The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-07-20

liberty which had been taken with his
person, and not long afterward the old
lawyer burst into the shop, startling the
proprietor, who at once recognized the
original of the famous picture
IN Melchoir," began the intruder,
Il have been made the victim of
shameful practical joke by one of your
clients. 1t is my portrait, sir, that
hangs in your window; ii is |, sir-I,
Maitre van Spach-who am held up to
rilicule in that infamous daub-pillor-
led for all the world to see As an i'm
prisoned bankrupt. Ii the thing is not
at once removed shall apply to thepo-
lice
AT this threat the picture dealer mere
ly smiled. Il must refer YOU to the
artist, he returned, coolly The picture
belongs to him, and | cannot remove it
without his permission.
To Wiertz's house went Maitre van
Spach, in white heat Of rage and in
dignation. On entering the studio he
found the painter lounging in an arm
chair, smoking his afternoon cigar
''Ah, is it you, Maitre?' was his
bland greeting ITO what fortunate
circumstance am indebted for this Wis
it2 Pray take seat Do you smoke?
You will find those cigars excellent
Monsieur interrupted the notary,
cutting short these courtesies with Scant
ceremony, "let us come to the po.s.L
There is at this moment in Melrhoir'2
window caricatme which makes me
the laughing stock of the town. | in
sist on its being taken out at once at
once, do you understand
Not quite, replied the other, i'm
perturbably. 1T is true there is pic
ture of mine at Melchoir's, but 1 really
don't see how it makes you ridiculous. "
You don't see? But the picture is
my portrait, sir-my portrait" cried
his visitor, rapping his cane upon the
floor.
Your portrait" echoed the other,
%ith look of surprise.
..Of course it is, as anyone can see at
a 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 lips.
He felt that he was caught.
"Such being the case. continued
Wiertz, land the work being returned
on my hands, have perfect right tC
dispose of it to the best advantage.
The notary took a turn across the
room to regain his composure.
Come" he said at length, forcing a
smile, ''let us try to arrange this ride
ulous affair amicably | will give you
5000 francs at once, and take the horri-
BILE thing out OF the window"
Stay moment, interrupted his
companion, as he flicked the ashes from
his cigar, and carelessly changed his po
sition. "You must be aware that the
picture in its present shape is ten time;
more valuable than mere portrait. Il
is not a work of imagination and inven
ton, and / may own that | consider i
one of my most successful canvaseS.
could not think of parting with it fol
less than $4,000 francs. -
The notary gasped. Fifteen thou
sand francs" You are Joking
Not at all. That is my price; you
may take it or leave it. y
There was a moments pause; theI
the visitor turned on his heel.
i leave it, then. Go to the deuce
with your picturer' he retorted, as ht
left the room, banging the door behint
! him.
He had not gone many yards from
| the house, however, when he stopped
short and reflected. SO long as thatill
omened canvas remained on view il
Melchoir' window he would not know
moment peace. The story would b
sure to get wind, and even his friend
would join'in the laugh against him
He would hardly dare to show his fac
abroad. At any sacrifice this scanda
must be stopped. But-tifteen thou
sand francs! He fairly groaned as h
reluctantly retraced his steps towart
the house.
Monsieur Wiertz, " he began, in
conciliatory tone, Il have reconsideret
the matter and-aad / agree to you
terms, l will take your picture for tn
sum you have named.
| Wiertz threw away his cigar and rose
! Monsieur, you are very kind. But
happens that |, too, have been consider
ING, and a brilliant idea has occurre
to me.
The notary shudCsered He dreade
Wiertz's ''ideas," and he had a presen
timent that some fresh disaster was i
store for him.
what is itP'' .he asked nervously.
"As my picture seems to have mad
a sensation. think shall advertise
to be rallied for at 8 francs a ticket, an
that all the town may have chance
seeing it, shall hire a commissioner
TO carry it through the streets for a da
or two. Not bad notion-eha'
Maitre van Spaeh was speeohless wit
CONSERVATION, "Iou-you would NJ
do that?" he stammered.
"Why not? am confident the pla
would succeed-so confident that
wouldn't give it up for less than 30,0(
francs money down"
The unfortunate notary burst into
cold perspiration, and wiped his for
head with his handkerchief. To 81
himself trotled round Brussels ON pc
te'rs back, labeled, imprisoned Fl
: Debt" Ii was like a horrible nigh
mare.
Here" he exclaimed, desperate
; taking out his pocket book-''here is
check for the amount. For heaven
sake let me have the picture, and | W
say no more about it. -
Half an hour afterward the detestab
: canvas was in his possession; but it W
; not until he had cut it out of the fran
! and burnt If to ashes that be felt hiI
q self safe from some fresh manifestati'
y of the painter 5 vengeance.
r Meanwhile, Wiertz cashed the chez
and after deducting the sum. of 100
:, francs-the price he first demanded
7 forwarded the rest to the charitable ful
9 of the town in the name of Maitre VI
Spach.-The Argosy.
G A lady declares that there are
scientific dressmakers in the countT
! The trouble is, the fashionable dres
d maker lavshes all her scientific attai
/ ments on making out the. bill There