Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-06-27
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of her. For Caustance' loved him dearly. as
women only love men who are above the com.
mon mass; men of mind and intellect; though
women who can love such men are more rare
and precious than aught else in the world.
She watched narrowly the painters face, and
the wild eye and haggard looks made her see
that the sufferings of Charles were more men.
tai than any thing else. The mind was i'll at
ease. She offered to go in and work in his
room, while he painted, but he stamrnered out
some excuse, and declined. 1t was clear then
he had Il secret and woman's curiosity was at
once at work. She questioned him, she coax.
ed, she was cross with him, but all in vain, he
returned but vague answers to all she Said
Constance became uneasy; what could be the
matters He became paler every day. and
came less to see her. One day she heard him
leave his room and 60 hurriedly down stairs:
She ran out to speak to him, to ask when he
would come back, but he was gone. His kew
was in his door. 1t was a miserable garrett
containing nothing save few paintings and
mattress on the floor. Not a chair, not scrap
Of any thing in the shape of clothes or food
Constance rushed out of the room, turned the
key, and gained her own lodgings, threw her:
self on her bed and sobbed aloud. Charles
was starving. A few pawn.broker's tickets
lying on the mantle.piece had more than any.
thing else convinced her of this fact.
The pain and suffering now endured by Con.
stance is not to be described. Her feelings
were worked up to an intense pitch of excite
ment. From finding her affection lessened at
the discovery of the students poverty, she found
it much increased. An unearthfy interest SEEM
ed now attached to the name of Charles. She
felt his talents to be great and in her heart was
sure that he would rise to competence and
fame. Bat at that moment he was clearly
starving. What was she to do? She would
have rushed to him, have told him all, and bid
share her humble meal, use her little savings,
and thus gain time to work; but she feared to-
wound his pride. He had hitherto kept his own
secret, he therefore wished his sufferings to be-
concealed from her. In vain she thought of
any project for relieving his misery without
betraying her full knowledge of it. The poor
girl wept bitterly at her own want of inventive
genius.
At last, however, an idea flashed across her
mind. She caught up some work she had fin.
ished the night before, and putting it in a neat
parcel, hurried down stairs, taking with her al.
so the half finished portrait of herselfby Charles.
She gained the street, and made towards the
habtation Of lady for whom she had been
working. Madame Pellissier was a young
widow, rich, courted, and happy. With every
luxury and comfort around her, which wealth
could give, she deserved her well. being, for she
made good use of it. Fond of pleasure, she
was even still fonder of giving pleasure to 9th.
ers. Many were the poor families which owed
to her relief from misery and despair Madame
Pellissier would always give up the most charm.
ing days amusement, to find out the details of
some tale of sorrow which had been told her;
and she felt, when her morning had been thus
pro6tably spent that the afternoon passed more
gayly, more quickly, more delightful than usu-
Welcome, Constance" she said as the
working.girl was ushered into her breakfast
room. Twas waiting impatientiy for you. My
cousin Pierre is coming to take me for drive
in the Bois de Boulogne by and by, and want
to wear that cloak, which, no doubt you have
made charmiugly."
81 hope it will please you, Madame" replied
Constance, taking protfered seat.
"What is that you have in that square par.
eel child and why are you SO out Of breath
and so pale ?"
"It is whole history" said Constance low
ing her eyes upon the ground.
"Let me have it. You know am vastly
curious. Take this cup of chocolate, and
tell it to me at once"
Constance, taking courage from the emer-
gency, told, in as few words as possible, her
history. She narrated how she made the ac-
quaintance Of the painter, and then how, after
nearly months delay, she had found out his
secret Madame Pellissier listened with rapid
ly awakened interest.
"And what would you have me do, childw
said she, when the young girl had told her
story.
MADAME, Charles Dupont is very proud
Relief in money he would not receive, but if
you would only be SO good as to sit for your
portrait to him, you would add deeply to that
debt Of gratitude which Constance already
owes you.'
"With pleasure" cried the young widow
"But it seems the case is pressing. Give me
his address, and | will send round to him at
once. But cannot pay him for the portrait
until it is finished. Has he anything can buy
of him!'
"He has several little pictures in his room,"
replied Constance, IN a tone of deep emotion.
"Go home, child, and be satisfied. My cou-
sin shall ride alone to-day. will write round
to your protege at once.