New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-10-15

enormous dark-green spectacles 10 pro-
'ect his eyes from the dazzling sun
baizac wore a costume at once dllapl-
dated and picturesque. HIS trousers
were unsupported by braces and dis
prayed wide field of blue ana white
shirtihg that protruded from oelow mis-
partlcolored waistcoat. His SHOES were
doWn-at-the-h heel" and patched. His
cfavat was twisted so that the Knot was
under his right ear. and his chin and
lace bristled with the stubble OF beard
uhshaven for five days.
Balzac proposed walk in the garden
while the cook was preparing dish
or steWed cells. Victor Hugo was Dy no
means profuse with compliments. and
only smiled when Balzac observed that
his little property was mentioned IN the
Memories of Saint Simon-which, by the
Wav, Is perfectly true. Hugo again
smiled when he noticed the quaint chalk
inscriptions of luxurious furniture and
works of art and when he noticed that
Balzac. with quaint fancy had poured
asphalt on the footpaths of his garden
boulevards. where he dared not go, on
account of his creditors. A great bell an
nounced that luncheon was served. Hugo
talked about the theatre-a subject that
greatly interested BalZac, although MS
dramatic writings We're invariably finan-
cial catastrophes Hugo. warming UP
to his favorite topic. explained what
enormous sums of money could be made
by writing plays. Balzac listened with
open mouth. completely fascinated.
Hugo talked with enthusiasm why,
just think of il" he said, these enor-
NOUS profits flow like rivers Of gold into
your pockets from the theatres in Paris,
the provinces and from abroad So
much for three acts; SO much for five
acts And then there are the revivals
of ones old plays, the sale of author
tickets and hundreds Of other sources
OF profit! Why. sometimes I get for my
plays as much as 400 or even 600 francs
a night $50 or S120l. And all this,
mind you, goes on while you arc simply
walking about amusing yourself or while
YOU are in bed, with warm feet. sleep
ing and dreaming pleasant Dreams.
There was something cruel about the
way in which Hugo developed this
scheme for winning fabulous wealth.
while poor Balzac. beset with bailiffs,
was working himself to death and ship
wrecking his nerves by drinking huge
Cupfuls OF strong coffee. The CONVEX
sation continued in the garden near the
two sickly shrubs. at last" sarcas-
tically remarked Victor Hugo. here are
two trees Shortly before sunset he
spoke Of returning to Paris. BalZac
tied a red scarf about his neck. donned
a shockingly shabby silk hat. and. fol
lowed by the faithful Turc. walked with
his guest as far as Sevres where -he
poet took the omnibus which carried
him TO the Place de Ia Concorde. BalzaC.
still followed by Turc. walked slowly
and sorroWfully back 10 his cottage, with
its chalk inscriptions and asphalt foot
paths. TO go TO bed and sleep until mid
night, when he would drink a full pint
of the strongest brewed coffee, which he
made himself. and work until dawn.
Such is the description of Victor
Hugo's luncheon with Balzac, related by
Leon Gozlan to VI. Jules Claretie in 1864
and repeated by the genial Partisan
Journalist on the occasion of the first
pilgrimage to the cottage at Jardies.
c. I. 3.