The Jennings daily record., 1902-05-29


doorstep and the town crier was call
ing loudly for purchasers. A few pass
ers stopped but they had hardly
glanced at the poor collection when
cNey continued their way. and even the
besgars went by without sigh of
envy.
At last the crier stopped to recover
his breath. and after glancing up and
down the street, he said doubtiully:
Il am afraid. Master Caverdone.
you will get but little for your pains.
There seems to he no one in Rome
poor enough to want these chattelS.
The whole lot will hardly bring three
ducats.
"Three?'' repeated the person ad-
dressed. thin. little cid man. strik-
walking stick as he spoke. land the
miserable woman owes me twelve du-
cats! Twelve. as 1 am Christian,
JacObo. I had entire confidence in
her husband. L supplied him with
brushes and colOrs whenever he
wanted them. How was | to know
that he was going to die without pay
ing r1e--the miserable dauber!-leav-
ing me nothing but heap of rub
lsh? I cannot sell the woman and
er four babies
''Hush!" said the crier, ''shc will
ear you. 1t is not her fault that the
ever carried him Off"
ATTEND to your business" cried the
I'D man, in a sharp tone, and then he
stood looking sulleniy around him. AT
/ little distance sat the Widow Pele-
grino. and whether because she had
net heard her creditors reproaches.
or because she was incapable Of being
affected by anything. there was not
the slightest sign of resentment in her
attitude or expression. On her lap
she held two young children. evident
ly twins. who were disputinG with
each other the possession of her dis
hevelled locks: another child was roll
ing about at her feet. while the young
eat was cooling to itself and playing
with wisp of straw pulled from its
own cradle. The mothers face was
perfectly calm. expressing the resig-
nation or Indifference Lf despair.
Suddenly, some persons chanced TO
step and look at the wares of which
the crier was announcing the sale.
Imitation rules the world of men as
attraction governs that of things.
More passers Joined the group. stop
ping merely because the others diu.
and in a few minutes there was n
crowd. No one wanted to buy. but
each seemed anxious TO find out why
the others stayed.
Two gentlemen walking together
found their way impeded by the
throng. and Que of them asked in a
-brusque tone:
What is the matter herc?'
eff we Were in my dear Paris. my
lord" returned the other Il would say
1t was probably IL woman beating er
husband, or a cat wing it's cars
cut"
sit is even less than that, Sir
Frenchman," interpoSed a Jew, who
had overheard the question and reply.
1.-The household effects of poor
painter who died last week are about
to be sold by Master CaverdOne.'
And who. may L ask. is he?" said
the first speaker
"A merchant who can furnish YOU
with paints and brushes at reasonab BILE
prices, Mr.. Englishman." was the
reply, upon which the Partisan eX-
claimed hastily:
You are too familiar would
have you know that yoI are cpeakins
to Lord Pembroke and Monsieur de
Vivonner
The Jews face beamed as he lis
tened.
Lord Pembroke the great English
art amateur. l am so glad to meet
you. / have some valuable works
by all the best Italian masters
What is your name?" asked his
lordship.
Israel"
II have heard of you" said the art
Have you any Poussins?"
'tThree, my lord
''What is your address,?
The Jew gave it, and while Lore
Pembroke was writing it down. the
sale began. The first thing put III
was the bahy'S cradle. No bid wa.
made and the Jew remarked lightly:
"Caverdouc viii hardly collect hi.
dues
els the debt Iarge?"
Twelve ducats. my lcrd."
Has .he widow no friends?'
eyes. but they are rs poor as She
"How will she manage to live?" sale
the Frenchman, and his friend re
rlied carelessly:
"Such people have few needs"
They are fortunate, them" CT
claimed De vivenne with q laugh