Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-01-09

siCians.
Some days later, Pagani, whose
form was almost spectral, seemed
to have his frail existence suspended
by thread, which the slightest
shock might sever. The ply.
sicinns ordered solitude and absolute
repose, therefore he removed to the
Villa Lutetanea IN the Faubourg Pois-
sonniere. 1t was an excellent estab-
lishment and stood in large park
like garden, where the patient could
enjoy either solitude or society at
choice. A great charm of the pluce
was that everyone lived as he pleased /;
in the evening, either retiring to the
solitude of his apartment, or joining
in the games, music and conversation
held in the drawing room. Pagani
preferred passing the evening in quiet
ness and retirement. There was
plenty of gossip y about HIM in the
drawing room and three or four CEN
serious old women fell on him tooth
and nail.
Ladies'" began one, shave you
seen this great musician? He salutes
no one. and never speaks word. He
takes his bowl of soup in an arbor in
the garden, and then hastens away if
anyone approaches. What an oddity
be must be-
"That's part of his malady," said an
other. "People say that there is some
terrible mystery about his life; some
love story, I imagine"
"Not Mt ALL" added a third. "Pa-
gani is miser; there's no mystery
about that. Do you remember the
concert which wns organized in favor
OF the families who suffered from the
inundation at st. Etienne? The great
violinist refused to take part in it be.
cause he would have to play gratui-
tously. Depend upon it, he fears that
we're he to mingle in our society, lie
might be asked for similar favors."
In the entire household Pa2ani
never exchanged a word with anyone
except Vicette, the housemaid who at.
tended him. She was cheerful,
innocent country girl, whose prattle,
when she served his meals, amused
him.
One morning Vicette presented her
self with sad, dropping countenance,
and served breakfast without uttering
q word. The musician noticed the
change in the young girl, and ques-
toned her about it.
"What's the matter, my child? You
! INn0- cod Vow vol.
misfortune has befallon you, Vioctte?"
COB, yes, sir.
"Would it be indiscreet to ask you
what it was?'
"No, sir; but"
Pagani fixed his great black eyes Oh
the girls troubled countehance.
Come" he said. 81 see how it is.
After having made you a thousand
promises he has quilted you, and you
no longer have any tidings of him."
"Ah! poor fellow! He has Quilted
me certainly, but it was not his fault. u
"How is that?'
'Because in the conscription he
drew bad number, and he has been
sent away with long gun over his
shoulder and l shall never see him
again. sobbed poor Vicette as she
buried her face in her white apron.
"But, Vicette, could you not pur'
chase substitute for him?'
The girl, withdrawing her apron,
smiled sadly through her tears.
! "Monsicur Is jesting, she said.
"How could | ever buy II substitute
This year men are tremendously ex'
pensively on account of the report
that there is going to be war. Fifteen
hundred francs is the lowest price,"
The musician pressed Vicette's little
plump hand between his long, sallow
fingers as he said:
"lf that's all. my girl, don't cry
we'll see what can be done"
"Then taking out his pocketbook
he wrote on blank leaf:
"Mem.: To see about giving con
cert for the benefit of Vicette."
\ month passed on, the snow came
and Paeani's physician said to him
"My dear sir, you must not venture
ont OF door again until after the win
ter"
"To hear is to obey" replied th'
musician.