The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-05-23

D
ebrated for its magnificent situation.
As he approached the house, it sudden
Iy entered the photographers head that
it would not be bad idea to add a view
of the popular hotel to his collection, as
the picture would probably be bought
by many rich strangers who had lived
| there.
He beckoned to his follower and
stopped in the open space in front Of
the house, which was at that time emp
ty, it being the dinner hour in the ho-
tel. In a few moments he had chosen
the best position for his apparatus and
placed everything in readiness. As he
was on the point of beginning his opera
tons he was interrupted by guest of
the hotel, evidently returning from a
promenade on the terrace, who, APP
preaching, stopped beside the apparatus,
which he seemed to regard with much
interest. He was little old gentleman
with snow white hair, who appeared but
little oppressed by the weight of years,
for youthful fire beamed in the bright,
friendly eyes shining through gold
mounted eyeglasses, and his movement
showed an almost mercurial activity.
The expression of his face was striking
ly intelligent.
"Aha," he remarked, "the hotel is to
be photographed, it seems. That is an
excellent idea"
"Do you think so, sir?' responded
Charles, laughing. II hope that the
idea will be to my advantage, that my
guests living here will buy copies in
remembrance of the place"
"a capital speculation, which certain
ly must have good results" said the old
man, with an approving nod. ''Do you
belong to this place"
"No, sir; | lived in Paris. | have
taken series of twenty-four views of
st. German, and, as am here, with an
hour to spare, am adding a photo
graph of the hotel. 1t is only an idea
which struck me as l was passing"
"The notion is good. The only fault
l find is that there will be nobody to be
seen in the picture, which will give it
rather lifeless effect"
81 quite agree with you, sir; but,
much to my regret, there is no one at
hand. 1t would be impossible to place
my shabby assistant there on the bal
cony"
"No; the man is no doubt very good
fellow in his way, and, if farm-yard
were to be photographed, he would
do beautifully; but here he is not ex-
actly suitable. There are two charming
English ladies in the hotel, perhaps
you could induce then to stand for
you"
81 am afraid it would cause somewhat
of a commotion if l were to enter the
hotel and prefer such a request"
Very well; if you don't like doing it
| will ask for you"
"You are very kind sir, but ! will not
give such trouble. As you are good
enough to interest yourself in my pic
ture, would it be too much to ask YOU
to stand for q moment there on the
yeranda~
with pleasure. | viii do anything
to help you, but remember that | am an
old man. My presence in the picture
would be no attraction for fair young
purchasers"
81 am convinced of the contrary, sir
Such dignified old gentleman would
certainly be an ornament to my picture.
Your kindness will be great favor to
me-"
Very well, am quite at your dispo-
SAL and the old gentleman, mounting
the steps, placed himself behind the
railing OF the vcranda, his right hand
leaning on his cane, his left placed ON
the railing, WHILE with friendly,
benevolent expression, he looked at the
photographer,
Charles head Immediately vanished
under the cloth pertaining to the appa-
ratus.
"The head little more to the LEFT If
you please. There, that is right. Now
keep the position for q few seconds
"One, two, three, four, fve,"-and the
operation was finished and was a COM
plete success.
At the same moment two elegantly
dressed ladies appeared upon the bal
cony and spoke few words to the old
gentleman, who bowed pleasantly to the
photographer, after which all three dis
appeared into the hotel.
Strange" thought Charles "The
old mans face seems familiar; yet / don't
remember that | have ever seen him be-
fore"
With the assistance of his companion.
the apparatus was packed again; and
the photographer went on to the inn
where he dined, returning immediately
afterward to Paris.
During the next three days Charles
was busily occupied with the negatives
taken at st. German, and scarcely left
his studio. AT the end of that time he
set out in the morning with complete
series Of the pictures in tasteful leather
portfolio, and accompanied by Louisou's
best wishes He turned his stems to-
wards the neighboring Boulevard Beau
marchais, in which was the establish
ment of well-known dealer in works
of art with whom he had already some
acquaintance. TO him he intended Of
fering the views of st. German. Az he
went through the Rue st. Antoine and
the Place de la Bastile, he wondered
somewhat At the groups of men gathered
together about every corner, and in
many Of the shop doors, talking and les
ticulating violently, evidently discuss
ing something of interest Something
of Importance must have taken place t9