Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-07-07

dow was surrounded ana DeAb ulorninS
the papers noticed the wonderful picture,
and sent fresh crowds to gaze at it.
Among the rest was friend OF Maitre
van Spach, who could hardly believe his
eyes on recognizing the worthy 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 afterward the old lawyer burst into
the shop, startling its proprietor, who at
once recognized the original of the famous
picture.
IN. Melchior, began the intruder, 81
have been made the victim of a shameful
practical joke by one of your clients. 1t
is my portrait. cir, that hangs in your win
dow it is l, sir-I, Maitre van Spach-
who am held up to ridicule in that infa-
nous daub-pilloried for all the world to
see as an imprisoned bankrupt If the
thing is not at once removed | shall apply
to the police.
At this threat the picture dealer merely
smiled. 81 must refer you to the artist,
monsieur" he returned coolly. THE
picture belongs to him, and l can not re-
move it without his permission.
To Wiertz's house went Maitre van
Spach in a white neat OF rage and indigna
ton. On entering the studio he found the
painter lounging in an armchair smoking
his afternoon cigar.
"Ah, it is you, Maitre ?" was his bland
greeting. ITO what fortunate circum-
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 Melchior's win
dow picture-a caricature-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 impertur-
ably. 1t is true there is picture OF
mise 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.
four portrait p echoed the other with
look Of surprise.
"0t 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 lip. He
felt that he was caught.
Such being thscase, continued Wiertz,
and the work being returned on my
hands, have a perfect right to dispose of
it TO the best advantage"
The notary took turn across the room
"a recover ms cornDOsure,
"Come, he said at length, forcing a
smile, "let US try to arrange this ridiculous
affair amicably. l will give You the 5000
francs at once, and take the horrible thing
out OF the window"
Stay a moment, interrupted his COM
panion, as he hicked the ashes from his
cigar and carelessly changed his position.
" on must be aware that the picture in its
present shape is ten times moro valuable
than a mere portrait. 1t is not work of
imagination and invention, and l may own
that consider it one of my most success
ful canvases. could not think of parting
with II for less than 5000 francs"
The notary gasped. Fifteen Thousand
francs You are joking.
mot at all. That is my price you
may take it or leave it.
There was 8 moments pause then the
visitor turned on his heel.
81 leave II, then Go to the deuce with
your picture !" be retorted, as he left the
room, banging the door behind him.
de had not gone many yards from the
house, however, when he stopped short and
reflected. So long as that ill-omened can
vas 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 mis- face abroad. At any sacrifice
this scandal must be stopped. But-ff.
teen thousand francs. He fairly groaned
as he reluctantly retraced his steps toward
the house.
"Monsieur Wiertz, he began, In con-
ciiatory tone, u have reconsidered the
matter, and-snd agree to your terms. l
will take your picture for the sum you
named"
Wiertz threw away his cigar and rose.
Monsieur, you are very good. But 1t
happens that l, too, have been consider
ing, and brilliant idea has occurred to
me.
The notary shuddered He dreaded
Wiertzs 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
sensation, | think | shall advertise it to be
ratfiad for at five francs ticket, and, that
ali the town may have q chance OF seeing it,
l shall hire a commissionaire to carry it
! through the streets for day or two. Not
q bad notiou-eh ~
Maitre van Spach was speecbless with
CONSERVATION. You-you would not do
that p he stsmmered.
Why not? / am confident the plan
would succeed-so confident that | would
not give itup for less than $4,000 francs
money down.
The unfortunate notary burst into a cold
perspiration, and wiped his forehead with
his handkerchief. To see himself trotted
round Brussels on porter's back labeled,
&C Imprisoned for Debt !" It was like
horrible nightmare.
Here, he exclaimed, sperately, TAX
ing out his pocket book, here is check
FOR the amount. For heavens sake let me
have the picture and viii say no more
about it. "
Half an hour afterward the detestable
canvas was IN his possession; but it was
not until he had cut it out of the frame
and burnt it to ashes that he felt himself
safe from some fresh manifestation of the
| painter vengeance.
Meantime, Wiertz cashed the check, and
after deducting the sum Of 10, 600 francs
! the price he had first emanded-forwarded
the rest to the charitable fund Of the town
in the name of Maitre van Spach. The
ArgOsY.
a FEAST OF worms. Not only has the
! intellect of the worm been sadly unappre.
dated for centuries till Mr. Darwin reha.