A PARISIAN FORTUNE-TELLER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 29, 16 July 1892, Page 716

A PARISIAN FORTUNE-TELLER.

After a rather strange and chequered career La Mere Papillon, or * Mother Butterfly,' a Parisian fortune teller of some fame, has ended her days in a miserable manner. Addicted to over-indulgence in alcoholic stimulants, the Sibyl of Aubervilliers, who might have made a fortune by her skill in predicting destinies, went from bad to worse, and died hopelessly inebriated in the streets the other night. Well primed with absinthe and cognac, she had emerged from a wine shop, and, after having wandered about in the cold night air, fell down, and was picked up lifeless by a policeman in the morning. La Mere Papillon was supposed to be the daughter of a Prefect of the Empire, and began life as a cafe concert singer. She left the Winter Alcazar in order to goto America with a wealthy admirer, who abandoned her in Philadelphia ; returned to France ; was helped by her brother, a veterinary surgeon, but stole some money from him, and ran away with an actor. With her new admirer she started a circus in Naples, but the place was burned down, and Mdlle. Papillon went crazy ; being apparently cured, however, after five years’ stay in an asylum. On her return to Paris she found employment in a large drapery establishment, where she commenced fortunetelling operations on a small scale. Being dismissed from the shop, she set up consulting rooms in the Faubourg du Temple, and was beginning to make money when her drinking habits oveicame her prudence and she was sold up. Then she wandered out to the dilapidated suburb where she died. The Graphic editor had the honour of an introduction to the old lady in question some years ago in Paris. The future she foretold was not altogether that which has come to pass as yet, but some of it was ‘strangely true.’

A VERY large number of subscribers will doubtless be interested in the Auckland Poultry, Pigeon, Canary and Dog Show which takes place early next month. Many Graphic readers are poultry keepers, and write asking us questions, many useful ideas may be picked up at a good show as this promises to be.