The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1890-03-07
4 PASHA'S SNUFF BOXES.

II AOllA ~ O4N " L OOALDs
Some half a dozen years previous to
the sudden collapse of the Napoleonic
dynasty, in 1870, Il 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 "the pasha." Whether
he came from Turkey or from Egypt
was regarded as 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 fuency. AS matten of course
so 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 book deposited
for the purpose in the porters lodge.
Every day brought fresh installment
of signatures, until before q week had
elapsed the list threatened to rival in
length the traditional catalogue of Lepo-
relic.
Hussein Pasha-an assumed title,
fancy, but the only one by which he was
generally known-was short and corpu-
| - l1o,
manners; bespoke little, but what he did
say was concise and to the point. He
was extremely observant, but chary of
expressing his opinion of what he saw or
heard-only one instance being recorded
of 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 cicerone
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 muttered ejaculation which sound
ed remarkably like finances balai''
(broomsticks) the visitor turned abrupt
ly on his heels and curtly intimated his
desire to return to his box.
A few minutes later Count - was
startled by suddei display of anima-
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 femme!' enthusiastically
exclaimed the pasha. "Look, is she not
superb?'
"H'm!" replied the Jockey club exqui-
site, hardly able to repress smile, "that
is matter of taste. Does not your ex.
cellency think her perhaps on the whole
trifle too voluminous?"
"Jamais trop, monsieurr' Indignantly
retorted Hussein, "jamais trop!'
After sojourn 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-
Will GtiC VIC" vi
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 desirous
of expressing his Acknowledgements in
the shape of 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.
m. Morin," he said, after explaining
his projAt, sit seems to me that the
simplest way would be to send few
thousand francs to each of them"
"Pardon me, your highness," objected
the secretary, ''if l venture to remind
you that present Of money would be
considered 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 man may be, he is not fool
enough to refuse piasters when he car
get them. What, then, would you ad
wise me to do?"
MAY l be allowed to suggest" re-
piled Morin, THAT an object of artistic
value would be a fitting token of your
highness good villa gold snuff box,
for instance"
1.-THE very thing" said Hussein, ap-
provingly. "Where are such articles to
be found?"
"At DORIS, in the Rue de la Paix."
Good. Let him know exactly what
require, and see that he is here precise.
ly at 10 tomorrow"
On being admitted to the pasha's
presence at the appointed hour, NJ. Dorr
produced, among other specimens of his
handiwork, 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 ex-
amined it minutely and inquired the
price.
"Four urthousand francs, your highness,
replied Dorr.
81 will take it on condition that you