The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1882-01-19
The Sabot and Violin.

AN INCIDENT IN THE LIFE OF PAGANIN1
Toward the last of September, 1892
the artistic world of Paris was deeply
affected upon learning that Paganini
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 aod warm admirers did
all IN their power to ameliorate his suf
ferings, but without avail. Day after
day passed, and still the condition of
the much-beluved artist did not i'm
prove. His physicians became alarmed
and ur <ed upon him the necessity o.:
taking rost of several months.
a beau !tul morning in the month Of
Oc,nhe' he bad. aiieu to the capital
Lc had flied with his merited renown.
At chat time there was celebrated
hospital near Paris, which was only fire.
quented by di ,tinguished invalids. Ii
wa, tie Villa Lutetiana, named without
doubr In memory of the ancient Lu
tece. This tine edifice was situated in
the center of a pleasure garden which
overlooked a charming and heavily
and walks for dreamers, public draw
ing-rooms for the loverssof 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
hastened TO his room to read and reread
package of letters, yellow with age,
to which 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, she is
not my idea of great man. I do not
perceive anything remarkable in him,
in fact, taking him all in all, he is just
like other men,"
cas- for me-" said the second lady,
"when heard he WAS to become one
of our number l 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 at once. He is q bear
"a real savage"
"Ah p said the third lady, "you dc
not understand his case yet. Paganini,
my friends, is a simple miser. Do you
wish the proof? Does he not always
refuse to assist in charitable concerts p
"lt is very strange" said the fourth
lady, I" how great men lose prestige
upon acquaintan I do not doubt
but that he is of some account on the
stage. But here! lido not know but, as
far as sociability is concerned, I would
prefer to associate with the gardener" +"
"Ohl do not hesitate, l pray you,'
replied the youngest of these ladies.
AS for my part would greatly prefer
almost anybody to him. Did you ever
see a man manifest so much indiffer.
ence, yes, even contempt for ladies
society"
81 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
a shaking"
The celebrated violinist, however
continued to live in the usual manner
and slowly regained his strength. Bu
one would hardly have believed him tt
be any better, he looked so very pale and
thin. His physicians rigidly forbade
his doing any mental work, and the
great musician, entirely deprived of hi
art, passed the autumnal days in a sor
of intellectual somnolence, which wal
most beneficial to his feeble state.
He never became victim to loneli
ness. AS wood carver Paganini was
without rival. Hour after hour b,
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 ~ hi
new home, there was one being VIII,
studied his comfort and exhibited tn,
most tender regard for him. This de
voted creature was young chamber
maid, named Louisette, a charming
young girl, with frank face and smil