The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-03-20
UTDITH AND HOLOFERNES,

"Who is there7" said young man, in
response to a knock at the door of his
room.
"Mirelle," replied sweet girlish, tired,
voice.
The door was instantly thrown open,
and Mirelle St. Croix entered her home.
She was atfectionately received by her
brother Jules, and after wiping his hands
on the skirt of the blouse he wore, he
clumsily relieved his sister Of an enormous
bundle she had in her arms.
"Take care, Jules, that is lace and must
not be crushed" anxiously said Mirelle,
closely watching her brother as he lay his
precious burden down on the only unin-
numbered chair in the room; but seeing
the weary look in his sisters face he dis
placed the bundle little roughly, and
gave the chair to Mirelle.
"You are very tired, little one and you
have brought home more wcarying work.
Surely Mile. de Bastian will not withdraw
from you her custom, if for one week you
cease to work."
"No; but she would for that week re-
place me, and Paris abounds with clever
dress-makers. Should Mile. de Bastian
find some one better than am it is but
natural she should retain them, and where
then would find work 2"
" "How / hate myself for idleness," i'm
patiently exclaimed Jules.
"Now you pain me. Are you not work.
ing day and night, and will it not bring us
fortune We are both SO young. What
is this little probation? 1t is but an appe-
tizer to good dinner" cheerfully replied
Mirelle, laying aside her shawl and bonnet,
and donning q large white apron Of the
same material as her brothers blouse. She
was, indeed, little one, and the large
apron covered her completely. She rolled
her sleeves up to the elbow, displaying
perfect arm, and evidently fully prepared
for work. snow, brother, for your two
hours sleep and my two hours work"
"Must will you not let me take your
place7"
"Not for moment"
"Then | will obey at once" and, suit
ing the action to the word, Jules let Mirelle
arrange him comfortably on the sofa, the
only bed he had known for years. He
turned his face to the wall, and was very
soon fast asleep. As soon as Mirelle as
sured herself that he was asleep, she cross
ed the room, drew aside a red curtain, and
revealed what2 Awindow? No, but the
work of two years-a statue, representing
Judith with the head Of Holofernes in her
hand. The conception and execution were
admirable 1t was the perfection Of art
and the exact counterpart of nature. 1t
was the work of Jules and his sister. 1t
was their earthly god-on it they had set
their all. The CHASTITY head of Holoternes
possessed charm to Mirelle-that had
been her work, and to that head she looked
for all her earthly happiness. Judith had
been the work of Jules, and it was done
with a truthfulness to nature and atten-
ton to art that are seldom seen COM
blned.
For wears Jules had dreamed Of this ere
alton, but never until within the past two
wears, had he been able to realize his
dream. Up to that time he had the entire
support of his parents upon himself, and oil
Mirelle; but when father and mother
were no more, he impaired his dream to
his dearly loved Mirclle, and what was his
happiness to find in her genius great as
his own. Cheerfully they accepted the
heritage of poverty and together they
worked. Mirelle obtained recommenda-
tiop to Mile. de Bastian, daughter OF
nobleman, as a clever, neat sewer. SO
much did she please Mile. de Bastian, that
that very rich but kind lady engaged her
nj a STIPULATED salary, and kept her con-
stantly employed with her torn hounces,
embroidery, etc. The salary Mirelle re;
ceiyed was sufficient to keep the landlord
and wolf from the door Of their two rooms
The material for Judith and Holoferne'
were procured on credit, owing to th'
good name and integrity of Jules father
Inherited by the son. So together struggled
these two noble hearts, devoted 10 eaci
other and their art. Their secret was i'm
narted TO no one. During the entire tw'
wears Mirelle had worked but two hour
each day, devoting the remainder Of tn
time to sewing and watching her brother.
Two more weeks would complete tn
statue and in two weeks there was to 2
a grand exhibition Of statuary, and Tor "
best work of art there W. to be Prlzell
fiftv thousand francs awarded. All pc