AUDUBON VISITS BARON ROTHSCHILD 157 



Says Audubon of the baron's manner: 



" Had a man the size of a mountain spoken to me in 

 that arrogant style in America I would have resented it; 

 but as it was, it seemed well for me to swallow my disgust 

 as best I could." 



" I shall be honored, baron, if you would give me your 

 subscription to my Birds of America." 



" ' Sir,' said he [we can imagine in what a tone] , ' I 

 never sign my name to any subscription list; but you may 

 send me your work, and I will pay for a copy of it.' " 



His next words annihilated the further expectations of 

 the agent. He said: 



" Sir, I am busy. Good morning." 



The baron did not care to see any mocking-birds, wrens, 

 or mountain eagles. 



But a few days afterward Audubon sent to the money 

 king his first volume. 



It was followed by other volumes, but to these consign- 

 ments the baron made no reply. He was " too busy." 



At last Audubon sent the baron his bill by his agent. 



The baron found a spare moment to look at it; he 

 looked at bills if not at subscription books. 



He must have jumped when he saw the bill; certainly, 

 it filled him with amazement. 



" What! " exclaimed he; " what! a hundred pounds for 

 birds ! I will give you five pounds " (twenty-five dollars), 

 " and not a farthing more." 



