indulge in. Commercial enterprise is generally considered a most prosaic
undertaking, but it has, nevertheless, its seductions, its prestige, its
poetical side. I assure you no musician, no poet, ever had an existence
more full of interesting and exciting incidents than those which cause
the heart of the merchant to throb. His imagination, stimulated by
success, carries him forward to new conquests; his clients increase, his
fortune augments, the finest dreams of ambition are ever before him."

"But art!" again interrupted his friend; "the art of which you are one
of the finest representatives--you can not have entirely abandoned it?"

"Art will lose nothing," rejoined Viotti, "and you will find that I
can conciliate two things without interfering with either, though you
doubtless consider them irreconcilable. We will continue this subject
another time; at present I must leave you; I have some pressing business
to transact this afternoon. But come and dine with me at six o'clock,
and be sure you do not disappoint me."

Garat, who relates this conversation, tells us that at the appointed
time he returned to the house. All the barrels and wagons that had
encumbered the courtyard were cleared away, and in their place were
coroneted carriages, with footmen and servants. A lackey in brilliant
livery conducted the visitor to the drawing-room on the first floor.
The apartments were magnificently furnished, and glittered with
mirrors, candelabra, gilt ornaments, and the most quaint and costly
_bric-à-brac_. Viotti received his guests at the head of the staircase,
no longer the plodding man of business, but the courtly, high-bred
gentleman. Garat's amazement was still further increased when he heard
the names of the other guests, all distinguished men. After an admirably
cooked dinner, there was still more admirable music, and Viotti proved