The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1897-02-06

oOAAO uoyo ANSSA
Pagani, whose form was almost spec
trail, seemed to have his frail existence
suspended by a thread, which the
slightest shock might sever. The physi-
clans ordered solitude and absolute re-
pose, therefore he removed to the Villa
Lutetanea in the Faubourg Poisson
mere. 1t was an excellent establish
ment and stood in large park-like
garden, where the patient could enjoy
either solitude or society at choice. A
great charm of the place was that every
one 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 pass
ing the evening in quietness and retire
ment. There was plenty of gossip
about him in the drawing-room and
three or four censorious old women fell
on him tooth and nail.
Ladies'" began one, "have you seen
this great musician? He salutes no one
and never speaks a word. He takes
his bowl of soup in an arbor in the
garden, and then hastens away II any
one approaches. What an oddly he
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, imagine"
mot at all!' added third. "Pagani
is a miser; there's no mystery about
that. Do you remember the concert
which was organized in favor of the
families who suffered from the inun-
dation of St. Etienne? The great vio-
linist refused to take part in it be-
cause he would have to play gratui-
tously. Depend upon it, he fears that
were he to mingle in our society, he
might be asked for similar favors."
In the entire household Pagani never
exchanged word with anyone except
Vicette, the housemaid who attended
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
a word. The musician noticed this
change in the young girl and ques-
toned her about it.
Whats the matter, my child? You
look sad. Your eyes are red; some
misfortune has befallen you, Vicette?"
20, yes, SIR"
would it be indiscreet to ask you
what it was?"
Pagani fixed his great black eyes on
the girls troubled countenance.
Come" he said. Il 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. "
How is that?"
Because in the CONSUMPTION he drew
bad number, and he has been sent
away with long gun on his shoulder
and 1 shall never see him again"
sobbed poor Vicette as she buried her
face in her white apron.
But, Vicettc, could you not purchase
substitute for him?"
The girl, Withdrawing her apron,
smiled sadly through her tears.
Monsieur is jesting," she. said.
Glow could ever buy substitute?
This year men are tremendously ex-
pensive on account of the report that
there is going to be war. Fifteen hun
dred francs is the lowest price,"
The musician pressed Vicette's little
plump hand between his long, sallow
fingers as he said:
IF that's all, my girl, don't cry; we'll
see what can be DONE"
Then taking out his pocketbook he