The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1883-07-17
chin, and the attitude became dropping

and decrepit.
Then the notary's accessories vanish
ed, the background becoming the wall of
a cell with barred window, while the
table with its litter Of parchments was
transformed into rough bench, beneath
which might be- discerned pitcher and
q loaf.
When this was achieved to bis salts
faction, the artist signed his work and
gummed on the frame a conspicuous la
bel with the inscription, "Imprisoued
for Debt" M
Then he sent for 6acre and drove to
Melchier's, the well-known picture deal
Ter in the Rue de la Madeline, whose wIn-
Idow offers such constant attraction TO
lovers of art. d -
Il have something to show you," be-
4 gan Weirtzs have just finished this
3study which / think is fairly successful
Can you find room for it in your win
|dow?" % - vii
"Find room for it1 I should think
soP exclaimed the.dealer enthusiastic.
ally. "My dear fellow, 1t is first rate
l have seen nothing Of yours more strik-
ing and original-and that is saying
much. What price do you put upon it p
81 have not yet decided" replied the
painter. "Gi'e it a good place in the
window and II 3 purchaser presents him.
eelf let me know" rltn
The picture was Immediately installed
in the place Of honor and soon attracted
curious group. All iav Melcbior's
window was surrounded, and next MORN
ing'the papers noticed the wonderful pic
ture and sent fresh crowds to gage at it.
l Among the rest was friend of NJ al.
ire van Spach, who could hardly believe
his eyes on recogniz: ng the worthy no.
tary 10 this questionable shape" He
| hsstened at once to inform him of the
liberty which had been taken with his
person, and not long afterward the law
yer burst into his shop, startling it's pro-
prietor, who at once recognized the orig.
inal of the famous picture. s>it'
an. Melchior," began the intruder,
81 have been made the victim of q
shameful practical joke by one Of your
clients. 1t is my portrait, sir,that hangs
in your window; Iris !, sir-I, Maitre
van. Spach-who am held up to ridicule
in that Infamous daub-pilloried for all
the world to see as an. imprisoned hank
rupt! II the thing is not removed /
shall apply to the policer'
At this threat the picture dealer mere
ly smiled rsar
Il must refer you to the artist, mon.
sieur," be returned coolly. "The picture
belongs to him, and | cannot remove it
without his permission"
To Weirtz' house went Maitre van
Spach in a white heat OF rage and indig-
nation. On entering the studio he found
the painter lounging in arm chair smok-
ing his afternoon cigar.
"Ab, is it you, Maitre :" was his bland
greeting ITO what fortunate circumr
stance am l indebted for this visit
PRAY take seat. Do yeu smoker 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 th's moment in Melchior's
window pic'ure--a caricature-which
makes me the laughing stock of the
town. l insist on Its being taken out at
once-at once, do you understand Z"
"Not quite," replied the other imper-
tnrably. ut is true there. .is a picture OF
mine at Melchior's, but 1 really don't
see how it makes you ridiculous"
"You don't see2 But that picture is
my portrait, sir-my pertraitP cried his
visitor rapping his cane upon the floor.
"Your portrait2' echoed the other
with look OF SURPRISE.
"0f course II is, as any one Can see at
glance. You" fe a :
"But-excuse me-" the painter inter.
rupted, "you said yesterday that 1t did
not resemble you in the least. Ses-here
is your letter to that effect" H.
Van Spsch colored and bit his lip. He
felt that he had been caught.
"Such being the case," continued
Weiriz, and tho work being returned on
my hands, have perfect right to dis
pose offit to the best advantage"
The notary took turn or two across
the room to recover his composure
"Come," be said at length, forcing a
suile, ''let us try to arrange this ridicu-
lous affair amicsbly. will give you the
three thousand francs at once and take
abe horrible thing out of the window
"Stay moment interrupted bis CON-
panion as he flicked the ashes from his
cigar and carelessly changed his posi-
ton. "You must be aware that the pic.
ture in its present shape is ten times
more valuable than mere portrait. 1t
is nova work of Imagination and in-
vention, and may own tba. I consider
il one of my most successful canvases.
1 could not think OF parting with It for
less than fifteen thousand francs"
"Fifteen thousand francs! You are
joking"
SHOT at all. That is my price; you
may take it or leave it."
There was moments pause, then the
visitor turned on his heel. a. $
~ 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 i'll.
omeney 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-6fteen thousand
francs! He fairly groaned as be reluct-
antly retraced his steps toward the
house.
"Monsieur Weirtz," he began in 3
corciliatory tone, 81 have considered
the matter, and-I agree to your terms.
l will take the picture for the sum you
named.
Weirtz threw away his cigar and rose.
"Monsieur, you are very kind. But
it happens that l. too, have been consid-
ering. and q brilliant idea has occurred
to me-"
The notsry shudiereds he dreaded
Weirtzs ''ideasn and he had PRESENT.
ment that some fresh disaster was in