Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-08-12
4 ROMANCE OFPAGAYJYI


4 ROMANCE OF PAGANINI.
The great and illustrious violinist. Nicolo
Paganini, had fallen seriously i'll toward the
close Of a series Of concerts given by him in
Paris in September, 1882. He was attacked
by low intermittent fever, which refused
to yield to the remedies employed, and he
whose leanness was at all times spectral, now
seemed as though his frail existence hung TO-
gether by single thread which the slightest
shock might sever. His physicians. with Sc
rious apprehensions for his life. ordered ab.
solute repose and a strict regimen as to diet,
and in order to carry out these prescriptions,
Paganini removed TO the Vile Lutetana in
faubourg POissonier.
This luxurious establishment was intended
at that time for the exclusive reception and
cure Of wealthy invalids. A spacious hand
some house stood in a large park-like garden,
where every patient 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 did precisely as he chose,
either living in the solitudes of his own apart
ment, or joining in the excellent company
that brightens the drawing room with music,
games or dancing. Paganini naturally be-
loDged to those who preferred quiet, and thus
there was plenty of gossip about him, as sew
eral ceDsorious old ladies chose TO think that
he avoided their society too pointedly.
Have you seen the great artist z" said one.
Ma fol !" he salutes no one, either passing
with eyes cast down 10 the ground, or star
ing blankly in front of him, as though one
didn't exist. He takes his bouilon covertly
by himself in an arbor, and fees the moment
anyone approaches. What 'drole' he is, to
be sure -
That's part Of his malAdy, said another
Depend upon it, there is some terrible mys-
terry hidden somewhere. People do hint
there was a love story"
'Love story, indeed one might as well be
wooed by Death on q pale horse.
mo mesdames, the secret is that Paganini
is miser there's no mystery about it at all
Every one knows that the concert organized
for the benefit Of the inundation at st. Etienne.
He refused to take part in it because he would
have to play gratuitously, and 1 haven't q
doubt that he shuns our society for fear he
may be asked for similar fayors."
Paganini could not help perceiving how he
was regarded by his fellow -boarders, but it
affected him but little, if at all. His health
gradually improved, and he began by degrees
to exchange few words with Nannette, the
bonne who attended upon him, a cheerful,
bright-faced innocent country girl, whose
gay prattle when she served his meals often
darkened his brow.
One morning Nannette presented herself,
with swollen eyes aud a sad, ear-stained
countenance, and served breakfast without
the customary CHEEKY words. The musician,
who watched her closely, noted the change in
the young girl, and questioned her about it.
What's the matter, my child? You have
been weeping, and you look very sad some
misfortune has then befallen you, Nannette p
"Oh but yes, Monsieur
Would it be indiscreet to ask you what il
is ?"
'No, Monsieur, not precisely but"
Paganini 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."
Monsieur, It's not Henri's fault. 1t is
true he has quilted me, but what will you
1t was against his will. D."
How is that 2"
"He drew a bad number in the conscrip-
tion, poor fellow and he has been marched
away with great long gun on his shoulder,
and 1 shall never see my Henri again." sob
bed the poor girl, burying her face in her
apron.
"But, my child, listen can you not buy a
substitute z"
The girl, Withdrawing her apron, smiled
through her tears.
''Surely, Monsieur is jesting" she said "a
poor girl like me, how could buy a substi.
tute 2"
'It costs, then, very dear?"
"Ah, but yes, Monsieur. This year men
are dearer than ever, because there is a re-
port that there is going to be war. Fifteen
hundred francs is the lowest price"
The musician pstted Nannette's plump
shoulders with his long sallow hand as he
sad
Don't distress yourself, my child, if that's
all. Wen see what can be done"
Aud disregarding the young girls delighted
thanks, he tore leaf out Of his pocket book,
on which he wrote:
"Mem.-To see about giving a concert for
the benefit of Nannette."
month passed on and the winter arrived,
and Paganini's physician still forbade his 60
ing out of the house until spring should
come.
IF must submit, must, " replied the mu-
sician.
During the winter Paganini grew stronger
and comparative degree of health was at
tanned Being no longer able to stroll about
the gardens, he began naturally to frequent
the drawing-room, where, throwing himself
on a sofa, he would pass half an hour or so
turning over DOCK OF eugraNlngs, or Sipplng
glass OF eau sueree. The old ladies of the
house still gossipped about him and his Pc
culiar ways, but II he heard he certainly did
not heed them.
Christmas eve approached. There is a
Christmas custom in France that takes the
place of our stocking hanging, or that is equal,
ly dear to its juvenile inhabitants. The little
wooden shoes are ranged in order round the
hearth, and benefeent fairy is supposed to
come down the chimney laden with various
presents and dainties with which he fills
them. 1t has been calculated that one year
with another the Christmas wooden shoe en-
riches the trade of Paris with two million
francs
On the morning before Christmas several
of Paganinis female critics were in secret
consultation together.
Before they separated one remarked 1T
will be for this evening, then ?"
eyes, for this evening that's settled, re-
piled another.
Just after Paganini had ensconeed himself
on his customary sofa that evening, and was
quietly discussing his sugar-water favored
with dash of orange-fower, Hannette entered
and announced that porter had arrived with
a case directed 10 Signor Paganini.
''There must be mistake" said he, 81
expect no case"
Pardon, Monsieur" replied Nannetts,
''there is no mistake, for saw the name my
self on the lid in great letters, CONNIE ca,
measuring with her hands.