Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-07-04
GaIes and Skftfhts.
PaIyfER's VENGEANCE.
By MARY z. PENN.
CONFINED from Yesterday

Confined from Yesterday
When this was achieved to his satisfac-
ton, the artist signed his work, and
gummed on the frame conspicuous la
bel. with the inscription ''Imprisoned
for DEBIT
Then he sent tor fiacre. and drove to
Melchior's. the well known picture dealer
in the Rue de la Madeline, whose win
d0ws offer such constant attraction to
lovers of art.
Il have something TO- show. you." be-
gan Wiertz. Il have just finished this
study which think is fairly successful.
Can you find room for it 10 your window ?"
"Find room TOR it, should think so "
exclaimed the dealer, enthusiastically.
"My dear fellow. it is first rate, have
seen nothing of yours more striking and
originai-and that is saying much. What
price do you put upon it?
II have not yet decided" replied the
painter. 'Give it good place in the
window, and if purchaser presents him
self let me know"
| The picture was Immediately installed
in the place Of honor. and soon attracted
curious group. All day Melchior's win
dow was surrounded; and next morning
the papers noticed the W. nderful picture.
and sent fresh crowds TO gaze at it.
Among the rest was friend of Maitre
var Spach, who could hardly believe his
eyes on recognizing the worth notary in
this questionable shape" He FASTENED
at once to inform him of the liberty which
had been taken with his person; and not
long afterwards the old lawyer burst into
the shop, startling the proprietor. who at
once recognized the original of the famous
picture.
IN. Melchior," began the intruder. II
have been made the victim Of shameful
practical joke by one of your clients. 1t
is my portrait, sir, that hangs in your
window: it is l, sir, Maitre van Spach
who am held up to ridicule in that infam-
Gus daub--pilloried for all the world to
see As an Imprisoned bankrupt! If the
thing ia not at once removed, ] shall APP
ply to the police
At this threat the pictured healer merely
smiled. II must refer you to the artist,
Monsieur" he returned, coolly. The
picture belongs to him, and cannot re-
move it without his permission"
To Wiertz's house went Maitre van
Spach, in white heat of rage and indig-
nation. On entering the studio, he found
the painter lounging in All arm char.
smoking his afternoon cigar.
"Ah. 1t is you, Maitre?" was his bland
greeting. ITO what fortunate circum-
stance am endebted for this visit ? Pray
take seat. Do you smoke ? You will
find those cigars excellent"
Monsieur" interrupted the notary cut
ting short these cOurtesies with scant GER
emory; ''let us come to the point. There
is at this moment in MelchiOr's window a
picture-a caricature-which makes me
the laughing stock of the town. insist
on its being taken out at Once-at once.
do you underestimate
Not quite" replied the other imper-
turbably. 1T is true there is a picture of
mine at Melchior's, but | really don't see
how it makes You ridiculous"
"YOu don't see? But that picture is my
portrait, sir-my portrait" cried his Wis
itor. rapping his cane upon the floor.
Your portrait ?" echoed the other
with a look of surprise.
''Of course it is. as any one can see at
Il glance. You"
"But-excuse me-" the painter. inter
rupted. ''you said yesterday that it did not
resemble you in the least. See here is
your letter TO that effect.
Van Spach colored and bit his lip. lie
felt that he was caught.
.'Such being the case" said Wiertz.
land the work being returned on my
hands, have Il perfect right 10 dispose
of it to the best advantage"
The notary took a turn across the room
to recover his composure.
Come" he said, at length, forcing
smile, ''let us try to arrange this ridicu-
Ions affair amicably. l will give you
three thousand francs at once, and take
the horrible thing out of the window
"Stay moment" interrupted his COM
pan;on. as he ficked the ashes from his
cigar. and carelessly changed his position.
You must be aware that the picture in its
present shape is ten times mere valuable
than a mere portrait. 1t is now a work of
imagination and inventio n, and | may own
that consider it enc of my most success
full canvases. ] could not think of parting
with it for less than fifteen thousand
| irancs."
The notary gaspcd. Fifteen thousand
francs! You are ioking"'
| Not at all. That is my price; you
may take it or leave it."
There was moments pause ; then the
visitor turned on his heel.
II leave it. then! Go to the deuce with
your picture ~ he retorted. as he left the
room. banging the door behind him.
He had not gone many yards from the
house, however, when he stopped short
and reflected. So long as that ill-omened
canvas remained on view in Melchior's
window he would not know a moments
peace. The story would be sure to get
wind. and even his friends would join in
the laugh against him. He would hardly
dare to show his face abroad. At any
sacrifice. this scandal must be stopped
But-fifteen thousand francs! He fairly
groaned as he reluctantly retraced his
steps towards the house.
Monsieur Wiertz." he began, in a
conciliatory tone, II have reccnsidered
the matter, and-and l agree to your
terms. will take your picture for the
sum you named"
Wiertz threw away his cigar and rose
..Monsieur, you are very kind But it
happens that l.too, have been considering.
and q brilliant idea has occurred to me-
The notary shuddered. He dreaded
Wiertz's Ideas" and ne had a PRESENT.
ment that some fresh disaster was in store
ecr hs,v,