National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1871-04-07

"''"'"' '"Hche Obtdiileu feCOLltncnuu
tion to Mile. de Bastan, daughter Of
noblemas, as a clever, neat sewer. S,
much did she please Mile de Bastian, tina
that very rich but kind lady engaged he
ut a stipulated salary, and kept her con
stantly employed with her torn flounces
embroidery, etc. The salary Mirelle re
ceiyed wGs sufficient to keep the Landlord
and wolf from the door of their two rooms
The material for Judith and Holofernes
were procured on credit, owing to tn,
good name and integrity of Jules father
inherited by the son. So together struggled
these two noble hearts, devoted to each
other and their art. Their secret was i'm.
parted to no one, During the entire two
years Mirelle had worked but two hours
each day, devoting the remainder of the
time to sewing and watching her brother.
Two more weeks would complete the
statue, and in two weeks there was to be
grand exhibition Of statuary, and for the
best work OF art there was to be prize Of
fifty thousand francs awarded All the
well-known sculptors of the day were hard
at work, each confident of success Not a
word Of this had Jules breathed to his
sister, but each time she was absent taking
back her work and taking the orders of
Mile. de Bastian Jules had stolen an hour
from his labor, and had been moving heaven
and earth to obtain place for his statue
at the grand institution that was to give
TO some one a fortune and a fame. At
last Jules succeeded, so far as to persuade
the committee TO come and see his work
which visit was to be paid the day before
the exhibition. Still did Jules keep silent,
fearing to disappoint his patient little sis
ter, but hope was high in his heart, and he
could scarce restrain his impatience Even
as he lay asleep on the sofa he was dream
ing of the fast approaching day which was
to make his fortune or ruin his ambition.
After working steadily for two hours
Mrelle ceased, took off her apron, washed
her hands, and seated herself at her sew
ing, which was to replace by her own
embroidery flower, which had been torn
out by some aristocratic foot in pumps or
patent boots. Through habit Jules woke
himself within fifteen minutes after the two
hours had expired.
springing to his feet, and preparing to take
the place Mirelle had just vacated.
Z" wish we could see the termination of
this two years labor" sighed Mirelle
Signs Of impaticnce that is bad,
Mirelle, within three weeks of the com
pletion Of our work." said Jules, anxiously.
"Our work is not complete until it has
found purchaser-one that will pay a sum
large enough to allow you to study as you
wish, and to travel and see all that can be
seen in connection with your art"
And where is Mrelle while her brother
is spending all the money ?" said Jules,
between strokes of his mallet.
AT home, ready in her turn-which
will come at the sale of your next statue,
to travel where you have traveled-to see
and study all you have seen and studied"
did travel the world over, see and |
study everything, it would avail me nought |
unless you travelled with me, and could |
see your dear face and study to make YOU |
happy aifectionately said Jules, leaving
his work and embracing his sister.
"The sacrifice to be away from you
would be great one, and as we have not
found the purchaser yet, We will dismiss
the painful subject"
81 will dismiss the subject on condition
that you cease to work at that nonsense"
"This nonsense Jules cost what to us
would be a fortune. | must have it done,
as Mile. de Bastian wishes to wear it at
some exhibition that is to come off in two
weeks, and have quantities to do for the
occasion besides this"
"An exhibition in two weeks" repeated
Jules, resuming his work.
" Yes-of pictures, | think" carelessly
replied Mirelle.
"What kind of a person is Mile. de Bas-
Ian 2" asked Jules.
What an odd question, Jules you
never spoke of her before
"That don't answer my question, {
Mirellen
"She is beautiful enough to be study :
or your next statue if you will call it
Nenus."
But from what springs her beauty
rom the heart and brain, or from milliners'
'aint and powder ?"
" From the heart, am sure. Were
'qual to her | would have her by me-love !
Ter and be as devoted to her as to
ister.'
"She is valuable jewel in an odd setting,
md wonder she is still mademoiselle" q
"She is not going to be married, or | l
houd have been kept busy with other '
work than this"
81 hope she won't change her mind
bout the exhibition" /.
And wherefore 2"
81 should not like her to, after you had
trained your eyes over that lace" >" S
You are odd, Jules, in your remarks"
Eccentricity of genius, Mirelle laugh e
1gly replied Jules, dropping the curtain j.
nd shutting himself up with his work as t
-as his wont whenever his thoughts wan d
cred from it. o
Mirelle continued to sew, finished her b
'ork, put it carefully away, and occupied g
erself in arranging the room, which, in her 81
bsence, Jules contrived to put in dread h
ii disorder Jules worked for some hours, II
hen he ceased, to partake of his late din Il
cr, and after that he took his customary h
ak Of half an hour with Mirelle; return W
Ig he resumed his work and listened to a:
] the praises and encouragement which Il
lme from the heart of his sister. And in la
nat regular way passed the two weeks, Sc
| but one day, and that day the one on N
hch the committee were to pass their Is
dgment on Judith and Holofernes. al
irele was absent, and Jules sat awaiting is
is judges they came late, and one at a b
me; but they all came, and to the seven
ho numbered the committee Jules un- an
liled his treasure For some minutes ce
lence reigned, and then, with one accord, re
le seven Judges turned and extended their PC
,nds to Jules.
The principal then said "Your work NJ
lall have the most prominent position in
le exhibition, and would not hesitate to B,
ya y,u fbo rffv fhousaud francs this