The Storyteller

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 34, 20 August 1903, Page 23

The Storyteller

DEBTOR AND CREDITOR

I. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, in the spacious and tastily furnished private office of one of the wealthiest publishers in Pans, two men sat by a cheery lire, engaged in pleasant conversation.

M. Bonneval, the proprietor, was an elderly, sternlooking man, known throughout the city as a model oi Integrity and exactness in all business relations. Wellmeaning but strict and even harsh in his manner, he was both feared and loved by his employees. His companion was Jean Florian, one of the most distinguished and noble-minded French authors of his time.

Florian had just brought to his publisher the manuscript of the second volume of ' Numa Pompilius ' ; the first, which had already appeared, had met with so flattering a reception that Bonneval gladly welcomed the second.

While they were talking it over, Antoine, the messenger boy of. the house, came in, but drew back on seeing his master occupied with Florian.

( Don't mind me, Antoine,' remarked the latter, kindly. ' Business must be attended to before all.' And taking up a book he busied himself with its contents while Antoine delivered to his master the various commissions with which he had been charged. ' What about that bill ? Did you not collect it ? ' asked Bonneval.

' He said he could not pay it, and asked a delay,' was the hesitating reply.

' Again ? ' said the publisher. ' Then I shall get out a writ against him.' ' But, sir, he told me he had been ill.' ' I am sorry for it,' said Bonneval, more gently, ' but business is business, and accounts must be paid.' ' Who is the man, Antoine ? ' asked Florian, laying down his book and turning towards the boy. 1 He is a painter, sir, from Languedoc' 1 From Languedoc ? Then he is a countryman of mine in the strictest sense of the word,' observed Florian. And, turning to the hard-fisted publisher,, he added :' I will be responsible for the debt. How much is it ? '

' Twenty-four pounds,' answered the other, rather dryly. 'Itis a draft in his name which came to me in the way of business. Ido not know the man personally.'

' Well, just deduct the sum from the p.rice of " Numa," my good Bonneval.'

'As you please. I shall, then, write the quittance, and transfer the draft to you ? '

'By no means. Ido not wish to know your debtor's name, nor that he should know mine. Keep the affair in your own hands If the poor man be able to pay it later, you will tell me ; if not, never mind. But you must promise not to betray my name.'

Florian then left the room, while Antoine looked admiringly after his retreating figure.

Florian was the son of a respectable though poor nobleman in Languedoc. He was born in 1755, and his mother, who was a Spaniard, died before the child was a year old. He often declared that this early bereavement had thrown a shadow over his whole life, and out of love for her memory he learned Spanish. His translations from that tongue are still greatly valued. Early destined by his father to a military career, he was placed in the regiment of the Duke de Penthievrc. An excellent discerner of character, the Duke at once recognised Florain's worth, and offered him an honorable post in his household. The young ofheer accepted it gratefully. His service left him ample time for literary labors, and his salary more than sufficed to meet his wants, so that he was enabled to devote the product of his pen entirely to the works of charity ; for Florian was never so happy as when he had it in his power to help his fellowman.

Four weeks had passed, and the worthy poet had completely forgotten the twenty-four pounds ; but not so his debtor, Queverdo— a very talented young artist, who had already won some reputation as an engraver Not aware that his debt was paid, he imagined that Bonneval was still his creditor ; and as soon as he could lea\e his room, after a long and painful illness, he hastened to the publisher to thank him for his forbearance, and request a further delay, as he was still prevented by weakness from working hard.

'Be in perfect peace about it,' said Bonneval. ' I am glad to tell you that it was paid to me four weeks ago ; and you can take your time in paying your new creditor. ' How is that ? Who paid it ? '

' One who desires to remain unknown. He is an accommodating creditor,' said the publisher smiling. • I would wager he has forgotten the whole transaction.' A deep flush tinged Queverdo 's pale features. ' But you know, ' he insisted, ' that as an artist and a man of honor, while greatly obliged to the gentleman, I cannot accept such a favor from a person unknown to me.'

' He has expressly forbidden me to tell you his name.' ' Then you oblige me to sell my last treasure*— a small but very valuable oil painting, which I prize highly—in order to pay this debt.' 1 That would be quite contrary to his intention,' answered Bonneval, with a look of displeasure, which soon softened into a feeling of compassion. ♦ Well if you must know, it was Florian who took your debt en himself ; saying that, as your countryman from Lanjrued' c, h< had a right to do so.' • Florian ! ' esdaimed Queverdo, visibly islievrd. I night have giiwsed it, although I do not iaow him persoi.ally ; for he has been a beneficent angel to many artists in my circumstances. I must make his acquaintance as soon as possible, and prove to him that his generosity was not wasted.'

