, 1890-01-28
A PASHA'S SNUFF BOXES.

Some half a dozen years previous to
the sudden collapse of the Napoleonic
dynasty, in 1870, a certain sensation was
excited in Paris by the arrival in that
city of an oriental ~potentate of ambigu-
GUS nationality, but popularity known
and spoken of as 1.-THE pasha." Whether
he came from Turkey or from Egypt
vas regarded as a matter of compare
lively small Importance; the two essen
tial points in his favor were. first, that
he was undoubtedly the possessor of
an immense fortune; and, secondly-no
slight recommendation in the Lutetian
capital-that he spoke French with toll
erable 1uency. AS a matter of course
80 desirable an acquisition to Partisan
society became the lion of the hour, and
no sooner was it ascertained that a spa
cious hotel overlooking the Park de
Monceaux had been engaged and fur
nished for the reception of his excellen-
cy and suite than a shoal of visitors,
official and non-official, FASTENED to in
scribe their names in a book deposited
for the purpose in the porter's lodge.
Every day brought a fresh installment
of signatures, until before a week had
elapsed the list threatened to rival in
length the traditional catalogue of Lepo-
relic.
Hussein Pasha-an assumed title, l
fancy, but the only one by which he was
generally known-was short and corpu-
lent, of sallow complexion and reserved
manners; bespoke little, but what he did
say was concise and to the point. He
,ryoa o-frnr,nl- nhgnr,n,t I,,t -lou- ~
expressing his opinion of what he saw OF
heard-only one instance being recorded
of a temporary departure from his habit.
ual taciturnity. Having been persuaded
by a member Of the French Jockey club
to accompany him to the opera, he was
escorted between the acts by his c~icerone
TO the foyer de la danse, thereby occa-
sioning great excitement among the corps
de ballet, many of whom doubtless antici-
pated that, in accordance with eastern
customs, the ceremony of throwing the
handkerchief would be revived for their
own especial gloriication. Nothing of
the sort, however, occurred. After a very
cursory glance at the assembled sylphides
aud a muttered ejaculation which sound
ed remarkably like finances a balai"
(broomsticks), the visitor turned abrupt
ly on his heels and CURLY minated his
desire to return to his box.
A few minutes later Count - was
startled by a sudden display of ANNA
ton on the part Of his companion, who
was gazing with absorbed attention at
an enormously stout lady occupying the
entire front of one of the stage boxes.
"Ah, la belle femmer' enthusiastically
exclaimed the pasha. "Look, is she not
superb"
"H'ml" replied the Jockey club exqui-
site, hardly able to repress a smile, ''that
is a matter of taste. Does not your ex-
cellency think her perhaps on the whole
a trihe too voluminous?"
"Jamais trop, monsieurl" Indignantly
retorted Hussein, "jamais tropI'
After a s~ojourn of three months in
Paris the pasha, who had employed a
considerable portion of his time in a
practical study of the latest inventions
and improvements, scientific and me-
%chanical, with the view of introducing
them into his own dominions, announced
his intention of breaking up his estab-
lishment and returning to the east. Be-
fore doing so, however, he was DESTROYS
of expressing his Acknowledgements in
the shape of a suitable present to certain
officials of high standing who had been
particularly serviceable to him in his re-
searches, and consulted his secretary, an
intelligent young Frenchman, on the
subject.
IN. NORM" he said, after explaining
his project, sit seems to me that the
simplest way would be to send a few
thousand francs to each of them"
Pardon me, your highness," objected
the secretary, "if 1 venture to remind
you that a present of money would be
considered a breach of etiquette and con-
sequently resented as an insult"
"You French are very singular people,"
observed the pasha. with US no mat
ter how rich aman may be, he is not fool
enough to refuse piasters when he car
get them. What, then, would you ad
vise me TO dor
May l be allowed to suggest" re-
piled NORM, that an object of artistic
value would be a fitting token of your
highness' good villa gold snuff box,
&c" instance"
The very thing" said Hussein, ap-
provingly. Where are such articles to
be found?'
AT DORIS, in the Rue de la Pai1."
Let him know exactly what
require, and see that he is here precise.
ly at IL tomorrow"
On being admitted to the pasha's
presence at the appointed hour, NJ. Dorr
produced, among other specimens of his
handiwork, a gold snuff box, exquisitely
finished, and encircled with moderate
sized diamonds, the interior of the lid
bearing the jewelers. name engraved in
microscopic characters. Hussein e1-
amined it infinitely and inquired the
price.
"Fourthousand francs, your highness, Z"
replied Dorr.
al will take it on condition that Won