Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1893 edition. Excerpt:...his big head, and thick beard, he would warble to a mandolin the airs retained in his head since his childhood. Although he seldom spoke, he was ready with a repartee, and knew how to snub those who ventured to take a liberty. M. de la Rosiere, Secretary to the Embassy, was one of the habitues in the drawing-room of the Villa Medicis. Towards artists he affected an air of contemptuous patronage, which did not suit all tastes. He was fond of taking people to task, and as he took his function of diplomat very seriously, he never lost an occasion of giving a lesson in good breeding, of which art he considered himself a past master. Now it was well known that his real name was Thuriot, and that his father was the man to whom Robespierre had said during the terrible seance--"For the last time of you, President of Brigands, I demand the right of speech!" Nevertheless he gave himself aristocratic airs" which provoked a smile. One Sunday, at dinner, M. de la Rosiere was talking with Paul Delaroche, when Titeux thoughtlessly joined in the conversation. M. de la Rosiere turned to Madame Delaroche and said--"I have always observed that the plastic arts do not include the art of holding one's tongue." Titeux looked him straight in the face, and said, with a military salute--"Compris, citoyen!"' (" Agreed, citizen! ") M. de la Rosiere turned pale, and did not answer. All the artists present at the dinner table had raised their heads, and Victor Schnetz's eyes looked encouragement. M. de la Rosiere was a member at a later period of one of the legislative assemblies which succeeded the revolution of February. He dreamt of becoming a politician, failed in this, and died a few years ago either a clerk in a bank...