The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-27

STORY OF THE BARBER

the other, what has he done? A fine work to bring before the public! Was ever any, thing so wretched?'
 They mentioned I know not how many poets besides, whose names have forgotten. I only. recolect that they said no good of them. As for my uncle, they made more honorable mention of him, agreeing that he was parsonage of merit.
 For many years said one. he has enjoyed a very large income. He lives at the Duke de Medina Cells table, and has an apartment in his house, so, that he is at no expense. He must be very well in the world
 "I lost not a syllable of what these poets were saying about my uncle We had learned in the family that he made noise in Madrid by his works, some tray elers passing through Olmedo had told us so; but as he took no notice of us, and seemed to have weaned himself from all natural ties, we on our side lived in a state of perfect indifference about him. Yet nature will prevail; as soon as I had heard that he was in a fair way, and had learned where he lived was tempt ed to go and call upon him.
 For this purpose, with my masters leave, tricked myself out one morning as well as I could, and salled from our shop, a little proud of being nephew to a man who had gained so high a character by his genius. Barbers are not the most diffident people in the world. began to conceive no mean opinion of myself and riding the high horse with all the ar rogance of greatness, inquiring my way to the Duke de Medina Cei's palace I rang at the gate and said I wanted to speak with Signor Don Pedro de la Fuenta. The porter pointed with his finger to a nar- row staircase at the flag end of the court, and said: Go up there, then knock at the first door on your right I did as he directed me. It was opened by a young man, whom asked if those were the apartments of Signor Don Pedro de la Fuenta. Yes answered he. but you can not speak to him at present. T should be very glad said I, just to say how are you? I bring him news of his family And you brought him news of the pope replied he, I coud not introduce YOU just now. He Is writing, and while his wits are at work must not be disturbed He will not be able to receive company till noon; take a turn and come back about that time.'
 T departed and walked about town all the morning. think said I to myself he will be overjoye@ to see me- I meas ured his feelings by my own and pre- pared myself for very affecting dis
 
 servant showed be to his masters room bowed down to the ground and intro- duced myself as the son of Master Nich- oas de la Fuenta, the barber of Olmedo I likewise informed him that I was work ing at my fathers trade ill Madrid and intended making the tour of Spain to complete my education. While I was speaking my uncle was evidently in brown study. He seemed to doubt wheth- CT he should dsown me at once or get rid of me with some little sacrifice to decency The latter course he adopted Affecting the affable: Well, my good kinsman, how are your father and your uncles? Do they get on in the world?' I began therefore by laying before him the family knacS at propagation All the children, male and female, called over by their names, with their godfathers and godmothers included in the list. He took no extravagant interest in the particulars of my tale; but leading to his own pur- pose, Diego! replied he. am quite of your mind You should go from place ito place and see a variety of practice. would not have you tarry longer at Mad rid; it is a very dangerous residence for youth; you may get into bad habits, my sweet fellow Other towns will suit you better: the state of society in the prov nces is more patriarchal and philosoph- ical. Determine on emigration; and when your departure is fixed, come and take your leave. I will contribute pistole to the tour of Spain With this kind of assurance he handed me out of the room and sent me packing
 A WORD OF WARNING.