Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1883-06-28

point. There is at this moment IN
Melchoir'S window apicture-a carca-
ture-which makes me the laughing
stock of the town. / insist on its
being taken out at once-at once, do
you understands"
Not quite" replied the otnef, i'm
purturbably. ut 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 visitor, rapping his cane upon the
floor.
"Your portrait2" echoed the other
with look of surprise.
''Of course it is, as any one else can
see at 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.
He felt that he had been caught.
"Such being the case," continued
Wiertz, land the work being returned
on my hands, have a perfect right to
dispose of it to the best advantage"
The notary took turn or two across
the room to recover his composure.
"CoAe." he said, at length, forcing
a smile, 'let us try to arrange this RI
diculous affair amicably. l will give
you the three thousand francs at once,
and take the horrible thing out of the
window"
stay a moment" interrupted his
companion, as he flicked the ashes from
his cigar, and carelessly changed his
position. "You must be aware that
the picture in its present shape is ten
times more valuable than mere por-
trait 1t is now a work of imagina-
| ton and invention, and | may own
that consider it one of my most sue
! ceSsful canvases. | could not think of
parting with it for less than fifteen
| thousand francs"
The notary gasped. efa
Fifteen thousand francs! You are
joking"
"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.
"Ileave it, them 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
iu-omened canvas remained on view
in Melchior's window he would not
know moments peace. The story
would be sure to get wind, and even
his friends would join in the laugh
against him. lie would hardly dare to
show his face abroad. At any sacri-
fee this scandal must be stopped.
But-fifteen thousand francs! He fair
ly groaned as be reluctantly retraced
his steps toward the house.
"Monsieur Wiertz," he began, in a
conciliatory tone, Il have considered
the matter, and-I agree to your terms.
l will take the picture for the sum
you named" -
Wiertz threw away his cigar aud
rose.
Monsieur, you are very kind. But
it happens that l, too, have been con-
sidering, and a brilliant idea has oc-
CURED to me-"
The notary shuddered. He dreaded
Wiertz's "ideas" and he had a PRESENT.
ment that some fresh disaster was in
! store for him.
"What is it?" he asked nervously.
""As my picture seems to have made
a sensation, think ] will advertise it
to be raffled for at five francs ticket,
and that all the town may have a
chance of seeing it, shall hire COM
missionaire to carry it through the
streets for a day or two. Not a bad
notion-ehW
Maitre van Spach was speechless
with CONSERVATION.
"You-you would not do that?' he
stammered.
"Wby not? | am confident the plan
would succeed-so confident that /
wouldn't give it up for less than thirty
thousand francs-money down.
The unfortunate notary burst into a
coRd perspiration, and wiped his fore
head with his handkerchief To see
himself trOtted round Brussels on a
porter's back, labelled "Imprisoned for
debt!' 1t was like horrible night
mare.
"Here." he exclaimed, desperately,
taking out his pocket-bOok is a
check for the amount. For Heavens