The Sunday herald., 1886-11-28
Won Beust's Ecccntricity.

tfhrlS correspondence OF Tue GTApnlc.l
The death OF the Count de Beust, long the repre-
sentative OF Austria In France, has recalled to mind
many amusing anecdotes regarding him. M. de Beust
was not vary witty himself but the cause of wit in
others. He was one of the most courteous and
obllgng of men, fact that explained his popularity
III Paris, where he lived many years and had hosts
nj friends. In Nine. Adams salon some one once
characterized him as "The Art OF Pleasing bound
In Black"
possessed good literary tase cultivated the beaut
ful In all Its forms-slve one lie was sDguarv
refractory on the subject OF elegance In attire. e.
peclally after he became advanced in years care
lessness IN the matter OF dress was most remarkable
In fact, he would wander about the streets Of Paris
in costume that suggested any calling rather than
that OF MI ambassador He usually wore an old hat
that cOuld not have heen made any later than the
revolutionary epoch OF as. Hts trousers were gen.
This style OF dress was the cause Of his being the
hero OF little adventure shortly after His arrival in
Paris, which he himself used to relate with much
one day he had left home as usual on foot. After
walking some distance he suddenly remembered
that he had forgotten to write an important letter.
Az he had gone too far to make 1t worth while to
turn, he stepped into very understanding shop
saT was 10 soa .ae WORTHY
charge, "would you have the goodness to let me
have sheet OF paper and an envelope?"
He waS at once accommodated, aud sat down In
corner to write his note.
While thus engaged the proprietor OF the shop
took bad look out OF the corner OF her eye At this
SO deserving OF pity. Insensibly the sight Of the
ragged old man worked on her sympathies to the
extent that when the ambassador had finished
his mlssive she was almost In tears over the sup
posed necessities OF this poor wayfarer.
"hndame," said the Count, show much do owe
ou?"
"Nothi:g at NIL, my good man."
The Count was startled for moment, AMI then
cOmprehended that he had been mistaken for the
inmate OF some charitable Institution out for an air.
ing.
"Madame," he replied, with n slight touch Of dlpo.
matte sarcasm, "yOu are very Kind, and thank
you; but still have little money left; allow me
| therefore,"
As he said this he threw louis on the counter
and disappeared before the good woman had time
| to recover from her astonishment.
The following day, while she was still lost In con
lecture over this strange patron 80 pOvertyBtrcken
In appearance, but who could AFFORD to pay twenty
| francs for sheet Of paper and an envelope. she
| saw draw up before her door q sp.endii equlpage.
with coat OF arms on the panels and fOOtmen IN
| knee breeche8 on the box. From II descended the
same old man In the Rame old clothes, who said In
| the same quiet tones he had used the day before:
| "Madame, charity should he rewarded. ] wish
| you would have prepared for ne some and-palnted
menus for which / shall expect to pay you 5Ol
francs. You will have the monogram drawn your
self. When finished send them to this address,"
When he had gone the woman read the card he
| had handed her:
"COMTE DE BEusT,
Ambassador representing AuStrO Hungary"
| And she had come near giving him couple o
sous the day before! 1t nearly made her faint.