The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1882-02-24
The Sabot and Violin.

AN INCIDENT IN THE LIFE OF PAoANISI.
Toward the last OF September, 1892
the artistic world of Paris was deeply
affected upon learning that Paganini,
the celebrated artist, was very i'll. He
was seized with violent fever at the
close Of concert, where he had been
the star and only attraction.
Kind friends and warm admirers did
all in their power to ameliorate his suf-
ferings, but without avail. Day after
day passed, and still tho condition OF
the much-beloved artist did not i'm
prove. His physicians became alarmed
and urged upon him the necessity Of
taking rest of several months.
A beautiful morning in tho month OF
October he bade adieu to the capital
he had filed with his merited renown.
At that time there was celebrated
hospital near Paris, which was only fire.
quented by distinguished invalids. It
was the Villa Lutetiana, named without
doubt in memory Of the ancient Lu-
tece. This fine edifice was situated in
the center Of a pleasure garden which
overlooked charming and heavily
wooded park. There were shady groves
and walks for dreamers, public draw.
ing-rooms for the lovers Of games and
conversations, and private apartments
for those who preferred the "chez- sol"
in tete-a.tete with the last novel. His
days were spent in promenading up and
down the most retired part OF the gar
den, and when evening approached he
Aastened to his room to read and reread
package Of letters, yellow with ago,
to which a fresh one was added from
time to time.
Among the inmates of the Villa Lu-
tetiana there were four old ladies who
had become warm friends on account OF
their common love for card playing,
and the secluded life which Paganini
persisted in leading seemed to cause
them much annoyance.
Indeed" said one of them, "he is
not my idea Of great man. 1 do not
perceive anything remarkable in him,
In fact, taking him all in all, he is Just
like other men,"
"As for me-" said the second lady,
"when I heard he was to become one
Of our number I was in raptures, and
fattered myself with the thought that
he would frequently enliven our prone.
nades and soirees with his wonderful
music, but behold how we are treated.
He rarely deigns to recognize us, and
whenever he is requested TO favor us
with little music he calmly shakes his
head and retreats ut once. He is bear
"a real savage"
"Ah !" said the third lady, "you do
not understand his case yet. Paganini,
my friends, is simple miser. Do you
wish the proof? Does he not always
refuse to assist in charitable concerts p
1T is very strange" said the fourth
lady, chow great men lose prestige
upon acquaintance. do not doubt
but that he is Of some account on the
stage. But herel lido not know but, as
far as sociability is concerned, / would
prefer to associate with the gardener"
"Ohl do not hesitate, I pray you,"
replied the youngest OF these ladies.
As for my part would greatly prefer
almost anybody to him. Did you ever
see man manifest 30 much indiffer-
ence, yes. even contempt for ladies'
society,""
am OF your opinion; but come,
my ladies, have scheme to submit
to you that has inst popped into my
head. We must give this sleepy bear
. shaking"
The celebrated violinist, however,
continued to live in the usual manner,
and slowly regained his strength. But
one would hardly have believed him to
be any better, he looked 30 very pale and
thin. His physicians rigidly forbade
his doing any mental work, and the
great musician, entirely deprived of his
art, passed tho autumnal days in q sort
OF intellectual somnolence, which was
most beneficial to his feeble state.
He never became victim to loneli.
ness. As wood carver Paganini was
without rival Hour after hour be
sat in his cozy little room and skillfully
handled chisels, knives and other sharp
edged instruments.
Although he seemed TO be surrounded
by enemies instead OF friends - his
new home, there was ono being who
studied his comfort and exhibited the
most tender regard for him. This de.
voted creature was young chamber
maid, named Louisette, a charming
youuB Bifip Will u ifhllk lhce ana bmll-
ing countenance, who cordially greeted
the distinguished artis. every morning
as she lightly entered his room with the
carly 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
shs aptly initiated the four eccentric
old ladies.
One morning Louisetta entered Paga-
nini's room at the customary hour, but
the greeting was pronounced in a most
doieful tone. Her eyelids were badly
swelled. her cheeks void OF color, and a
very sorrowful expression played around
the fnely-cut mouth,
what is the matter, my poor Louis
cite = asked Paganini.
"Oh / am so unhappy Then she
hesitated. apparently checked by the
fast-falling tears and child-like sobs
that came in quick succession.
Paganini allowed her to weep undis-
turbed for few moments, then said. in
. most sympathetic tone: "Tell me