen
you, Nannette -
"Oh! but yes, Monsieur"
would it be indiscreet to ask you
what it is?''
mo, Monsieur, not precisely; but"
PagaIini fixed his great black eyes on
the girls troubled countenance.
II see how it is" he said. "After
making you thousand promises, he has |
quilted you, and you no longer have any
tidings of him."
Hellas, Monsieur, It's not Henri's
fault It is true he has quilted me, but |
NDut Will yOu ~ WoS ot5oAuot LAO WILL
''How is that?"
"He drew bad number in the con-
scription, poor fellow! and he has been
marched away with great long gun on
his shoulder, and I shall never see my
Henri again." sobbed the poor girl, |
burying her face in her apron.
"But, my child, listen: "Can you not
buy a substituted"
The girl, withdrawing her apron,
smiled through her tears.
''Surely, Monsieur is jesting," she
said; 81 poor girl like me, how could
buy O substituted"
at costs then, very dear?"
'sAh, but yes, Monsieur. This year
men are dearer than ever, because there
is -eport that there is going to be war.
Fifteen hundred francs is the lowest
price,"
The musician patted Nannettes plump |
shoulders with his long sallow hand as
he said:
Don't distress yourself, my child,
il that's all. Well see what can be
DONE"
And disregarding the young girls de-
lighted thanks, he tore leaf out OF his
on which he wrote:
"Nem.-To see about giving concert |
for the bens6t at Nannstts."