Several months passed, and Queverdo saw his object still unattainable. Flonan was at work on his tales which, if not his most important productions, are certainly charming specimens of talent. He had just finished the first, ' Claudine, 1 and willingly consented to have it read in the presence of a select circle, as the Duke wished to judge of its effectiveness before sending it to the publisher. Its success exceeded his warmest expectations. All present crowded round him with expressions of rapturous delight ; but he valued above all the cordial approval of his princely patron, and of the two young princesses who then graced the little circle • they were the daughter of the Duke de Penthievre, and his daughter-in-law, the beautiful and virtuous Princess de Lamballe, the most faithful friend of the unfortunate Marie Antoinette.

Amongst the listeners was a young page called Alphonse, who stood behind the Duke's chair during the reading. He did not lose a word, and was deepJy interested in the tale. His enthusiasm for Florian, whom he had always loved and admired, now grew so intense that he could neither think nor speak of anything but the evening's reading, and the author of the tale which bad so charmed him. Florian took great interest in the young page, who was an orphan, with no living relative save an uncle, a captain on half-pay, who resided in a small house near the palace. He was a noted art collector and connoisseur : all his savings ware spent on -works of art ; and Alphonse, whom he loved as a son, shared his tastes, and spent every moment at his disposal with the old man. He was usually accompanied by a beautiful greyhound of Florian's, called Diana. He had taught the sagacious animal all kinds of tricks ; so that next to its master he was its favorite, and it obeyejd hun exactly. '

A few days after the reading of ' Claudine,' Alphonse was at his uncle's, when Queverdo entered with a small but valuable picture, the 'Velasquez,' which he asked the old captain to buy. The latter was charmed with the work and inquired its price. 'At any other time I would not give it for less lhan a hundred ducats,' replied Queverdo ; ' but you can have it now for half the sum.' His voice shook slightly and it was evident that he was reluctant to part with the picture.

' Why do you wish to sell at half its value a picture which you prize so highly ? ' asked the old man.

The artist told him of his illness, of Florian's genelosity, and of his continued inability to meet the debtadding that the liberality of his friend made the obligation of a prompt payment more binding on a man of honor , so that he at last resolved on parting with the only valuable article in his possession.

Was it Florian who lent you the twenty-four pounds ■> ' said Alphonse quickly. '.Ah, you know not liow gne\ed he would be if you sacrificed your precious picture to pay him ! Allow me to speak to him on the subiect '

No, no ' ' interrupted Queverdo. < For my own peace of mind this debt must be paid, and I have no other waj of obtaining the money.'

All silent for some moments. At last Alphonse began to relate different instances of Florian's generosity and noble-mindedness. His hearers listened with delight, and when the young man told them of the tales he was then engaged on, they were greatly interested Encouraged by their evident pleasure Alpnonsc related the story of ' Claudine ' as he had heard it iead to the Duke's private circle, and spoke of the pleasure with which it had been received. When he had finished, Queverdo seized his hand :

' If you aid me,' he said, ' I have thought of a way in which to repay Florian and show him my gratitude.

I cannot explain more fully now, but meet me here in a week's time, and I shall tell you what I purpose doing. 1 n.

Plorian was engaged on his second tale, ' Celestine,' next day, when the door of his study opened softly and Diana came in. Seemingly aware of the importance of its mission, the dog placed its head on the arm of the chair where its master sat, and looked at him with its bright brown eyes, as if to attract his attention. Florian saw to his surprise a small packet fastened by a ribbon to the greyhound's collar. Opening it, he found several copies of a beautiful copperplate engraving which represented one of the principal scenes in ' Claudine.' All the circumstances were so faithfully represented that had the work been executed under the author's own supervision it could not have been a more exact delineation. Florian knew not what to think. He determined to wait and see if time would unravel the mystery.

A few days later ' Celestine ' was finished, and read for the Duke. The circle of auditors was, however, restricted to the members of his private family circle, as no previous announcement had been made. Eight days later Diana brought its master another copperplate and several engravings of the principal scene in ' Celestine.' Florian's wonder was the greater as his audience had beten so small on the last occasion. Could the Duke have commissioned an artist to execute the work secretly ? He determined to enquire, and proceeded to inform the Duke of what had occurred. The latter was as much astonished as himself, and declared that he had no hand in the affair. All the servants were questioned, but not the faintest trace could be discovered of the artist.

The third tale, ' Selico,' was ended, and the Duke appointed a day on which it was to be read. The re&dmg took place in a small summerhouse, which was connected with the Duke's apartments by a private corridor used only by his Grace. No one was present except himself and his daughter-in-law, the Princess de Lamballe.

' You have surpassed yourself my dear Florian ! ' exclaimed the Duke, as the tale ended. Quite unconsciously you have depicted your own character. And he pressed with friendly warmth the hand of the gratified author. He turned towards the door, which Florian hastened to open. But, to the general astonishment, Diana sprang past him with the familiar packet fastened to its collar.

1 Let us see what our dumb messenger brings,' said the Duke, and he and the Princess resumed their seats while Florian opened the packet. ' This is witchcraft ' ' he cried out in amazement. ' Only this morning I added the last words to my tale ; I spoke of it to no one save your Grace, and here I find a perfectly-executed copperplate engraving of my ideal conception.

