The National tribune., 1881-12-31

simply miser Do you wish the proof? Does
he not always refuse to assist in charitable con-
certs?"
at is very strange" said the fourth lady, chow
great men lose prestige upon acquaintance 1 do
not doubt but that he is of some account on the
stage. But here. l do not know but, as far as
sociality is concerned, would prefer to associate
with the gardener"
"Oh!" do not hesitate, pray you" replied the
youngest of the ladies' GAS for my part would
greatly prefer most anybody to him. Did you
ever see man manifest so much Indifference, yes
even contempt, for ladies' society,""
II am of your opinion; but come, my ladies,
1 have scheme to submit to you that has just
popped into my head We must give this sleepy
bear shaking
The celebrated violnist however, continued
to live in the usual manner, and slowly regained
his strength. But one would hardly have be-
ieved him to be any better, he looks so very pale
and thin. His physicians rigidly forbade his
doing any mental work, and the great musician,
entirely deprived of his art, passed the autumnal
days in sort of intellectual somnolence, which
was most beneficial to his feeble state
He never became victim to loneliness. AS a
wood-carver Paganini was without rival Hour
after hour he sat in his cosy little room and skill
fully handled chsels, knives and other sharp
edged instruments.
Although he seemed to be surrounded by enc
mics instead of friends in his new home, there
was one being who studied his comfort and
hibited the most tender regard for him. This
devoted creature was young chambermaid,
named Louisette, charming young girl, with a
frank face and smiling countenance, who cordially
greeted the distinguished artist every morning
as she lightly entered his room with the early
breakfast.
While the artist partook of the fragrant coffee,
delicious rolls and honey, Louisette endeavored
to amuse him by relating some of the incidents
which transpired at the hospital. From time to
time she succeeded in causing faint smile to
appear on the wan face as she aptly initiated the
four eccentric old ladies.
One morning Louisette entered Paganini's
room at the customary hour but the greeting
was pronounced in a most doleful tone. Her eye
lids were badly swelled, her cheeks void of color,
and very sorrowful expression played around
the fnely-cu mouth
"What is the matter, my poor Louisette ?"
asked Paganini.
ooh! am so unhappy" Then she hesitated,
checked by the fast-falling tears and
child-like sobs that came in quick succession.
Paganini allowed her to weep undisturbed for
a few moments; then said, in most sympathetic
tone: "Tell me your troubles. Perhaps 1 can
devise way to alleviate them"
ooh no, kind sir. No one in the whole world
can help me-"
Tut tut! am inclined to believe some lover
is the cause of all your grief"
Louisette colored and dropped her head
"The wretch! has he broken his vows?" asked
Paganini, with smile.
"No! MOI" replied Louisette. "My dear Henri
loves me too much to do anything so cruel as
that"
She could not continue and, throwing herself
upon chair commenced sobbing as if her heart
would break
Paganini stepped to the window where she was
seated, took her hand in his, and sad very seri-
Ously: "Have you confidence in me- Louisette on
ooh! yes, sir" she replied.
Very we'll, my dear child. Dry your tears
and we will endeavor to remedy the evil, how
ever serious it may chance to be-"
Henri has drawn an unfortunate number"
said Louisette, speaking very rapidly. "He must
oin the army and leave for Lille on the morning |
Can he not procure substitute?"
"a substitute! How could we ever dream of |
raising such sum-"
would it require very much money!"
Fifteen hundred francs are demanded, on ac-
count of the prospect of war"
"Well, your misfortune is not so serious, after |
Ill. Wipe away those tears and let me see your
merry face once more. will exert myself to OBJ
ain this formidable SUM. l am sure that NV
Efforts will be crowned with success"
Louisette warmly thanked the violinist, dried
ler tears with the corner Of her white apron, and
disappeared, with face radiant with ioy and
nope.
Winter advanced, and Christmas with its
eathery garb of snow and crown of holly. was
N the threshold once more. 1t gently raped at
he door of every dwelling, and at this signal
antilles assembled around the cheerful hearth.
heir hearts warm with love and good will to
man. The little children filled their shoes with
lay and placed them in the fireplace, that Santa
;laus might see them right away when he
umped down the chimney with all the presents
hey had ordered; and the little homeless ones
anne and offered prayer at the door while
reathing in their hands, which were blue and
tiff with the piercing cold.