Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1883-07-19


full. Can you find room for it in your
Window"
Find room for it? [ should
think So exclaimed the dealer, enthu-
siastically. MY 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?''
II have not yet decided" replied the
painter. Give it good place in the
window, and if purchaser presents
himself let me know"
The picture was Immediately INSTALL
ed in the place of honor, and soon at
tracted a curious group. All day Mel
choir's window was surrounded, and
next morning the papers noticed the
wonderful picture and sent fresh crowds
to gaze at it.
Among the rest was friend of Matt
re van Spach, who could hardly believe
his eyes on recognizing the worthy no
tary in this questionable shape He
fastened 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 the
proprietor, who at once recognized the
original of the famous picture.
I'M. MelchOir," began the intruder,
81 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,
ridicule in that infamous daub-pillor-
led for all the world to see rs an i'm
prisoned bankrupt. Ii the thing is not
at once removed L shall apply to thepo-
lice
At this threat the picture dealer mere
~ smiled. Il must refer you to the
artist, he returned, coolly. 1.-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
it? Pray take a 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 point
There is at this moment in Melchoir's
window caricature which makes me
the laughing stock of the town. / in
sist on its being taken out at once-at
once, do you understand"
mot quite replied the other, i'm
perturbably. ''It is true there is pic
ture of mine at Melchoir' S, but / 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,
with 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, ''and the work being returned
on my hands, I have perfect right to
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 rs try to arrange this ride
ulous affair amicably. [ will give you
5000 francs at once, and take the horri-
bic thing out of the window
''Stay moment interrupted his
companion, as he fiicked the ashes from
his cigar, and carelessly changed his po-
sition. You must be aware that the
picture in its present shape is ten times
more valuable than a mere portrait. It
is not work of Imagination and inven-
tiOn, and may own that [ consider it
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 francsn' You are jokingn'
mot at all. That is my price; you
may take it or leave it. -
There was moments pause: then
the visitor turned on his heel.
Il leave it, then. Go to the deuce
with your picturen' 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 i'll
omened canvas remained on view in
Melchoir'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. fifteen thou
sand francs! He fairly groaned as he
reluctantly retraced his steps toward
the house.
Monsieur Wiertz," he began, in a
conciliatory tone, Il have reconsidered
the matter and-and | agree to youl
terms. | will take your picture for the
sum you have named"
Wiertz threw away his cigar and rose.
Monsieur, you are very kind. But it
happens that l. too, have been consider
ing, and a brilliant idea has occurred
to me-
The notary shuddered He dreaded