1 It is certainly very singular,' replied the Duke as he examined the engraving with pleased interest. ' But I think I have found a clue to the mystery. Call Alphonse. I saw him very busy with Diana lately, and, if I do not greatly mrsta,lfiei he can isolve theiemgma ' (

The page appeared in a few minutes Florian related to him what had occurred, and asked if he could explain it. Alphonse was evidently embarrassed, and tried to cvado the question by a jest. He said, although Diana and himself were intimate friends, the dog had never entrusted him with its secrets ; and that he was incapable of betraying them if it had.

' The joke has gone far enough now, Alphonse,' said the Duke, kindly but seriously. M. Fiorian must no longer be made the victim of mystification, however well meant. I am perfectly convinced that you know all about it, so explain yourself.'

Alphonse could no longer hesitate. He related his encounter with Queverdo ; the despair of the latter at being unable to repay Florian's generous loan ; their con. versation about Florian's tales, and the idea which occurred to the artist of engraving the principal scenes in each, and sending them by Diana to the author. When Florian was engaged with the Duke he had re&d the manuscript of ' Selico,' and then related the tale to Queverdo, who had at once seized upon the main incident and sketched the design, which he afterwards engraved ' Now, my dear Floriarl,' said the Duke, graciously, 1 you are rightly punished by this mysterious conduct for concealing from me your benevolent actions. But,' he added, sternly, turning to Alphonse, ' you are inexcusable for taking such a liberty as to meddle with Mr. Florian's papers I shall not allow this to remain unpunished. I, therefore, announce that to-morrow you shall leave my household '—the Princess and Florian were about to interpose anxiously, when he continued, smiling — • in order to enter my regiment as ensign, where I can keep my eye on you ! Before you go to your friend Queverdo, come to my cabinet : I have a message for him '

Alphonse, ovtrrjoyed at this favor, kissed the Prince's hand gratefully as he retired with the Princess de Lam-

balle, and then threw himself into the arms of the equally rejoiced Florian.

• Now, Alphonse, 1 said the latter, • I shall hasten to my publisher and get the receipt for the debt in due formthen you must help me as you helped Queverdo.' Next day, as Queverdo sat in his modest apartment, surrounded by his numerous family, a scratching at the door was heard, and Diana came in, bearing, to his asastonishment, a packet attached to its collar. Why, what is the meaning of this ? Can they have sent back my work ? • exclaimed the artist, whose pride was aroused at the thought. With feverish haste he opened the packet, and found the quittance, with the following lines in Florian's Jiandwuting . ' Repaid by three copperplate engravings, worth double the sum. Florian.' A second paper, signed by the Duke, contained Queverdo 's nomination to the post of guardian of the Duke's rich artistic collection, with a salary of £400 a year. The poor artist's joy was indescribable. After communicating the good news to his wife and children, he hastened to the Penthievre palace to express his grati- + if'v. A1 P nonse was impatiently waiting him, and he told him in a few words how all had come to pass. He then hastened to seek Florian, who was with the Duke ; and soon returned with an order to conduct Queverdo to the Duke's cabinet.

The prince received the artist with a gracious cordiality which won all hearts, and told him he had appointed him to take charge of his collection— which was sadly in need of being put in order— because, from the engravings he had seen, he perceived Queverdo was gifted v/ith unusual taste and ability. * 'I hope,' he added, ' soon to see portrayed by your pencil a representation of Mr. Florian's astonishment when Diana brought him the first engraving The subject seems to me worthy of your talent, and creditable to both of you.' • Your Highness,' repJied Queverdo, •is graciously pleased to place debtor and creditor on an equal footing ; but what M. Florian did for me without even knowing me far exceeds my trifling return that I can never accept such an honor—'

' It would be difficult to decide,' interrupted Florian which of us has been the more fortunate. I, by the first edition of my " Numa," have been enabled to aid a fellow-countryman, a distinguished artist in distress, and thereby I hope to have won a friend—' ' For life,' said Queverdo, warmly ; and a cordial clasp of the hand sealed the compact. ' Look, my daughter,' said the Duke to the Princess tie Lamballe, who had just entered the room : ' here are two men who their own virtues have made happy. Would that all mankind could see that wealth and honor, though so much desired, can never procure for us true happiness! Our felicity depends on ourselves alone— on the qualities of our minds and hearts.'

A few years 1 ater the devastating storm of the trench Revolution swept over beautiful France, and the characters of our tale were involved, more or less in the general catastrophe. Ere the tempest was unchained the aged Duke was spared, by a peaceful death, the agony of witnessing the fair head of his daughter-in-law fall under the executioner's axo, for no other crime than her loyal devotcdness to her unfortunate mistress Florian was cast into prison during the Reign of Terror, and there he wrote his ' William Tell,' while daily expecting to ascend the guillotine. However after two years' imprisonment, the fall of Robespierre opened the gates of his dungeon. He at once left Paris, to end his days in the peace and solitude of the country ■ but his vital strength was exhausted, and a fortnight after the recovery of his liberty, the noble poet expired at Sceaux, on the J3th of September, 1794.—' Aye Maria '