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Show The Elder Dumas. Of his Sheridan-like dealings with tradesmen an anecdote is told. During a scarcity of ice a neighbor of Dumas sent to a dealer for some and was told that the limi ted stock on hand was kept for the use of the famous author. Then the gentleman sent again and bade His servant ask for the ice in the name of M. Dumas. The plan succeeded. Tha Ice was given, and the servant put down the money on the counter. "Ah," cried the tradesman, "give me back that ice! Now I know that you are not from M. Dumas. He never pays ready money. " "My father," said M. Dumas fils, "once told me that if he could portion out a new lite he would be a handsome woman till 80, a victorious general from 30 to 50 end a cardinal in his old age." Dumas, as he related this parental par-ental desire, glanced toward Rossini and added: "I should prefer to close my life as an illustrious composer. Mon chet RossinL when you enter a roomr the very lacquer pronounces your name with pride as he announces you." Then turning to the company he con-tinned: con-tinned: "Announce, for instance, M. le Duo d'Aumale and Signor Rossini at the same moment and see on which side all heads and all hearts will incline first. All eyes would be on the great musician who created 'II Barbiere de Seviglia.' " And then we all filled onr glasses with urmagnac of the vintage of 1811 and drank the health of Rossini. The old composer did not rise, but his face broke out into voluminous smiles as he shook the hand of the author of "La Damo Aux Camellias. " Philadelphia Times. |