FORGOT THE LITTLE FORMALITY OF PAYMENT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1835, 9 January 1880, Page 3

FORGOT THE LITTLE FORMALITY OF PAYMENT.

The London correspondent of the “Philadelphia Bulletin ” writes I was reminded recently of an anecdote of Samuel Carter Hall, spiritualist, teetotaller and editor of the “ Art Journal,” which I am tempted to relate, inasmuch as, to the best of my belief, the story has not yet appeared in print. Mr Hall is the greatest adept at humbugging young artists out of examples of their work that ever lived. His house in Holland street is a treasure-house of art gems—gifts from the artists in consideration of gushing notices in the “ Art Journal.” Every now and then Mr Hall haa a sale of his effects ; but, nevertheless, the abode remains worthy of a visit by reason of the treasures wbiob it contains. Many yeais ago, when Frith was budding into fame, he was “ induced ” by Samuel Carter Hall to paint something for the said S C.H.’s collection, “ worth £50.” That was the stipulation, but it is almost unnecessary to observe that the picture, when it was finished, was worth a sum more like £250. There was a trifling circumstance in connection with the transact on which will appear presently. In the fullness of time, Mr Hall parted with the picture. In no wise abashed at having done so, he, with a delicacy of feeling for which he is remarkable, said to the artist—

“ By the way, you remember that picture which you painted for me for £SO? ” “ Yeß,’’ Frith replied. “ Well, I sold it the other day for £1250.” “ You did, eh ? ” “ Yes.” “Ah—for £6O. You remember, of course, that I never had the £SO ? ”

“Ah I Well, never mind that, my boy,” replied the unblushing Samuel, “ you deserve it 1 ”

WANTED. A NUMBER OF THINGS THAT ARE HARD TO FIND.

[“Boston Herald.”]

A man who will refrain from calling his friend’s speech a “ happy effort.” A woman who remembers last Sunday’s text, but is unable to speak of the trimmings on the bonnet of the lady in the pew next in front. An editor who never feels pleased to have his good things credited, or mad when they are stolen.

A pencil that is always in the first pocket you put your hand into. A man who has been a fool some time during his life and knows enough to keep the knowledge of it to himself. A married man who does not think all the girls envy his wife the prize she has captured. A married woman who never said, “No wonder the girls don't get married nowadays ; they are altogether different from what they were when I was a girl.” An unmarried woman who never had an offer.

A man who never intimated that the economies of the universe were subject to his movements, by saying, “ I knew if I took an umbrella, it wouldn’t rain,” or some similar assinine remark.

A pocket-knife that is never in “ them other pants. ” A mother who never said she “ would rather do it myself” when she should have taught her child to do that thing. A child who would not rather eat between meals than at meals.

A person, age or sex immaterial, who does not experience a flush of pride upon being thought what he is not and may never hope to be.

A singer who never complains of a cold when asked to sing. A woman, who, when caught in her second best dress, will make no apology for her dreadful appearance.