The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1883-07-18
Yours obedientlv,

PETER VAN SPACH.
When the artist recovered from
his astonishment at this remarkable
epistle, he burst into fit of laugh
ter, which made the beautiful studio
ring.
His moneys worth-ha, hal Mai
tre Harpagon has overreached him
self. for once. He could have sold it
for five times what it cost him, the
benighted old Philistinel'
He placed the rejected picture at
once upon the easel, and regarded it
long and critically, only to become
more convinced of its merits. He
knew that art Judges would pro-
nounce it chef d'euvre. His amuse-
ment began to give place to irrita-
ton at the indignity to which his
work had been subjected, and vague
projects of vengeance rose before
him as he paced the floor, with bent
head and knitted brow.
Suddenly he stopped short, his
eyes sparkling with mischievous sat
isfaction at an idea which suddenly
occurred to him.
He took up his palette, and set to
work upon the picture again, adroit-
ly altering and retouching.
In an incredible short space Of
time it underwent startling meta
morphose. While carefully pre-
serving the likeness he had altered
the face by exaggerating its charac-
teristics giving cunning leer to
the deeply set eyes. a agrimmer curve
to the thin lips, a scowl to the heavy
brows. A stubby beard appeared on
the chin. and the attitude became
dropping and decrepit.
Then the notary's accessories van
ished, the background becoming the
wall of cell with a barred window,
while the table, with its litter of pa
pers and parchments, was transform
ed into rough bench beneath which
might be discerned a pitcher and
loaf.
When this was achieved to his sat
isfaction the artist signed his work,
and gummed on the frame conspic-
uous label with the inscription I'm
prisoned for Debt
Then he sent for a fiacre, and
drove to Melchoir's, the well known
picture dealer in the Rue de Ia Mad
elaine, whose window offers such
constant attractions to lovers of
art
L have something TO show you.
began Weirtz. L have Just finished
this study, which | think is fairly
successful. Can you find room for
il in your window
Find room for it p? ! should think
so = exclaimed the dealer enthusias-
tically. NY dear fellow, it is first
rate. have seen nothing of yours
more striking and original, and that
is saying much. What price do you
put upon it?
4 have not vet decided replied
the painter. Give 1t good place
in the window. and if purchaser
presents himself let me know
The picture was Immediately in
stalled in the place OF honor and
soon attracted a curious group. All
day Melchoir's window was sur
rounded, and next morning the pa
pers noticed the wonderful picture,
and sent fresh crowds to gaze upon
it.
Among the rest was a friend of
Maitre van Spach, who could hardly
believe his eyes on recognizing the
worthy notary in this questionable
shape
He hastened at once to inform
him Of the liberty which had been
taken with his person and not long
afterward the old lawyer burst into
the shop, startling its proprietor,
who at once recognized the original
of the famous picture.
NJ. Melcboir. began the intruder,
Il have been made the victim of a
shameful practical joke by one of
your clients. 1t is my portrait, sir,
that hangs in your window it is |.
sir, /, Maitre van Spach, who am
held up to ridicule in that infamous
daub, pilloried for all the world TO
see as an imprisoned bankrupt If
the thing is not at once removed.
shall apply to the police
At this threat the picture dealer
merely smiled.
4 must refer you to the artist,
monster he returned coolly. The
picture belongs to him, and | cannot
remove II without his permission
To Wiertz' house went Maitre van
Spach in a white heat of rage and
Indignation. On entering the studio
he found the painter lounging in an