Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1882-02-24
THE sABor AND THE VIOLIN.
A incident IN the Life or raganini

THE SAB0T AND THE VIOLIN.
An Incident in the Life or Paganini.
Toward the last of September, 1882
tho artistic world Of Paris was deeply
affected upon learning that Paganlnl
the celebrated artist, was very Ill he
was seized with violent fever at the
close of a concert, where he had been
the star and only attraction.
Kind friends and warm admirers did
all in their power to ameliorate MS sui
ferings, but without avail. Day alter
day passed, and still the condition Of
the much-beloved artist did not I'M.
prove. His physicians became alarmed
and urged upon him the necessity OF
taking q rest OF several months.
"A beautiful morning IN the month Of
October he nade adieu to the capital
he had filled with his merited renoWn.
AT that time there was celebrated
hospital near Paris, which was only Ire
auented by distinguished invalids. II
was the Villa Lutetiana, named without
doubt in,memory Of the ancient Lutece
This fine edifice was situated in the
center of pleasure garden which over
looked Il charming and heavily wooded
park. There were shady groves and
walks for dreamers, public drawing
rooms for the lovers Of games and coll-
versations, and private apartments fol
those who preferred the chez-soi" in
tete-a-tete with the last novel. His
days we're spent III promenadlng up
and down the most retired part OF the
garden, and when evening approached
he FASTENED to his room to read and
rercad package Of letters, yellow
with age, 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
III their common love for card playing,
and the secluded life which Paganini
persisted in leading seemed 70 cause
them much annoyance.
Indeed, said one Of them, "he is
not my idea Of 4 great man. 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 ] heard he was to become one
of our number | was III raptures, and
battered myself with the thought that
he would frequently enliven orr prom
enades and soirees with his wonderful
music, but behold how we are treated.
lie rarely deigna 10 recognize MS, and
whenever he is requested to favor us
with little music he calmly shakes
his head and retreats ut once. He il a
bear-a real savage"
All" said the third lady. "you dc
not understand his case yet Paganini,
my friends, is n simple miser. Do you
wish the proof? Does he not always
refuse to assist in charitable concerts p
III is very strange" said the fourth
lady, "how great men lose prestige mp.
on acquaintance. / do not doubt but
that he is Of some account on the stage
But hercl ! do not know hut, lis far rs
soclabllity Is concerned. ! would prefer
to associate with the gardener"
"Ohl do not hesitate, | pray you,
replied the youngest of these ladies'
Az for my part would greatly prefer
almost anybody To him. Did You ever
see man manifest 50 much indifier
ence. yes, even contemnt for ladies' SO
eietyY'
III am Of your opinion; but come
nv ladies', have scheme 10 submit
to Won that has just popped into my
head. We must give this sleepy bear
Il shaking.
The celebrated violinist, however
continued to live iii tic usual manner
and slowly regained his strength. But
one would hardly have believed him tC
be any better, lie looked SO very pale
and thin. Ills physicians rigidlv for
babe his doing any mental work, and
the great musician, entirely deprived
Of his art, passed the antumnal days in
sort Of intellectual somnoience, which
was most beneficial to his feeble state.
He never became victim to loneli-
ness. Az Il wood carver Paganini was
without n rival. Hour after hour he
sat III his cnzy little room and skillfully
handled chlsels, knives and other sharp
edged instruments.
Although he seemed to he surround
ed by enemies instead of friends in his
new home, there was one being who
studied his comfort and exhibited the
most tender regard for him. This de
voted creature was young chamber
maid, named LoulSette, charming
young girl with \ frank face and smi-
ling cauntenance, who cordially greet
Ell the distinguished artist every morn
ing ~ she lightly entered his room with
the early breakfast
While the artist partook of the fra
grant coffee, delicious rolls and honey,
laouisette endeavored 10 amuse him by
relating some of the incidents which
transpired 1T the hospital. From time
q time She succeeded in causing a
faint smile to appear on the wan face
rs she APPLY initiated the four eccentric
cid ladies'
One morning l.ouisette entered Paga-
minis room At the customary hour, but
the greeting was pronounced in a most
swelled, her checks voia of color, and a
very sorrewful expression played
around the tinelyseut mouth.
What is the matter, my poor Louis
ette?" asked Paganini
oh nm ~ unhappy" Then she
hesitated, apparently checked 10y the
fast.falling tears and child-like sobS
that came III quick succession. Pagan.
lni allowed her to weep undlsturbed for
few moments, then said, i'll most
sympathetic tone: Tell me youI
troubles. Perhaps | can devise way
Il alleviate them"
oh no. kind sir. No one in the
worli can help me-"
Tut, tut! am inclined to believe
some lover is the cause Of all your
grief"
Louisotte colored and dropped hel
head.
The wretchl Has he broken hi,
VOWS p asked Paganini with smile
Mo- mol" replied Louisette. NJ,
dear Henri loves me too much to az
anything 50 cruel as that"
She could not continue, and. throw
ing herself upon chair, commences
sobhing as if her heart would break.
Paganini stepped t. the window
where she was seated. took her hanC
IN his, and said, very seriously: Have
you confidence in me, Louisettes''
'0hl yes sir. : she replied.
Every well, my dear child. DIR,
your tears. and we will endeav, 4
remedy the evil, however serious j
may chance 70 be-
Henri has drawn an unfortunat,
number said Louisette, speaking yer,
rapidly. He must join the army an,
Law, fnr ILL, -, ~ =,