The Sauk Centre Herald

PADEREWSKI GOT $20.
But It Cost Him That to Get His
Clothes Out of Pawn.

Paderewski's first really important
engagement as a pianist was in Paris
long after the death of his beloved
wife. He was engaged to play in the
drawing room of a lady famous for
her musicales, and his fee, which seemed
to him enormous, was $20. He managed
to persuade the humane agent to
pay him in advance, and when Paderewski
had redeemed his dress suit
from pawn and paid for shoes, gloves,
tie and other essentials he had no money
left for cab hire, so he was forced
to walk to the scene of his engagement.

The music loving audience inspired
him. He played with feeling, passion
and mastery of his instrument as never
before. His success was instant and
unmistakable. The poor player had
suddenly become the lion of the hour,
his dream had become a reality, and
fame and fortune were assured him.

At last, after disengaging himself
from his admirers, he turned to leave,
when his hostess, remembering with
regret the smallness of the fee for so
marvelous a performance, offered him
her carriage for his return home. But
Paderewski's pride came to the rescue.
In his courteous yet reserved way he
made a formal bow, and saying, "No,
thank you, madame; my own is waiting,"
he stepped out for his long walk
homeward. Pearson's Weekly.