A FRENCH MISER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6572, 9 December 1882, Page 2 (Supplement)

A FRENCH MISER.

Tuk Journal dea Debnts publishes the following :—A commissioner of police at Paris, named M. Kueliu, was making some inquiries about an individual named J-elong, and for that purpose accompanied him to his residence. M. Kuuhii was surprised to liud that an individual like Jjcloug, who was attired like a tramp, lived in the quarter of the Chainps-Elysoe.-i, and was null more astonished when he stopped before a most aristocratic-looking hotel and opened the door. '• You don t live here; is not this a vacant hotel?" demanded the commissioner. "I live here," replied Lelong ; "this hotel belongs to us, father and son, for more than a century, and 1 have lived here for fiftyyears, without either a housekeeper or servants." M. Kuehn entered, and opened the herui'-.tically fastened window shutters, and was almost stupelied upon seeing, under a thick covering of dust, furniture of the most magnificent description, pictures from the easels oi all the old masters, heaps of objects of art, amongst which were more than twenty , clocks of the most costly description, pellmell with rare books, dresses, and linen. In the bedroom he found a magnificent bedstead of rosewood covered with books and engravings. A few steps oil a mattrass was thrown upon the inlaid floor with dirty linen and a wretched coverlet. This wiim the couch of the .lingular proprietor of tin- hotel, who has acknowledged himself to be the recipient of an income of £100,000. When the garments which he wears are worn out, he buys .1 new suit, always black, and throws the old oue with tlie dirty linen into the four corners of his apartment. The hotel contains a *attr </c sjtectiicd- tilled with beautiful furniture, decorations and costumes. Tlie proprietor had never invited any one to enter the place, he states, and on this point he is believer to be sincere, for he would thereby expose himself to the risk of being assassinated in the midst of his riches. The unfortunate, who will be medically examined, with the object of ascertaining his mental condition, has been taken to the police depot.