Met By Chance

Au amusing story is told of Bobert Franz, the famous Germán song writer, and another equally celebrated composer. The incident occurred soon after the publication of Franz's famous "Open Letter to Edward Hanslick, " in wbich he made severe criticism npon some musical work of the composer, Johannes Brahms. Franz had occasion at that time to take a five or six hours' trip by rail. In the compartment with him was a little man with whom he feil into conversation. The fellow travelers found each other delightful and whiled the hours away in agreeable talk, which did not turn upon music. When th train reached Frauz's destination, he took out his card case, saying to his eompanion : "You have made ine pass a most delightful afternoon. Alkrw me to give you idv card. " The stranger seemed highly gratified and offered Prauz his card in return. Each looked at the bit of pasteboard he had recerved in amazement. The stranger 's eyes opened wide at reading the name of his merciless critic, ' ' Dr. Robert Frauz," while Franz himself Was equally astounded at readiug on the card in his hand, "Johannes Brahms. " There was no time for mutual explanations, bnt each of the musioiaus had discovered that, however their ideas might differ from a musical staudpoiut, they were at least admirable traveling companions aud had found much to ioy in each otber. -